Corporate Law and Corporate Trusts in Milan
We advise Italian and foreign companies on incorporation, governance, shareholders' agreements, share transfers, M&A, commercial contracts and corporate trusts. A foreign investor can normally incorporate an Italian S.r.l. once the deed is signed before a notary and the company is registered with the Business Register.
Setting up a business in Italy
We select the right vehicle (S.r.l., S.p.A., branch or representative office), draft the constitutional documents, coordinate the notarial deed, the tax code and VAT registration and the filing with the Chamber of Commerce.
Foreign shareholders and directors can act through a power of attorney, with apostilled and sworn-translated documents.
Governance, shareholders and transactions
Shareholders' agreements, share transfers, capital increases, joint ventures, due diligence, sale and purchase agreements, deadlock and exit mechanisms, director liability and shareholder disputes.
Corporate trusts and asset protection
Trusts recognised in Italy under the Hague Convention are used to segregate business assets, organise generational transfer and secure guarantees in restructuring. We draft the trust deed and coordinate the trustee and tax advisers.
Indicative timeframes
| Incorporation of an Italian S.r.l. | 1–3 weeks from complete documentation |
|---|---|
| Branch of a foreign company | 3–6 weeks including legalisation of documents |
| Share transfer before a notary | 1–2 weeks |
| Setting up a trust | 4–8 weeks depending on assets involved |
Ordinary timings under Italian practice; complex or contested matters take longer.
Frequently asked questions
Can a foreign national be the sole shareholder of an Italian company?
Yes. A foreign individual or company can hold 100% of an Italian S.r.l., subject to reciprocity rules and to obtaining an Italian tax code.
Is a physical office in Italy required?
A registered address in Italy is required. It can be a domiciliation address rather than operational premises.
Are trusts valid in Italy?
Italy recognises trusts governed by a foreign law under the 1985 Hague Convention. The trust deed must be drafted accordingly and its tax treatment assessed in advance.
Talk to an Italian lawyer
Describe your matter in a few lines: we reply with a preliminary assessment and the documents needed to proceed.
+39 02 4398 2014 · info@studiolegalevisciano.com