Company Formation in Italy | SRL Setup | ASC Consulting

Our Italy Setup Process

Step 1, Entity Selection: SRL or SPA

We advise on the appropriate legal structure for your Italian operations. An SRL (Società a Responsabilità Limitata) is the most popular choice for foreign investors, with a minimum share capital of €10,000 (one quarter paid-in at incorporation). An SPA (Società per Azioni) suits larger companies or those planning to raise capital, with a minimum capital of €50,000.

Step 2, Notarisation & Atto Costitutivo

Italian law requires that all company formations be formalised before a notaio (notary public). We prepare the Atto Costitutivo (Articles of Incorporation) and Statuto (bylaws) in Italian, coordinate the notarisation, and manage apostille or legalisation of foreign shareholder documents.

Step 3, Registro delle Imprese & CCIAA

We file your company with the local Camera di Commercio (Chamber of Commerce) for registration in the Registro delle Imprese. You receive your REA number and, within a few business days, the visura camerale, the official certificate confirming your company's legal existence in Italy.

Step 4, Agenzia delle Entrate: Codice Fiscale & Partita IVA

We register your company with the Agenzia delle Entrate to obtain your Codice Fiscale (tax identification number) and Partita IVA (VAT number). We also handle INPS (pension) and INAIL (accident insurance) registration for your Italian employees.

Step 5, Bank Account & Ongoing Compliance

We assist with Italian corporate bank account opening, set up payroll under the CUD / Libro Unico del Lavoro system, handle monthly IVA declarations, quarterly advance payments, and annual corporate tax returns (UNICO), keeping your Italian entity fully compliant at all times.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between an SRL and an SPA in Italy?

An SRL is Italy's most common corporate form for small and medium-sized foreign-owned subsidiaries. It has fewer governance requirements and lower minimum capital (€10,000) than an SPA (€50,000). An SPA is preferred when you plan to have multiple institutional shareholders, issue publicly traded shares, or require a supervisory board structure. For most foreign market entry purposes, an SRL is the appropriate choice.

Do I need an Italian resident director to incorporate?

There is no legal requirement for an Italian-resident director in an SRL or SPA. However, all directors must obtain an Italian codice fiscale, and at least one representative (rappresentante legale) must be reachable by Italian authorities. ASC can advise on registered agent and nominee director arrangements.

How long does SRL incorporation take in Italy?

With all documents ready, notarisation and Chamber of Commerce registration typically take 7–14 business days. Tax registration (Partita IVA) is usually obtained within 24 hours online. The full process from initial consultation to a fully operational Italian company generally takes 3–5 weeks.

What are Italy's main corporate tax rates?

Italian companies pay IRES (Imposta sul Reddito delle Società) at 24% on taxable profits, plus IRAP (Imposta Regionale sulle Attività Produttive) at 3.9% on gross operating income (rates vary by region). The standard IVA (VAT) rate is 22%, with reduced rates of 10% and 4% for qualifying goods and services.

What is the Patent Box regime and who qualifies?

Italy's Patent Box is a preferential tax regime that allows a 110% super-deduction on income (or notional income) derived from qualifying intangible assets, including patents, industrial designs, software, trade secrets, and know-how. Companies conducting R&D activities in Italy or making qualifying IP investments can significantly reduce their IRES and IRAP burden under this regime.