Since April 14, 2025, non-EU companies operating in Italy through a fiscal representative must provide a €50,000 financial guarantee to register — or remain registered — in the VIES system.
Without this guarantee, VAT-exempt intra-EU transactions are no longer possible.
In this episode of the podcast “La Fideiussione”, produced by ItaliaFideiussioni.it, we explain the new requirements introduced by Decreto Legislativo 13/2024 and what they mean in practical terms for international businesses.
What You Will Learn in This Episode
During the episode we explain clearly:
- What VIES is and why it is essential for companies trading within the European Union
- Which companies are required to provide the VIES registration guarantee
- The minimum €50,000 amount and the 36-month duration required by law
- The difference between a bank guarantee and an insurance surety bond
- The documents required to obtain the guarantee
- The step-by-step procedure for submission to the Italian Revenue Agency
- The risks of non-compliance, including removal from VIES
This episode is designed to help companies understand how to remain compliant and continue operating smoothly in the European market.
Who Should Listen to This Episode
This episode is particularly relevant for:
- Non-EU companies trading within the European Union
- UK, US, Asian and Swiss companies using an Italian VAT number
- CFOs and finance managers
- International tax advisors
- Companies working with an Italian fiscal representative
If your business relies on VAT-exempt intra-EU transactions, understanding this new guarantee requirement is essential to maintain uninterrupted operations.
Why the VIES Guarantee Was Introduced
The new rule introduced by Decreto Legislativo 13/2024 aims to prevent VAT fraud schemes involving foreign companies operating within the EU.
In the past, some operators would:
- Obtain an Italian VAT number
- Register in VIES
- Perform VAT-exempt transactions
- Disappear without paying VAT
To prevent this, the Italian Revenue Agency introduced a mandatory financial guarantee for companies established outside the EU or the European Economic Area.
This guarantee acts as a financial safeguard for the Italian Treasury and confirms the reliability of the operator.
Main Requirements of the VIES Guarantee
The guarantee required for VIES registration must meet the following conditions:
- Minimum amount: €50,000
- Minimum duration: 36 months
- Beneficiary: Italian Revenue Agency (Agenzia delle Entrate)
- Official wording: must follow the template required by the tax authorities
Accepted forms include:
- Deposit of government bonds
- Bank guarantee
- Insurance surety bond
In most cases, the insurance surety bond is the most efficient option because it:
- Does not freeze company liquidity
- Does not block banking credit lines
- Is generally faster to obtain
- Is often more cost-effective
What Happens If the Guarantee Is Not Provided
Companies that fail to provide the required guarantee may face immediate consequences:
- Removal from the VIES database
- Inability to issue VAT-exempt invoices
- Application of Italian VAT to transactions
- Reduced competitiveness in the EU market
- Potential loss of commercial contracts
For companies operating internationally, this may lead to a complete interruption of EU business operations.
Specialized Assistance for the VIES Guarantee
If your company needs to submit a guarantee or has already been removed from VIES, specialized assistance is available.
If you would like to explore the topic in more detail, you can read the full transcript of this podcast episode on the official website of ItaliaFideiussioni.