This post details the specific creation and annual maintenance costs associated with establishing and running a standard limited liability company (Società a responsabilità limitata, or SRL) in Italy as of 2025. It presents exact current figures and cost structure, providing practical insight into what to expect when setting up this legal entity.
Company Formation Costs in Italy: SRL (2025)
Italy features well-established regulations and a transparent cost structure for forming an SRL. Below, you will find a summary of the initial and recurring costs necessary to become operational.
SRL Creation Cost Breakdown
| Cost Item | Amount (EUR) | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum capital requirement | €10,000 | Mandatory paid-in capital for SRL registration |
| Notary fees (including drafting articles & deed) | €1,200 | Legal notarization required for company foundation |
| Chamber of Commerce registration fee | €520 | Fee for official company registry entry |
| Government tax for registration | €200 | Statutory tax upon initial registration |
| Stamp duty | €156 | Government-imposed document stamp fee |
| Company books & accounting books | €100 | Costs for mandatory company registries |
| Legal/lawyer fees (standard incorporation) | €500 | Average standard legal assistance |
Typical out-of-pocket cost (excluding share capital): €3,500
Total including minimum capital requirement: €13,500
Annual Maintenance Costs for a Standard SRL
The fixed yearly running expenses for SRLs in Italy vary, primarily depending on requirements tied to company size and additional advisory necessities. The following table breaks down standard recurring annual maintenance obligations.
| Expense Category | Annual Amount (EUR) | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Chamber of Commerce fee | €120 | Mandatory for company registration renewal |
| Annual accounting & bookkeeping | €800 | Professional accounting services |
| Annual tax filing & declarations | €200 | Preparation and submission of required tax forms |
| Mandatory statutory auditor* | €1,000 | Required for larger SRLs (size-based legal thresholds) |
| Other compliance costs (PEC, digital renewal, etc.) | €80 | Minor legal and technological obligations |
| Optional legal/accounting advisory | €1,300 | Recommended for ongoing compliance or advisory |
Typical annual maintenance cost range: €1,200 – €3,500 (excluding statutory auditor and optional advisory)
*Mandatory auditor expenses only apply to SRLs exceeding specific criteria defined by Italian law.
Key Sources for Cost Data
Pro Tips for Managing SRL Costs in Italy
- Consult an Italian-qualified professional about the statutory auditor requirement, as it may not apply to smaller companies and could significantly impact your yearly budget.
- Leverage comprehensive accounting services that bundle mandatory declarations, optimizing both compliance and cost efficiency.
- Maintain accurate and timely digital records to minimize extra legal and compliance fees related to company books or filings.
- Plan initial capital needs in advance, since the notary and capital deposit requirements are non-negotiable for swift company registration.
- Monitor official updates from the Chamber of Commerce and Agenzia delle Entrate to remain aware of any regulatory fee or process changes.
In summary, establishing and operating an SRL in Italy comes with fixed, transparent creation and maintenance costs, with total initial expenses typically around €13,500 (including statutory capital) and annual operating costs from €1,200 to €3,500. The structure and breakdown of these costs reflect Italy’s detailed compliance landscape, especially for larger firms. Understanding each component in advance helps you realistically budget your venture and avoid regulatory surprises as you enter the Italian market.