Business news from Ukraine

Business news from Ukraine

Migration in Italy by Relocation

Relocation has analyzed the latest data on migration in Italy and identified a number of trends and features. As of the beginning of 2025, 5.2 million migrants officially reside in Italy, which is about 9% of the country’s total population of 58.5 million people. In our study, we rely on official data from the country. It should be borne in mind that, according to various estimates, about 4 million more migrants may reside in Italy illegally. Italy remains an important destination for migrants due to its geographical location, economic opportunities, and EU membership.

Migrants play a significant role in the country’s economy, taking jobs in sectors where there is a shortage of local labor.

Detailed analysis of the main groups of migrants

  1. Migrants from North Africa
  2. They number over 1.2 million people (almost a quarter of all migrants). The main countries of their origin: Tunisia, Morocco, Egypt, and Algeria. Migrants from these countries are usually employed in agriculture (seasonal work in fruit and vegetable harvesting), in construction as general laborers, and in the service sector – cleaning, cargo transportation.
  3. The peculiarity of this group of North African migrants is that they are more active in the southern regions of the country, such as Puglia and Calabria, where agriculture plays a key role.
  4. Eastern European nationals
  5. Number: about 1-1.2 million people (20% of all migrants).
  6. The main countries of origin of this group of migrants are Romania, Albania, Ukraine, and Moldova. The areas of employment of this group are diverse, but, as a rule, it is elderly care – more than 50% of those employed in this area are migrants from Eastern Europe, construction – highly skilled workers and craftsmen, services – cleaning, domestic staff, medical staff, hairdressers, massage and beauty salons.
  7. Thanks to cultural and geographical proximity, Eastern European migrants can easily integrate into Italian society, especially in the northern regions such as Lombardy and Veneto, as well as in the capital.
  8. Migrants from Asia
  9. The size of this group is about 800,000 to 900,000 people (15% of all migrants). The main countries of origin are China, the Philippines, Bangladesh, India, and Pakistan. The areas of employment are diverse, ranging from the restaurant business (chefs, waiters, restaurant staff) to the textile and shoe industry in the Tuscan regions (e.g., Pratto). The Chinese and other Asians are actively developing their small businesses, such as shops, restaurants, and laundries.
  10. Refugees and asylum seekers
  11. The number of this group is about 500,000 people. The main countries of origin are Syria, Afghanistan, Eritrea, and Somalia. The areas of employment are temporary agricultural work and unskilled labor in construction.
  12. Many of these migrants arrive by sea via the Mediterranean. Southern regions of Italy, such as Sicily. Unofficially, there may be about half a million more such migrants in Italy. Most often, these migrants move to Germany and northern Europe to receive social assistance.
  13. Migrants from Latin America
  14. The number of this group is at least 200,000 people, with the main countries of origin being Peru, Ecuador and Brazil.
  15. The areas of employment include cleaning, childcare, and construction. Migrants from Latin America most often work in large cities, such as Rome and Milan, due to existing communities and language proximity.
  16. EU citizens (excluding Eastern Europe) The number of this group is at least 500,000 (10% of all migrants). The main countries of origin are Germany, France, and Spain. Areas of employment IT, medicine, finance
  17. Education and science.
  18. Features: These migrants have the right to work freely in Italy, which simplifies their integration.

Employment of migrants by sector

Agriculture:

More than 30% of workers are migrants, mostly from North Africa and Eastern Europe.

The seasonal nature of the work makes this sector particularly dependent on migrants.

Construction:

About 20% of workers are migrants, especially from Albania, Ukraine and North Africa.

Services and domestic staff:

Migrants hold up to 60% of jobs, including cleaning, childcare, and elderly care.

Restaurant and hotel business:

A significant part of the staff (up to 40%) is made up of migrants from Asia and Eastern Europe.

Industry and manufacturing:

Asian migrants (especially Chinese) play a key role in the textile industry.

The system of assistance to migrants in Italy

Migrant reception centers:

In the south of the country, especially in Sicily and Lampedusa, there are centers for temporary accommodation of migrants. Social assistance is provided – financial support for refugees and asylum seekers, as well as integration programs: language courses, professional retraining. Children of migrants are entitled to free education in public schools. Free access to primary health care for all migrants, regardless of their status.

Migrants play an important role in the Italian economy, occupying key positions in agriculture, construction and services. However, the successful integration of these groups requires a comprehensive approach that includes social support, educational initiatives and legal protection. Efforts to improve conditions for migrants will help Italy not only maintain stability in the labor market, but also improve the overall economic climate.

Source: http://relocation.com.ua/analiz-migratsii-v-italii-ot-relocation/

 

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IKEA expands its presence in Serbia

IKEA Serbia has submitted a request to the Belgrade Secretariat for Environmental Protection to decide on the need for an environmental impact assessment for the expansion and reconstruction project of the IKEA-istok department store in Belgrade, Biznis.rs reported today.

The project involves the reconstruction and expansion of more than 6,000 square meters of the department store on Astrid Lindgren Street, and the deadline for public review and submission of conclusions on the request is January 31.

The reconstruction and expansion is planned to be carried out in one stage, while maintaining existing infrastructure connections and without increasing the capacity.

The request states that the existing wastewater treatment technology and the existing wastewater separator from the transport areas will be preserved.

“Since the existing purpose of the facility is maintained, which is not a source of pollution, and given the latest environmental standards that the investor IKEA applies to all its projects, no pollution and inconvenience is expected in the Ikea department store complex in Belgrade,” the request for a decision on the need to conduct an environmental impact assessment reads.

It was also noted that pollution can be considered stationary traffic, which, according to their assessment, does not have a significant spatial dispersion or duration.

IKEA said that during the expansion, the geomechanical and hydrogeological characteristics of the soil will be taken into account based on detailed observations and analyzes.

“The implementation of the planned project will not lead to pollution that is significant for the area where it will be located. The possibility of an accident is minimized through the implementation of appropriate preventive and rapid response measures,” the request says.

The company believes that the project will not have a negative impact on the environment, so there is no need to prepare an Environmental Impact Assessment.

Source: http://relocation.com.ua/ikea-rozshyriuie-svoiu-prysutnist-u-serbii/

 

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Spain considers introducing 100% tax on real estate purchases for non-EU residents

Spanish authorities are planning to introduce a 100% tax on real estate purchases for non-EU residents. This measure is part of a plan presented by Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez aimed at overcoming the housing crisis and ensuring the availability of housing for local residents, the Financial Times reports.

The head of government said that EU non-residents annually buy 27 thousand residential properties in Spain, mainly “for the purpose of speculation”.

Spain is one of the European countries where public discontent is growing due to difficulties in finding affordable housing for purchase or rent amid a sharp rise in real estate prices and a significant lag between new construction and demand.

Over the past 10 years, housing prices in Europe have jumped by 48%, which is about twice the growth in household income over the same period, Sanchez said.

Spanish real estate is in high demand among people who buy vacation homes or want to move to a country with a warmer climate.

Such purchases are already subject to a number of taxes, the amount of which depends on the region and whether the transaction is on the primary or secondary market. In total, these taxes range from 7% to 12%.

Other measures proposed by the government include the transfer of more than 3,300 houses and approximately 200 hectares of land to a new state-owned company for the construction of social housing, stricter regulation of seasonal rentals, the restoration of empty buildings, and the provision of incentives to homeowners who rent out their homes at affordable prices.

Source: http://relocation.com.ua/ispaniia-mozhe-vvesty-100-podatok-dlia-nerezydentiv-ies-pry-kupivli-nerukhomosti/

 

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Features of taxation system in Spain – analysis by Relocation

Spain has a multi-level taxation system that includes state, regional and municipal taxes. Let us consider the main taxes in force in the country at the end of 2024 – beginning of 2025.

Let’s start with taxes for individuals:

Income tax (IRPF ) – a progressive scale of rates is applied, consisting of federal and regional parts. The federal (central) part of the rates includes:

  • 9.5% – on income up to €12,450;
  • 12% – on income from €12,451 to €20,200;
  • 15% – on income from €20,201 to €35,200;
  • 18.5% – on income from €35,201 to €60,000;
  • 22.5% – on income from €60,001 to €300,000;
  • 24.5% – on income over €300,000.

Regional authorities set additional rates, which may vary depending on the autonomous community.

Thecapital gains tax is variable, and gains from the sale of real estate and other assets are taxed at the following rates:

  • 19% – on gains up to €6,000;
  • 21% – on gains from €6,001 to €50,000;
  • 23% – on profits from €50,001 to €200,000;
  • 27% – on profits from €200,001 to €300,000;
  • 28% – on income over €300,000.

Real estate tax (IBI): An annual tax whose rate varies from 0.4% to 1.1% of the cadastral value of the property, depending on the municipality.

Wealth tax: Applies to individuals with net assets above a certain threshold, with progressive rates ranging from 0.2% to 3.5%, depending on the region.

Taxes for legal entities:

Corporate income tax (Impuesto sobre Sociedades): The standard rate is 25%. For small businesses with a turnover of less than €1 million, there is a reduced rate of 23%. New companies can apply the 15% rate for the first two years of profitable activity.

Value added tax (IVA):

  • The standard rate is 21%;
  • Reduced rate – 10% (applies to certain goods and services, such as food and transportation);
  • Super reduced rate – 4% (applies to basic foodstuffs, books and medicines).

Other taxes and duties:

Inheritance and gift tax: Progressive rates from 7.65% to 34% apply, but rates and exemptions may vary significantly from community to community.

Property Transfer Tax (ITP): Charged on the purchase of second-hand real estate, the rate is usually around 6-10% of the value of the property, depending on the region.

Social contributions: Employers and employees are required to make social security contributions. The general rate for the employer is about 29.9% of the employee’s salary, and for the employee – about 6.35%.

The Spanish tax system is characterized by progressive and diverse taxes, which requires careful planning when doing business or living in the country. It is recommended to consult with professional tax advisors to ensure compliance with current legal requirements and optimize the tax burden.

http://relocation.com.ua/osoblyvosti-systemy-opodatkuvannia-v-ispanii/

 

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37% of Ukrainian IT companies are still considering relocation

The possibility of relocation until the end of 2022 is still considered by 37% of IT companies, these are the results of a study conducted by the IT Ukraine association together with the law firm Sayenko Kharenko “Relocation. New IT landscape of Ukraine”.
According to them, 23% of companies plan to combine relocation abroad and within Ukraine, and 14% of respondents are considering partial or full relocation abroad.
It is indicated that the relocation is largely considered by IT companies as a forced step for the period of the war, or at least its active phase.
The study notes that 55% of the IT companies surveyed have not yet relocated: 25% have switched to remote work, and 30% work remotely and partly in the office.
Among IT companies that carried out relocation, relocation within Ukraine prevails (45%). 42% of companies partially relocated abroad, of which only 5% of companies closed part of their offices in Ukraine.
At the same time, none of the surveyed IT companies has carried out a complete relocation abroad.
In addition, none of the surveyed IT companies intends to completely shut down their business in Ukraine.
According to IT Ukraine, the study was conducted among the members of the association, which currently number more than 120 companies.

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RELOCATION IN UKRAINE WAS COMPLETED BY 601 ENTERPRISES

601 enterprises have completed relocation from areas where hostilities continue under the state relocation program, 390 of them have already resumed work at new sites in the western regions of Ukraine, the Ministry of Economy reported.

“Another 87 enterprises are at different stages of transportation. Soon another 151 enterprises will move, which are currently on the routes or draw up the necessary documents,” the information on the ministry’s website says.

According to it, the most popular areas for relocation of enterprises are Zakarpattia, Lviv and Chernivtsi. The business also finds new places to locate its facilities in Ternopil, Ivano-Frankivsk, Vinnitsa and other regions.

The movement of equipment is carried out by the facilities of Ukrzaliznytsya, Ukrposhta or by its own resources (with compensation), reminds the Ministry of Economy.

As reported, the program to move Ukrainian production from the zone of active hostilities started in mid-March. According to the head of the parliamentary committee on finance, tax and customs policy of Ukraine, Danila Getmantsev, as of March 27, 1,120 applications were received under the evacuation program, of which 368 were transferred for transportation. By this date, the number of displaced enterprises under the evacuation program has reached 89, of which 47 have already resumed work in a new location.

The Ministry of Economy then updated the data as of April 5: the number of applications for relocation increased to 1424, relocated enterprises – up to 178, resumed work – up to 67.

According to the Ministry of Economy, as of May 12, the number of displaced enterprises increased by 510, a