Representative office VISA

There are common misconceptions about the business VISA options in Italy; many people think that you need to invest large sums of money to secure a VISA to Italy. In Italy there is an often overlooked VISA that allows you to enter Italy without investing large sums of money, and this falls outside of the quota system.
This VISA is called the Representative office VISA, allowing the managing director of the foreign company to enter Italy to oversee the Italian Representative office operations.

Let’s find out how the Representative office VISA in Italy works.

How to set up your Representative office in Italy

The first thing you have to do is to set up the representative office in Italy and register it at the local Chamber of Commerce. In order to register your office you need to obtain the following documents:

  • Foreign company certificate of registration;
  • Sworn translation in Italian of the above;
  • Managing director’s codice fiscale;
  • Foreign company’s codice fiscale

Note that you can set up a representative office in Italy for any company in the world, as long as they belong to a country associated with the WTO (Check the WTO member countries here).

If all the documents are in place, you can register your representative office in Italy, supplying the following information:

  • Foreign company details;
  • Registered office address in Italy;
  • Director appointed to oversee 
The chamber of commerce fee is roughly € 165 (varies depending on the local Chamber of commerce), and there is no annual renewal fee payable to the local chamber of commerce.
In addition, you don’t need to file any annual tax return, as well as prove to have certain income sources to secure your VISA. Finally, the representative office in Italy does not attract your foreign business to the Italian taxation.
You can register your representative office in roughly 2/3 weeks depending on the promptness of the local Chamber of Commerce.
Italian representative office VISA

Documents needed to obtain your representative office VISA

Once the representative office is up and running, you can obtain the Visura Camerale, which  certifies that your office exists in Italy. You must also obtain the following documents:

  1. Managing director remuneration statement;
  2. Chamber of commerce clearance certificate;
  3. Local county labor office clearance certificate;
  4. Italian immigration office Nulla Osta.
You need to obtain the above documents in that order. If you can’t visit all the offices above, you must provide someone with a power of attorney; which has to be notarized, apostilled, and translated in Italian.
The foreign company needs to state the annual remuneration granted to the managing director moving to Italy, the remuneration must be in excess of € 8,500 per year in order to secure the VISA.
Subsequently, the chamber of commerce must provide the clearance statement saying there are no impediments to 

Once you secure the Italian immigration office Nulla Osta, you can apply to the foreign Italian consulate to secure the VISA; you need to submit the following documents:

  1. Representative office Visura camerale;
  2. Managing director remuneration statement;
  3. Chamber of Commerce clearance certificate;
  4. Local county labor office clearance certificate;
  5. Nulla Osta;
  6. Proof of lodging;
  7. VISA application form;
  8. VISA Fee payment;
  9. Valid passport;
  10. One recent passport photo;
  11. Prepaid return envelope.
Some consulate don’t require you to visit it anymore, and you can send all the document via the postal service, upon providing a notarized signature in front of a honorary consul or a public notary.
Representative office VISA travel to Italy

Representative office VISA and arrival to Italy

After the consulate procedure is completed, you are rewarded with a one year VISA to Italy, and you can move to Italy on any day after the Representative office VISA first validity date. Within 8 days from your arrival, you need to register with the local police department and you must convert your VISA into a residence permit.

The residence permit issuance procedure is as follows:

  1. You must go to the post office and fill the kit application;
  2. The post office will provide you a temporary residence permit and the Immigration Office appointment;
  3. On the appointment day you must provide all the original documents supplied to the foreign consulate;
  4. The Immigration Office will issue the 1 year VISA, advising on the pickup date.
You need to renew the VISA every year by providing a minimum income of € 8,500 per year; after 5 renewals you can apply to the EU residency card providing a limitless stay and free travel in whole Europe Union.

How can Accounting Bolla help you secure the Representative office VISA

Accounting Bolla and its team of attorneys can help you in the whole Representative office VISA process. We can:
 
  1.  Advise on the best immigration strategy;
  2. Set up the Italian representative office;
  3. Gather all the documents requested to obtain the Italian representative office VISA;
  4. Support your application at the foreign consulate;
  5. Deliver the residence permit;
  6. Annual permit renewal.
Enquire in, and move your first step to your next destination in Italy.

64 thoughts on “Representative office VISA”

    1. Hi We want to set up a representative Office In Italy and VISA needs for the permanent representative of the office. We are registered company in Dubai for last 10 years and now want to open a representative office in Italy.

    1. Thank you Mohammad for your comment. we are more than happy to assist, can you please fill the contact information below so we can reach out to you?

  1. Hi We want to set up a representative Office In Italy and VISA needs for the permanent representative of the office.

  2. Natasha McCourtie

    Hi there, we would like to apply for the Representative office VISA in Italy
    Thank you
    We are based in New Zealand

  3. Hello Nicolò, I would like to set up a representative office of our company in Italy and apply for the visa. Thank you.

    1. We just send you an email, please check your spam folder too. Alternatively, you can use the form below to contact us

  4. Are there limitations on what activities the representative can take while in Italy on a representative office VISA?

  5. I want to obtain residency in italy depeyon representative office. I want to know how long does it take to release the residency

  6. I would like to help me obtain representative office visa . Also I have some inquiries :
    1- how long does it to take to get temporary residence from the post office
    2- is it going to be self employed visa or elective visa .
    3- Are bank deposits and savings certificates recognized as a source of income?

  7. Buongiorno,

    Buongiorno,

    Vorrei ricavare informazione su Representative Office Visa. Innanzitutto, permettimi a farla domande : A quale grado occorre comprovare la veracità di un’impresa? Per esempio, uffici di immigrazione vanno controllare c’è un sito web, oppure altre prove di media sociale? Ho l’intenzione onorevole ma ora non ne ho media sociale perché l’attività è iniziata molto recentemente. Ma ho un’azienda legittima e posso fornirla la documentazione a proposito l’applicazione. Vorrei ricavare informazione su Representative Office Visa. Innanzitutto, permettimi a farla una domanda : A quale grado occorre comprovare la veracità di un’impresa? Per esempio, uffici di immigrazione vanno controllare c’è un sito web, oppure altre prove di media sociale? Ho l’intenzione onorevole ma ora non ne ho media sociale perché l’attività è iniziata molto recentemente. Ma ho un’azienda legittima e posso fornirla la documentazione a proposito l’applicazione. Ovviamente, non sono Italiano ma scrivo in Italiano perché prendermi sul serio il processo. Grazie!

    1. L’ufficio controlla l’esistenza della società da parte della camera di commercio. Puoi scriverci al box sotto e ti ricontatteremo

  8. This article provides an incredibly insightful overview of setting up a representative office in Italy. The detailed steps and legal considerations outlined here are invaluable for businesses looking to expand their presence in Italy. I’m particularly thankful for the emphasis on the cultural and regulatory nuances, which are crucial for any successful venture in a foreign market. Great read!

  9. Thank you for this comprehensive guide on the benefits and challenges of operating a representative office in Italy. The analysis of the Italian market dynamics and the strategic advice offered are both enlightening and practical. It’s articles like these that make the daunting process of international expansion seem more manageable. Really appreciated the expert insights!

  10. Vissia Di Giovanna

    I’m grateful for the opportunity to read such a well-researched piece on establishing a representative office in Italy. The attention to detail, especially regarding tax implications and employment laws, is exactly what entrepreneurs need to navigate the complexities of the Italian business environment. This article is a testament to the importance of being well-informed before making significant business decisions. Thank you!

  11. This article was a fantastic find for anyone considering a representative office in Italy as part of their business strategy. The comparison between a representative office and other forms of business entities in Italy was particularly enlightening. I appreciate the clarity and depth of information provided, making it easier to understand the pros and cons of each option. Thank you for sharing such valuable insights!

  12. Thank you for shedding light on the unique opportunities and challenges that come with opening a representative office in Italy. The practical tips on navigating local business practices and building relationships with Italian partners were especially helpful. It’s clear that success in Italy requires both strategic planning and cultural sensitivity, and this article has been a great resource in highlighting these aspects. Excellent work!

  13. Hello I am wanting information on the Representative Office Visa. How can I set up an appointment? Thank you I have companies in the US and Morocco.

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Scroll to Top