Dublin has a vibrant and diverse economy, which supports thriving clusters of Irish and international players. Any kind of company coming to Dublin can benefit from support and the business-friendly environment. But there are some key industry sectors which tend to attract FDI to the city.

These include tech, financial services, professional services, logistics, life sciences and arts and recreation.

If your business falls within one of these key sectors, the city offers many extra benefits. Startups can network with mentors or potential collaborators within their field. While multinationals can take advantage of the experienced talent and niche services that are already present in the city.

All of this really makes Dublin worth investing in for these key industry sectors.

How does the future look for these key industries?

Despite the recent challenges worldwide, Ireland’s economy continues to grow. This is largely thanks to investments coming from large global companies which have long held an interest in the country.

This growth is expected to continue too. According to fDi’s European Cities and Regions of the Future 2023 report , Dublin is among the top 3 cities for investment. The city was ranked first within the Economic Potential category, highlighting Dublin as a thriving city for businesses and FDI.

With the highest inward FDI between 2015 and 2020, Amsterdam edged past Dublin to top the rankings. However, the report states that “Dublin followed very closely behind”. Because of its well-established financial services sector, the report also anticipates that Dublin will benefit from lots of Brexit relocations.

If your business falls into one of the six key industry sectors in Dublin, check out our information on each individual category below. Here, you’ll get an idea of the benefits Dublin offers each one, as well as the calibre of businesses that already have a presence in the city.

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Tech: Why companies invest in Dublin

Dublin is most definitely a tech hub. And its reputation is well-deserved since efforts have been made to attract leading tech companies for decades. Way back in November 1956, IBM was the first American tech company to set up an Irish subsidiary in Dublin. (It still has a large presence here today.) The following year, Swedish multinational Ericsson invested in facilities here too. Then, in the decades that followed, big names like Hewlett Packard, Dell, Microsoft and SAP followed suit. Today, the industry employs over 37,000 people throughout Ireland and generates €3

brick and glass skycrpaer buildings in the irish financial services centre in dublin's docklands

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Financial services in Dublin

Dublin is a major global hub for fund administration, aircraft leasing, insurance and a range of wholesale banking activities. Many financial services firms have made the city their home. Overall, Ireland is the fourth largest provider of wholesale financial services in the EU. The country’s robust regulation and skilled workforce attracts them here. Excellent investment and tax incentives help too. The combination of a 12.5% corporate tax and an exceptionall

image of waterfront and trees at dublin's business services district

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Professional services

As international investment in Dublin grows, so does the city’s need for professional services. Since the early 90s, demand has consistently increased as large companies bringing FDI to the city began to centralise their functional support activities here. As a result, law, accounting, R&D, marketing, real estate and management consulting are all well represented in the city. Today, Dublin is considered a centre of excellence for global business services. Demand continues to grow as more gl

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Life sciences

Ireland is a global centre for life sciences. In fact, it is one of the top three global exporters of pharmaceutical products in the world. Significant investments are made in pharma, biotechnology, medical devices and diagnostic operations on a country-wide basis. Dublin itself has a proven track record for nurturing its world-leading science, engineering and health sectors. That’s because our pool of well-educated STEM professionals attracts the world’s most cutting-edge multinationals. Links with local universities also helps boosts investment in R&D. As a result, our exports in this sector are worth a phenomenal €80 billion each year. What companies have i

fedex transport plane on runway

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Transport and logistics

As an export-driven economy on the periphery of Europe, transport and logistics is a significant sector in Dublin. It is hugely important for the increasing number of global players that base their European and EMEA headquarters in the city too. Exceptional connectivity with Europe, the UK and the US is one of many considerations which drive foreign investment in Dublin. Over the coming decade, as the e

the sand coloured building of the national library of ireland which is a leader in the arts and recreation sector

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Arts and recreation

While Dublin’s art and recreation sector doesn’t draw much FDI itself, it is a key aspect of what makes the city so appealing to investors. Dublin has long been famed for its rich culture, vibrant arts scene and never-ending choice of enjoyable events. From world-class museums and galleries, through to original