Investment Policy Monitor
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The Investment Policy Monitor provides the international investment community with up-to-date, country-specific information on recent policy developments affecting foreign direct investment (FDI).
Through its ongoing monitoring of investment policy changes, UNCTAD delivers cutting-edge and forward-looking contributions to investment policy discourse. The Monitor also supports evidence-based policymaking aimed at ensuring that foreign investment contributes to sustainable development. The Monitor also informs the analysis of global and regional investment policy trends featured in the World Investment Report, the Investment Policy Monitor publications and the joint UNCTAD-OECD Reports on G20 Investment Measures.
UNCTAD has tracked changes in national policies affecting FDI on an annual basis since 1992. Over time, the methodology has been revised to enhance the quality and consistency of reporting. The most recent revision, completed in 2024, further refined the monitoring framework and applied the updated classification to policy measures dating back to 2012.
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UNCTAD Investment Policy Monitor The UNCTAD Investment Policy Monitor database compiles official measures affecting FDI adopted by United Nations Member States. These encompass measures explicitly targeting foreign investment (FDI-specific), as well as general investment measures that have a clear impact on such investment (FDI-related).
The measures are either reported directly to UNCTAD by Member States through annual surveys or identified by UNCTAD researchers through publicly accessible sources (such as government websites and specialized policy databases).
The classification of measures as more or less favourable to investors is based solely on their potential impact on investors. The type of measures included in each category are described below. This classification does not reflect any value judgement by UNCTAD on the merit or suitability of the measure.
Classification of the nature of measures
More favourable to investors
Liberalization: includes privatization; lifting of entry restrictions (e.g. opening of sectors to FDI) and entry conditions (e.g. minimum capital requirement); removal (total or partial) of FDI screening or approval mechanisms; lifting of foreign exchange restrictions; liberalization of land access.
Facilitation: includes streamlining of investment procedures (e.g. one-stop shops); greater transparency of investment-related laws and procedures (e.g. information portals); introduction by IPAs and other entities of new services to assist investors (e.g. linkages programmes, investor visa facilitation or alternative dispute resolution mechanisms).
Promotion: includes establishment of IPAs or other institutions with a remit as investment promoters and expansion of their mandate; adoption of investment promotion strategy and plans; introduction of PPPs, auctions, and concessions initiatives or framework; introduction of OFDI promotion initiatives.
Incentives: includes adoption of new tax and financial incentives schemes for investment; introduction of other incentives (e.g. citizenship by investment programmes); adoption of new SEZ-related incentives.
Other regulatory changes: includes enhancement of investor treatment and protection guarantees; easing of labour or migration regulations concerning foreign hires and key personnel; removal of operational restrictions on investment (e.g. local content requirements).
Less favourable to investors
Entry: includes introduction or tightening of entry restrictions (e.g. total or partial ban on FDI in specific sectors); introduction or tightening of entry conditions (e.g. minimum investment threshold, joint venture requirements or State participation in strategic sectors); introduction or expansion of screening mechanisms for national security.
Treatment and operation: includes introduction or expansion of foreign exchange restrictions; introduction or expansion of restrictions on foreign hires and key personnel; removal or reduction of investment incentives; introduction or expansion of post-establishment requirements for local content; reduction of guarantees for investment treatment and protection; introduction or expansion of restrictions on OFDI.
Note: Measures are verified, to the fullest extent possible, by referencing government sources. The compilation of measures is not exhaustive.
Disclaimer: the boundaries and names shown and the designations used on this map do not imply official endorsement or acceptance by the United Nations.
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Investment Policy Measures
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Trinidad and Tobago
15 Apr 2025Establishes 'Global Trinidad and Tobago', a new investment promotion agency
On 15 April 2025, Trinidad and Tobago reformed its national investment promotion framework by merging its investment promotion agency, InvesTT, with its export and creative industry agencies, exporTT and CreativeTT, to form a single [...]
United States of America
31 Mar 2025Established the United States Investment Accelerator
In implementation of the "America First Investment Policy", on 31 March 2025, the Government of the United States announced that a "United States Investment Accelerator" would become operational within 30 days. The new entity is tasked [...]
Viet Nam
18 Mar 2025Raises foreign ownership cap for commercial banks undergoing restructuring or transfer
On 18 March 2025, the Government of Viet Nam issued Decree No. 69/2025/ND-CP, amending several provisions of Decree No. 01/2014/ND-CP concerning foreign investment in Vietnamese financial institutions. Under the new decree, the general [...]
China
12 Mar 2025New incentives for FDI in Shenzen
On 12 March 2025, the Government of Shenzhen, in the Guangdong Province in the south of China, released the “Key Points of Support Policies for Shenzhen Commerce and Investment Promotion in 2025”. Foreign-invested enterprises that [...]
Seychelles
10 Mar 2025Grants new business tax exemption to infant companies
On 10 March 2025, Seychelles adopted the Business Tax (Exemption of Tax for Infant Companies) Order, 2025 (S.I. 13 of 2025), granting tax exemptions to eligible businesses. Under the Order, qualifying infant companies are exempt from [...]
Singapore
07 Mar 2025Eases foreign work permit regulations
On 7 March 2025, Singapore announced changes to its Foreign Workforce Policy. The key amendments are as follows: Extension of the M-SEP scheme. As of 1 May 2025, the Manpower for Strategic Economic Priorities (M-SEP) scheme will [...]
Canada
05 Mar 2025Updates Guidelines on the National Security Review of Investments
On 5 March 2025, the Government of Canada updated the Guidelines on the National Security Review of Investments under the Investment Canada Act to better address evolving geopolitical and economic threats. Key changes include: [...]
Saudi Arabia
03 Mar 2025Opens the retail pharmacies sector to foreign investors
On 3 March 2025, Saudi Arabia issued Royal Decree No. M/195, which permits foreign ownership in the retail pharmacies sector. Before the issuance of this Decree, the retail pharmacies sector in Saudi Arabia was governed by the Law [...]
Viet Nam
03 Mar 2025Opens offshore wind market to foreign investors and adopts incentives.
On 3 March 2025, Viet Nam adopted Decree No. 58/2025/ND-CP on the development of renewable and new energy, establishing clear participation criteria for foreign investors in the offshore wind power sector. Under the decree, foreign [...]
Korea, Republic of
28 Feb 2025Extends the tax holiday period for capital goods imported for foreign investment
On 28 February 2025, the Republic of Korea amended the Enforcement Decree of the Act on Restriction on Special Cases Concerning Taxation (No. 35347), extending the exemption period for tariffs, special consumption tax and value-added [...]
Jordan
26 Feb 2025Eases residency requirements for foreign investors
On 26 February 2025, the Cabinet of Jordan abolished the requirement for foreign property owners residing in the country for more than two years to deposit JD10,000 ($14,000). Meanwhile, the deposit required for non-property owners [...]
United States of America
21 Feb 2025America First Investment Policy increases restrictions on FDI from and to "foreign adversaries"
On 21 February 2025, the Government of the United States of America published The America First Investment Policy, which aims to encourage investment from allies by facilitating investments while also increasing restrictions on "foreign [...]
United States of America
21 Feb 2025America First Investment Policy aims to facilitate investment from "allies and partners"
On 21 February 2025, the Government of the United States of America published The America First Investment Policy, which aims to boost investment from allies by facilitating investments, while also increasing restrictions on "foreign [...]
Equatorial Guinea
19 Feb 2025Suspends all tax exemptions for non-oil companies
On 19 February 2025, the Government decided to suspend all tax exemptions for non-oil companies in the country. Prior to the suspension decision, Equatorial Guinea offered several tax exemptions and incentives to non-oil companies [...]
Viet Nam
19 Feb 2025Adopts a pilot program to open telecommunications services using low-earth orbit (LEO) satellite to FDI
On 19 February 2025, Viet Nam approved a pilot programme allowing fully foreign-owned companies to provide telecommunications services using low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellite technology. Previously classified as facilities-based services [...]
Indonesia
17 Feb 2025Imposes restrictions on foreign exchange earnings from natural resource exports
On 17 February 2025, the Government of Indonesia issued Regulation No. 8 of 2025, mandating the retention of foreign exchange earnings from natural resource exports within the domestic financial system. Under the new regulation, exporters [...]
Australia
11 Feb 2025Adopts tax incentives for and hydrogen and critical minerals production
On 11 February 2025, the Parliament of Australia passed a law implementîng production tax incentives for renewable hydrogen and critical minerals. The incentives include: • Hydrogen Production Tax Incentive: A subsidy of $2 per kilogram [...]
United States of America
10 Feb 2025Pauses enforcement of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act
On 10 February 2025, the President of the United States of America issued an Executive Order imposing a 180-day suspension on the enforcement of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA). This legislation prohibits bribery of foreign [...]
Kuwait
10 Feb 2025Eases property ownership rules for foreigners
On February 10, 2025, Kuwait issued Decree Law No. 7/2025 amending the provisions of Decree Law No. 74/1979, which regulates the ownership of real estate properties by non-Kuwaitis. Historically, property ownership in Kuwait was restricted [...]
New Zealand
09 Feb 2025Eases ‘golden visa’ rules to attract investors
On 9 February 2025, New Zealand introduced significant changes to its "golden visa" program. Key changes include the following: New investment categories and lower eligibility threshold: Previously, a single visa category required [...]
Canada
06 Feb 2025Releases the Sensitive Technology List
On 6 February 2025, the Ministry of Public Safety, released the Canada's Sensitive Technology List (STL). The STL identifies emerging and novel-use technologies that the Government of Canada deems sensitive to national security and [...]
Spain
29 Jan 2025Extends the FDI screening regime for EU and EFTA investors to 2026
On 29 January 2025, the Government of Spain issued Decree-Law 1/2025, extending the requirement for prior authorization of foreign direct investments in Spain by European Union and the European Free Trade Association residents until [...]
Paraguay
28 Jan 2025Introduces a new PPP law to enhance investment in infrastructure
On 28 January 2025, Paraguay enacted Public–Private Partnership (PPP) Law No. 7452/2025, which replaces Law No. 5102/2013. The new law aims to enhance infrastructure investment by improving the efficiency and transparency of PPP frameworks. [...]
Trinidad and Tobago
24 Jan 2025Launches deepwater licensing round for offshore hydrocarbon exploration
On 24 January 2025, The Petroleum Regulations (Deep Water Competitive Bidding) Order, 2025 was published in the Legal Supplement. The Order established the framework for the Deep Water Competitive Bidding Round 2025, which was [...]
New Zealand
23 Jan 2025Launches Invest New Zealand
On January 23, 2025, the Government of New Zealand introduced “Invest New Zealand,” a new agency that will initially be housed within New Zealand Trade and Enterprise (NZTE) and subsequently transition into an autonomous Crown Entity. [...]
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The Investment Policy Monitor provides the international investment community with up-to-date, country-specific information on recent policy developments affecting foreign direct investment (FDI).
Through its ongoing monitoring of investment policy changes, UNCTAD delivers cutting-edge and forward-looking contributions to investment policy discourse. The Monitor also supports evidence-based policymaking aimed at ensuring that foreign investment contributes to sustainable development. The Monitor also informs the analysis of global and regional investment policy trends featured in the World Investment Report, the Investment Policy Monitor publications and the joint UNCTAD-OECD Reports on G20 Investment Measures.
UNCTAD has tracked changes in national policies affecting FDI on an annual basis since 1992. Over time, the methodology has been revised to enhance the quality and consistency of reporting. The most recent revision, completed in 2024, further refined the monitoring framework and applied the updated classification to policy measures dating back to 2012.
-
UNCTAD Investment Policy Monitor The UNCTAD Investment Policy Monitor database compiles official measures affecting FDI adopted by United Nations Member States. These encompass measures explicitly targeting foreign investment (FDI-specific), as well as general investment measures that have a clear impact on such investment (FDI-related).
The measures are either reported directly to UNCTAD by Member States through annual surveys or identified by UNCTAD researchers through publicly accessible sources (such as government websites and specialized policy databases).
The classification of measures as more or less favourable to investors is based solely on their potential impact on investors. The type of measures included in each category are described below. This classification does not reflect any value judgement by UNCTAD on the merit or suitability of the measure.
Classification of the nature of measures
More favourable to investors
Liberalization: includes privatization; lifting of entry restrictions (e.g. opening of sectors to FDI) and entry conditions (e.g. minimum capital requirement); removal (total or partial) of FDI screening or approval mechanisms; lifting of foreign exchange restrictions; liberalization of land access.
Facilitation: includes streamlining of investment procedures (e.g. one-stop shops); greater transparency of investment-related laws and procedures (e.g. information portals); introduction by IPAs and other entities of new services to assist investors (e.g. linkages programmes, investor visa facilitation or alternative dispute resolution mechanisms).
Promotion: includes establishment of IPAs or other institutions with a remit as investment promoters and expansion of their mandate; adoption of investment promotion strategy and plans; introduction of PPPs, auctions, and concessions initiatives or framework; introduction of OFDI promotion initiatives.
Incentives: includes adoption of new tax and financial incentives schemes for investment; introduction of other incentives (e.g. citizenship by investment programmes); adoption of new SEZ-related incentives.
Other regulatory changes: includes enhancement of investor treatment and protection guarantees; easing of labour or migration regulations concerning foreign hires and key personnel; removal of operational restrictions on investment (e.g. local content requirements).
Less favourable to investors
Entry: includes introduction or tightening of entry restrictions (e.g. total or partial ban on FDI in specific sectors); introduction or tightening of entry conditions (e.g. minimum investment threshold, joint venture requirements or State participation in strategic sectors); introduction or expansion of screening mechanisms for national security.
Treatment and operation: includes introduction or expansion of foreign exchange restrictions; introduction or expansion of restrictions on foreign hires and key personnel; removal or reduction of investment incentives; introduction or expansion of post-establishment requirements for local content; reduction of guarantees for investment treatment and protection; introduction or expansion of restrictions on OFDI.
Note: Measures are verified, to the fullest extent possible, by referencing government sources. The compilation of measures is not exhaustive.
Disclaimer: the boundaries and names shown and the designations used on this map do not imply official endorsement or acceptance by the United Nations.
Share
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