Sectors that fit
Where the islands have an edge
Some activities make particular sense in the Canary Islands — for their Atlantic position, their climate or the REF tax framework. The four below are the ones we see set up most. Each combines a real operational reason to be here with an activity that is eligible for the ZEC, which is what turns a tax incentive into a viable location.
What makes a sector a good fit here
Distance from continental Europe is real, so the fit has to be more than fiscal. The combinations that work tend to share four things, and a sector that ticks all four is where the islands genuinely compete with mainland free zones rather than just discount them:
- An activity on the eligible list for the ZEC, so the 4% corporate rate applies under Ley 19/1994.
- Genuine demand — local consumption, captive island market or transit traffic through the ports.
- Infrastructure that the operation needs: Atlantic shipping lanes, three-phase power, serviced land.
- Available premises, whether a unit to rent or buy or land to build on to spec.
The economic logic is specific to the archipelago: a mid-Atlantic hub roughly 1,100 km off West Africa and 1,700 km from the Iberian Peninsula, a mild year-round climate, and a fiscal regime built to offset that remoteness. Where those align with your activity, the case is strong; where they do not, the incentive alone will not carry it.
The four sectors we see most
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Logistics & Atlantic hub
A natural staging point between Europe, Africa and the Americas, with major container ports and frequent air links.
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Agrifood & cold chain
A mild climate and steady, year-round demand from tourism make food and drink businesses a natural fit on the islands.
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Renewable energy
Abundant sun and wind, combined with firm island decarbonisation targets, make this one of the archipelago's fastest-growing sectors.
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Light manufacturing
The tax framework rewards companies that genuinely produce on the islands, and local production enjoys a specific structural advantage.
Frequently asked questions
- Which sectors qualify for the ZEC in the Canary Islands?
- The eligible list is broad: manufacturing, distribution, logistics, ICT, audiovisual and many services. The Consorcio de la ZEC sets the current list by activity code.
- What makes a sector a good fit for the Canary Islands?
- A strong fit combines an eligible ZEC activity, real local or transit demand, available premises and the infrastructure the operation needs — port, power or land.
- Is the tax advantage enough on its own to relocate?
- Rarely. The 4% rate matters most when the location also works operationally — proximity to West Africa, year-round climate or local demand. Both have to line up.
Not sure where your activity fits? Start with the relocation guide or tell us what you do and we will map it to the right setup.