Thursday, July 23, 2026
EconomyFOREIGN INVESTMENTS | Italian investors turn to Spain: seven out of ten companies plan to invest more and hire in 2026

FOREIGN INVESTMENTS | Italian investors turn to Spain: seven out of ten companies plan to invest more and hire in 2026

Why Italy Loves Investing in Spain

Even with global uncertainty, trade tensions and a slowing European economy, Spain remains a top pick for Italian businesses. A recent survey shows that most Italian firms already operating in Spain plan to grow even more in the coming years.

Growth Plans for 2026

  • 71% of Italian companies in Spain intend to raise their turnover and investments.
  • 47% aim to hire more staff.

These numbers come from the third barometer on Italian investment climate in Spain, prepared by the Italian Chamber of Commerce and Industry for Spain (CCIS) together with International Financial Analysts (Afi). Over 60 companies with a presence in the Spanish market were surveyed.

Confidence in the Spanish Economy

The survey reveals strong trust in Spain’s future:

  • 94% of respondents view their presence in Spain positively.
  • 93% say they will keep their operations in the country for at least the next five years.

The report concludes that Spain is becoming one of the priority destinations for Italian investment in Europe.

How Italian Companies See Spain’s Business Climate

Perceptions of the business environment are improving:

  • The overall climate score rose to 3.3 out of 5, up one tenth from the previous year.
  • Nearly 60% rate the investment and operating environment as “good” or “excellent.”

What They Value Most

Italian firms highlight several strengths:

  • Quality of life tops the list again.
  • Market stability and growth opportunities are also important.
  • Spain’s strategic location makes it a handy platform to reach other markets.

Regional and Sector Trends

While energy still attracts the biggest share of Italian capital, new projects are popping up in chemicals, logistics and some financial services. Investment is spreading beyond Madrid, Andalusia and Catalonia to regions like the Valencian Community and Murcia.

Although Italian investment flows dipped slightly in 2025 due to global caution, companies see this as a short‑term pause rather than a change in long‑term strategy.

Impact on Jobs and the Economy

The activity of Italian businesses supports a significant workforce in Spain:

More than 126,000 jobs—both direct and indirect—are linked to Italian companies operating there. This contribution helps explain why Spain stays on the radar of major international investors despite worldwide turbulence.

Conclusion

Spain’s combination of lifestyle appeal, market stability, strategic location and growing sector diversity continues to win over Italian investors. Even amid short‑term fluctuations, the outlook remains bright, with many Italian firms planning to expand their presence, boost revenues and create more jobs in the years ahead.

For more details, see the original report: Source

Images Credit: www.diariodeibiza.es

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