Società a responsabilità limitata (Italian Limited Liability Company)
An SRL (Società a responsabilità limitata) is the most common type of company in Italy and the preferred structure for small and medium-sized businesses, including subsidiaries of foreign companies.
It combines limited liability, flexible corporate governance and relatively low capital requirements, making it the standard choice for international entrepreneurs entering the Italian market.
Company Formation in Italy
Establishing a company in Italy provides access to one of the largest economies in the European Union and a strategic position within the European single market. Italy combines a strong industrial base, a large consumer market and extensive trade connections across Europe and the Mediterranean.
At the same time, the Italian legal and tax environment can be complex for foreign entrepreneurs. Company formation involves notarial procedures, registration with the Registro delle Imprese, tax identification and compliance with corporate governance and accounting requirements.
Our Italian desk assists international entrepreneurs and companies throughout the entire process — from structuring the appropriate legal entity to completing incorporation and ensuring ongoing compliance with Italian regulations.
Key Features of an SRL
We work hard every day to make life of our clients better and happier
Legal Form
Società a responsabilità limitata (SRL)
Minimum Share Capital
From EUR 1 (although EUR 1,000–10,000 is common in practice)
Liability
Limited to the share capital
Shareholders
One or more individuals or legal entities
Management
Managed by one or more directors (amministratori)
Registration Authority
Registro delle Imprese (Italian Commercial Register)
Full Name;Società a responsabilità limitata;Società a responsabilità limitata semplificata;Società per azioni;Sede secondaria di società estera;Ufficio di rappresentanza
Legal Status;Limited liability company;Simplified LLC;Joint stock company;Extension of foreign company;Non-commercial presence
Separate Legal Entity;Yes;Yes;Yes;No;No
Minimum Capital;From EUR 1 (practical: 1,000–10,000);From EUR 1;EUR 50,000;Not required;Not required
Liability;Limited to capital;Limited;Limited;Parent company liable;Parent company liable
Typical Use;SMEs, subsidiaries;Small startups;Large companies, investors;Market expansion;Market research only
Ownership;Individuals / companies;Individuals only (in most cases);Individuals / companies;Foreign parent company;Foreign parent company
Management;Directors (amministratori);Directors;Board of directors;Managed by parent;Managed by parent
Registration Authority;Registro delle Imprese;Registro delle Imprese;Registro delle Imprese;Registro delle Imprese;Not always required
Taxation;IRES + IRAP;IRES + IRAP;IRES + IRAP;Taxed in Italy;No corporate tax
Accounting Requirements;Standard;Simplified (limited);Full corporate accounting;Italian branch accounting;Minimal
Best for Foreigners;Yes;Limited;Yes;Yes;Limited
Bank Account Opening;Medium;Medium;High;Medium–High;Low
Complexity Level;Medium;Low;High;Medium;Low
The SRL is the most flexible and widely used company structure in Italy.
Key advantages include:
• limited liability for shareholders • flexible governance structure • suitable for foreign ownership • relatively low capital requirements • widely accepted by banks and business partners
For most international entrepreneurs, the SRL represents the optimal balance between legal protection and operational flexibility.
Requirements to Open an SRL in Italy
To establish an SRL, several legal and administrative requirements must be fulfilled.
Typical requirements include:
• preparation of incorporation documents (atto costitutivo and statuto) • notarisation before an Italian notaio • registration with the Registro delle Imprese • obtaining codice fiscale and partita IVA • opening a corporate bank account
Foreign shareholders may be required to obtain an Italian tax identification number before incorporation.
Step-by-Step Process to Open an SRL in Italy
Full incorporation process typically takes 2–4 weeks depending on structure and documentation.
Define Corporate Structure
Determine shareholders, directors and shareholding structure.
Obtain Codice Fiscale
Required for foreign shareholders and directors before incorporation.
Prepare Incorporation Documents
Preparation of articles of association (atto costitutivo) and corporate documentation.
Notarial Incorporation
Execution of the incorporation deed before an Italian notary (notaio).
Register the Company
Registration with the Italian Commercial Register (Registro delle Imprese).
Tax Registration
Obtain VAT number (partita IVA) and tax registration.
Bank Account Opening
Completion of corporate bank account opening and compliance procedures.
Accounting and Compliance Setup
Appointment of an accountant for ongoing compliance and reporting.
Corporate Taxation in Italy
Companies operating in Italy are subject to several corporate taxes.
IRES (Imposta sul Reddito delle Società) Corporate income tax applied at a standard rate of 24%.
IRAP (Imposta Regionale sulle Attività Produttive) Regional tax on productive activities, generally around 3.9%, although rates may vary by region.
VAT (IVA) The standard VAT rate in Italy is 22%, with reduced rates applicable to certain goods and services.
International companies must also consider issues such as permanent establishment rules, transfer pricing regulations and withholding taxes on cross-border payments.
Our Services
Our firm supports international clients at every stage of establishing and operating a business in Italy.
Corporate structuring and legal advisory
Incorporation of Italian companies and branches
Preparation of corporate and shareholder documentation
Coordination with Italian notaries and public authorities
Tax advisory and regulatory compliance
Ongoing corporate and legal support
Planning to open a company in Italy?
Please provide some basic information about your project. Our team will review your request and contact you to discuss the appropriate corporate structure.