What is Zes Unica?
In Italy, the ZES Unica (Single Special Economic Zone) started on 1 January 2024. It is a legal and administrative plan to help economic growth in the south of the country. This plan joined the eight previous regional special economic zones into one central system. The goal is to make the area more attractive for national and international investors.
What is the ZES UNICA Tax Credit?
Legal Basis and Administration
The main law for ZES Unica is Decree-Law No. 124 of 2023. This law created the ZES Mission Structure, a special unit in the Prime Minister’s Office. It manages the zone, gives incentives, and checks investments.
Why is the ZES UNICA Tax Credit important?
This new system replaces the old, complicated regional processes with one standard application and one main contact. This makes things easier, especially for foreign investors.
What are the advantages of the ZES UNICA Tax Credit?
Main Incentives and Benefits
Tax Credit – The main benefit is a tax credit for companies that build new factories, expand, or modernise production lines. The credit is a percentage of the investment cost, taken off the taxes owed to the state. Rates depend on the size of the business and the number of jobs created:
- Small businesses: 35%–70%
- Medium businesses: 25%–60%
- Large businesses: 15%–50%
This can be combined with other aid, but EU maximum limits apply. If the assets are sold early, the business closes, or they are used in the wrong way, the benefit is cancelled.
Simplified Procedures – The “Single Authorisation” allows all needed permits (environment, construction, safety, etc.) to be requested with one application. This makes the process much faster and more predictable.
Customs and Logistics – In ports and logistic hubs, companies can get benefits like delayed customs duties and VAT, faster digital procedures, priority at ports, and cheaper storage. Being close to ports like Trieste, Naples, and Gioia Tauro can reduce supply chain time and costs.
Employment Support – Employers can get social security reductions for hiring:
- ZES Unica Bonus: for hiring people 35+ who are long-term unemployed.
- Youth Bonus: for hiring under-35s who never had a permanent job.
- Women’s Bonus: for hiring women in difficult job situations.
Eligibility in 2025
- Investments under €200,000 are not eligible.
- Eligible investments include new machines, plants, equipment, land, or building/expanding facilities.
- The investment must be in the ZES Unica area and operate for at least 5 years.
How to apply for the ZES UNICA Tax Credit?
Application Process
There are two steps:
- Tell the tax office about the investment amount within the set dates.
- After completion, send proof and an auditor’s report.
Applications are accepted if the yearly budget allows. If requests are too many, rates may be reduced.
Investors send an application to the One-Stop Office with details on the investment, budget, jobs, and activities. Once approved, the project must be finished in time. The ZES office will check compliance.
Applications for 2026 should open in late 2025 or early 2026 after instructions are published in the Official Gazette.