Foreign companies that want to operate in Italy often face one of the most important compliance steps: obtaining authorization to issue VAT-valid invoices. To legally sell products or services in Italy through a Fiscal Representative, every non-EU or non-EEA business must be registered in the VIES system. Without VIES authorization, a foreign company cannot operate in the Italian market.
The VIES Financial Guarantee is a mandatory surety bond that non-EU companies must provide to the Italian Revenue Agency in order to obtain and maintain registration in the VIES (VAT Information Exchange System) in Italy.
Without this guarantee, a foreign company cannot issue valid VAT invoices or carry out intra-EU transactions through its Italian fiscal representative.
The guarantee is governed by Provision of the Italian Revenue Agency no. 178713/2025 and by Article 35, paragraph 7-quater of Presidential Decree no. 633/1972.
🕒 Updated on 12 April 2026 — Fideiussioni Assicurative s.r.l.s., insurance intermediary registered with IVASS Section A no. A000646940
VIES Financial Guarantee: what it is and why it is mandatory
The VIES Financial Guarantee is a mandatory surety bond that non-EU companies must provide to the Italian Revenue Agency in order to obtain and maintain registration in the VIES (VAT Information Exchange System) in Italy.
Without this guarantee, a foreign company cannot issue valid VAT invoices or carry out intra-EU transactions through its Italian fiscal representative.
The guarantee is governed by Provision of the Italian Revenue Agency no. 178713/2025 and by Article 35, paragraph 7-quater of Presidential Decree no. 633/1972.
What the VIES Financial Guarantee is
The VIES Financial Guarantee is a surety bond issued by an insurance company authorised by IVASS, in favour of the Italian Revenue Agency.
It protects the Italian tax authority in case the foreign company generates VAT debts, commits tax irregularities, or ceases activity without having fulfilled its tax obligations.
If the foreign company fails to meet its obligations, becomes unreachable, or shuts down, the guarantor pays the Italian Revenue Agency the amount due.
Without this guarantee, VIES registration cannot be granted.
Without the VIES Guarantee it is not possible to:
- Complete VIES registration in Italy
- Be enabled for Italian VAT on intra-EU operations
- Issue valid VAT invoices to Italian customers
- Lawfully operate on the Italian market through a fiscal representative
Who must provide the VIES Guarantee
The VIES Financial Guarantee is mandatory for all companies whose registered office is located outside the European Union and the European Economic Area (EEA) and that intend to operate in Italy through an Italian fiscal representative.
- Foreign companies based outside the European Union
- Foreign companies based outside the European Economic Area
- Non-resident businesses operating in Italy through an appointed fiscal representative
- Non-EU companies seeking VIES registration in order to sell goods or services in Italy
What the VIES Guarantee covers
The VIES Financial Guarantee protects the Italian Revenue Agency against four categories of risk linked to the foreign company’s operations in Italy.
- VAT debts generated through the activity of the fiscal representative
- Tax irregularities related to operations carried out on Italian territory
- Penalties and interest arising from tax non-compliance
- Any obligation arising from acts or omissions of the appointed fiscal representative
The beneficiary of the guarantee is always the local office of the Italian Revenue Agency in charge of processing the VIES registration application.
Duration and release of the VIES Guarantee
The VIES Guarantee has a mandatory duration of thirty-six months (3 years). The duration is set by law and cannot be reduced or modified by the parties.
The guarantee is released automatically at the end of the three-year period, unless the Italian Revenue Agency reports ongoing audits or unresolved tax irregularities. The foreign company does not need to file any release request: the procedure is automatic.
Available solution
The insurance guarantee is the modern solution: a surety bond issued by an insurance company authorised by IVASS, which fully replaces the traditional bank deposit without requiring any capital to be locked up. It is suitable for companies that want to keep their liquidity available for the business.
No capital deposit required
Avoid locking up EUR 50,000 for 36 months — no frozen funds, no cash collateral needed.
Ideal for fully compliant companies
Suitable for businesses with a clean VAT history and established operations in Italy.
Fully accepted by the Italian Revenue Agency
A sustainable insurance-based solution, with proportional cost and guaranteed approval.
Frequently asked questions
It is a mandatory surety bond that non-EU companies must provide to the Italian Revenue Agency in order to obtain VIES registration in Italy. It protects the Italian tax authority against any VAT debts or tax irregularities generated by the foreign company through its fiscal representative.
The VIES Guarantee is governed by Provision of the Italian Revenue Agency no. 178713/2025 and by Article 35, paragraph 7-quater of Presidential Decree no. 633/1972. Both define the formal requirements, the amount, the duration and the obligated parties.
The guarantee must be EUR 50,000 in favour of the Italian Revenue Agency. The amount is fixed by law: it cannot be reduced or scaled based on the company’s turnover.
The mandatory duration is 36 months (3 years). The law does not allow shorter durations. Release is automatic at the end of the period, unless ongoing tax audits exist.
All companies based outside the European Union and the European Economic Area that intend to operate in Italy through an Italian fiscal representative and to register with VIES for intra-EU transactions.
Historically, a bank guarantee with cash collateral was also available. Today the standard solution offered is the insurance guarantee, which fully complies with Italian Revenue Agency requirements without requiring any capital to be locked up. For details, see the dedicated product page.
Regulatory references
The VIES Financial Guarantee for non-EU companies is governed by Provision of the Italian Revenue Agency no. 178713/2025 and by Article 35, paragraph 7-quater of Presidential Decree no. 633/1972.
The Provision of 14 April 2025 of the Italian Revenue Agency defines the operational procedures for applying Article 35.
Fideiussioni Assicurative s.r.l.s. operates as an insurance intermediary registered with the IVASS RUI Single Register, Section A, no. A000646940.
📄 General Policy Conditions
Download the insurance guarantee text (PDF Italian Revenue Agency)
Disclaimer. The information contained in this page is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, tax or insurance advice. To assess the most suitable VIES guarantee solution for your company’s specific situation, please consult your Italian fiscal representative or contact our team directly.
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