Company Formation in Italy – Open an SRL or SpA Online

You can start an Italian company right away using our online service. Below you can find information about the main types of services we offer, available entities, and incorporation conditions, among others. Explore this page and then contact us for personalized assistance and offers!

Quick Facts
Types of company formation services we provide in Italy	– company formation in Italy, – support in drafting company documents, – representation in front of the Italian authorities, – corporate administration, – company domiciliation, – corporate immigration, – tax registration, etc.
Is 100% foreign ownership allowed in Italy?	Yes
Where is company registration done in Italy?	Italian Business Registers
Types of companies available in Italy	– limited liability company (SRL), – simplified SRL, – joint stock company, – sole proprietorship, – partnership, – cooperative, etc.
What is the most popular business structure in Italy?	SRL and also simplified SRL
Costs for opening a simplified SRL in Italy	EUR 3.000
Minimum share capital for a SRL in Italy	EUR 1 for a simplified SRL
Documents required for company formation in Italy	– Articles and Memorandum of Association, – ID/Passport, – specimen signature, – proof of business address, etc.
Do you assist in opening a bank account in Italy?	Sure!
Can foreigners buy shelf companies in Italy?	Yes, these are ready made or vintage companies. We can provide you with a list of shelf companies available in Italy.
Where is tax registration done in Italy?	At the Italian revenue Agency where Codice Fiscale will be issued for the company after registration.
Do you provide a registered business address in Italy?	YES
Time frame to set up a company in Italy	5-7 working days
Foreign extensions available in Italy	branch, subsidiary, liaison office
Extra services through our firm in Italy	– accounting, – trademark registration, – tax advisory, etc.

What types of company formation services do you provide in Italy?

Business setup,
Drafting company documents,
Representation in front of registration authorities,
Corporate administration & domiciliation,
Corporate immigration,
Tax registration & advisory services, and more.

We can help you choose the right type of company for your business purposes. We have an English-speaking team of lawyers and consultants who can offer guidance.
Francesco Dagnino – lawyer

What are the company/entity types available in Italy?

Limited liability company or SRL in Italy (società di capitali)
S.p.A. – Società per azioni: Joint-stock company (società di capitali)
Società in accomandita per azioni: Partnership limited by shares (società di capitali)
S.r.l.s. – Società a responsabilità limitata semplificata: Simplified limited liability company (società di capitali)
Partnerships (società di persone): S.s. – Società semplice: Simple partnership, s.n.c. – Società in nome collettivo: General partnership and the S.a.s. – Società in accomandita semplice: Limited partnership. (each has its own differences and purposes)
Sole proprietorship,
Branch (not an actual company, but a prolongation of the foreign company establishing it)
Subsidiary (a regular company with the foreign company as main or sole shareholder)

Which type of company should I choose for my business in Italy?

We have incorporated over 900 companies on behalf of foreign companies and persons and the over 90% were SRL companies, either owned by foreign companies or natural persons. Most likely this is the best choice for you, however we will advise you on that if necessary.

What are the costs for opening a company in Italy?

The main costs related to opening a company in Italy are:

EUR 3.000 for opening a simplified S.R.L. in Italy.

Explore this infographic about the main advantages of opening a company in Italy:

Where is the company registration filed in Italy?

At the Italian Business Registers.

What are the main steps to open an SRL in Italy?

verify and reserve the business name in Italy,
draft the Articles of Association, the company’s bylaws, and the declaration of acceptance on behalf of the director.
pay in the share capital (to the directors or into a corporate bank account in Italy),
register for taxation, and get the Codice Fiscale & VAT ID,
apply for a business license, etc.

NOTE: You will need to present complete information about the name(s) and share percentage(s) of the future shareholder(s), full name(s) of the appointing director(s), as well as clarifications related to the specific activities to be carried out in Italy. All documents must be translated and notarized first.

Do I need a Notary for starting a company in Italy?

Yes and the cost will be approx. 1,500 EUR. Please have in mind that Italy's legal system falls under the French system in which the role of Public Notaries is more important. The procedure will entail certain KYC and proper identification of yourself as client, but we will provide assistance throughout this procedure as well.

What is the time frame for starting a company in Italy?

Around 5-7 working days from the date we receive all documents.

IMPORTANT: Upon completion of the company registration procedure in Italy, we will be able to assist clients in activating the business. Depending on the specific business activity, it might be necessary to meet additional obligations.

Do you assist in getting a business license in Italy?

Sure. We also represent clients with the power of attorney in this endeavor. Most of the licenses can be obtained after the incorporation of the company but some are required before the incorporation.

Can I get assistance in opening a branch in Italy? What about a subsidiary?

Absolutely! Read here about branches in Italy and here about subsidiaries.

What are the conditions to register a company for VAT in Italy?

Please read the info here.

Do you offer support in trademark registration in Italy?

Yes.

Are shelf companies available in Italy?

Yes, we do have available ready-made companies; see info here.

Do you offer support in opening a liaison office in Italy?

Absolutely! This is known as a representative office in Italy.

What other services do you offer in Italy?

Accounting & tax services,
Support in tariffs & customs,
Debt collection services,
Labor & payroll,
One-stop shop company formation services through our firm in Italy.

REMARK: We provide tailored & integrated corporate services from company formation to ongoing compliance in tax matters and international development.

Would you like to know more about the company incorporation services we offer in Italy? Feel free to get in touch with us and explore our offers.

Why choose your service?

Our lawyer, Francesco Dagnino, is the vice-chairman of the Italian Shareholders’ Rights Association (Associazione Italiana per l’Esercizio dei Diritti degli Azionisti – AIEDA).

LEXIA lawyers have received numerous distinctions and are recognized as partners by several organizations. We list them below:

• Top Legal Awards 2018: LEXIA Avvocati was nominated as a finalist for the law firm of the year in the innovation category and the law firm of the year, after its head, Alessandro Dagnino, was nominated as the best professional for litigation before the Supreme Court,

• Top Legal Awards 2016: LEXIA Avvocati was nominated for the Most innovative law firm in Italy in 2016.

• LEXIA Avvocati is a partner of the Italian Stock Exchange “Elite Program” – in April 2018, the law firm became a partner of ELITE, a Borsa Italiana platform dedicated to Italian SMEs that will be listed with the Stock Exchange;

• LEXIA Avvocati is a partner of “Invest in Lombardy”, the Government Agency of the Lombardy Region – the law firm became the legal partner of “Invest in Lombardy” in 2017 for the purpose of assisting foreign companies that want to operate in the region.

The company is also listed in the International Comparative Legal Guides – a website that offers comprehensive guides for 50 practice areas across more than 180 jurisdictions.

LEXIA Avvocati is also a member of The British Chamber of Commerce for Italy.

Company Registration in Italy – COST-EFFICIENT!

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