In Italy, there are several and different ways to conduct business thanks to many reforms made to streamline and simplify the procedures required to start and operate a business.
Doing Business in Lazio and Italy
An entrepreneurial activity can be carried out either as a sole trader or through the establishment of a company.
Both entities are governed by the Italian Civil Code.
It is possible to do business in different ways are available to both EU and non-EU citizens:
- as a sole entrepreneur (individual business);
- by creating a new company;
- by purchasing shares or equity in an existing company.
There are several legal forms available for setting up a company. The main ones are:
- S.p.A. (Società per Azioni), stockholding companies (company limited by shares);
- S.r.l. (Società a Responsabilità Limitata), limited liability company.
In 2017 almost half of all the limited liability companies launched in Italy were of the simplified type: the simplified limited liability company (S.r.l.s.) is a form of “S.r.l.” introduced to encourage young entrepreneurship thanks to a minimum share capital of € 1, up to a maximum of € 9,999.99, the absence of notarial fees and a shorter constitutive process.
There are also partnerships, which, although they do not have legal personality, are still legitimate forms recognized by Italian law.
The most common types are:
- S.n.c. (Società in Nome Collettivo), general or unlimited partnership;
- S.a.s. (Società in Accomandita Semplice), limited partnership.
For More Information:
- Download the guide by ITA – Italian Trade Agency: Doing Business in Italy
- Visit the INVEST IN ITALY website to learn more about new investments and business growth opportunities in Italy.
Other useful resources:
Find out how to bring your business to Lazio
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