Opening a Branch In Italy
Introduction to setting up an Italian branch
If you conduct business in Italy, having a local presence can have a number of advantages for your company. It can enable you to work closely with business partners and clients located throughout the country, while providing valuable insights and local industry knowledge back to the parent company.
A popular option is to open an Italian branch that’s eligible to perform the same business activities as the parent company. It’s important to note that a branch is not a separate legal entity and the parent company is liable for all its operations. It can however be a more streamlined and cost-effective structure than opening a subsidiary, particularly for lower cost or smaller projects.
What are the formalities regarding Italian branches?
- Foreign parent company is responsible for all liabilities of the Italian branch.
- A minimum of one director is required.
- Accounts to be maintained but there are no reporting requirements.
- A branch must appoint a legal representative of the branch who shall be a domiciled in Italy.
- You will need a registered office for the branch.
Registering a branch
You will need to provide various documents to the Italian authorities that contain information about the company and the representatives assigned to the branch.
In accordance with Italian law these documents must be translated into Italian and will include:
- The parent company’s registration certificate.
- A certificate of incorporation.
- Memorandum and articles of association.
- The names of the company directors and secretary.
After registration has been completed the Tax Authority (Agenzia delle Entrate) will release a new tax ID code to the branch (codice fiscale) and VAT code (partita IVA).
What are the accounting requirements of an Italian branch?
Under Italian law a branch is treated as an autonomous and separate entity with regards to accounting and is therefore subject to taxation. The branch will have to keep their own books, submit VAT and income tax returns to the relevant tax authorities and file the annual report of the parent company with the Italian Registrar of Companies.
Do I need a registered address?
Yes. It’s mandatory to have a registered address for the branch.
Branch formation packages
Our branch formation packages provide a complete solution where our team of experts will help guide you through the entire process. Services provided include branch registration, bank account set up and VAT registration.
We are experts on the requirements for opening an Italian branch and have a wealth of experience that can also support you in setting up multiple branches throughout Italy or the rest of Europe.