To run workshops professionally and continuously in Italy you need an artisan VAT number (Partita IVA). It's the step that separates hobby from micro-business. Here's what you need, in which order, and how much it costs in 2026.
The 3 main steps
- Open the VAT at the Italian Revenue Agency (free, online): choose the ATECO code for your discipline (e.g. 23.41 artistic ceramics, 32.99 other artisan manufacturing activities).
- Register with the Artisan Business Registry at the Chamber of Commerce (CCIAA) of your province: about €100 one-off + annual dues ~€55.
- Register with INPS Artigiani (artisan social security): fixed minimum contributions ~€4,200/year + 24% on income above €17,500.
Which tax regime to choose
For those starting out, the **flat-rate regime (regime forfettario)** is almost always the right pick. Fixed taxation at 15% (5% for the first 5 years if you are new), no VAT to remit, simplified accounting. Limit: annual revenue under €85,000.
Annual costs to plan
- Fixed artisan INPS: ~€4,200/year (4 quarterly installments of ~€1,050).
- Chamber of Commerce dues: ~€55-100/year (varies by province).
- Flat-rate substitute tax: 15% on taxable income (profitability coefficient 67% for artisan → 15% × 67% × revenue).
- Accountant (recommended even in flat-rate): €400-800/year.
Workshops without VAT: is it possible?
Yes, but only as occasional service and for amounts under €5,000/year (with 20% withholding tax). Above this threshold, or if workshops are regular (more than 1 per month), VAT is mandatory. On Handsome private workshops are reserved to artisans with verified VAT; group ones also accept those without.
Domande frequenti
- How long does it take to open an artisan VAT?
- Between 7 and 30 days: 1 day for the Revenue Agency, up to 30 for Chamber of Commerce and INPS. You can invoice from the VAT opening day.
- Can I stay on the flat-rate regime with Handsome revenue?
- Yes, up to €85,000 total annual revenue. Deposits received via Stripe Connect must be invoiced as service provisions.
- Do I need to issue an invoice for every workshop?
- On the flat-rate regime you issue a receipt or simplified invoice. Handsome generates the booking summary useful for your tax return automatically.
- Can I work as an employee AND have an artisan VAT?
- Yes. Dual activity is allowed but if you are a full-time employee with income >€30,000 you cannot use the flat-rate regime on the secondary VAT.
