Italy

Why Italy

• Industrial buyersMachinery, automotive, pharma and food producers are large buyers of software, automation and data tools.
• A large home marketThe third largest economy in the eurozone, with about 59 million people and duty-free access to the rest of the Single Market.
• Public money for innovationCDP Venture Capital runs the National Innovation Fund, and Invitalia manages zero-interest loans for innovative startups through Smart&Start Italia.

Source: ITA, Italy a land of opportunity 2026 · Ministry of Foreign Affairs, why invest in Italy

Priority sectors

Source: ITA, Italy a land of opportunity 2026

How companies enter

1. Step 1Soft landingA first trip to Milan and one industrial region, with meetings booked with corporates, distributors and system integrators.
2. Step 2Pilot or partnerA paid pilot with an Italian company, or a reseller agreement with a local integrator, often still billed from home.
3. Step 3Local companyAn S.r.l. set up through a notary and filed at the Business Register, which can also apply for innovative startup status.

Founders from outside the EU who plan to start an innovative startup can apply through Italia Startup Visa, a fast-track self-employment visa run by the Ministry of Enterprises and Made in Italy, and those already living in Italy can use Italia Startup Hub.

Source: MIMIT, startup programs

Costs to plan for

• Company setup through a notary and filing at the Business Register
• Accountant (commercialista), payroll and tax filings for IRES, IRAP and VAT
• Employer social security contributions on top of gross salaries
• Office or coworking space, most expensive in Milan

Source: ITA, starting a business in Italy · Agenzia delle Entrate, IRES

Who can help