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Italian law: Normattiva and the Gazzetta Ufficiale

Normattiva is the Italian state's free portal of legislation in force, with consolidated texts of laws, decree-laws and legislative decrees. The Gazzetta Ufficiale is the official journal where laws are published. Court decisions are published by the Court of Cassation, the Constitutional Court and the administrative courts.

What it publishes

• Consolidated laws and decrees, with versions in force at any date.
• The main codes (civil, criminal, procedure) in consolidated form.
• The Gazzetta Ufficiale, including the general series, regional laws and public tenders.
• Constitutional Court decisions and Court of Cassation rulings.

Key datasets

• Normattiva
  Search by type, number, date or words in the text.
  Updated: Continuous
• Normattiva codes
  Links to consolidated codes.
  Updated: Continuous
• Gazzetta Ufficiale
  Official publication of laws and decrees.
  Updated: Daily (working days)
• Constitutional Court
  Decisions on the constitutionality of laws.
  Updated: Continuous

When it publishes

Laws take effect after publication in the Gazzetta Ufficiale, usually after 15 days unless they set another date; decree-laws take effect at once and must be converted by Parliament within 60 days.

How to use it to check a claim

1. Check the version in force on the relevant date.
2. A decree-law lapses if not converted into law within 60 days; check whether it was converted and amended.
3. Distinguish national laws from regional laws.

Common mistakes

• Citing a decree-law text without the changes made on conversion.
• Treating a bill (disegno di legge) as law.

Is Normattiva free?

Yes. Normattiva and the Gazzetta Ufficiale are free to consult online.

How do I request public documents in Italy?

Under Legislative Decree 33/2013, anyone can make a generalised civic access request (accesso civico generalizzato) to a public body, without giving reasons. The body must answer within 30 days; a refusal can be reviewed by its transparency officer and then the regional administrative court.

Questions answered using this source

• What are the income tax (IRPEF) rates in Italy?
• How many seats does each party have in the Italian parliament?

Links checked 14 October 2026. This page describes what the source publishes and gives no verdict on any claim.