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If you thought Verona was all about Romeo & Juliet, wine, and Roman ruins—you’re not wrong—but there’s a lot more bubbling under the surface. This romantic city is also a magnet for global business. With over 12,000 foreign-run companies, Verona leads the Veneto region in the number of international businesses and ranks second (after Venice) in terms of business density. On a national scale, it’s ninth overall—right up there with big hitters like Milan, Rome, and Turin.
Out of more than 91,000 total businesses in the province, about 13% are foreign-run, beating both regional and national averages. And while many Italian-led businesses have dipped since the pandemic, foreign-owned companies in Verona have actually grown by 3.6%.
As Giuseppe Riello, president of Verona’s Chamber of Commerce, puts it, Verona is “a healthy economy that attracts investment from all over the world.” With almost a quarter of all foreign companies in Veneto based here, it’s clear Verona is more than just a cultural gem—it’s a thriving business hub. Even more impressive? Over 14% of these companies are run by people under 35, adding a youthful, dynamic energy to the city.
More Companies Opening Than Closing
Foreign businesses in Verona are booming. In 2024 alone, 1,543 new international firms opened shop (that’s a 6.3% jump from 2023), while only 773 closed—leaving a healthy surplus. Their “birth rate” (yes, that’s a thing in business stats!) is more than double that of local companies.
Where Are Foreign Entrepreneurs Investing?
Foreign entrepreneurs are getting involved in all sorts of industries:
- Non-EU entrepreneurs are mostly in retail and trade (2,258 companies)
- EU entrepreneurs are strong in construction (1,080 companies, nearly 40% of the total)
- The agriculture sector is on the rise—especially among newcomers
Some industries, like trade, did see a small dip (down 107 businesses), but others like personal services and farming are growing steadily. And of course, a city know for it’s wine festivals like the famous yearly Vinitaly Festival, it’s no surprise that many of the investments are in the wine sector.
Who Are These Entrepreneurs?
Most foreign-run businesses in Verona (nearly 68%) are sole proprietorships, though larger companies are increasing too. Women make up about a quarter of foreign entrepreneurs—mainly in services and retail—and young people under 35 are leading over 1,700 businesses, especially in construction.
A big part of this international energy comes from the artisan world—around 37% of foreign businesses are registered artisans, with construction being the top craft.
The Biggest Foreign Communities in Business
At the end of 2024, over 16,000 people born abroad were playing active roles in Verona’s business scene, from owners to directors. The top three nationalities?
- Romanians – 2,422 roles
- Moroccans – 1,804 roles
- Chinese – 1,399 roles
Romanians and Albanians dominate in construction, while trade sees a vibrant mix of Nigerian, Moroccan, and Chinese entrepreneurs.
Agriculture: The New Frontier
One of the most fascinating shifts? Foreign entrepreneurship in Verona’s agricultural sector is booming. In 2024, farming climbed to fourth place among sectors chosen by non-EU entrepreneurs.
Indian entrepreneurs are leading this green wave, especially from Punjab, a region known for its farming roots. You’ll even spot a cultural touch in the business names—many include “Singh” (lion) and “Kaur” (princess), traditional Sikh surnames that highlight how deeply rooted these communities are becoming.
Moroccans aren’t far behind, with strong and steady growth in farming businesses, and there are also new ventures popping up from entrepreneurs from Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Brazil, and Albania, plus EU countries like Romania and Germany.
