Selling a medical practice in Italy: how it works
For doctors
A medical practice is valuable mainly because of the trust patients place in it, and trust can’t be transferred by contract. That is why a successful sale is prepared in advance and accompanied over time, rather than closed with a signature.
What is transferred?
- Patient base and goodwill: the value tied to the practice’s reputation. Patients remain free to choose their doctor.
- Assets: equipment, furniture, any leasing contracts.
- Premises: the lease, if the new owner takes it over, or the property.
- Staff: existing employment contracts.
- The practice’s name and channels: brand, website, online profiles.
If the practice is run as a company, the sale may involve its shares rather than individual assets, under different rules.
The most common routes
- Sale to a colleague, in one go or in stages.
- Gradual entry of a partner, who takes over the practice over a few years.
- Sale to a group or network, which takes over management.
Does the healthcare authorisation transfer?
Not automatically. The new owner must apply for the transfer (voltura) of the operating authorisation to the competent authority, under rules that vary by region. In several regions, the rights attached to the authorisation pass to the new owner only from the date of the transfer decision. This step belongs early in the timeline.
Patients and health data
Patients must be told about the change. Medical records contain health data protected by the GDPR, so how and to whom they pass should be agreed with a lawyer before the sale.
How long does it take?
Handing over a professional patient base usually happens gradually, often over a few years, with a period in which the seller and the buyer work side by side. The contract usually includes a non-compete clause for the seller.
How is the price taxed?
In Italy, payment for transferring a patient base is self-employment income, including after the D.Lgs. 192/2024 reform. If it is received within the same tax year, even in instalments, separate taxation can be chosen. If payments span several years, ordinary taxation applies year by year. VAT, social security contributions and withholding should be checked with an accountant.
A checklist to get started
- Last three years’ accounts and revenue trend
- List of equipment, contracts and leases
- Lease and remaining term
- Healthcare authorisation and regional transfer requirements
- Staff contracts
- Handling of medical records and consents
Planning succession with Vitaura
This article is for information only and is not tax or legal advice.
