Find out the Benefits of Investing in Ireland

A well-educated, flexible and English speaking workforce;
Membership of the EU and Euro currency zone and the only native English speaking member;
Flexible tax system;
Stable political environment;

Straightforward incorporation procedures;
Fair employment laws;
Commercially focused legal system;
Low corporation tax rates;
Advanced telecommunications infrastructure.

Ireland's Global Rankings

for availability of skilled labour ⁽¹⁾
for flexibility and adaptability of workforce ⁽¹⁾
for investment incentives ⁽¹⁾
globally for average value of investment projects ⁽²⁾
most globalised economy in culture ⁽²⁾

in global movement of finance and capital ⁽²⁾
globally for the number of inward investment jobs per capita ⁽³⁾
best country globally to do business in ⁽¹⁾

(1) IMD World Competitiveness Yearbook 2014
(2) EY Globalisation Index 2015
(3) IBM 2014 Global Locations Trends Report
(4) IDA Ireland: Ireland Economic and Competitiveness Update Q4 2015

Growing Economy / Fiscal Climate

Ireland has a small, highly globalised economy with a large exporting sector, and a significant number of multinational corporations.

Tax Regime

The key features of Ireland's tax regime that make it one of the most attractive global investment locations include:

Excellent intellectual property (IP) regime
Attractive holding company regime
Effective zero tax rate for foreign dividends

12.5% Corporate Tax Rate - 25% R&D Tax Credit

IT & Infrastructure

Ireland has one of the most advanced and competitive telecommunications infrastructures in Europe. The telecommunications market is fully de-regulated and numerous companies have entered the market. Large investments in recent years have resulted in state-of-the-art optical networks with world-class national and international connectivity.

Education level

There are over one million people currently in full-time education in Ireland. These are engaged in three levels of education: primary education (upto 12 years), secondary education (12-18 years), and third level education (18+).

Focus on skills / key science clusters

Ireland's strong focus on investment in education and skills provide continuous results in order to further secure its reputation as a highly attractive location.

Increase in applicants
to STEM (Science,
Technology, Engineering
& Maths) subjects

Increase in Science
1st preferences

Increase in Computing
1st preferences

Increase in Engineering
1st preferences

LABOUR COSTS

Irish labour costs have remained relatively stable since 2008, increasing by just 4%, this compares to 14% increase in the EU.

Productivity

Ireland is one of the most productive economies in the EU. Productivity levels are approximately 40 points above the EU27 baseline.

Competitiveness gains /
strategic location

Since the global financial crisis and a stringent adherence to a programme of austerity, Ireland has emerged with many competitive gains over its neighbouring EU countries.

Stable political and
legal environment

In the first two decades after Ireland achieved independence in 1922, the institutions of the State were consolidated and a tradition of political stability was established.