Why Investors Should Take a Closer Look
Recently, several clients have asked me about investment opportunities in Southern Italy. After personally attending a seminar on the ZES Unica (Unified Special Economic Zone), I’d like to share some key insights that could be highly relevant for your real estate or business investment strategy.
Italy’s ZES Unica offers a powerful set of incentives for companies and property owners looking to invest, expand, or redevelop assets in the strategic regions of Southern Italy. With tax credits of up to 70%, streamlined administrative processes, and strong institutional support, the ZES Unica is an ideal framework for driving industrial, commercial, or innovation-driven growth.
Whether you’re exploring a new business setup or planning to enhance the value of existing properties, ZES Unica helps you reduce costs, speed up permits, and access public funding tied to innovation and sustainability.
We work directly with experienced professionals to build customized investment plans and support you in realizing the full potential of your project. If you have any questions or want to explore specific options, I’m available and happy to assist you personally.
Seminar Highlights – ZES Unica 2025
- Investment Tax Credit: Up to 70% for qualifying areas in Apulia, based on investments in machinery, equipment, land, or business-use real estate (per Art. 16, Legislative Decree 124/2023).
- Administrative Simplification: Faster and easier permitting processes, supported by a centralized Digital One-Stop Desk under the Prime Minister’s Office (Art. 15, D.L. 124/2023).
- Role of the Innovation Manager: Critical in supporting companies with qualifying investments in digital transformation and green energy transition.
- Support from Local Banks: Institutions like BCC play a strategic role in financing and advising businesses on how to leverage the ZES framework.
What is the ZES Unica?
The ZES Unica (Unified Special Economic Zone) is a landmark reform introduced by the Italian government in 2024, which merged all eight previous special economic zones in Southern Italy into one unified zone. Its goal is to attract investment, simplify bureaucracy, and boost economic growth in the Mezzogiorno (Southern Italy).
Benefits of the ZES Unica:
- ✅ Tax credits up to 70% on eligible investments (equipment, real estate, infrastructure)
- ✅ Accelerated administrative procedures via a centralized digital portal
- ✅ Priority access to public grants and incentives
- ✅ Support for innovation, energy efficiency, and digitalization
Covered Regions:
The ZES Unica includes all of:
Apulia, Calabria, Campania, Sicily, Basilicata, Molise, Sardinia, and parts of Abruzzo.
It is open to small and medium enterprises (SMEs) as well as large corporations interested in setting up or expanding operations in these regions.
| TYPE OF ENTERPRISE | PRODUCTIVE INVESTMENTS (max 95%) | TRAINING | ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY | INNOVATION | CONSULTING | TRADE FAIRS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small Enterprises | 50% grant + 10% advance | 70% grant | 65% grant | 50% grant | 50% grant | 50% grant |
| Medium Enterprises | 40% grant + 10% advance or 60% for disadvantaged workers | 60% grant | 55% grant | 50% grant | 50% grant | 50% grant |
| Large Enterprises | 30% grant + 10% advance or 50% for disadvantaged workers | 50% grant | 45% grant | 50% grant | 50% grant | 50% grant |
📩 Let’s talk about your project.
If you have a property or business idea you’d like to develop under the ZES Unica program, I’m happy to support you with our expert partners. Together, we can explore tailored solutions and strategic funding opportunities.
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