Branch of a foreign company
A registered Italian establishment can carry on the parent’s business, while the foreign company remains responsible for its obligations and governance.
Establish & invest in Italy
Choose the right form for a lean Italian presence.
We help foreign companies and entrepreneurs establish an Italian branch, representative office or individual activity without confusing a market test with a trading operation.
Discuss your Italian presenceBranches, Offices & Sole Traders
A local presence should match the activity
The choice between a branch, representative office and sole-trader activity affects authority, liability, tax coordination, contracts, employment and the ability to invoice. We align the form with what you will actually do in Italy.
Three routes, different consequences
Representative office
A narrowly defined non-commercial presence for liaison, research and promotion. It must not become an unregistered sales or invoicing operation.
Sole-trader activity
An individual business route assessed against personal liability, activity licences, social-security duties, tax position and the planned scale of operations.
From presence to compliant operation
Define the activity
Map sales, contracting, marketing, premises, staff, regulated activities and who will sign for the Italian presence.
Select the route
Compare authority, liability, registration, tax, accounting and immigration implications before commitments are made.
Prepare the file
Coordinate corporate approvals, powers, identity information, translations, registered-office details and any permits.
Register and launch
Complete the applicable registrations and put contracts, invoicing, employment and recurring compliance on a workable calendar.
Information to prepare
- Description of Italian activities and expected customers
- Foreign company documents or entrepreneur identification
- Authority and signing arrangements
- Planned premises, staff, suppliers and licences
- Expected timeline, budget and tax-accounting contacts
Questions about Italian branches and offices
Can a representative office sell in Italy?
A genuine representative office is limited to non-commercial activities. If it negotiates or invoices commercial business, the structure should be reassessed before launch.
Is a branch a separate company?
No. A branch is an Italian establishment of the foreign company. The distinction affects registration and administration, but it does not generally create a separate liability shield.
Can a foreign entrepreneur work as a sole trader?
The answer depends on residence, immigration, activity, professional qualifications and registrations. These points should be checked together rather than treated as a single formality.
Set up a presence that can grow with the business.
Tell us what the Italian operation will do, who will contract and how quickly you need to start. We will compare the routes and sequence the registrations and legal documents.
Book a presence-setup consultation