What is the ZEC and what tax advantages does it offer businesses

4% taxation, employment and investment requirements, and the activities eligible under the Canary Special Zone.

A 4% rate, with conditions

The Canary Special Zone (ZEC) is a regime authorised by the European Union that allows qualifying entities to pay just 4% corporate tax on the portion of their tax base corresponding to eligible operations — well below the general national rate.

Main requirements

The entity must be newly formed, with its registered office and effective management in the Canary Islands, have at least one resident director, carry out an activity included in the list of eligible sectors, and meet minimum investment and job-creation thresholds within the first months of activity — higher on the capital islands.

How to apply

A descriptive report of the project is submitted to the ZEC Consortium, which issues the prior authorisation; the company is then formed and registered with the Official ZEC Entities Registry. Getting the sequence right matters, because the company must be created after the authorisation, not before.

Frequently asked questions

Can an existing company apply for the ZEC?
The regime requires newly formed entities, though a corporate group can set up a new Canary company for the eligible activity.
Is the ZEC compatible with other REF incentives?
It's compatible with certain incentives, subject to limits and accumulation rules that need to be reviewed case by case.