Starting January 1, 2025, the ZES Unica for the Mezzogiorno will come fully into effect—a strategic initiative designed to spur productive investments in Southern Italy through tax relief and administrative streamlining. It’s a major opportunity for both new and established businesses aiming to launch or expand projects across the country’s southern regions.
📍 What Is ZES Unica?
Special Economic Zones (ZES) are designated areas where the Italian government offers exceptionally favorable conditions to attract investment, revive the local economy, and create jobs. With ZES Unica, the previous eight regional ZES have been merged into a single integrated zone covering:
- Abruzzo (province of Chieti only)
- Basilicata
- Calabria
- Campania
- Molise
- Puglia
- Sardinia
- Sicily
🎯 Key Benefits of ZES Unica 2025
- Investment Tax Credit (15–45%)
- Applies to new tangible and intangible capital goods (machinery, equipment, software).
- Exact rate depends on company size and region.
- Simplified Procedures
- A single ZES “one-stop shop” under the Prime Minister’s Office.
- Cuts red tape on urban planning, environmental permits, construction, and production authorizations.
- Priority Access to Grants and Funds
- Enhanced chances in NRRP (National Recovery and Resilience Plan), EU cohesion funds, and regional or national calls.
- Possibility to stack ZES advantages with other schemes.
Example: A €1 million investment by “TechSud” yielded a €300 000 tax saving in its first year! 🎉
✅ Who Qualifies?
Eligible businesses (including micro, small, and medium enterprises) must:
- Have—or plan to open—an operational site within the ZES territory
- Complete a productive investment by November 15, 2025
- Operate in qualifying sectors (excludes primary agriculture, fisheries, coal, steel, and fossil-fuel energy)
Qualifying investments include: machinery, equipment, software, production infrastructure, and R&D activities directly tied to the company’s core business.
🛠️ How to Apply
- Submit a preliminary notice to the Italian Revenue Agency
- Automated procedure (no ranking lists) with subsequent compliance checks
- Receive confirmed benefits once all criteria are met
📝Our End-to-End Support
We provide tailored assistance at every step:
- Eligibility assessment and feasibility study
- Expert help preparing your Revenue Agency submission
- Guidance on technical and fiscal documentation
- Advice on combining ZES benefits with R&D Tax Credit (4.0), NRRP funds, and regional grants
Ready to Invest in Southern Italy?
Make ZES Unica 2025 the catalyst for your next growth phase.
Contact us today for a free consultation and ensure you maximize incentives before November 15, 2025!
Discover more about our R&D consultancy services and request your free initial assessment today! ✉️ info@italystartup.org | 🌐 italystartup.org | 📞 +39 349 380 6329
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