Open a Branch Office in Italy

Expand your business presence in Italy by establishing a branch office. We handle all legal formalities, registration, and compliance to ensure a smooth and successful market entry.

Set Up a Subsidiary Company in Italy

Expand into Italy

Having a local presence offers advantages for your company. It enables close collaboration with business partners and clients nationwide, providing local insights and industry knowledge to the parent company. A common option is to open an Italian branch office eligible for the same activities as the parent company. Note that a branch is not a separate legal entity, making the parent company liable for its operations. However, it can be a more streamlined and cost-effective structure than opening a subsidiary, especially for lower-cost or smaller projects.

Italy branch registration requirements

Open a Subsidiary Company in Italy Now?

Open a branch now?

1

A foreign parent company is fully responsible for all liabilities of its Italian branch.

3

A legal representative must be appointed for the branch, and they must be domiciled in Italy.

5

The branch must be registered with the Italian Business Register

7

After registration:

  • The Italian Tax Authority (Agenzia delle Entrate) will issue:
  • A Tax ID code (codice fiscale)
  • A VAT number (partita IVA)

9

The branch must:

  • Maintain its own accounting books
  • Submit VAT returns
  • Submit income tax returns to Italian tax authorities
  • File the parent company’s annual report with the Italian Registrar of Companies

2

A minimum of one director is required.

4

A registered office/address in Italy is mandatory.

6

While accounts must be maintained, there are no specific reporting requirements for the branch itself (aside from filing the parent company’s annual report).

8

All documents must be translated into Italian and typically include:

  • Parent company’s registration certificate
  • Certificate of incorporation
  • Memorandum and articles of association
  • Names of the company directors and secretary
  • Details of representatives assigned to the Italian branch

360 degree support for your incorporation requirements

FAQs

To establish a branch in Italy, you must submit notarised and translated documents such as the parent company’s registration certificate, incorporation documents, and director/representative details. A registered office in Italy is mandatory, and the branch must be listed in the Italian Business Register.

No, an Italian branch is not a separate legal entity. It operates under the parent company’s full liability. This structure allows easier setup and reduced administrative complexity compared to a subsidiary.
Yes, you must appoint a legal representative domiciled in Italy who acts on behalf of the branch and ensures compliance with Italian regulatory requirements.
The branch must maintain its own accounting books, register for VAT and income tax, and submit regular returns. While the branch has no separate annual reporting requirement, it must file the parent company’s annual report with the Italian Registrar of Companies.
No, Italy requires a physical registered office address. However, service providers like OAEC can assist in arranging compliant office facilities as part of the branch setup service.
Subsidiary Company in Italy

Ready to Expand? 

Contact us now to discuss your expansion goals and learn how our expertise can help you achieve them in Italy.