Family Business in Italy 2025: How to Start Without Losing Your Sanity
Italy is basically a living museum of small businesses. Cafés, bakeries, wine bars, artisan shops — they’re everywhere. And in 2025, the government is pushing hard to support new ventures: simplified tax regimes, startup grants, even residency options for entrepreneurs.
Sounds dreamy, right? Reality check: bureaucracy, rent, and taxes. But if you’ve got patience and passion, Italy rewards you.
Step-by-step: how to start a family business in Italy 2025
- Get your Codice Fiscale — the Italian tax ID. Without it, nothing moves.
- Open a Partita IVA — the Italian version of a sole proprietorship.
- Choose your business form:
- Sole trader (easy start, but limited protection).
- SRL (limited liability company).
- Cooperative (popular for family-run ventures).
- Register with the Chamber of Commerce. Mandatory.
- Pick a tax regime. The Forfettario scheme is gold: 15% flat tax, or even 5% for new businesses in the first years.

Taxes and costs
- Corporate tax (IRES): 24%.
- VAT (IVA): 22% (lower for food).
- Social contributions: unavoidable, even for small shops.
Startup costs? Expect €10,000–€30,000 for a modest café or boutique. Rent alone can eat half your budget in big cities.
Subsidies and perks in 2025
Italy isn’t just red tape. There are perks:
- Grants for innovative startups.
- Subsidies for agritourism and eco-projects.
- Tax breaks for new residents.

Real stories from the ground
- Bakery in Bologna. Family opened a shop with traditional recipes. First months = chaos: inspections, neighbor complaints. Now? Lines out the door.
- Wine bar in Milan. Mistake: renting in the city center. Rent swallowed profits. Lesson learned — pick a location with soul, not just a postcard view.
- Agritourism in Tuscany. A farmhouse turned into guest rooms with wine tastings. Authenticity sells.
Pitfalls to watch out for
- Rent. Tourist hotspots are brutally expensive.
- Seasonality. Summer = crowds, winter = tumbleweeds.
- Family dynamics. Working with relatives is both strength and headache.

What works in Italy
- Authenticity. Locals and tourists sniff out fake fast.
- Honest food and service. No shortcuts.
- Online presence. Even a tiny bakery needs Instagram.
- Franchises. For those who want a safer, pre-built model.
Conclusion
Starting a family business in Italy 2025 is not a sprint. It’s a marathon with paperwork hurdles, tax checkpoints, and emotional ups and downs. But if you’re in it for the long run — with passion, patience, and a bit of grit — Italy can be the perfect stage for your dream.


