Best Solution when you have an Italian co-obligor and want the lowest cost to obtain VAT VIES Activation in italy
If you are a non-EU company or a non-EEA company and you want to do business in Italy through an Italian fiscal representative, one of the very first things the Italian Revenue Agency (Agenzia delle Entrate) will ask you for is a VIES guarantee.
The insurance-based VIES guarantee always requires an Italian co-obligor. This can be your fiscal representative, an Italian director, or an Italian company that is willing to sign as co-guarantor together with your non-EU company.
Our goal is simple: to help you obtain your VIES VAT registration in Italy in a fast, clear and compliant way, without wasting time with banks and complicated financial products.
What is the VIES Insurance Bond?
The VIES Insurance Bond (also called VIES VAT surety bond, Italian VAT VIES guarantee or simply VIES guarantee) is a mandatory financial guarantee required by the Italian Revenue Agency for all non-resident companies that want to operate in Italy through an Italian VAT fiscal representative.
be valid for 36 months
cover potential Italian VAT debts
protect the Italian tax authorities against non-payment or fraud risks
With this insurance-based solution, the guarantee is issued by a fully licensed insurance company, recognised by Italian regulations and accepted by the Agenzia delle Entrate.
In very simple terms:
if the foreign company does not pay the VAT it should pay, the VIES Insurance Bond steps in and the Italian Revenue Agency can claim the money from the insurance company.
This is why the VIES VAT guarantee is a non-negotiable requirement for non-EU entities using a fiscal representative in Italy.
Why is the VIES Insurance Bond mandatory under Italian law?
How does the co-guarantee (Italian co-obligor) work?
Italian regulations and insurance practice require that, for insurance-based guarantees, there is an Italian co-obligor (also called co-guarantor).
The co-obligor must be:
an individual resident in Italy, or
an Italian company
Typical examples:
the Italian VAT fiscal representative
an Italian chartered accountant
an Italian director of a local entity
an Italian shareholder
an Italian group company linked to the foreign entity
The co-obligor’s role is straightforward:
they guarantee to the insurance company that the foreign company is reliable and that, in case of a claim, there is someone in Italy who can be held responsible.
What does the co-obligor need to provide?
For individuals:
latest personal income tax return
valid ID document
For Italian companies:
most recent financial statements
chamber of Commerce company extract
No mortgages, property pledges or other hard collateral are required. The insurer simply needs proof of minimum financial strength in Italy.
Who can apply for the VIES Insurance Bond?
The VIES Insurance Bond is designed for:
non-EU companies
non-EEA companies
foreign businesses operating through an Italian VAT fiscal representative
international groups selling goods or services into the Italian market
foreign entrepreneurs opening a VAT number in Italy via a representative
It is not required for EU companies using direct VAT identification in Italy.
Documents required to issue the VIES Insurance Bond
Documents for the foreign company:
full name and details of the Italian fiscal representative
expected annual turnover in Italy
country of legal seat
ID of the legal representative
company registry certificate
AML file prepared by the fiscal representative
privacy information notice signed
Documents for the Italian co-obligor:
latest income tax return
valid ID document
financial statements + Chamber of Commerce extract (if company)
Issuance Time
Once all required documents are received and approved, the VIES Insurance Bond is typically issued within:
3-4
BUSINESS DAYS
Advantages compared to other VIES guarantee solutions
significantly lower cost
no cash deposit or frozen capital
does not reduce bank credit lines
fully accepted by the Italian Revenue Agency
simple process
fast issuance
ideal when the Italian fiscal representative is willing to act as co-obligor
When the insurance solution is NOT recommended
no co-obligor resident in Italy
fiscal representative unwilling to act as co-guarantor
the company prefers not to give personal or corporate guarantees
preference for cash collateral or other financial guarantees
Step-by-Step Process
1.
Document collection
2.
Assessment
3.
Issuance
4.
Delivery
5.
VIES Registration in Italy
Compare with other VIES warranty Solutions
Below you will find a clear comparison of the three official VIES guarantee options.
No-Deposit VAT Insurance Guarantee
No Cash Deposit Required
Avoid freezing €50,000 for 36 months — no blocked funds, no collateral needed.
Ideal for Fully Compliant Companies
Works for businesses with a clean VAT history and reliable F24 payment behaviour.
Fully Accepted by All Italian Tax Offices
A fast, sustainable insurance-based VAT guarantee with cost proportional to turnover.
Perfect if your Fiscal Representative cannot act as co-guarantor.
Strong Bank-Issued Security
A guarantee backed by a financial institution, fully compliant with Italian law.
Collateral via €50,000 Life Insurance Policy
€50,000 are used to fund a single-premium life insurance policy pledged as collateral for the guarantee – no need to open an Italian bank account, but the amount remains tied up for the duration of the guarantee.
Contact us to receive step-by-step assistance and quick issuance.
Avoid delays with traditional banks or slow insurance procedures. Our team provides fast, professional support for foreign companies needing VIES guarantees.