Over 370 companies leave Catalonia in 2024, despite surpassing Madrid in overall revenue

Catalonia lost 371 companies' headquarters to the rest of Spain in 2024, the most significant drop since 2018's loss of 1,991 companies.

Many left at the time due to the current political context, which coincided with the peak of the independence push.

Meanwhile, while Catalonia lost hundreds of companies, the region of Madrid welcomed 266 businesses from other parts of Spain. During 2024, 921 firms left Catalonia, around 60 more than the previous year, and welcomed 550, 178 fewer.

However, according to the D&B consulting group, Catalonia generated around €1.86 billion in revenue, compared to Madrid's loss of €3.48 billion. These figures are based on the overall market, which can easily change if large corporations move their headquarters.

In 2024, Catalonia was positively impacted by the arrival of Biomar Oil SL, which registered €1.06 billion in sales 2022, and Lasertardo Hidrocomercial SL with €310 million in 2023.

Recent headquarters changes, such as the one from Banc Sabadell, La Caixa Foundation, CriteriaCaixa, or Applus in 2025, forecast even more positive sales numbers.