Don’t Get Caught in the Web: Make Your Expatpreneur Website Legally Tight
- Kimberly Lyn Vanzi
- Mar 25
- 5 min read
Updated: May 8
When looking at other expatprenuer websites, no matter the platform, I have seen many common mistakes. Many business owners don’t realize that their website needs to meet legal requirements in Italy.
Whether you’re a freelancer or running an e-commerce store, failing to display the right information can lead to fines or worse, losing customer trust.
Pixels and Penalties: Avoid Legal Woes with a Compliant Website in Italy
Why me? I’m not just a website designer—I’ve lived the challenges of setting up a business in Italy as an expat. While designing websites for freelancers and small business owners, I also researched the legal obligations of running an online community here. That means I don’t just build beautiful websites—I ensure they follow the rules. From correctly displaying a P.IVA to writing privacy policies that meet GDPR standards, I’ve done the deep dive so you don’t have to.
Curious if your website meets the mark? Here’s what you need to check.
Mind the (Legal) Gap: What Your Italian Website Might Be Missing
If you’re living in Italy and have a business—whether selling services, digital content, or e-commerce products—you might think your business setup is simple. But here’s the thing: regulations apply even to online-only businesses.
Even if your website is hosted in another country, if you live in Italy, there are compliance rules you need to follow.
And here’s something most business owners don’t realize: website platforms like Wix, Shopify, WordPress, and Squarespace are not responsible for making sure your legal obligations are met.
They provide the tools—but it’s up to you to ensure your website displays the correct information, follows Italian and EU regulations, and complies with GDPR.
Caught Between a Website and a Fine Place? Stay Compliant in Italy
Your website must follow Italian laws if you're living in Italy and running a business, especially online, that includes having a valid P.IVA (Partita IVA), proper ATECO codes, and clearly displaying legal information on your site.
Let’s break it down so you can stay compliant and avoid unnecessary fines.
Oh, Where, Oh, Where Is the P.IVA?
If you live in Italy and offer services and sell products—even through an online platform—that qualifies as a business under Italian law. You’re obligated to obtain a P.IVA and meet all legal requirements, including proper invoicing and tax registration. Once done, you are required to display your P.IVA on your website.
According to Article 35 of DPR 633/72 p1 ("Dichiarazione di inizio attività"), which states in part: "I soggetti di cui all'articolo 35 sono tenuti ad indicare il numero di partita IVA in ogni dichiarazione, comunicazione o atto presentato alla pubblica amministrazione, nonché nella home page del sito web e nei documenti fiscali rilasciati ai clienti."
Source: Article 35 of DPR 633/72 p1
Display your VAT number (P.IVA) clearly:
Your website footer
Your contact page
All client invoices
Skipping this could lead to administrative fines.
Before You Click ‘Publish’ – Is Your Site Legal in Italy?
Freelancer vs. E-Commerce: Know the Difference
Not all websites are the same. E-commerce sites follow different legal standards from service-based, booking, or teaching platforms.
Here are examples expatpreneurs commonly face:
Selling digital products (templates, printables, eBooks) = e-commerce
Offering services (consulting, coaching, design) = freelance, unless sold via automated checkout
Teaching live classes (with bookings + manual invoicing) = freelance
Selling pre-recorded courses or downloads = commercial activity
Booking tours/experiences = commercial due to repeatable, productized nature
The key factor is how you deliver and charge. Manual invoicing may count as freelance. Automated checkout often classifies you as a commercial business requiring registration.
This goes beyond just your ATECO code—it’s about how your site functions.
Beyond the Borders, Why Italy Cares (Even if Your Site is Hosted Elsewhere)
Even if your website is hosted abroad, if you operate from Italy, you’re still subject to Italian tax and commercial laws.
If you live and work in Italy—whether creating content or providing services—you are considered to have a business presence here. Italy focuses on where the work is done, not where your server is hosted.
Legal obligations still apply:
Complying with Italian tax laws and needing a P.IVA
Meeting GDPR requirements
Ensuring correct invoicing and registration
Legal Basis Reference
Presenza Effettiva (Effective presence): Anche se non esiste una legge unica e specifica per la "presenza effettiva", l'Agenzia delle Entrate considera effettivamente presente in Italia qualsiasi soggetto che svolge attività lavorativa o imprenditoriale dal territorio italiano, anche se il sito web è ospitato all'estero. Questo principio è coerente con l'articolo 5 del Modello OCSE, che definisce la "stabile organizzazione", e con l'articolo 2 del TUIR (D.P.R. 917/1986), che considera residente fiscalmente in Italia chi vi risiede per più di 183 giorni all'anno o ha il centro principale dei propri interessi.
Fonte normativa: Presenza Effettiva
The idea is that your physical location—not the server location—determines your legal and tax responsibilities.
Privacy Please! Get Your EU Regulation Game Together
EU regulations have changed and are focused more on consumer protection. If you haven’t read it yet, I wrote about the growing tension in "The Uproar for Outside-the-EU Freelancers" and further broke down how the EU DSA (Digital Services Act) affects freelancers—even those not based in the EU—in "What the EU DSA Means for Freelancers."
If your website collects any customer data via contact forms, analytics tools, or newsletter signups, you are legally required to include a Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy in compliance with EU Regulation 2016/679 (General Data Protection Regulation, or GDPR). This regulation mandates transparency, consent, and clear communication when collecting or processing personal data.
You’re required to:
Provide a Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy
Inform users about data use, storage, rights, and third-party sharing
Display a Cookie Banner for any tracking tools
Obtain clear consent before non-essential cookies
Official EU text (GDPR): EU Regulation 2016/679
Terms & Conditions: Not Optional for Online Sales
Under EU Directive 2011/83/EU, if you sell to consumers, your website must clearly explain:
Conditions of sale
Return, refund, and cancellation policies
Delivery expectations
Failing to provide this info may lead to complaints or legal penalties.
Reference: EU Directive 2011/83/EU
Swipe Right on Compliance: Matching Your POS with Italian Tax Law by 2026
As of 2024, electronic invoicing is mandatory for all VAT-registered businesses in Italy—including under the Regime Forfettario. Official Source: Agenzia delle Entrate – Fatturazione
And by 2026, your POS or card reader (like Stripe, SumUp, Nexi, or other credit card readers) must be integrated with your invoicing system. The tax office will automatically match each payment to a submitted invoice in the SDI system.
Legal Source: Decreto Legislativo 13/2024
In short, not only must you issue electronic invoices, but every payment you receive online must be traceable to the exact invoice submitted to the government.
Fined and Frazzled: The Cost of Non-Compliance
Non-compliance is expensive. Here’s what’s at risk:
Failure to register → Fines up to €4,000
Missing digital invoices → €100 per invoice, up to €1,000/quarter
Not displaying legal info → Loss of trust + tax penalties
Staying compliant isn't just about avoiding fines—it's about building trust, protecting your business, and showing professionalism to your clients and customers.
You've made it through the legal jungle—now let’s ensure your website doesn't trip over the vines.
Let's Wrap This Up (Legally!) "I don’t just design websites—I help you avoid fines, fiascos, and facepalms. If your website’s looking sharp but you’re unsure if it ticks all the legal boxes, I’ve got you covered. From e-commerce to cookie banners, I’ll help you make your online presence legally sound and fully compliant."
→ Ready to breathe easy? Book your compliance check today!
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