Spain is one of the world’s most important economies, ranking 15th in size, and stands out as one of the leading destinations for foreign direct investment (FDI). In 2023, it ranked 13th globally in attracting FDI and is the 10th largest exporter of services.

Among the most relevant reasons to invest in Spain are its privileged geostrategic position, which facilitates access to over 2.4 billion consumers in the EMEA region (Europe, Middle East, and Africa) and the 660 million consumers in Latin America, thanks to strong historical and economic ties. Additionally, its advanced infrastructure, talented population (6^th in the world) and modern economy, where services account for more than 76% of economic activity, make it a highly competitive environment.

Spain is a global leader in renewable energy, ranking in 2022 as the 6^th largest producer in the world of photovoltaic solar power and the 7^th largest in wind power. In 2023, more than 50% of the energy generated was renewable, with 77,039 MW installed across the country.

In the automotive sector, Spain is the 2^nd largest vehicle producer in Europe and the 8^th largest globally, with 17 plants and a production capacity of 2.45 million vehicles in 2023. Spanish plants manufacture more than 40 vehicle models, of which 22 have electrified versions. The industry generated 78.154 billion euros in 2023, creating 58,414 direct jobs.

Spain’s ICT sector is also booming, with a turnover of 124.317 billion euros and an annual growth rate of 12.8%. It boasts more than 38,209 companies and employs 636,326 people. Spain ranks 1^st in the EU in very high-capacity network coverage and has become the most attractive market in Southern Europe for data centers, with nearly 100 already installed, excelling in aspects such as cybersecurity and energy supply reliability.

The biotechnology sector is also showing strong growth (8%), with over 4,477 active companies generating an annual sales figure of 19.676 billion euros. An example of significant investment in this sector is that biotechnology companies raised 228 million in 42 operations in 2023.

These figures, along with a favorable tax system that includes innovation incentives, special economic zones, and world-class logistics infrastructure, reinforce Spain’s position as one of the most attractive destinations for investment in high value-added strategic sectors.

Analysis of Foreign Direct Investment Flows to Spain

Foreign direct investment (FDI) is crucial for Spain’s economic growth, and the relationship with the United States has been key to consolidating some of its autonomous communities as preferred destinations for international investors.

In 2023, the Community of Madrid, Catalonia, and the Valencian Community positioned themselves as the leading recipients of FDI in the country. Below, we explore the reasons why these regions stand out, and the key sectors that have made them economic engines of Spain.

Regions in Spain that Attract the Most FDI

1. MADRID REGION

• Total population: 6,507,184 inhabitants
• GDP: 230.018 billion euros
• Total FDI: 14.955 billion euros (53% of the national total)
• FDI from the United States: 4.537 billion euros – 60% of the total U.S. investment in Spain; 30% of total FDI in the Community of Madrid.
• FDI sent to the United States: 3.020 billion euros
• Investment Promotion Agency: Invest in Madrid

Madrid is by far the leading region in attracting and securing foreign investment in Spain, drawing the majority of global FDI, including from the United States, into the country. Madrid, being the 3^rd European region with the highest purchasing power, has established itself as a global hub for multinationals looking to expand in Europe and Latin America. Among the reasons for its appeal are:

• Geostrategic location: Madrid is Spain’s political and business capital. It is also the country’s financial and economic center. Madrid hosts important international organizations (WTO, ILO, UNDP, UNSCC, OEI) and embassies. The region has positioned itself as a key connection point between Europe and Latin America, making it a strategic hub for the global operations of many companies.
• Advanced infrastructure: Madrid has a highly developed transportation system, with its international airport standing out for providing connections to numerous international destinations, which is essential for business and trade. Its leadership in physical infrastructure has been complemented by increasing competitiveness in the digital realm, with 40 data centers in the region, accounting for 50% of the total in Spain.
• Dynamic business ecosystem: The Community of Madrid has the largest concentration of businesses in Spain (+500,000 active companies), with over 14,000 foreign-owned firms. Of the 2,000 largest Spanish companies, 72% are headquartered in Madrid, and around 4% of Latin America’s GDP is managed by Madrid-based companies. It has more than 2,200 startups employing over 83,000 people, more than 220 venture capital investors, and 111 accelerators.
• Technological and scientific development: Madrid is the third-largest European region in terms of the number of workers in high-tech sectors (271,600) and the Spanish region that invests the most in R&D (27% of the total). The region also boasts 11 sector clusters, six technology parks, eight research institutes, and 19 universities.

Madrid is a leading hub in various sectors, particularly life sciences, where it ranks as the 5^th largest market in Europe by sales volume and employment in the pharmaceutical industry. Over 80% of the world’s largest biomedical and pharmaceutical companies are present in Madrid, with multinationals such as FAMAR, TEDEC-MEIJI, LILLY, PFIZER, and GSK establishing R&D centers of excellence in the region.

In the ICT sector, Madrid generates a business volume of 106.3 billion euros, accounting for 69% of the Spanish market. In 2018, 13,020 ICT companies were active, and the region hosts the operational centers of all major telecommunications companies in Spain. Nearly 50% of global ICT companies are based in Madrid, making it the 2^nd region in Europe in terms of technology-related employment, with 236,000 jobs.

Madrid leads Spain’s aerospace sector, accounting for €200 million in annual revenue, representing 48% of the national total, and hosts 31% of the production centers of the industry in Spain. The region generates 62% of the business volume in the Spanish aeronautics sector and 95% of the national aerospace industry’s revenue, contributing to a total of 155,000 direct and indirect jobs across the country.

Lastly, logistics represents 10% of Spain’s GDP, with Madrid leading in high-value logistics, accounting for 80% of the country’s revenue in the sector. The region hosts 11 of the 14 largest storage and distribution companies, along with 30% of courier and parcel companies in Spain.

2. CATALONIA

• Total population: 7,600,065 inhabitants
• GDP: 242.313 billion euros
• Total FDI: 4.734 billion euros (17% of the national total)
• FDI from the United States: 440 million euros (6% of the total U.S. investment in Spain)
• FDI sent to the United States: 114 million euros
• Investment Promotion Agency: Catalonia Trade & Investment

Catalonia is the second-largest recipient of foreign investment in Spain, with a strong focus on industrial and technological sectors. Some key reasons for investing in Catalonia are:

• Solid industrial economy: Industry accounts for a significant portion of Catalonia’s economy, with key sectors such as automotive, chemicals and pharmaceuticals, and food and beverages. The region accounts for 22.3% of Spain’s industry and 19% of the country’s GDP.

• Technology and startup hub: Catalonia is a technological and innovation hub in Europe, with Barcelona standing out as a leading destination for tech companies and startups. Multinational tech companies have chosen to establish R&D centers in the region. Catalonia is home to 2,183 startups, 331 scaleups, and seven unicorns.

• Strategic position: Catalonia is a key logistics hub in Southern Europe, thanks to its intermodal infrastructure, which facilitates trade connections with major international markets. Its proximity to Central Europe and excellent air, road, and maritime transport connections guarantee broad market coverage within 24 hours.

In Catalonia, the automotive sector, which represents 10% of its industry, and the agri-food sector, which accounts for 23.5% of the national total in this sector, are notable. The chemical industry accounts for 27% of Spain’s chemical companies and generates 46% of the total turnover in the country. Additionally, the life sciences sector is one of Catalonia’s economic pillars, supported by a broad network of medical institutions, hospitals, research centers, and a growing ecosystem of biotech and pharmaceutical companies. Catalonia combines a solid industrial base, representing 21% of its GDP, with an advanced ICT sector, positioning it as a leader in Industry 4.0.

3. VALENCIAN REGION

• Total population: 4,941,509 inhabitants
• GDP: €128 billion
• Total FDI: €337 billion (12% of the national total)
• FDI from the United States: 1.995 billion euros (27% of total U.S. investment in Spain)
• FDI sent to the United States: 2 million euros
• Investment Promotion Agency: Valencian Investment Desk

The Valencian Region has attracted a significant amount of FDI, particularly from the United States, which accounts for 60% of its total FDI. Several reasons explain why this region is an attractive destination for investors:

• Quality of life: The region offers an excellent quality of life, with a high-quality healthcare system, pleasant climate, and a rich cultural and gastronomic offering, which attracts foreign professionals.
• Strategic location: The Valencian Region is located in the heart of the Western Mediterranean territory, providing quick access to European markets. It has positioned itself as a leading logistics hub in Europe, with Valenciaport being the main Mediterranean port handling more than 5 million TEUs, exporting worldwide.
• Human capital: With 9 universities and 5 science parks, the region has highly qualified human capital, making it attractive to companies seeking specialized personnel.
• Business fabric with an international focus: The region has a clear orientation towards international markets, with a high degree of external openness and a dynamic business fabric.

Among the most prominent sectors in the Valencian Community are automotive, machinery and equipment, agri-food, ICT, and the chemical sector. The region is also a key logistics hub, with a significant volume of exports, especially in agri-food products, plastics, furniture and wood, chemicals, automotive, machinery, textiles, and construction materials.

Other regions to highlight

Cantabria invested a total of 1.471 billion euros in 2023 in the financial sector. This figure likely corresponds to an investment by Banco Santander in its U.S. subsidiary, reflecting the key role of Cantabria’s banking sector in expanding into international markets, particularly the U.S.

Meanwhile, significant investment flows from Asturias to the United States are primarily related to the renewable energy sector, specifically wind energy production, amounting to 1.458 billion euros. This investment comes from the Asturian company Windar Renovables S.A.U., which participates in the “Vineyard Wind I” project, led by Iberdrola through its subsidiary Avangrid.

Andalusia is a key region for investment due to its geostrategic location, being the gateway to the Mediterranean and the bridge between the European Union and Africa. With more than eight million consumers and 500,000 companies, it offers a significant market and advanced infrastructure, including six international airports, ten ports (with the port of Algeciras being the largest in the Mediterranean in container traffic), and an extensive network of highways and high-speed trains connecting major cities with Madrid in less than three hours. Additionally, companies benefit from low operating costs and a young, highly educated, and innovative population. Andalusia’s strategic sectors include aerospace, agro-industry, biotechnology, renewable energy, metalworking, and ICT, all supported by European incentives for business modernization.

The Basque Country has consolidated itself as a hub of industrial competitiveness, with the sector representing more than 24% of its GDP and a strong commitment to Industry 4.0. The region has implemented smart specialization strategies in areas such as advanced manufacturing, energy, and biosciences, positioning itself at the forefront of industrial innovation in Europe. The Basque Country boasts an advanced educational network, where 48.9% of the population aged 30-34 have higher education qualifications. Furthermore, the Basque Country enjoys fiscal autonomy, allowing it to manage and collect its own taxes, providing stability and self-governance.

Incentives for Investment in Spain

Spain’s public administrations offer a wide range of incentives to promote investment, competitiveness, and economic growth. These incentives support productive investments, research, development, and innovation (R&D+i), and are also accessible through various EU programs. Companies can benefit from sector-specific incentives, regional investment incentives, and support for innovative SMEs, alongside privileged financing from the Instituto de Crédito Oficial (ICO).

One notable instrument is the Coinvestment Fund (FOCO), managed by COFIDES, which mobilizes public and private foreign resources to boost investments in Spain’s strategic sectors such as energy efficiency, digitalization, and sustainable mobility. With a budget of 2 billion euros, FOCO operates through joint investments with foreign co-investors, with a minimum investment of 10 million euros and up to 150 million euros per project, focusing on Spain’s sustainable economic transformation.

The Role of Investment Promotion Agencies and Support for Foreign Companies Setting Up in Spain

Investment promotion agencies (IPAs) in Spain, such as Invest in Spain at the national level, and regional agencies like Invest in Madrid, offer comprehensive support to foreign companies seeking to establish themselves in the country. These agencies provide strategic advice, information on tax and financial incentives, and assistance in finding suitable locations. Moreover, they facilitate connections with local networks and strategic sectors, tailoring their services to the needs of each project.

Following the comprehensive support offered by national and regional investment promotion agencies, the softlanding phase becomes crucial for foreign companies to settle into the local market effectively. This phase provides a set of services aimed at easing the adaptation process, including legal and tax assistance, temporary accommodation for executives, or access to professional networks.

For this phase, companies can also leverage the support of regional chambers of commerce, business associations, and local government offices. These entities work closely with businesses to ensure a smooth entry into the local economy by facilitating connections, offering insights into regional opportunities, and providing hands-on assistance to reduce risks and accelerate the setup process.

From the Spain-US Chamber of Commerce, given our location in Miami, we provide a strategic bridge for companies across the American continent looking to establish themselves in Spain, and for Spanish and Hispanic companies interested in expanding into the United States. Our team is prepared to offer personalized advice, facilitate connections with local partners, and provide comprehensive support in all aspects related to investment and international expansion in both markets.

Sources:

• Eurostat
• Instituto Nacional de Estadística
• COFIDES
• Invest in Spain
• Invest in Madrid
• Catalonia Trade & Investment
• Valencian Investment Desk
• Invest in Andalucia
• IRENA – International Renewable Energy Agency
• AseBio – Asociación Española de Bioempresas
• Ametic
• ANFAC – Asociación Española de Fabricantes de Automóviles y Camiones
• Iberdrola
• Windar Renovables SAU
• El Español – “Radiografía de los centros de datos en España: así crece la industria digital de moda”. 29 de enero de 2024.