Open a Foundation in Italy
Find here how set up a foundation in Italy. For assistance in company registration in Italy, please contact our local representatives.
Setting up a foundation in Italy involves drafting a public charter and securing a minimum capital, among others. This article explains the key steps to register this structure, mentioning that our Italian specialists in company formation can assist throughout the process.
| Quick Facts | |
|---|---|
| How is a foundation known in Italy? | Non-profit organization (NGO) |
Who can open a foundation in Italy? | Both natural persons and legal entities in Italy |
Registration | With the Prefecture/Region register of legal persons or, for Third Sector entities, the RUNTS (Trade Register only if it carries on business) |
| Legislation | Legislative Decree No. 117/2017, Code of the Third Sector |
| Purposes of an NGO in Italy | – charity, – philanthropy, – donations, – supporting social utility and projects |
| Documents for opening a foundation in Italy | Deed of incorporation or statute that must comprise details about the NGO’s activities in Italy |
| Notarization of documents | Required |
| Capital requirement | Yes – a minimum endowment (EUR 30,000 for Third Sector foundations seeking legal personality) |
| Can a foundation have assets? (YES/NO) | YES |
| Address required for a foundation in Italy (YES/NO) | YES |
| The management board of a foundation in Italy | – president or director, -investment committee, – trustees, etc. |
| Rules of the NGO in Italy | Comprised of the documents of the foundation, plus the rights and obligations of founding members |
| Tax ID for a foundation in Italy | Mandatory (Codice Fiscale issued by Agenzia delle Entrate). Our Italian lawyers can help you with the tax registration. |
| Is the annual financial report required when owning an NGO in Italy? (YES/NO) | YES |
| Assistance in opening a foundation in Italy | Our agents in Italy can manage the procedures of opening a charity in this country, collaborating with the local and national authorities. Complete services at budget-friendly costs. |
What is a foundation qualified in Italy?
Ente del Terzo Settore (ETS).
What is the minimum capital required to open a foundation in Italy?
EUR 30,000.
NOTE: Ask here about the existing entities in Italy and the minimum capital required.
Where do I register a foundation in Italy?
At the Italian Tax Authority and the National Single Register of the Third Sector.
You may also discover the following infographic with information on this subject:
What are the main requirements to set up an Italian foundation?
- decide on the purpose,
- ensure a registered business office,
- deposit the minimum capital,
- decide on the activities,
- clarify the rules of the foundation & administration tasks, etc.
What are the key documents to open a foundation in Italy?
- foundation Statute or public charter,
- Codice Fiscale issued by Agenzia delle Entrate,
- a document stating legal recognition from the local Prefecture,
- copies of IDs/passports of founders, etc.
NOTES:
- the foundation statute can be prepared by one of our Italian agents,
- the public charter/deed must be signed in front of an Italian notary,
- a foundation can also be established through a will,
- recognition of a foundation in Italy is based on Presidential Decree No. 361/2000.
What are the purposes of a will in Italy?
Can be dedicated to:
- Philanthropy,
- Environmental,
- Education,
- Social/civic causes,
- Arts & culture, etc.
Are there any precautions or recommendations when opening a foundation in Italy?
Must keep all accounting records and demonstrate all grants or donations through specific documents.
What is the “5 per mille system” in Italy?
- a unique tax system in Italy involving foundations,
- 0.5% of existing personal income tax can be allocated to foundations or various non-profit organizations (Third Sector Entities – ETS).
What is the taxation of foundations in Italy?
- 24% corporate tax rate only if foundations are involved in commercial activities, apart from philanthropic projects/purposes,
- 3.9% regional production tax,
- 22% VAT on commercial supplies (many social, health and educational services are VAT-exempt).
What is the time frame to set up a foundation in Italy?
About 3-6 months.
Is it hard to open a foundation in Italy?
The incorporation process is considered difficult to highly moderate, which is why it is recommended to hire a specialist in the field, such as our Italian agent.
Interested in company incorporation in Italy? You may explore the services offered by our Italian agents in this field. Plus, you can benefit from complete business packages by also choosing the services of our accountants in Italy. Feel free to contact us and discover more about the support we provide for company formation in Italy.
Francesco Dagnino, Attorney at Law · 1 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.