Tyche in Italy
We already have an established network of contacts in Italy for creating and directing temporary companies, as well as for external CFO support.
The path to creating a SRL in Italy, step by step
These timelines assume a complete file (ID documents, supporting evidence, governance decisions made): an incomplete file is the single most common cause of delay, ahead of the administrative timelines themselves. Once the file is genuinely complete, expect generally 2 to 4 weeks for the legal process itself.
Minimum share capital: €1 for an SRLS; €10,000 for a standard SRL.
Project scoping & complete file
Gathering ID documents, mandate, governance decisions and choice of bank — the essential groundwork for the legal timelines below to actually start running.
Drafting the articles of association
A notary (notaio) is mandatory for every Italian SRL, regardless of the number of shareholders — including online incorporation.
Capital deposit
Share capital (nominal minimum, typically €10,000) is paid into a dedicated account before the notarial appointment; foreign shareholders must first obtain an Italian tax code (codice fiscale).
Notarial signature and registration
The incorporation deed is signed before a notary (video-conference possible) then filed with the Companies Register (Registro Imprese).
Operational bank account
The business account is opened in the company's name once the Registro Imprese filing is confirmed; timing varies by bank and shareholder profile.
Safety margin — opening the bank account
On top of the legal timelines above, allow one week of banking margin: KYC checks, extra documentation or a branch appointment can extend account opening, particularly for a non-resident director.
VAT
| Taux | ||
|---|---|---|
| Standard rate | 22% | |
| Reduced rates | 10% | domestic electricity, medicines, passenger transport, shows |
| Reduced rates | 5% | certain foodstuffs, medical devices |
| Reduced rates | 4% | essential goods, books, press, agricultural products |
Corporate tax
24% (IRES), a reduced 20% rate is possible under profit-reinvestment conditions.
Is a visa required?
No for an EU/EEA director. A non-EU national wanting to relocate to Italy to run the company on-site needs a self-employment/entrepreneur residence permit; directing remotely without residing in Italy does not require one.
Information provided for guidance (July 2026), subject to change depending on local regulation, the bank and the relevant authority. We confirm the precise timeline with you during the initial assessment of your project.
Opening a bank account
Is presence in Italy required?
Notarial signature can often be done remotely by video-conference, but obtaining the codice fiscale beforehand and opening the account may require extra steps depending on the bank.
Observed timeframe to open the account
2 to 4 weeks: foreign shareholders' codice fiscale must be obtained before opening, then the bank runs its KYC review; some online banks (N26 Business, Qonto) shorten this to 1-2 weeks.
Share capital deposit
Minimum share capital: €1 for an SRLS; €10,000 for a standard SRL.
Ultimate Beneficial Owner (UBO) register
Every director or shareholder must be declared as an Ultimate Beneficial Owner (UBO) in the national register — a requirement stemming from EU anti-money-laundering directives (or equivalent standards outside the EU). Bank scrutiny is heightened in two situations common among international clients: when a shareholder or director is a US citizen or US tax resident (FATCA then imposes extra reporting obligations on the bank, which can slow down or complicate account opening); and when a shareholder is based in an African country rated higher-risk by the FATF (extra proof of the origin of funds, longer KYC validation times). We anticipate this with you from the initial assessment if your structure involves such profiles.
Information provided for guidance (July 2026), subject to change depending on local regulation. We confirm the applicable detail with you during the initial assessment of your project.
Selling on-site and clearing customs
Securing a premises or retail location
Commercial lease (locazione commerciale), start-of-activity declaration (SCIA) with the municipality, and premises compliance checks (fire safety, accessibility).
On-site sales & till
A telematic cash register is mandatory, reporting sales to the tax authority in real time; since 2026 it must be connected to the electronic payment terminal (POS).
Cash register suppliers
- SumUp
- Zettle (PayPal)
- Nexi
- myPOS
- Viva.com
Payment providers for small businesses
- Stripe
- Viva.com
- Nexi
- PayPal Business
- Adyen
Indicative, non-exhaustive list of examples of solutions present on the local market — availability and terms change quickly; we help you select the best-suited offer during the assessment of your project.
Customs & ATA carnet
To exhibit or sell equipment at a trade fair, the ATA carnet allows temporary import of goods — professional equipment, samples, stand fittings — without advancing customs duties or import VAT, provided they are re-exported within the allotted period (generally 12 months, sometimes 6 months for fair equipment). The carnet is issued by the chamber of commerce in the country of departure and recognised across the international network of ATA Convention countries, a network that covers Italy.
Importing products from outside the European Union
To import goods from a non-EU country (China, the US, etc.), an EORI number is essential for any customs procedure. Customs duties depend on the tariff code (combined nomenclature) and the product's origin; import VAT is then due at the rate applicable in the destination country, generally recoverable if the business is VAT-registered. Depending on trade agreements in force, some products benefit from reduced or zero duties on presentation of a certificate of origin. The competent authority for these procedures is Agenzia delle Dogane e dei Monopoli.
On-site consumer rules
A sale concluded in person at a stand during a trade fair that is not your usual place of business is generally classed as an "off-premises" contract under the EU Consumer Rights Directive (2011/83/EU): the customer then has a 14-day right of withdrawal, subject to exceptions (personalised, perishable or sealed goods). This principle, harmonised across the EU/EEA, applies in Italy — we check the local details with you based on your sales activity.
Information provided for guidance (July 2026), subject to change depending on local regulation. We confirm the applicable detail with you during the initial assessment of your project.