- Knowledge
Preface: Advantages of Italian Company Registration
1. Location advantages and market potential
European Gateway: Italy is a member state of the European Union and has seamless access to the European market with a population of 500 million, while also connecting North Africa and the Middle East.
Advantageous industries: Global leading fashion, design, machinery manufacturing, food and wine industries with mature industrial chains and high brand premiums.
Tax incentives: Southern regions such as Sicily and Calabria offer corporate income tax exemptions (minimum 10%), research and development subsidies, and other policies.
2. Flexible registered capital requirements
The minimum registered capital for a limited liability company (SRL) is only 1 euro (it is recommended to actually inject 5000-10000 euros to enhance business reputation).
3. Cultural and resource attractiveness
Rich cultural heritage and developed tourism industry, suitable for luxury goods, cultural creativity, and high-end service industries.
The cost of skilled labor is lower than in Northern Europe (with an average monthly salary of approximately 2000-3000 euros).
1、 Types of Italian Companies
01. Limited Liability Company (SRL)
Characteristics and requirements:
-Shareholders' liability is limited to the amount of capital contribution
-One shareholder is sufficient, with no nationality restrictions
-Minimum registered capital of 1 euro (actual capital injection required)
Applicable scenarios: preferred for small and medium-sized enterprises, startups, and foreign-funded enterprises
02. Limited Liability Company (SPA)
Characteristics and requirements:
-Suitable for large enterprises or listed companies
-At least 2 shareholders, minimum registered capital of 50000 euros
-Need to establish a board of directors and a supervisory board
Applicable scenarios: multinational corporations, companies planning to raise funds or go public
03. Partnership Enterprise (SNC/SAS)
characteristic:
Unlimited Liability (SNC) or Mixed Liability (SAS)
-Suitable for family businesses or professional service fields
Applicable scenarios: law firms, accounting firms, family businesses
04. Branch
characteristic:
-The Italian branch of a foreign company does not have independent legal personality
-Submit parent company documents and assume joint and several liability
Applicable scenarios: Market expansion of existing overseas headquarters
2、 Core Requirements for Italian Company Registration
01. Requirements of Shareholders and Directors
At least one shareholder (natural person or company), without nationality restrictions.
One local resident (or holding an Italian residence permit) needs to be designated as the legal representative to handle government affairs.
02. Registered address
Must be an actual office address in Italy (virtual office or shared workspace can be rented).
03. Registered capital
SRL suggests injecting more than 5000 euros, and SPA needs to pay at least 25% of the registered capital of 50000 euros.
04. Industry Compliance
Special industries such as finance, healthcare, and energy require a license (such as the catering industry requiring a hygiene license, and e-commerce requiring a value-added tax number).
3、 Italian company registration materials
（1） Shareholder/Director Information
Copy of passport or ID card (non EU citizens need to have it notarized and translated into Italian).
Proof of address (water and electricity bills or bank statements from the past 3 months).
（2） Company Constitution
Clearly define the company name, address, business scope, and equity structure, which need to be notarized and submitted to the Commerce Bureau (CCIAA).
（3） Proof of Registered Address
Lease contract or property ownership certificate (requiring signature and authentication by the owner).
（4） Other documents
Authorization letter from the parent company (if it is a branch).
Bank capital injection certificate (recommended by SRL).
4、 Italian company registration process
Step 1: Name search (1-3 days)
Verify the availability of the company name through the Italian Chamber of Commerce (CCIAA), which must include the suffix "SRL" or "SPA".
Step 2: Notarize the company's articles of association (1 week)
Signing the company's articles of association at the Notaio notary office incurs a notarization fee of approximately 1000-2000 euros.
Step 3: Submit business registration (2-4 weeks)
Apply for a tax number (Coding Fiscale) from the tax bureau.
Complete company registration at CCIAA and obtain a business license (Visura Camerale).
Step 4: Tax and Social Insurance Registration (1-2 weeks)
Apply for Value Added Tax Number (Partita IVA) and Employee Social Security Number (INPS).
Step 5: Open a bank account (1-2 weeks)
Provide company documents and director's passport. Recommended opening banks: UniCredit, Intesa Sanpaolo.
5、 Precautions for registering an Italian company
1. Tax compliance
Annual turnover exceeding 65000 euros requires declaration of Value Added Tax (IVA), with an Enterprise Income Tax (IRES) of 24% (2023).
Penalty risk: Late declaration will incur a monthly late fee of 1-2%.
2. Language and legal barriers
All documents must be in Italian version. It is recommended to hire a local lawyer or agency to handle the paperwork.
3. Employment requirements
Hiring Italian employees requires signing a formal contract and paying 30-40% of social security fees.
4. Industry restrictions
Foreign investment entering industries such as national defense, aviation, and gambling requires special government approval.
6、 Common Problems in Italian Company Registration
Can non EU residents hold 100% ownership of Italian companies?
Sure, but an Italian resident needs to be designated as the legal representative.
Do I need to be present in person to register a company?
A power of attorney (POA) can be used to authorize an agent to handle the transaction, but opening a bank account requires the presence of a director or video authentication.
What is the annual maintenance cost of the company?
Approximately 2000-5000 euros per year (including accounting, address leasing, social security, etc.).
Can I register a company name in English?
It needs to include Italian suffixes (such as SRL), and the subject name can include English, but it needs to be specified in the articles of association.
How to apply for an EU tax number after registration?
Automatically obtain VAT number for trade within the European Union.
