Catalonia is not just a strong economy; it is a global ecosystem that attracts talent, companies, and capital. Recent official data prove it to be the fastest-growing European region, clearly outperforming key economies such as Bavaria, Île-de-France, and Lombardy.
At Biznelp, we support international companies every day that choose Catalonia not only as an operational base but as the engine of their international expansion.
Unstoppable growth: leaders in Western Europe
According to CaixaBank Research, Catalonia’s GDP increased by 3.3% in 2024, compared to 3.2% in Spain overall. The Idescat institute offers even more compelling figures, with a 3.6% growth rate in 2024—outperforming the Spanish average (3.2%) and far exceeding the Eurozone average (0.8%).
For 2025, expansion is expected to reach 2.6%, more than double the European average of around 1.3%.
Workforce and human capital for foreign companies
The labor market consolidates the economy: in 2024, more than 175,000 new jobs were created, with a Social Security affiliation rate up by 2.4%. Idescat’s report indicates an unemployment rate of 8.9% in 2024, the third-lowest in Spain.
Additionally, Catalonia stands out for its multicultural composition: over 20% of Barcelona’s population is foreign-born, including Europeans, Latin Americans, Africans, and Asians. The multilingual environment—professional English, Spanish, and Catalan—facilitates the establishment of international teams.
Advantages of Establishing Your Subsidiary in Catalonia: Infrastructure, Knowledge, and Connectivity
Opening a subsidiary in Catalonia offers tangible operational advantages for any international company:
- Advanced infrastructure: international airport, port (9th largest in Europe), high-speed rail, active free-trade zones.
- Innovation ecosystem: 12 universities, centers such as the Barcelona Supercomputing Center, and hubs like 22@.
- Strong foreign investment: ACCIÓ attracted over €1 billion in 2024, generating more than 8,000 jobs.
- Robust tech sector: regional startups generate over €2.33 billion, with a 10% year-on-year growth.
Catalonia Compared to other European Regions
Catalonia clearly leads key regions:
- Growth of 3.6% vs. Île-de-France (1.1%), Bavaria (0.6%), Lombardy (1.4%).
- A very favorable unemployment rate (8.9%) compared to mature economies.
- A multilingual and multicultural ecosystem, ideal for global integration.
Biznelp: Your operational partner in the best environment
At Biznelp, we assist foreign companies throughout the entire process of setting up and managing subsidiaries:
- Legal, tax, and labor incorporation.
- Daily operational management: accounting, payroll, compliance.
- Proactive adaptation to regulatory changes.
- Financial reporting aligned with your parent company.
We are your local arm, acting with rigor, agility, and a genuine understanding of the Catalan environment.
Today, Catalonia offers the best economic, institutional, and cultural environment to establish a subsidiary in Europe. If you seek profitability, control, and agility, now is the time.