Working in Italy provides access to the European Single Market, which comprises over 500 million consumers. Situated at the center of the Mediterranean, Italy boasts 40 major ports and 42 airports, making it a strategic gateway for trade between Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East. As of 2023, Italy ranks as the third-largest economy in the Eurozone and the ninth largest among Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development region in terms of GDP, with approximately 37% of GDP generated through exports.
Italy’s relentless pursuit of excellence in product and service delivery has earned the global recognition of the “Made in Italy” brand as a mark of high quality. However, “Made in Italy” extends beyond fashion, food, and furniture. In recent years, the country’s industrial sector has undergone a profound transformation, becoming a leader in the production of machinery, pharmaceuticals, and high-tech national innovations.
Italy also prides itself on a long-standing tradition of academic excellence, with some of the world’s top universities. These institutions have established robust networks to support entrepreneurship and innovation within higher education, fostering thriving interactions between academia and industry. As a result, the number of innovative startups and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) is on the rise, with rapid growth in investments in innovation.
Italy presents an attractive destination for investment, particularly in sectors undergoing energy transitions, where renewable sources are widely adopted. The country also excels in the production of machinery and equipment, research and development in pharmaceuticals and biotechnology, automotive manufacturing (including luxury brands), and advanced technological fields such as information technology, robotics, and energy.
Italy is a leader in recycling and has a strong production network suited to adopting circular economy principles and promoting sustainable businesses. Thanks to its vibrant ecosystem comprising multinational companies, startups, research centers, universities, and innovation hubs, Italy is an ideal location for high-tech investments.
Several key sectors of Italian production rank consistently among the world’s top ten exports, including maritime industry, mechanical engineering, wine production, metal products, furniture, textiles, fashion accessories, and footwear.
For more information on business opportunities in Italy, we suggest visiting the following resources:
- Website Why Invest in Italy? – Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.
- “Doing Business in Italy” Guide by the ICE Agency and the ICE website, which provides a business partner search tool: Italian Trade Agency Investment in Italy Portal on the ICE website.
- Business Matching Platform by Cassa Depositi e Prestiti S.p.A.: A platform that connects Italian companies with foreign businesses for B2B networking.
- Macroeconomic Information provided by the Ministry of Economy and Finance: MEF.
- Economic Statistics by the Bank of Italy: Bank of Italy.
- Company Register: An official database managed by the Chamber of Commerce providing verified information on Italian companies.
- OECD Country Profile for Italy: OECD.
- The ‘Investor visa for Italy’ programme Why invest in Italy (gov.it) by the Ministry of Enterprise and Made in Italy for non-EU citizens wishing to invest in strategic assets for Italy’s present and future
- The ‘Startup Visa in Italy’ programme https://italiastartupvisa.mise.gov.it organised by the Ministry of Business and Made in Italy for non-EU entrepreneurs who intend to start an innovative startup in Italy.
- The website of ONE-STOP FOR INVESTMENT ATTRACTION which facilitates the start-up of new entrepreneurial activities in Italy by supporting entrepreneurs at all stages of the investment process and responding to their needs, from researching and selecting the most suitable locations to settling investment requirements, identifying public incentives and accelerating licences and permits – Start Your Own Business in Italy | Invest in Italy