Italy ranks sixth among OECD countries and fourth in Europe by Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Italian production constitutes 13% of the European Union’s GDP. Due to the characteristics of its production structure, Italy’s economic activity sectors resemble those of other major European countries, with 27.7% in manufacturing and construction, and nearly 70% in the services sector. Within the services sector, trade, transport, and communications contribute a higher share to GDP compared to the European average.
Located at the heart of the Mediterranean, Italy serves as a crucial hub for road, maritime, and air connections between Northern and Southern Europe. The Italian market offers numerous opportunities for expanding businesses, with nearly 60 million consumers and a GDP ranking fourth in Europe. Thanks to its strategic location, Italy provides easy access to 396 million consumers in other EU states and 240 million in North Africa and the Middle East. It holds a leading position with an 11% share of the European market, generating approximately €65 billion in revenue. Italy ranks first in Europe for its low establishment costs in the biotechnology sector and second for product testing in research and development, chemistry, and electronics.
If you are interested in doing business in Italy, we recommend consulting:
- Invest in Italy
- Investor Visa for Italy
- Guides “Doing Business in Italy” and “Invest in Italy” by the Ministry for the Made in Italy and Enterprises
- Macroeconomic information provided by the Department of the Treasury of the Ministry of Economy and Finance
- Statistics on the Italian economy by the Bank of Italy
- Useful data from the National Institute of Statistics – ISTAT
- Tax Guide for foreigners: The Revenue Agency
- Program dedicated to attracting innovative companies: Italy Startup Visa
- Business Register, where official information on companies with headquarters or local units nationwide can be found
- Global Attractiveness Index
- Calendar of trade fairs in Italy: