Best Business Bank Accounts in Italy in 2026

Identifying the best business accounts in Italy can help if your company has local bills, suppliers or other costs. In this article, learn about the main account options, the requirements, the costs and the issues that can affect an application.

Can a Foreign Company Open a Business Account in Italy?

A foreign-registered company may be able to open a business account in Italy, depending on the provider and its local presence. However, not being established locally can affect what’s available.

A business with an Italian branch or permanent establishment may have different options from a company that operates in Italy from abroad. An Italian-registered company with foreign shareholders or directors is different again. Its owners can live abroad while the company itself remains Italian.

An Italian IBAN can make certain payments easier, but it’s not always a requirement. Foreign IBANs also work for SEPA payments, so there’s no single correct choice for every company.

Best Business Accounts in Italy for Foreign Companies

The account-opening process can differ depending on whether the business is foreign-owned, foreign-registered, or both. An Italian SRL can have owners from abroad and still be an Italian company. Here, we’re discussing foreign-registered companies, meaning businesses incorporated outside Italy.

Other differences between the providers:

• Finom uses an e-money model for online business accounts in Italy, rather than operating as a traditional bank. Its payment services come from a regulated electronic money institution, so the setup is a little different from an Italian bank.
• UniCredit and Intesa Sanpaolo are traditional institutions, so opening an account can involve more paperwork and checks. If the company is registered outside Italy, the bank will likely look at its Italian presence, ownership and business activity before deciding if it can open an account.
• Banca Sella is less suited to non-resident businesses. Its standard accounts are aimed at businesses based in Italy, so companies registered abroad have fewer options.

Which Documents Does a Foreign-registered Company Need to Open a Business Account in Italy?

You’ll need a few documents to show what the company is, who owns it and who can act on its behalf. These include:

• company registration extract or certificate of incorporation
• articles of association or other company documents
• Italian branch or permanent-establishment documents, if relevant
• tax ID and VAT details
• passport or ID for directors and authorised representatives
• UBO details and ID documents
• shareholder and ownership information
• a short description of your business and how you’ll use the account

The provider may want more information about where your capital comes from or the kinds of transactions you expect to make. Additionally, if your documents were issued in another country, you might need to have them translated and, in some cases, certified or apostilled.

How to Open a Business Account in Italy as a Foreign Company

First, check that the provider accepts companies registered abroad and whether you need an Italian branch or permanent establishment. Then you’ll generally:

1. Choose your provider.
2. Share your company and personal details.
3. Upload your company and ownership documents.
4. Complete identity and KYC checks.
5. Answer a few questions about your business and expected transactions.
6. Send any additional documents the provider requests.
7. Sign the agreement and activate the account.
8. Get an Italian IBAN if one is available.

Can a foreign-registered company open an Italian business account online?

Yes, some providers allow this. Finom, for example, lets eligible foreign companies with a permanent establishment in Italy apply online. Traditional banks may still require an appointment or extra checks.

What Can Delay or Prevent Account Opening?

A foreign company may face additional checks if the provider can’t easily validate the business or who owns it. This can happen for a few reasons:

• The company is registered outside Italy.
• An Italian branch or permanent establishment is required but hasn’t been arranged.
• The directors or UBOs live outside Italy.
• The ownership structure is more complicated.
• Some company documents are missing.
• The documents are in a language the provider can’t verify.
• There isn’t enough information available about the business.
• The company works in a regulated or higher-risk sector.
• It isn’t clear where the funds come from.
• The expected transaction volume calls for further checks.

How Much Does a Business Account in Italy Cost for a Foreign Company?

The monthly fee is one part of the overall cost, with the rest depending on how you use the account.

Keep an eye on the following business account fees:

• monthly account fee
• SEPA transfer fees
• international or SWIFT transfer fees
• foreign-exchange fees
• card fees
• extra-user fees
• cash withdrawal and branch fees
• one-off opening or verification fees, where applicable

Traditional banks and digital providers price these services differently, so the cheapest monthly plan may not be the best fit if your business sends international payments often.

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FAQ

Can a foreign company open a business bank account in Italy?

Yes. A company registered outside Italy can open a business account with some Italian banks and financial providers. What’s available depends on the provider, and having an Italian branch gives the company more options than having no local presence.

Can a foreign company get an Italian IBAN?

Yes, however this is not a standard feature across all business accounts, so check the IBAN country before you make a decision.

Can a foreign company open an Italian business account without an Italian resident director?

Yes, an Italian resident director isn’t always necessary. A provider may still ask for details and documents from directors and beneficial owners who live abroad.

Does a foreign company need an Italian branch to open a business account?

No, not in every case. Some providers accept companies registered in other countries even without an Italian branch.

Can I open an Italian business account online from abroad?

Some providers let you start and complete the application online. You’ll still need to provide company documents and pass identity and compliance checks.

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