1. Underestimating the Red Tape
Italy’s bureaucracy is well-known, and for good reason.
Starting a business here requires navigating municipal, regional, and national rules that are not always aligned.
Why it is a problem:
If you are unfamiliar with the system, delays are almost guaranteed. Missing a required apostille on an officer’s signature or on a board resolution can set you back weeks.
What to do instead:
- Work with local professionals from day one.
- Get clarity on all levels of requirements (municipal, regional, national).
- Plan for a realistic timeline and forget same-day registrations you may be used to.
2. Picking the Wrong Legal Structure
Many entrepreneurs rush into creating an S.r.l. without considering the tax, liability, and compliance implications.
Why it is a problem:
Choosing the wrong structure can make your business more expensive or even unviable. For example, depending on your activity, opening a fully-fledged company could trigger stringent compliance requirements from the start, while simply assessing the market.
What to do instead:
- Choose your legal form based on growth plans, investor needs, and liability tolerance.
- Get independent legal and tax advice, not just from a provider who sells company setups on tech platforms.
3. Ignoring Cultural and Operational Differences
Even with the right paperwork and structure, your business can struggle if you underestimate Italian business culture.
Why it’s a problem:
Misjudging decision-making processes, payment timelines, or negotiation styles can hurt relationships with suppliers, clients, and partners.
What to do instead:
- Learn the business etiquette and expectations in your sector.
- Build local partnerships to bridge cultural gaps.
- Be patient — in Italy, building trust is often part of doing business.
Ready to Start Your Business in Italy?
With the right guidance, launching in Italy can be a rewarding and strategic move.
At SCAI Legal, we support entrepreneurs in choosing the right structure, navigating bureaucracy, and adapting to the local business environment.
If you’re exploring your options, we’d be happy to offer an initial orientation, so you can understand the process and the key decisions ahead with clarity.
Contact us to take the first confident step toward your Italian venture.
