Spain is consolidating its position as a priority destination for international capital, with a 89% of foreign-owned companies projecting growth or maintenance of its revenue for the 2026 fiscal year. The report, prepared by ICEX-Invest in Spain, Multinacionales con España and the IESE Business SchoolThis reflects a strong confidence in the country's economic stability.
Stability in the business climate and strategic strengths
The third edition of 18 Business Climate Barometer in Spain gives an average score of 2,85 5 onMaintaining the same figure as the previous year, this stability is the result of the positive assessment of more than 750 companies operating in the country. Among the most decisive factors for investment are geographic location, market size, and strategic access to third countries.
International investors have highlighted the quality of the infrastructure Spanish, specifically citing airports, roads and ports, in addition to the availability of qualified human capitalAccording to the data collected, Spain not only attracts capital, but also serves as a platform for international projection: a 74% of foreign companies installed in the country carries out export activities.
| Confidence Indicator (2026 Forecasts) | Percentage of Companies |
|---|---|
| Increase or maintenance of billing | 89 % |
| Increase or maintenance of staff | 90 % |
| Increase or stabilization of investment | 85 % |
| Companies that export from Spain | 74 % |
Leadership in Greenfield projects and employment
The report highlights the excellent performance of the projects greenfieldThose that involve the creation of new facilities and net employment. During the first eleven months of 2024, Spain ranked as the 5th largest receiver in the world of this type of investment, totaling 628 projects with a volume of 30.000 millones de euros and the creation of more than 50.000 jobs, according to data from FDI Markets de Financial Times.
However, the private sector points to critical areas for improvement in order to enhance long-term competitiveness:
- Reduction of bureaucratic burden administrative.
- Moderation of the costs of the fees Social security.
- Improvement in the speed and efficiency of commercial courts.
Sustainability and resilience in the face of tariff policy
In the area of sustainability, 42% of companies already implement plans aligned with the SDGs of the 2030 AgendaThe barometer also analyzes the impact of tariff policy. Estados Unidoswhere 54% of investors rate the impact as "low or very low", demonstrating remarkable resilience through the market diversification and the search for new suppliers.
During the presentation, the Secretary of State for Trade, Amparo López SenovillaHe stated that attracting investment is a priority: We are working to consolidate our position as one of the best places in the world to invest and grow
. Also participating in the event were Paloma Cabrera López, Multinacionales con España, and Elisa Carbonell, CEO of ICEX, along with executives from firms such as Kyndryl, HSBC y Michelin.
Key points and frequently asked questions about the Business Climate in Spain
What percentage of foreign companies expect to grow in Spain?
89% of foreign-owned companies expect to increase or maintain their turnover during 2026, reflecting a majority confidence in the Spanish market.
What are the country's main strengths for investors?
Investors particularly highlight the quality of the transport and telecommunications infrastructure, the size of the local market, and the strategic access to international markets.
How does US tariff policy affect these companies?
The majority of investors (54%) believe the impact is low. Affected companies are responding by diversifying into new markets and adjusting their supply chains.
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