Italy is known for its rich history, stunning landscapes, cultural wealth, unique lifestyle. Beyond being one of the best tourist destinations worldwide, Italy is an extraordinary location for those that seek a world-class place to establish their lives.
Italy's cultural legacy is world-class: from the Roman Empire to the Renaissance, Italy has left an indelible mark on human history. Living in Italy means being surrounded by architectural masterpieces, world-class museums, and a vibrant arts scene. Towns and cities are open-air museums in which history and modernity coexist harmoniously. It should come as no surprise that Italy is the first Country worldwide by number of UNESCO World Heritage sites (59).
Moreover, according to the Best Countries Report 2023 (US News, BAV Group and University of Pennsylvania), Italy ranks 1ˢᵗ in the world for cultural influence and heritage.
Made in Italy
Made in Italy signifies creativity, timeless elegance and style, as well as attention to detail.
An excellence that is handed down over time and constantly renewed, celebrated in many industrial sectors. From renowned food products to architectural masterpieces, from the fashion industry to emerging technologies, Made in Italy is the common thread connecting the past to the future, offering a unique opportunity to engage with authenticity and innovation.
Italy's dedication to sustainability is deeply rooted in its culture and policies.
Sustainable agriculture, green mobility and a growing number of businesses contribute to reducing the environmental footprint, allowing Italy, for example, to record the highest recycling rate in Europe (83.2%).
Moreover, the emphasis on locally sourced seasonal products, not only reduces the carbon footprint, but also grants Italy the primacy in Europe in terms of geographical indications for food products: 581 Protected Designations of Origin (PDOs), 260 Protected Geographical Indications (PGIs), and 4 Traditional Specialities Guaranteed (TSGs).
Sources: Eurostat (2020), Ismea (2022).
Education system
Universal access to quality education at all levels is at the core of the national educational system. From primary and secondary schools with diverse educational programs to 99 renowned and highly specialised universities, as well as 93 Higher Technical Academies (ITS) offering modern technical education aligned with the needs of businesses.
Additionally, Italy provides a wide range of bilingual international schools spread throughout the national territory.
Italy is renowned for its world-class healthcare system, offering universal health coverage and highly qualified healthcare professionals.
The National Health Service consistently ranks among the top in the world and, along with the Italian typical healthy lifestyle, contributes to providing residents with one of the highest life expectancies at birth (83).
The NRRP foresees investments in the healthcare system to make facilities more modern, guarantee fair access to treatments and promote research.
Source: World Bank (2021).
Infrastructure & connectivity
Italy benefits from a strategic geographical location and is highly connected to the rest of the world because of its top-notch infrastructure.
Italy offers easy access to business hubs, cultural gems, and picturesque landscapes through a sophisticated airport network, an efficient railway system (that crosses 4 out of the 9 Core Network Corridors in Europe) and an extensive highway and road infrastructure,
EU Blue Card and VISA
EU Blue Card
Extra annual quotas set by the Italian Government:
For highly qualified extra-EU workers
Requirements include having a valid work contract (of at least 6 months), meeting a salary threshold, and having relevant professional qualifications/work experience
Investor Visa
Extra annual quotas set by the Italian Government:
Investing options include government bonds, innovative startup, Italian limited companies or donations in specific sectors
The investor residence permit is valid for 2 years and can be renewed for further 3-year periods
Startup Visa
Intra annual quotas set by the Italian Government:
For extra-EU innovators establishing an innovative start-up in Italy or joining existing startups
Provides a 1-year residence permit for self-employment, renewable for 2 years if the startup remains operational
Italy embraces the challenge of the automotive sector transition towards sustainable mobility with a dedicated multiannual fund as well as a series of measures envisaged by the NRRP. Investing in Italy allows to take advantage of a solid industrial ecosystem in the field of vehicle and component production, a high level of R&D, a highly qualified workforce, as well as creativity and design expertise, recognized worldwide, and much more.
With an extraordinary manufacturing base, a rich legacy of scientific research, world-renowned universities, and a highly skilled workforce, Italy offers a fertile ground for cutting-edge breakthroughs and long-term growth in the Life Sciences sector. Thanks to its leadership role in a significant number of domains, Italy is nowadays a prime investment destination in Europe.
Italian Real Estate significantly contributes to the national GDP, witnessing a decade-long surge in corporate investments across various asset classes. This uptick is not just due to favourable financial factors like high yields and advantageous taxation; it is driven by the real economy's need for top-quality, sustainable spaces, structural enhancements that strengthen the value chain, and economies of scale.
Joining the Italian microelectronic ecosystem is a strategic and forward-looking choice. With a dynamic business landscape, characterised by the presende of industry leaders and a first-class workforce, Italy is committed to strengthening technology and supply chains within the European Union. To achieve this goal, Italy has introduced the "Italian Chips Act" and a "Chips Fund" to support businesses and increase the sector's competitiveness.
Italy boasts a unique leadership in producing high-quality and innovative machinery, counting over 18,000 companies in the Machinery & Equipment sector. This top-notch expertise spans various industries, with a particular stronghold in precision engineering, automation, and robotics. Thanks to its manufacturing excellence and first-class engineers, the country’s international reputation for quality and innovation is unparalleled.
Italy links Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and Europe thanks to its geographic position. Upgraded ports handle diverse goods, ensuring a consistent flow of ro-ro, solid, and liquid bulk cargo; freight villages facilitate sustainable intermodal rail transport across Europe; and leading global players offer high-quality logistics services. Reinforced by public policies driving digitalization and sustainability, Italy offers one of the best logistics hubs to advance businesses seamlessly.
Thanks to its long-standing tradition and high technological prowess, the Italian aerospace industry provides an ideal business environment for companies aspiring to offer cutting-edge products and services. Italy offers a complete value chain, encompassing everything from design and component production to assembly and after-sales services. Moreover, it is the third-largest contributor to the ESA budget and its companies play a vital role in the success of numerous European space missions and programs.
The ICT sector is one of the most dynamic in Italy, with relentless market growth and promising prospects. Italy boasts a large availability of qualified human capital and world-class research infrastructure. In addition to high technical expertise, Italian creativity stands as an unparalleled asset for digital creative industries.
Being the third largest producer of renewable energy in Europe, Italy has unique competitive advantages to become one of Europe’s leading producer and user of clean energy and exporter of renewable and hydrogen technologies leveraging on highly specialized skills, an innovative ecosystem and a strong national industrial base ready to disrupt the market.
Italy stands as a globally recognized leader in Agricultural Production and the Food and beverage processing industry with unparalleled manufacturing expertise. It proudly boasts 854 unique PDO and PGI agri-food products and is home to over 51,000 specialized F&B companies, forming one of the largest industrial bases in Europe. Thus, Italy also offers a favorable business environment for creating, testing, and commercializing AgriFoodTech solutions.
Italy is renowned for its beauty, art, and lifestyle, which significantly influence sectors such as fashion, furnishings, and design. As the world's leading exporter of fabrics and fashion accessories, Italy is celebrated for the elegance and quality of its products. Investing in Italy means becoming part of the iconic "Made in Italy", synonymous with excellent craftsmanship, high design expertise, and top-quality productions.
Italy stands out with an 18.7% circular material use rate and an 83.2% recycling rate for all waste (leading among major European economies), entirely in line with Circular Economy principles and the EU's Green Deal. With a robust industrial base, Italy is an ideal hub for sustainability-focused businesses, promoting end-of-waste materials as valuable resources for sectors such as automotive, furniture, food & and beverage, textiles, and clothing.
The Chemical Industry stands as a cornerstone of the national economy, fueling innovation and economic growth. The dynamic industrial and innovation ecosystem, showcasing global excellence across various segments of this Industry, positions Italy as a prime destination for both production and R&D activities.
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