Short answer
A company owned and run by its members, who often also work in it. Usually at least three members.
Information, not legal advice. MovItaly is not a law firm. Check with the questura or consulate before you act.
Who is this for
Groups of workers, social enterprises and consumers who want mutual benefits instead of profit maximisation. Social cooperatives (type A and B) provide care services or employ disadvantaged workers.
Key facts
- Minimum capital
- no fixed minimum; members subscribe shares (TO VERIFY minimum share value).
- Members
- normally at least 3 for an SRL-type cooperative, 9 for the SPA-type.
- Liability
- usually limited to the shares.
- Taxation
- favourable regime for mutuality-prevalent cooperatives when profits are reinvested (TO VERIFY with an accountant).
- Setup
- notarial deed, plus entry in the Albo delle Cooperative. 2 to 4 weeks.
- Bookkeeping
- ordinary, with supervision by the Ministry or an association such as Legacoop or Confcooperative.
- INPS
- member-workers pay employee-type or self-employed-type contributions depending on contract.
- INAIL, Camera di Commercio
- as above.
- Permesso for non-EU citizens
- foreign members need a permit that allows work, because a worker-member is usually also an employee.
Sources
- Registro Imprese - Comunicazione Unica d'Impresa (Camera di Commercio / Unioncamere)
- Apertura partita IVA (Agenzia delle Entrate)
- INPS - iscrizione Gestione Commercianti (e artigiani) (INPS)
- Italia Startup Visa and startup innovative (Ministero delle Imprese e del Made in Italy)
