Italy Company Formation

Italy company formation is a relatively simple process when you have the right guidance. Company Bureau can assist you with the whole process of setting up an Italian company in the quickest possible timeframe.

Italy is located in Southern Europe. To the north, Italy borders France, Switzerland, Austria, and Slovenia, and is approximately delimited by the Alpine watershed, enclosing the Po Valley and the Venetian Plain. To the south, it consists of the entirety of the Italian Peninsula and the two biggest Mediterranean islands of Sicily and Sardinia.

Italy is projected to be the eighth-largest economy in the world in 2016-2020 and the fourth-largest in Europe in terms of nominal GDP. It is a founding member of the G7, G8, the Eurozone and the OECD. Italy is a member of the G7 and the Group of Eight (G8) industrialized nations, the European Union and the OECD.

There are three major kinds of Italian incorporation for foreign investors:

Limited Liability Company (SrL)
Joint Stock Company (SpA)
Branches

Limited Liability Company (SrL)

• This is the most popular format for small to medium businesses for Italy company formation
• The minimum share capital is €10,000 for 1 shareholder, €2,500 for 2 or more shareholders
• There are no restrictions on foreign shareholders
• Audited accounts to be filed annually
• Codice – fiscale is required for each director. This must be applied for.
• If the company has more than two directors the bank will require a board of resolution

One director is required for an Srl. It is, however, best to have a minimum of two shareholders otherwise the company will have to have the words ‘Società Uninominale’ in its title and liability will be deemed to be unlimited.

Joint Stock Company (SpA)

• This is the main format for medium to large companies
• The minimum share capital is €120,000
• The minimum number of directors is one
• There are no restrictions on foreign shareholders
• Audited accounts should be filed with the Registrar of Companies

Branches

• The foreign parent is responsible for all liabilities of the Italian Branch
• A minimum of one director is required
• Accounts must be maintained but there are no reporting requirements
• Certified translations of “Mother” company registration documents must be supplied

Italy Company Incorporation requires the following:

• Arrange articles of association and memorandum of association
• Execute articles of association before a public notary
• Obtain an Italian tax code and identity document
• Open a local bank account
• Register for VAT
• File with the Registrar of Companies
• Secure approval by a local tribunal

Company Bureau can assist you in setting up a company in Italy, as well as a whole range of professional services which include:

• Registered/virtual office services
• Bank account introduction
• Accounting/payroll services
• Licencing requirements

For more information or to register a company in Italy today, please contact us at +353 (0) 1 6461625 for further details or complete our contact form.

Contact us now for further details