Open a Holding Company in Italy
Find here how establish a holding company in Italy. For company incorporation services, please contact our Italian consultants.
Are you interested in opening a holding company in Italy and need assistance? You can explore this page with details on this topic (key features, requirements, etc.), and then access our online services for in-depth support from our local Italian agents.
| Quick Facts | |
|---|---|
| Legal entities used | Limited Liability Company, Joint Stock Company, Partnership |
Incorporation method | With the Italian Trade Register |
Incorporation time | Around 1 week |
| Advantages | No need for resident director |
| Precautions | Work permits issued in about 3 months |
| Shareholding structure | 1 shareholder |
| Minimum Capital | EUR 1 |
| Taxation | 24% corporate tax rate |
| Control | Foreign ownership permitted |
| Accounting and Reporting | Annual financial statements and tax return; audit/statutory auditors required for an SpA and for an SRL above the legal thresholds |
| Number of double taxation treaties | 100 |
What is the purpose of a holding company in Italy? Who can set up such a business?
Any foreign or local entrepreneur can start a holding company in Italy. Through this structure, businessmen can own shares in various subsidiaries, provide finance management, be part of different business decisions, etc.
What is the optimal business structure for a holding company in Italy?
- the limited liability company – SRL in Italy,
- the joint stock company – SpA in Italy.
NOTE: Entrepreneurs can choose between SRL and SpA according to planned transactions, investment strategies, ownership structure, and many more.
What is the minimum share capital needed for a holding company in Italy?
- SRL – Between EUR 1 and EUR 10,000,
- SpA – EUR 50,000.
What are the documents needed for opening a holding company in Italy?
- Proof of registered business address in Italy,
- Corporate bylaws,
- Articles of Association,
- Shareholders’ IDs/passports,
- Proof of deposited share capital,
- Proof of digital signatures,
- The Italian tax ID (Codice Fiscale),
- Activated certified e-mail,
- Anti-money laundering & Know Your Customer completed declarations.
NOTES:
- the Articles of Association must be notarized before submission,
- foreign documents must be translated, notarized and apostilled first.
Can I be represented via proxy when opening a holding company in Italy?
Yes, our Italian agents can represent customers via power of attorney when opening a holding company in Italy.
What are the benefits of opening a holding company in Italy?
- tax efficiency,
- simplified corporate governance,
- VAT grouping,
- reduced administrative tasks, etc.
What can shareholders own in a holding company in Italy?
Shareholders can own shares, private equity, bonds, real estate assets, etc.
Can a holding company be suitable for estate planning in Italy?
Absolutely.
What is the time frame to open a holding company in Italy?
Around 2-6 weeks.
Would you like to open a company in Italy, and the holding structure is your choice? We suggest you explore more details on this subject bycontacting our Italian agents. A team of accountants in Italy is also ready to collaborate with you if you open a holding company or any kind of structure.
Francesco Dagnino, Attorney at Law · 5 October 2026Francesco Dagnino is founder of Lexia Avvocati and has a P.h.D. in Corporate and Financial Markets Law from the University of Bologna.