Today, Syria is witnessing a profound transformation in its investment environment—especially after the country’s liberation on 8 December 2024. With the modernisation of laws and the expansion of business opportunities for both local and foreign investors, Syria has become open to the world and a fertile ground for investments capable of contributing to its economic and developmental revival.
In this article, we present the key features of Syria’s new Investment Law and the amendments that have created a significant shift in the economic landscape. Read on to explore the full details below.
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Modernising the Legal Framework for Investment
In 2021, Syria enacted Investment Law No. 18, replacing Law No. 8 of 2007, with the goal of expanding tax exemptions and creating a more suitable environment to attract and support a larger number of investments and projects across Syrian territory.
On 9 July 2025, Legislative Decree No. 114 of 2025 was issued, amending several articles of Law No. 18 to further enhance the investment climate in line with the requirements of the country’s new phase of reconstruction and economic openness.
One of the most notable amendments was the redefinition of “investment” under Article 1, making it more comprehensive. It now includes the establishment, expansion, financing, or full or partial ownership of investment projects, as well as the development of real-estate investment and development zones and the management of individual real-estate assets.
Furthermore, Article 5 was revised to provide broader guarantees for investors, stipulating that precautionary seizure or guardianship over a project may only be imposed by judicial decision. Property expropriation is likewise prohibited except through a court ruling with fair compensation, which may be repatriated in convertible currency.
At the institutional level, the decree established the Supreme Council for Economic Development, chaired by the President or his delegate, and reorganised the Syrian Investment Authority as an independent public entity linked directly to the Presidency. The Authority is now empowered to open branches and offices across the Syrian provinces.
The decree also mandates that all public entities must issue a decision on an investment licence application within 30 working days of submission, thereby accelerating legal procedures. Additionally, the Investor Services Centre was established as a single point of contact for all investment-related entities, simplifying administrative procedures and licensing processes.
In terms of incentives, the law exempts imports of machinery, production lines, and medical equipment for investment projects from all customs duties and financial fees. Moreover, agricultural and livestock projects enjoy a permanent 100% income-tax exemption, while industrial and export-oriented projects benefit from up to 80% tax reductions.
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A Promising Investment Destination
Today, Syria represents a distinctive investment opportunity, especially after being internationally recognised as a country moving toward stability and economic recovery.
With the importance of reconstruction and development, and the introduction of a new legal framework that ensures protection, transparency, and generous incentives, the country has become a promising destination for ambitious projects across diverse sectors.
If you are considering entering the Syrian market or expanding your investments there, we at Ethmar would be delighted to serve as your strategic partner at every stage—from feasibility studies to company formation and obtaining legal licences.
Contact us today to discover the opportunities available and start your investment journey in Syria with confidence and clarity.
In this article, we present the key features of Syria’s new Investment Law and the amendments that have created a significant shift in the economic landscape. Read on to explore the full details below.
________________________________________
Modernising the Legal Framework for Investment
In 2021, Syria enacted Investment Law No. 18, replacing Law No. 8 of 2007, with the goal of expanding tax exemptions and creating a more suitable environment to attract and support a larger number of investments and projects across Syrian territory.
On 9 July 2025, Legislative Decree No. 114 of 2025 was issued, amending several articles of Law No. 18 to further enhance the investment climate in line with the requirements of the country’s new phase of reconstruction and economic openness.
One of the most notable amendments was the redefinition of “investment” under Article 1, making it more comprehensive. It now includes the establishment, expansion, financing, or full or partial ownership of investment projects, as well as the development of real-estate investment and development zones and the management of individual real-estate assets.
Furthermore, Article 5 was revised to provide broader guarantees for investors, stipulating that precautionary seizure or guardianship over a project may only be imposed by judicial decision. Property expropriation is likewise prohibited except through a court ruling with fair compensation, which may be repatriated in convertible currency.
At the institutional level, the decree established the Supreme Council for Economic Development, chaired by the President or his delegate, and reorganised the Syrian Investment Authority as an independent public entity linked directly to the Presidency. The Authority is now empowered to open branches and offices across the Syrian provinces.
The decree also mandates that all public entities must issue a decision on an investment licence application within 30 working days of submission, thereby accelerating legal procedures. Additionally, the Investor Services Centre was established as a single point of contact for all investment-related entities, simplifying administrative procedures and licensing processes.
In terms of incentives, the law exempts imports of machinery, production lines, and medical equipment for investment projects from all customs duties and financial fees. Moreover, agricultural and livestock projects enjoy a permanent 100% income-tax exemption, while industrial and export-oriented projects benefit from up to 80% tax reductions.
________________________________________
A Promising Investment Destination
Today, Syria represents a distinctive investment opportunity, especially after being internationally recognised as a country moving toward stability and economic recovery.
With the importance of reconstruction and development, and the introduction of a new legal framework that ensures protection, transparency, and generous incentives, the country has become a promising destination for ambitious projects across diverse sectors.
If you are considering entering the Syrian market or expanding your investments there, we at Ethmar would be delighted to serve as your strategic partner at every stage—from feasibility studies to company formation and obtaining legal licences.
Contact us today to discover the opportunities available and start your investment journey in Syria with confidence and clarity.