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Ireland

Ireland offers a unique blend of innovation, quality of life, and economic opportunity within the European Union.

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Dublin

Sources: DG for Communication

Euro (€)

Sources: DG for Communication

Irish, English

Sources: DG for Communication

5.4M

Sources: Eurostat

Corporate Tax Rate 12.5% (2025)

Trading income taxed at 12.5%; 25% rate applies to passive/non‑trading income; 15% minimum effective rate for in‑scope groups.

Ireland’s headline 12.5% trading rate remains, with a 15% minimum for large multinationals under Pillar Two complementing the regime’s stability.

R&D Tax Credit 30% (2025)

A tax credit on qualifying research & development expenditure.

Ireland strongly incentivises innovation with a generous 30% tax credit for research and development, supporting companies at the forefront of technology and science.

ESNA SNS#1: Fast Startup Creation Score 71% (2025)

Efficiency of starting a business and administrative support. 2024.

With a top score for startup efficiency, Ireland provides a highly supportive and streamlined digital environment, making it exceptionally easy to launch a new business.

GDP Growth 9,1% (2025)

Annual real GDP growth rate.

Ireland's dynamic, export-driven economy is projected to continue its strong growth trajectory, solidifying its position as one of Europe's top-performing nations.

ESNA SNS#6: Access to Finance Score 89% (2025)

Availability of public and private funding for startups. 2024.

Ireland's mature and globally connected financial ecosystem provides startups with outstanding access to venture capital and a wide range of funding opportunities.

Economic Sentiment Indicator (ESI) 100,1 (2026)

With strengths in paying taxes and starting a business within a transparent, common‑law framework

Ireland is globally recognized as one of the best places to do business, with a transparent, common-law legal system and a pro-business regulatory environment.

Labour Cost €42.50/hr (2024)

Hourly labour costs reflects a highly skilled, productive, and multilingual workforce. 2025.

Ireland's labour costs reflect its highly productive, skilled, and multilingual workforce, which is a key driver of its knowledge-based economy.

Top Personal Income Tax Rate 40% (2025)

Progressive rates of 20% and 40%, plus social security charges. 2025.

Ireland's personal tax system is structured to fund its extensive public services, with two main rates ensuring a progressive contribution from all earners.

Euro Health Consumer Index Score 22nd (2026)

Overall measure of national health system performance.

Ireland's healthcare system provides high-quality care, and the country is committed to improving access and efficiency through ongoing investment and reforms.

Global Cost of Living Rank 20th (2026)

Measures relative costs of goods and services. 2025.

Ireland's high cost of living is reflective of its dynamic, high-income economy, offering residents a vibrant lifestyle with excellent career opportunities.

Global Happiness Rank 15th (2024)

Evaluates national wellbeing and overall life satisfaction. 2025.

Renowned for its friendly culture and strong sense of community, Ireland consistently ranks among the happiest nations, offering a high quality of life.

Global Peace Index 2nd (2025)

Assesses national peacefulness, safety, and security levels. 2025.

As the second most peaceful country in the world, Ireland offers an exceptionally safe and stable society, making it an ideal place to live and work.

Working-Age Employment Rate 79.8% (2024)

Percentage of population aged 20-64 that is employed. 2024.

With a robust and growing employment rate, Ireland's flexible labour market provides extensive opportunities for its young, educated, and skilled workforce.

ESNA SNS#8: Digital First Score 75% (2025)

Measures the digital-by-default availability of key public services. 2024.

A leader in digital government, Ireland offers comprehensive and user-friendly online services, making interactions with public bodies seamless and efficient.

Annual Inflation Rate 2,1% (2025)

Measures the change in consumer prices over time. 2025.

With inflation forecast to be low and stable, Ireland's economy provides a predictable financial environment that supports both consumer confidence and business planning.

Ireland has embassies and consulates worldwide that offer visa services and assistance to its citizens abroad. A current list of these missions is available on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website.

EU/EEA/Swiss A citizens may enter with a valid passport or national ID; after 3 months they must work, be self‑employed or studying, or have sufficient resources and healthcare, with permanent residence after 5 years

Non‑EU nationals require a valid passport; many need a short‑stay “C” visa for visits up to 90 days, while stays over 90 days require a long‑stay “D” visa and registration for an Irish Residence Permit.

Ireland’s Start‑up Entrepreneur Programme (STEP) offers residence (Stamp 4) for innovative founders, requiring an approved plan and at least €50K in funding; applications are reviewed quarterly.

A pathway for non-EEA nationals on the basis of long-term investment of a sum of money in a project that has been approved for that purpose by the Department of Justice and other Government stakeholders.