Investing in Italy in 2026
Europe & Central Asia
72
Score
Moderate Investment Destination
Growing economy with manageable risks - suitable for diversified portfolios
Italy earns an investment score of 72/100, placing it in the moderate category for global investors. Growing economy with manageable risks - suitable for diversified portfolios. The country's standout dimensions are political stability (72/100) and financial strength (72/100), with overall GDP of $2255B and per-capita output of $38,160. Growth is running at 0.8% with 1.5% of GDP arriving as foreign direct investment. Inflation is contained at 2.2%. The sovereign holds a NR credit rating, generally considered speculative-grade with elevated default risk. Investment opportunities cluster around Fashion & Luxury (sector score 82/100, currently growing), which represents 5.2% of GDP. Trade openness sits at 63% of GDP, a useful proxy for how integrated Italy is with the global economy.
How Italy's investment score has evolved over time
Fashion & Luxury
5.2% of GDP, growing
Manufacturing
16.5% of GDP, stable
Tourism
13.2% of GDP, growing
Agriculture & Food
2.2% of GDP, stable
World Bank Governance Indicators (-2.5 to +2.5, higher is better)
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Is Italy a safe country to invest in?
Italy carries a moderate risk rating with an overall investment score of 72/100. Growing economy with manageable risks - suitable for diversified portfolios. Sub-scores: economic health 70/100, political stability 72/100, business climate 68/100, financial strength 72/100, growth potential 72/100.
What is Italy's sovereign credit rating?
Italy holds a credit rating of NR, reflecting its ability to meet sovereign debt obligations. Credit ratings are a key signal of macro-financial health and a prerequisite many institutional investors require before allocating capital.
What are the strongest sectors for investment in Italy?
The top investment sectors in Italy are Fashion & Luxury, Manufacturing, Tourism. Fashion & Luxury leads with a sector score of 82/100 and represents 5.2% of GDP. Its current trend is growing.
What is Italy's GDP growth rate?
Italy's most recent GDP growth was 0.8%, with total GDP of $2255B and GDP per capita of $38,160. Inflation is running at 2.2% and the current account balance is 0.5% of GDP.
How does Italy score on governance and rule of law?
On the World Bank Governance Indicators (scale -2.5 to +2.5, higher is better), Italy scores: political stability 0.4, rule of law 0.3, corruption control 0.2, and regulatory quality 0.7.
Can foreigners invest in Italy?
Most industries in Italy are open to foreign direct investment, though specific sectors may require a local partner, government approval, or special licensing. Consult a qualified local advisor for restrictions that apply to your sector.
What is foreign direct investment (FDI) like in Italy?
Foreign Direct Investment in Italy runs at 1.5% of GDP, while the trade openness ratio (exports + imports as a share of GDP) stands at 63%. These figures show how integrated Italy is with the global economy and how welcoming it has been to international capital.
What is the public debt level in Italy?
Italy's government debt stands at 141% of GDP. This is elevated by international standards and warrants attention from creditors and rating agencies.