The national program “Life in the Countryside”, regulated by Law no. 139/2026, will enter into force on July 16, 2026, creating the legal framework through which rural households can earn income from non-hotel tourism services. The initiative aims to monetize cultural, traditional, and natural heritage through a national digital platform, transforming daily household activities into independent sources of income.
The program does not target classic accommodation, but rather the promotion of authentic experiences divided into three categories: agricultural and artisanal activities, the presentation of local customs, and the exploration of natural ecosystems. To register, households must submit a registration declaration to their local town hall and obtain a rural activity producer certificate. Applicants must specify the activities carried out, the conditions, and the visiting period, thus ensuring the genuine nature of the presented practices.
The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development will develop the national electronic platform “Life in the Countryside”, which will centralize offers, allow bookings, and process online payments. The collected amounts will be transferred to the householders, and may include an intermediary commission for the platform’s private operator. From a tax perspective, the income obtained will be classified as income from independent activities, taxed based on income norms according to the Fiscal Code. The state will also provide free courses and best practice guides for participants.
Although the law enters into force in July 2026, the program will become fully functional later. The Government must adopt the methodological application rules by October 11, 2026, and the digital platform is to be developed by January 13, 2027.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the “Life in the Countryside” program?
It is a national program regulated by Law no. 139/2026 that allows rural households to earn income by offering non-hotel tourism experiences, such as agricultural activities, local customs, and nature exploration.
How can rural households register for the program?
Households must submit a registration declaration to their local town hall and obtain a rural activity producer certificate, specifying their activities, conditions, and visiting periods.
When will the program become fully operational?
While the law takes effect on July 16, 2026, the methodological norms are due by October 11, 2026, and the digital platform is expected to be developed by January 13, 2027.