International Desk: seamless legal and tax guidance in Italy

The International Desk at Ferrara, Zappoli & Partners was created for individuals, families and companies from abroad who choose Italy as a place to invest, live or do business. The firm has practised in Como since 1955, a few kilometres from the Swiss border and an hour from Milan: a position that has led us, over the years, to advise European and non-European clients on a continuous basis in their dealings with counterparties, notaries, banks and Italian public authorities.

Our approach is built on a single point of contact. One lawyer follows the file from beginning to end, coordinates the other professionals involved — notary, accountant, surveyor, foreign advisers — and explains Italian rules in plain terms, since they often differ substantially from those of the client's home country.

We support foreign clients precisely where the risk is real: due diligence before signing a preliminary contract, choosing the right vehicle to enter the Italian market, testing tax residence before relocating, and reconstructing an estate when assets sit in several jurisdictions. In each of these areas the goal is the same — to reach signature with a clear picture of costs, taxes, timing and liability.

Most matters can be handled remotely through a power of attorney, with digital signatures and video meetings scheduled in the client's time zone, keeping trips to Italy to a minimum. The four areas below cover the questions we are asked most frequently, and each has its own page setting out the work involved, the formalities and the documents required.