Company Formation Process in Italy
Establishing a new company in Italy is a structured process that typically takes 5-10 business days. ShelfCompanies24 handles the entire formation process on your behalf, from preparing the articles of association to registering with all relevant authorities.
Available Company Types in Italy
The following legal structures are available for company formation in Italy:
| Company Type |
Description |
| S.r.l. (LLC), S.p.A. (JSC), S.a.s. (Limited Partnership), S.n.c. (General Partnership) |
The minimum share capital requirement is 1 EUR for S.r.l.s. (simplified), 10,000 EUR for S.r.l..
Step-by-Step Formation Process
- Choose your company structure — Select the appropriate legal form based on your business needs, number of shareholders, and capital requirements.
- Prepare documentation — Our team prepares the articles of association, shareholder agreements, and all necessary corporate documents.
- Company name verification — We verify the availability of your chosen company name with the Italian commercial registry.
- Capital deposit — Deposit the required share capital (1 EUR for S.r.l.s. (simplified), 10,000 EUR for S.r.l.) in a designated bank account.
- Notarization and registration — Documents are notarized (where required) and submitted to the commercial registry.
- Tax registration — Register the company for corporate tax (at a rate of 24% IRES + 3.9% IRAP (total ~27.9%)) and VAT (22%).
- Bank account opening — Open corporate bank accounts with Italian banks for business operations.
Required Documents
- Valid passport copies of all shareholders and directors
- Proof of residential address (utility bill or bank statement, not older than 3 months)
- Description of planned business activities
- Proof of source of funds (where applicable)
- References from existing banks or professional advisors
Tax Environment in Italy
Companies formed in Italy are subject to a corporate tax rate of 24% IRES + 3.9% IRAP (total ~27.9%). The standard VAT rate is 22%. The currency is EUR (Euro).
Timeline and Costs
Standard company formation in Italy takes approximately 5-10 business days. For exact pricing tailored to your specific requirements, please contact our consultants.
Related Services in Italy
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to register a company in Italy?
Company registration in Italy typically takes 5-10 business days. ShelfCompanies24 handles the entire process on your behalf.
What documents do I need to form a company in Italy?
You will need valid passport copies, proof of address, description of business activities, and proof of source of funds. Our team guides you through all documentation requirements.
Can a foreigner set up a company in Italy?
Yes, foreign nationals can establish companies in Italy. There are generally no restrictions on foreign ownership of Italian companies.
What is the minimum capital to start a company in Italy?
The minimum capital requirement in Italy is 1 EUR for S.r.l.s. (simplified), 10,000 EUR for S.r.l.. Our consultants can advise on the optimal capital structure for your business.
Content prepared by Aleksandra Kowalska, Corporate Client Service Specialist at ShelfCompanies24. Master of Law from Kozminski University in Warsaw. Approved by Tomasz Bielski, Managing Director.