Last Updated: July 14, 2025
Italy is the world’s eighth largest and Europe’s third-largest economy. The nation is also Europe’s second-largest manufacturing country and the largest global exporter of luxury goods (clothing, cars, etc.). Other vital industries include pharmaceuticals, machinery, and electrical items. Milan is the financial and business hub and Italy’s main economic center, generating one-fifth of the GDP.
Capital City
Rome
Language
Italian
Currency
Euro (EUR)
Business Hubs
Milan, Rome, Turin, Bologna, Naples
Unlock growth opportunities in Italy with Cerity Global as your trusted partner. We offer end-to-end support for establishing your legal entity, navigating Italy’s often complex regulatory landscape with clarity and efficiency.
From company registration to ongoing back-office support, including HR, payroll, benefits, accounting, tax and compliance, Cerity Global simplifies the process so you can focus on growing your business.
Need to hire quickly before your entity is set up? We offer interim EOR services in Italy, enabling you to onboard talent fast. Once your entity is established, we ensure a smooth transition of your employees from the EOR structure to your own legal entity, without disrupting payroll or compliance.
Our experts stay ahead of regulatory changes to keep your operations aligned with Italy’s employment and tax laws, helping you scale confidently and compliantly.
Also known as a limited liability company, it is the most popular business structure for foreign investors in Italy. It provides limited liability protection and requires a minimum share capital of €10,000. The S.R.L. can have one or more shareholders and is managed by one or more administrators. A simplified version (S.R.L.S.) is also available with a minimum capital of €1.
Also known as a joint-stock company, it is suitable for larger companies planning to raise capital from investors. It requires a minimum share capital of €50,000 and is managed by a board of directors. The S.p.A. must also appoint a board of statutory auditors and may require an independent auditor depending on size thresholds.
Also known as a branch office, it is an extension of a foreign company that carries out business activities in Italy. The branch is not a separate legal entity but represents the foreign parent company and must be registered with the Italian Business Register.
Directors (administrators) are required and may be individuals or legal entities. There is no requirement for directors to be Italian residents, but at least one administrator must be appointed.
A board of directors is required with at least one director. Directors may be individuals or legal entities and do not need to be Italian residents. A board of statutory auditors must also be appointed.
A legal representative must be appointed with specific powers of attorney to represent the foreign company in Italy. The representative must be registered with the Italian Business Register.
In Italy, bank account setup follows a specific process that integrates with entity incorporation:
Cerity Global supports companies in their global expansion plans and helps in legal entity setup, registration and ongoing support services. With us, you can quickly set up a legal entity, operate compliantly, and expand globally. The process typically takes a few days to a week, depending on the bank.
Reasons you should setup legal entity in Italy:
Cerity Global ensures your business expansion in Italy is fast, compliant, and future-ready, so you can focus on growth while we manage the back-office tasks.
Economic figures are subject to change based on quarterly reports and market conditions.
Cerity Global combines deep local knowledge with proven expertise to make your Italy business establishment effortless and compliant. Whether you’re looking for legal entity setup and registration or ongoing support, we’re your trusted partner for sustainable global expansion in Italy.
Disclaimer – The information provided is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, business, or tax advice. Entity setup requirements, tax rates, and economic data are subject to change and may vary by location.
To discuss your needs and how we can help you achieve a compliant and efficient expansion.