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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Israel
13 Apr 2026Introduces R&D tax credit regime
On 13 April 2026, Israel enacted the Law for the Encouragement and Incentivization of Research and Development, 2026, introducing a new tax credit regime for research and development (R&D) activities. Previously, under the Law [...]
Philippines
13 Apr 2026Liberalizes foreign investment restrictions across multiple sectors
On 13 April 2026, the Philippines issued Executive Order No. 113, promulgating the Thirteenth Regular Foreign Investment Negative List (RFINL), which liberalizes foreign investment in several sectors. The list is issued pursuant to [...]
Argentina
13 Apr 2026Adopts new incentive regime for medium-sized investments
On 13 April 2026, Argentina issued Decree No. 242/2026, setting out implementing provisions for the Incentive Regime for Medium-sized Investments (RIMI), created by Law No. 27.802 of 6 March 2026. The time-limited regime is aimed at [...]
Mexico
09 Apr 2026Adopts legislation to promote and facilitate strategic infrastructure investment
On 9 April 2026, Mexico published the Law for the Promotion of Investment in Infrastructure Strategic for Development with Well-being (Ley para el Fomento de la Inversión en Infraestructura Estratégica para el Desarrollo [...]
Slovakia
01 Apr 2026Updated regional and clean-technology investment aid rules
On 17 March 2026, the Government adopted Regulation No. 48/2026, amending Regulation No. 195/2018 on the conditions for granting investment aid, maximum aid intensity and maximum investment aid amounts in the regions of Slovakia. The [...]
India
01 Apr 2026Extends tax incentive for enterprises in International Financial Services Centres
On 30 March 2026, India enacted the Finance Act, 2026, expanding tax incentives for enterprises operating in International Financial Services Centres (IFSCs). Under the previous framework, eligible IFSC enterprises were entitled [...]
Viet Nam
01 Apr 2026Expands incentives for foreign technology transfer projects
On 10 December 2025, Viet Nam amended the Law on Technology Transfer (Law No. 115/2025/QH15). The amended law broadens the scope of transferable technologies to include intangible assets aligned with the digital economy and introduces [...]
Algeria
31 Mar 2026Incentivizes start-ups and incubators
On 31 March 2026, the Ministry of Finance of Algeria issued a circular on the implementation of the provisions of Finance Law 2026, Law No. 25-17, expanding incentives for start-ups and incubators. Companies labelled as start-ups [...]
United States of America
27 Mar 2026Eases outward investment restrictions in natural resource sectors of Venezuela
On 27 March 2026, the United States Office of Foreign Assets Control issued General License No. 55, authorizing negotiations and contingent contracts for new investment in the minerals sector in Venezuela, including gold. It also permitted [...]
Canada
26 Mar 2026Introduces a clean electricity tax credit and expands clean economy investment tax credits
On 26 March 2026, the Government of Canada adopted the Budget 2025 Implementation Act, No. 1. The Act introduced a new refundable Clean Electricity Investment Tax Credit of up to 15 per cent for eligible clean electricity property, [...]
Panama
20 Mar 2026Permanent residency subcategory for researchers, scientists and exceptionally talented professionals
On 20 March 2026 the Government of Panama issued Executive Decree No. 6 creating a new permanent‑residency subcategory for researchers, scientists and exceptionally talented professionals in areas of national importance. The decree [...]
United Arab Emirates
18 Mar 2026Introduces R&D tax credit regime
On 18 March 2026, the United Arab Emirates issued Ministerial Decision No. 24 of 2026, setting out detailed rules for the implementation of the research and development (R&D) tax credit regime introduced under Cabinet Decision [...]
Bangladesh
08 Mar 2026Eases restrictions on share transfers and repatriation by foreign investors
On 3 March 2026, the Bank of Bangladesh issued new guidelines (FEID Circular No. 01) simplifying procedures for foreign investors to transfer shares in unlisted public companies and private limited companies and to repatriate sale [...]
Honduras
06 Mar 2026Signs the ICSID Convention
On 6 March 2026, Honduras signed the Convention on the Settlement of Investment Disputes between States and Nationals of Other States (ICSID Convention), reversing its withdrawal in February 2024 under the previous administration. [...]
Malaysia
01 Mar 2026Introduces tiered and outcome-based new tax incentive framework
On 29 January 2026, Malaysia introduced the New Incentive Framework (NIF), a tiered, outcome-based tax incentive framework comprising a Special Tax Rate (STR) and an Investment Tax Allowance (ITA). Investors must select one incentive [...]
Romania
24 Feb 2026Introduces productive investment and competitiveness support measures
On 24 February 2026, the Government adopted Emergency Ordinance No. 8/2026 on economic relaunch, productive investment growth and competitiveness. The ordinance establishes an incentive mechanism for investments with significant economic [...]
Italy
21 Feb 2026Streamlines the permitting process for data centres
On 21 February 2026, Decree No. 21 was published. Among its objectives is to facilitate the integration of data centres into the electricity grid. Article 8 of the Decree streamlines the authorization procedures for the construction, [...]
Nepal
16 Feb 2026Expands automatic route for FDI to additional manufacturing and services activities
On 16 February 2026, Nepal issued a notification under section 42 of the Foreign Investment and Technology Transfer Act, 2019 (FITTA), expanding the scope of the automatic route for foreign direct investment (FDI). Previously, the [...]
Ukraine
02 Feb 2026Establishes a temporary Interagency Commission on the Screening of Foreign Direct Investments
On 2 February 2026, Resolution No. 97 of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine of 28 January 2026 entered into force, establishing a temporary Interagency Commission on the Screening of Foreign Direct Investments and approving the Regulation [...]
Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of
29 Jan 2026Allows private participation in primary hydrocarbons activities
On 29 January 2026, the Law Partially Amending the Organic Hydrocarbons Law of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela was published in Official Gazette No. 6,978, Extraordinary. The reform amends the legal framework governing primary [...]
Saudi Arabia
29 Jan 2026Launches the 'National Privatization Strategy'
On 29 January 2026, Saudi Arabia announced the National Privatization Strategy, expanding the public-private partnership (PPP) programme under the Privatization Law of 2021. The strategy aims to attract SAR (Saudi Riyal) 240 billion [...]
Uzbekistan
15 Jan 2026Introduces investment promotion measures and tax incentives for light-industry
On 12 January 2026, the President of Uzbekistan adopted Decree No. UP-4 on expanding the participation of domestic light-industry enterprises in international supply chains and strengthening their position in external markets. The [...]
El Salvador
14 Jan 2026Introduces incentives for the expansion of existing investments
On 14 January 2026, the Legislative Assembly of El Salvador adopted the Law on the Promotion of Investment Expansion (Decree No. 498), establishing tax incentives to encourage the expansion of existing investments. The law applies [...]
Côte d'Ivoire
05 Jan 2026Extends incentives for digital start-ups
On 19 December 2025, the Government of Côte d'Ivoire enacted the Annex to the 2026 Finance Act (Loi de Finances pour l'année 2026) with a provision that extends incentives to investors in the digital, technology, and information [...]
Zimbabwe
01 Jan 2026Introduces domestic minimum top-up tax and expands taxation of minerals to promote local processing
On 29 December 2025, the Government of Zimbabwe enacted the Finance Act, 2026. The Act, inter alia, introduces a domestic minimum top-up tax and increases taxation of strategic mining and extractive sectors, with effect from 1 January [...]
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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.
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