Sampaoli & Pellacchia provides corporate and commercial legal assistance in Italy to individuals, entrepreneurs and companies with business interests in the Italian market.
We support clients throughout all stages of their business activities, from company formation and investment structuring to ongoing corporate governance and commercial contracts, ensuring full compliance with Italian law and alignment with international business standards.

Our assistance is designed to offer legal clarity, operational efficiency and risk management for both private investors and corporate groups engaging in commercial, industrial or hospitality activities in Italy.

How we assist private clients

We assist private individuals and entrepreneurs who intend to start a business in Italy, either independently or in partnership with Italian or foreign entities.
Our services include legal support for the incorporation of Italian companies and the structuring of business activities in sectors such as hospitality (including short-term rentals, hotels and agriturismi), retail and commercial trade, agri-food production, import-export activities, and other entrepreneurial initiatives.

We guide private clients through the choice of the most suitable corporate form, assist in drafting corporate documents and commercial agreements, and provide legal advice on regulatory, contractual and compliance matters connected with operating a business in Italy.

How we assist corporate clients

Sampaoli & Pellacchia assists Italian and foreign companies investing or operating in Italy, including multinational groups, holding companies and corporate investors.
Our corporate assistance covers company formation through branches or subsidiaries, joint ventures with Italian partners, acquisitions of Italian assets and the structuring of commercial operations within the Italian legal framework.

We provide ongoing legal support in corporate governance, commercial contracts and cross-border transactions, ensuring that corporate activities are conducted efficiently and in compliance with Italian and EU regulations.

Corporate and commercial legal services

Our corporate and commercial practice covers all legal aspects relevant to doing business in Italy, including:

Company formation in Italy

We provide comprehensive legal assistance for company formation in Italy, including the establishment of branches and subsidiaries.
Our services include advice on the choice of corporate form (such as S.r.l. or S.p.A.), drafting articles of association and bylaws, coordination with Italian notaries, registration with the Companies’ Register, and assistance with tax identification and VAT registration.
We explain the legal and operational differences between branches and subsidiaries and ensure full compliance with Italian corporate and regulatory requirements.

Corporate governance and ongoing compliance

We assist companies with corporate governance matters, advising directors and shareholders on their rights and obligations under Italian law.
Our services include drafting and updating corporate documents, shareholders’ agreements and internal regulations, as well as support with statutory corporate formalities and ongoing compliance obligations.

Commercial contracts and business agreements

Clear and well-drafted contracts are essential for operating safely in Italy.
We assist clients in drafting, reviewing and negotiating commercial contracts, including supply agreements, distribution contracts, service agreements and other business arrangements, ensuring compliance with Italian law and EU regulations.
Our assistance focuses on risk prevention, clarity of obligations and effective dispute management mechanisms.

Business structuring and legal vehicles

We advise clients on the structuring and implementation of legal vehicles suitable for their business objectives, including holding structures, special purpose vehicles and joint ventures.
Our assistance includes drafting the necessary legal documentation and coordinating implementation with relevant authorities and professionals.

Debt collection in Italy

We provide legal assistance in debt collection in Italy, acting on behalf of foreign and Italian companies seeking recovery of unpaid invoices or contractual claims.
Our services include out-of-court recovery, formal payment demands and judicial proceedings before Italian courts, as well as enforcement of Italian and foreign judgments.

Tax coordination and accounting support

Corporate activities in Italy require coordination between legal and tax compliance.
We assist clients in corporate tax-related matters in cooperation with qualified tax advisors and accountants, ensuring compliance with Italian tax obligations connected to corporate operations.
Where appropriate, clients may be supported through integrated accounting and auditing services, coordinated with external professionals or dedicated service providers.

FAQ – Corporate and commercial law in Italy

Who can set up a company in Italy?
Both Italian and foreign individuals and companies may establish companies or branches in Italy, subject to compliance with Italian corporate law.

Is it necessary to be resident in Italy to start a business?
No. Foreign investors may establish and manage Italian companies without Italian residency, subject to legal and tax requirements.

Which corporate form is most commonly used?
The S.r.l. (limited liability company) is the most commonly used form, but the appropriate structure depends on the specific business project.

Do you assist with ongoing corporate compliance?
Yes. We provide ongoing legal support in corporate governance and compliance matters.

Request a consultation

Contact Sampaoli & Pellacchia to receive legal assistance in corporate and commercial matters in Italy.