21st October 2023
Canary Islands Special Zone (ZEC): An Incentive for Business Investment
The Canary Islands Special Zone (ZEC) is a special tax regime that makes the Canary Islands a particularly attractive destination for business investment. In this article, we will delve into the ZEC and its specific tax advantages, with a special focus on the audiovisual and film sector and the advantage of its strategic logistic position.
What Is the Canary Islands Special Zone (ZEC)?
The Canary Islands Special Zone (ZEC) is a special tax regime operating in the Canary Islands, designed to promote investment and economic development in the region. The ZEC offers a range of significant tax advantages for companies choosing to operate within its territory.
Tax Benefits of the ZEC:
Reduced Tax Rate: The ZEC offers a reduced tax rate of 4% on Corporate Income Tax. This is considerably lower than the European average and makes the Canary Islands a fiscally competitive location.
Tariff Exemption: Companies operating in the ZEC are exempt from paying customs duties on imports and exports, facilitating international trade.
Repatriation of Profits: Companies operating in the ZEC can repatriate their profits without tax withholding, simplifying profit management.
Incentives for Investment in the Audiovisual Sector: The ZEC offers additional incentives for companies in the audiovisual and film sector looking to establish themselves in the region. These incentives include a tax credit that allows companies to recover up to 40% of expenses incurred in the production of films and television programs.
Sectors Most Suitable for the ZEC:
The ZEC is especially advantageous for sectors such as technology, logistics, renewable energy, biotechnology, business services, and, of course, the audiovisual and film sector. With its diverse landscapes, strategic location, and tax advantages, the Canary Islands have become a preferred destination for film and audiovisual production.
Investment and Job Creation Requirements in Capital Islands (Gran Canaria and Tenerife):
Minimum Investment and Job Creation: In the capital islands, Gran Canaria and Tenerife, the minimum required investment is 100,000 euros, and the minimum number of jobs is five. However, a particularly attractive aspect of the Canary Islands Special Zone (ZEC) is that, by creating more jobs, the required investment can be significantly reduced.
The relationship between investment and job creation is inversely proportional. In other words, as more jobs are created, the necessary investment decreases.
Investment and Job Creation Requirements in Non-Capital Islands (Lanzarote, Fuerteventura, La Palma, La Gomera, El Hierro):
Minimum Investment and Job Creation: In the non-capital islands, the minimum required investment is 50,000 euros, and the minimum number of jobs is three.
Similar to the capital islands, job creation has a direct impact on the required investment. The relationship between investment and job creation is also inversely proportional. As more jobs are created, the required investment decreases.
The flexibility of the ZEC concerning investment and job creation allows companies to tailor their plans to the specific needs of their business and market opportunities. This fosters a dynamic business environment and promotes economic growth in the Canary Islands. As a result, companies choosing to establish themselves in the ZEC have the opportunity to maximize these tax advantages by creating jobs in the region and, at the same time, making investments aligned with their business objectives.
Strategic Logistic Position:
A crucial point to emphasize is the strategic logistic position of the Canary Islands. Situated in the middle of the Atlantic, close to Africa, and as a gateway to Europe and America, the Canary Islands are a natural entry point and a central hub for global trade in multiple directions. Trade relationships with African countries and trade agreements with the European Union and America make the Canary Islands a strategic location for global operations.
In summary, the Canary Islands Special Zone (ZEC) is an attractive tax regime that transforms the Canary Islands into an ideal destination for business investment. With a reduced tax rate, tariff exemptions, tax incentives for the audiovisual sector, and a strategic logistic position, the ZEC offers a combination of advantages that attract both national and international companies seeking to leverage their strategic location at the crossroads of continents and the unique opportunities offered by the region.
Would you like to explore the opportunities offered by the Canary Special Zone (ZEC)?
At EBF Consulting, we have experts and extensive experience in establishing ZEC entities. We are here to help you make the most of these opportunities. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us at admin@ebfconsulting.com. We will be delighted to assist you and provide personalized advice for your investment in the Canary Islands.