3 February, 2025
Starting a business in Italy: key steps and insights for success
Italy is a land of opportunity for entrepreneurs, offering access to a large domestic market, skilled labor, and a prime location within the European Union. However, starting a business in Italy requires careful planning and compliance with local regulations to set up for long-term success.
Essential steps to launch your business
- Choose the right business structure
The first step is selecting a legal entity that suits your business goals. Options include sole proprietorships, partnerships, limited liability companies (srl), and branches for foreign entities. Each structure has unique tax, liability, and governance implications. - Obtain a tax code and VAT number
All businesses operating in Italy must register for a tax code (codice fiscale) and, in most cases, a VAT number (partita IVA). These are required for invoicing, tax filings, and compliance. - Draft and register the articles of association
Companies must create formal statutes outlining their structure, governance, and operations. These documents are filed with the Italian trade register. - Set up accounting and tax compliance
Italy has strict tax reporting obligations. Businesses must maintain accurate financial records and file periodic tax returns. - Secure necessary licenses and permits
Depending on the industry, additional regulatory approvals or licenses may be required, such as food safety permits or construction authorizations.
Why choose Italian Company Formations?
Our expertise ensures a smooth process from inception to operation. We assist clients with:
- selecting the optimal legal structure
- handling all registration and compliance requirements
- navigating bureaucratic procedures with efficiency
By providing end-to-end support, we empower foreign entrepreneurs to focus on growing their business while we manage the legal and administrative complexities.