5.1 Registered Office and Local Presence
All Italian companies must maintain a registered office (sede legale), which is listed in the Companies Register. This address is used for legal notices and tax correspondence. While virtual offices are permitted, physical presence may be required for certain licenses or inspections.
5.2 Business Licenses and Sectoral Approvals
Italy does not require a general business license, but sector-specific authorizations may apply. Examples include:
- Food and beverage: HACCP certification and municipal health permits
- Construction: SOA certification and safety compliance
- Financial services: CONSOB, Bank of Italy, ISVAPP authorization
- Real Estate Agency/Intermediation Services
- Services of Staff Agencies – supply of personnel
- Rental of Real Estate – Regional Licence and Regional and National lettings code numbers
- Tourism: Regional registration and insurance coverage
Licensing is often handled at the municipal or regional level. Timing and complexity vary widely.
5.3 Local Employment and Payroll Setup
Hiring employees in Italy requires registration with:
- INPS (social security)
- INAIL (workplace injury insurance)
- Labor Inspectorate (for compliance)
Employers must issue compliant contracts, enroll workers in pension schemes, and file monthly payroll reports. Outsourcing to a local payroll provider is common and recommended.
5.4 Banking and Payments
Opening a corporate bank account requires company registration, tax codes, and proof of directors’ identity. Italy has strict AML rules, so banks may request detailed documentation. SEPA transfers are standard, and online banking is widely available. Some banks offer English-language support, but local assistance is often needed.