Security Guard Services in Italy

How to Become a Licensed Security Guard in Italy

In Italy, private guards are governed by the Consolidated Law on Public Security (Testo Unico delle Leggi di Pubblica Sicurezza, TULPS, Articles 133 and following) and its implementing regulation. The appointment of a sworn private guard (guardia particolare giurata) must be approved by the Prefect on application by the employer, and security companies need the prefectural license provided for in Article 134 TULPS.

Competent authority and legislation: Prefettura, Ufficio Territoriale del Governo (Prefecture, Territorial Government Office), with the Questore (provincial police chief) supervising security companies. Legislation: Consolidated Law on Public Security (TULPS), Royal Decree No. 773 of June 18, 1931, Articles 133 and following; implementing regulation, Royal Decree No. 635 of May 6, 1940, Articles 249 and following; requirements for security companies in Ministerial Decree No. 269 of December 1, 2010 (amended by Ministerial Decree No. 56 of February 25, 2015). prefettura.interno.gov.it/it/prefetture/milano/guardia-particolare-giurata

Requirements

• Meeting the requirements of Article 138 TULPS, with particular regard to good conduct
• Self-certification of citizenship, place and date of birth, residence, family status, educational qualifications, military service status, any convictions and pending charges
• Taking the oath at the Prefecture at the end of the review

Application Steps

1. Be hired by an authorized security company or by a private party that intends to protect its own property
2. The employer submits the application for approval of the appointment, countersigned by the candidate, to the Prefecture of the province where the candidate resides
3. Attach the candidate’s self-certification, the employer’s statement on social security and insurance contributions and a copy of the identity card
4. At the end of the review, take the oath at the Prefecture and receive the decree approving the appointment
5. For armed service, also apply for a pistol carry license at a reduced fee, with a medical certificate of fitness and a certificate of technical proficiency in handling weapons issued by the Tiro a Segno Nazionale (national target shooting association)

Agency Licensing

Under Article 134 TULPS, companies that provide security and custody services for third parties need a license from the Prefect of the province where they have their main office and operations center. Companies are classified by functional class (A: security patrol and guarding, including anti-robbery and anti-shoplifting services; B: alarm management and remote monitoring; C: services performed by staff other than sworn guards, such as stewards or control staff; D: transport of cash and valuables; E: custody of valuables), by size level and by territorial scope. The requirements are set by Ministerial Decree 269 of 2010, the procedure has a time limit of 180 days, and companies operate under the supervision of the Questore.

An armed guard needs a pistol carry license (Article 42 TULPS) at a reduced fee, requested by the guard and countersigned by the employer. The license lasts 2 years, and the renewal must be submitted at least 90 days before expiry.

The decree approving the appointment is valid for 2 years. The employer must submit the renewal at least 90 days before expiry, countersigned by the guard. The pistol carry license is also renewed every 2 years, at least 90 days before expiry.

Sources

• Normattiva: Royal Decree No. 773 of June 18, 1931 (TULPS)
• Gazzetta Ufficiale: Ministerial Decree No. 269 of December 1, 2010
• Prefecture of Milan: Sworn private guard (Guardia particolare giurata)
• Prefecture of Venice: Private security companies (Istituti di vigilanza privata)

Requirements change. Confirm current rules with the competent authority before applying. This summary is general information, not legal advice. Last reviewed November 2026.