Italy is the third-largest economy in the Eurozone, with a domestic market of approximately 60 million people, and is one of the main gateways to a market of 500 million consumers in the European Union and 270 million consumers in North Africa and the Middle East.
The Italian landscape offers a unique wealth of skills, creativity and industrial know-how in sectors of excellence such as machinery, automation, fashion, design, agri-food, energy, networks, telecommunications and transport. This is complemented by favourable conditions for innovation and research, with competitive costs for starting activities in high-value-added sectors, including biotechnology, chemicals, electronics and new product development.
We suggest consulting the following websites:
InvestinItaly.gov.it is the new English-language portal presenting the main investment opportunities in Italy across 13 strategic sectors. It provides information on incentives and administrative requirements for the acquisition of more than 250 industrial sites immediately available to investors.
OpportunItaly is the business acceleration programme promoted by the Italian Trade Agency to connect foreign buyers, distributors and entrepreneurs with the know-how and excellence of Made in Italy.
Invitalia is the National Agency for Inward Investment and Economic Development. Acting on behalf of the Government, it works to strengthen the country’s competitiveness, particularly in Southern Italy, and to support strategic sectors for development. Its main objectives are to encourage the attraction of foreign investment, support innovation and the growth of the production system, and enhance the potential of local areas.
Investor Visa for Italy is a two-year visa for non-EU citizens investing in strategic assets for Italy. It may be extended for a further three years, provided that the investment is maintained. This visa represents an ideal opportunity to settle in Italy under a favourable tax regime, paying a fixed amount of tax regardless of income.
The programme has already benefited more than 150 investors, attracting approximately EUR 120 million, mainly into Italian limited companies and innovative start-ups.
Macroeconomic framework
Updated data on the performance of the Italian economy are available from the sources listed below.
- Bank of Italy: The Bank of Italy website includes a link to the publications section, which provides access to economic, statistical and monetary policy services relating to Italy. Of particular interest for an accurate and up-to-date analysis of the national economic framework is the Economic Bulletin, which is updated on a quarterly basis.
- ISTAT: The Italian National Institute of Statistics provides updated data on all the country’s economic indicators.
- Eurostat: The Statistical Office of the European Union provides updated data on the main economic indicators of EU countries.
- OECD Countries – Italy: The website of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) also covers Italy, providing periodic reports prepared by its analysts on the country’s performance.