Is an SRL or a branch (stabile organizzazione) better?

The choice depends on the group's objectives: an SRL is a separate legal entity, whereas a branch is a secondary establishment of the foreign company; each option has different tax and management implications.

What is the minimum capital and how long does it take to open?

An SRL can be set up with reduced capital (from EUR 1, under specific rules), and the timing depends on preparing the documents and the notarial deed, generally a few days.

What taxes does a new company pay?

An Italian company is subject to corporate income tax (IRES), regional tax (IRAP) and VAT on taxable transactions, in addition to social security obligations for directors and employees.

Bringing your business to Italy, with no margin for error.

We assist foreign companies, funds and entrepreneurs in choosing and setting up the right structure in Italy — an SRL (limited liability company), a secondary establishment (branch) or VAT (IVA) identification — governing from day one the risk of a permanent establishment (stabile organizzazione), tax compliance and relationships with notaries, banks and the Italian Revenue Agency (Agenzia delle Entrate). A single point of contact, accountability on the figures that matter.

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The questions you are asking yourself before entering the Italian market

SRL, branch or representative office? Each form has different consequences for liability, taxation of profits, economic substance and how you are perceived by Italian clients and banks. Choosing the wrong structure costs more than redoing it.
Risk of a permanent establishment. Sales, contracts signed in Italy, staff or an office can constitute a permanent establishment (stabile organizzazione, art. 162 TUIR) and bring profits you thought would remain abroad within the scope of Italian taxation. It must be assessed beforehand, not after a tax audit.
Tax representative, direct identification or full partita IVA (VAT number)? If you move goods or services relevant for VAT (IVA) in Italy, the VAT registration method changes obligations, timing and risks. Not every route is open to every taxpayer.
Real timing and costs. How long does it really take to become operational? Minimum capital, notary, bank account, PEC (certified email), VIES, post-incorporation obligations: you want a reliable figure and timeline, not an optimistic estimate.

A three-phase path, a single point of responsibility

1 · Analysis of the optimal structure

We analyse your business model, flows, shareholders and tax objectives to establish whether an SRL/SRLS (limited liability company), a branch or a simple VAT (IVA) position is preferable, immediately bringing under control the risk of a permanent establishment (stabile organizzazione) and the tax-treaty impact.

2 · Incorporation or registration

We manage the entire process — deed of incorporation or registration of the secondary establishment (branch), capital, ATECO code, partita IVA (VAT number), VIES, PEC (certified email), opening of the account — coordinating notaries, banks and the Business Register (Registro Imprese) on a single timeline.

3 · Ongoing tax and VAT (IVA) management

We support you after incorporation: accounting, tax returns, VAT (IVA), withholding taxes, transfer pricing and monitoring of the permanent establishment (stabile organizzazione), so that the structure stays compliant while you focus on the market.

What the engagement includes

Preliminary advice on the most efficient legal and tax form (SRL/SRLS, branch, VAT (IVA) position).
Analysis of the risk of a permanent establishment (stabile organizzazione, art. 162 TUIR) and application of double taxation treaties.
Incorporation of the company or registration of the secondary establishment (branch) with a notary, including ATECO code, capital and articles of association.
Opening of the partita IVA (VAT number), registration with VIES and appointment of the tax representative or direct identification where necessary.
Coordination for the opening of the corporate bank account, PEC (certified email) and digital signature.
Post-incorporation obligations: Business Register (Registro Imprese), INPS/INAIL if employees are envisaged, beneficial owner reporting.
Ongoing tax and accounting management with a dedicated contact and reporting in English for the parent company.

To guarantee the quality we are recognised for, we accept a limited number of new clients each month

The right structure, from the very first meeting

Those who decide on significant figures want discretion and certainty, not an automatic quote. Start with a confidential assessment of your case.

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SRL, branch or representative office? Answer 5 questions

An indicative tool, not an opinion. In two minutes you identify the most likely direction for your structure in Italy; the outcome must always be validated with the Studio.

1 — Where is the parent company based?

2 — In Italy, will you make sales, sign contracts or run an active cycle with local clients?

3 — Do you need limited liability separate from the parent company?

4 — How many shareholders/investors will take part in the Italian structure?

5 — Do you envisage employees, an office or a stable physical location in Italy?

Answer all five questions to see the recommendation.

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