Open a Corporate Bank Account in Italy

Foreign investors are allowed to open companies in Italy just like local ones. The steps related to company formation in Italy are also the same for both local and foreign enterprises, where a corporate bank account is required. Our Italian company formation agents can assist foreign investors with the whole incorporation process. The same team can help local and foreign entrepreneurs open a bank account in Italy.

Quick Facts
Use of a corporate bank account in Italy	For daily transactions in the firm, money deposit, investment and saving purposes
Formalities to open a corporate bank account in Italy	– soliciting a company’s representative for bank formalities; – presenting the tax identification number of the firm
Required documents	Company’s documents such as: – the Certificate of Incorporation, – the Certificate of Good Standing, – a valid passport of the director
Posibillity of setting a withdrawal limit	Yes, the company account can have varied settings, such as withdrawal limits on request.
Debit or credit card issued with a bank account	The owners and company directors can determine the type of card they will use.
Cash deposit to open a bank account	The minimum share capital can be deposited in a corporate bank account linked to the newly-formed company.
Fees to open a bank account	Some banks might impose specific fees for opening corporate accounts.
Banking services offered	– online transactions, – money transfers abroad, – balance verifications, – online payments in varied currencies
Possibility to open a bank account online	Yes, but some banks might require physical presence to sign the documents.
Maintenance fees related to the corporate bank account in Italy	Most of banks impose annual maintenance fees.
Overseas money transfers accepted	Yes, in varied currencies as established with the bank
Possibility to open an investment fund	Dedicated plans can be offered by the selected bank you work with
Currency exchange	Available service through the bank’s online platform
Offshore bank accounts	Yes, with multi-currencies and asset protection
We provide support to open a corporate bank account  in Italy	Our local agents can help business owners set up corporate bank accounts in Italy by managing the paperwork and representing them with a power of attorney.
Age requirements to open a corporate bank account in Italy	– over 18 years old, – minors might be required to be accompanied by their parents or legal guardians
Regulatory institutions regarding banking in Italy	– The Financial Stability Board, – The Basel Committee on Banking Supervision, – The European System of Financial Supervision, – The International Organization of Securities Commission
Timeframe for opening a corporate bank account	4 weeks (approx.)
Merchant services	You can open a merchant account for your business in addition to having a corporate bank account, focusing on handling electronic payments.
Escrow services	Your escrow account can be linked to your corporate bank account.
Transaction processing times	– immediately (for two accounts of the same bank), – 1 or more business days (interbank transfers), – instant transfer option (might require an additional fee)
Interest rates	Depends on the bank, account type, and amount of funds.
Transaction limits	– daily withdrawal limits, – daily spending limits, – international transfer limits, – custom limits, etc.
Account accessibility	You decide who has access to the corporate business account when you start the procedure.
Online banking services (YES/NO)	YES, most banks offer online banking services in Italy.
ATM fees	– withdrawal fee, – currency conversion and dynamic currency conversion (if applicable)
Closing a corporate bank account	If it respects the terms and conditions of your corporate bank account.
Other banking services in Italy	– loans, – pensions, – mortgage, – insurance, – wealth management, etc.
Banks in Italy	– Unicredit, – Banca Nazionale del Lavoro, – Intesa Sanpaolo, – Deutsche Bank Italia, – CheBanca, etc.
Advantages of opening a corporate bank account in Italy	– useful in the process of company formation in Italy, – provides financial management, – separates finances, – international transactions, – security, – cash flow management, etc.

Short facts about company registration and bank accounts in Italy

As mentioned earlier, companies in Italy must have a bank account for depositing the minimum share capital and for future financial operations. The following steps are part of the company formation process in Italy:

• drafting the company’s statutory documents;
• reserving a company name;
• setting up a bank account;
• registering the company with the Companies Register;
• purchasing accounting books;
• obtaining a tax number and a VAT number;
• registering for social insurance purposes;
• obtaining special licenses, if necessary.

It is recommended to firstly move to Italy and then open a bank account in this country, as the procedures are simple.  Even though there are banks that allow opening an account online, the physical presence is solicited in case of signing company documents, if the bank account is for this purpose.   

Please explore this infographic about bank accounts for setting up a company in Italy:

How to set up a company bank account in Italy in 2025

All Italian banks offer tailored services to companies, which is why finding a bank is not a hard task. Also, many large foreign banks have branches in Italy and foreign investors can choose to set up Italian corporate bank accounts with a branch of a bank from their home country.

An important aspect to consider is that if until a few years back Italian banks allowed the opening of both personal and corporate bank accounts remotely, now they require the person, respectively a representative of the company to go to the bank in order to set up the account. However, our local agents can prepare the documents related to the company bank account opening before the company representative comes to Italy.

Below you can watch a video presentation we have prepared about how to open corporate bank accounts in Italy:

Documents needed to open a corporate bank account in Italy

As mentioned above, our company incorporation consultants in Italy can assist by preparing some of the documents related to the opening of a corporate bank account. The documents to be filed upon the opening of a company bank account in Italy are:

• the passport of the company director;
• the proof of address of the director;
• the tax identification number;
• the company’s certificate of registration;
• the certificate of good standing of the company;
• the statements related to the good financial status of company shareholders owning more than 20% of the shares in the company.

Rules of law for banking activities in Italy 

Banking activities in Italy are regulated by numerous legislative regulations. In Italy, companies operating as banking institutions will need to comply with the main requirements imposed by international, European, and national regulations.  The stability of the financial market in Italy is regulated at an international level by the below-mentioned supervisory institutions: 

• The Financial Stability Board;
• The Basel Committee on Banking Supervision;
• The European System of Financial Supervision;
• The International Organization of Securities Commission. 

A savings account can be easily opened in Italy, however, an experienced agent can help you in this endeavor. Bank clients can easily access their savings accounts and withdraw money at any time and no penalties. Starting a business in Italy is simple, and the same goes for opening a bank account. Feel free to discuss more with us.

Bank services offered in Italy

The majority of financial operations can be made in complete protection online. Most banks in Italy direct their services to online platforms, allowing foreigners to choose the type of banking services they need at the time they open a bank account. Here are a few of the bank services you can ask for:

• Money transfers between bank accounts established in Italy.
• Money transfers overseas.
• Online payments.
• Balance verifications.
• Currency exchange.
• The possibility of setting a withdrawal limit.
• Issuance of a new credit or debit card.

These are among the most solicited online banking services that are provided by most financial institutions to their clients. Plus, tailored services are offered to company owners in Italy. If you would like to know more about how to open a bank account in Italy, please feel free to address our team of consultants. Also, if you intend to open a company in Italy in 2025, please address our company formation specialists in Italy.

Are there any fees for opening a bank account in Italy?

No, there are no fees for opening a bank account in Italy, yet, clients must observe other fees related to the account. Some banks in Italy might impose fees for money transfers or withdrawals, for account administration or other services might be free of taxes. In any case, your bank officer will tell you all you need to know about the fees linked to a bank account in Italy. Moreover, the contract between the bank and the client will comprise complete information about the fees involved. More details about how to open a bank account in Italy can be offered by our team.

Exchanging the currency with your bank account

Companies from abroad can easily open a bank account in Italy and can solicit the type of services they need. For instance, some transactions must be made in the currency of the country from which the company is. Even non-residents in Italy can solicit information about how to work with the currency they are interested in at the time they open a bank account in Italy. 

There are simple steps for opening a bank account in Italy, but foreigners should ask for assistance and support from one of our company formation agents in Italy.

FAQ about bank accounts in Italy

About the banking sector in Italy in a few lines

Italy has one of the strongest banking sectors in the world, and the figures below underline this in broad terms:

• The operating expenses of the banking sector in Italy increased in 2024 and the same upward trend is expected in 2025, due to digital investments in this field.
• Over 7 million Italians used digital banking services in 2024, an increase of over 50% compared to previous years.
• On the other hand, the payment gateway segment in the banking sector of Italy is expected to register around 70% increase, with a value of around EUR 6.89 billion by the end of 2030.

If you want to set up a corporate bank account in 2025 and need assistance do not hesitate to contact our experts in company incorporation in Italy and ask for support. Plus, our accountants in Italy are here to tell you more about the regulations for businesses established here. We can offer payroll in Italy at affordable prices.