Types of Italian Companies

Italy is a location preferred by foreign investors from all over the world, as the government offers investment incentives in certain areas. Those who wish to establish a company in Italy can choose from the following business entities in accordance to their requirements:

Forming a General Partnership (Snc - Societa in nome collettivo) in Italy
The general partnership is designated for businesses from small to medium and can be established by two ore more members. It does not require a minimum capital and all members are jointly and severally liable for the debts and obligations of the company. Each partner can be actively involved in the management of the company.

Forming a Limited Partnership (Sas - Societa in accomandita semplice) in Italy
This kind of partnership resembles with the general partnership, being set up by at least two members who are not obliged to provide a minimum capital. The main difference consists in the different types of partners. At least one member is a general partner, having the right to make management decisions, instead bearing full liability for he company's debts and obligations, and at least one partner is limited, having limited liability to the extent of his or her contribution to the company' assets.

Forming a Partnership Limited by Shares (Sapa - Societa in accomandita per azioni) in Italy
This partnership is also established by two or more members with at least one member bearing full liability, and at least one holding limited liability. There is no need for a minimum capital, and the main difference is that members of this partnership type have shares, instead of quotas.

Forming a Corporation (SpA - Societa per azioni) in Italy
A corporation is designed for business at a large scale. This company has legal personality and can be established by at least two members who provide a minimum capital of EUR 120.000. Each partner's contribution is represented by shares. In a corporation they can be quoted on the stock exchange. The partner's liability is limited to the extent of their contribution to the company's assets.

Forming a Limited Liability Company (Srl - Societa a responsabilita limitata) in Italy
The limited liability company has legal personality and its members must provide a minimum capital of EUR 10.000 in order to register it. The capital stock of this company type is represented by interests and not by shares. The members of a limited liability company are liable only to the extent of their contribution and cannot quote their parts of capital on the stock exchange.

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