Barcelona ranked 1st in EU for FDI strategy

Being ranked by the Financial Times as 1st in the European Union for Foreign Direct Investment strategy, Barcelona stands out as a strategic destination for international business. Global investors are increasingly drawn to cities that offer a powerful mix of innovation, talent, and quality of life, and Barcelona continues to rise as one of Europe’s most preferred hubs. But what exactly are these investors looking for, and how does Barcelona consistently deliver?

We’ve structured the insights into key areas to highlight how Barcelona meets the priorities of today’s global investors, and how Barcelona & Partners plays a vital role in this success.

Access to a Competitive, Highly-Skilled Talent Pool

International investors are drawn to cities with strong human capital. Barcelona offers a rare combination:

/ A young, international workforce fluent in multiple languages

/ Thousands of graduates each year from renowned institutions such as ESADEIESEUPF, and UPC.

/ An outstanding quality of life that consistently draws professionals from around the world, combining career opportunity with cultural and personal fulfilment

A Thriving Innovation Ecosystem

Barcelona is the 3rd largest startup hub in the EU, home to over 2,102 startups, 71 % of which operate within the Industry 4.0. The city employs over 120,000 digital professionals, with 33 % international talent. The city is also ranked as the 2nd most attractive European hub for founders.

This dynamic ecosystem is anchored by innovation districts such as 22@, a leading urban technology and business hub, and supported by initiatives like Norrsken Barcelona, a key impact-driven centre for entrepreneurship. The city also benefits from a strong network of accelerators, venture capital firms, and around 100 research centres, fostering collaboration between academia, startups, and industry.

Strong Quality of Life

When investors consider expanding, they’re not simply looking for a place to do business, but rather a place to live. This means finding somewhere appealing, where teams will feel motivated and comfortable relocating. Barcelona’s offer is compelling:

/ Efficient transport, beachside living, green urban planning, rich cultural scene.

/ One of Europe’s top cities for health, wellbeing, and sustainability.

/ A cosmopolitan city with affordable cost of living compared to many other EU capitals

Strategic Location & Global Connectivity

With direct access to major EU, Latin American and Asian markets, Barcelona is a natural gateway for global operations.

/ One of the busiest ports and logistics hubs in the Mediterranean

/ An international airport connected to 200+ destinations

/ High-speed rail links connecting Barcelona to key European business centres, including Madrid and Paris.

 

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