A pro-business environment
Ireland remains one of the most business-friendly locations in Europe, underpinned by a government committed to supporting enterprise and innovation.
This environment has contributed to a strong economic momentum, with GDP growing by 3.5% in the final quarter of 2024, marking the strongest pace of expansion since early 2022. Meanwhile, overall labour productivity rose by 5.7%, reaching €106.70 per hour.
Dublin was recently ranked first in Europe for Economic Potential in fDi Intelligence’s Major European Cities of the Future 2025 report, rising one position from the previous year. The city also placed second overall and third for Business Friendliness, keeping its position as a destination for international investment.
Ireland also has an enticing business proposition, with a competitive corporate tax rate of 12.5%, world-leading investment incentives, and double taxation agreements with 75 countries – all signalling that international trade and cross-border growth are national priorities.
Global connectivity
As it is strategically positioned, Dublin is a critical transatlantic gateway, offering access to both European and North American markets. As the only native English-speaking country in the EU, Ireland provides a unique advantage for global firms navigating European operations.
As a committed member of the EU and Eurozone, Ireland has access to its 750-million-strong consumer base, supported by Dublin’s world-class transport infrastructure. The city is also one of the most globally connected in the world, making it a preferred location for international headquarters.
Dublin’s economic, cultural, and political ties with the United States also enhance its appeal. Ireland is the only EU country to offer US pre-clearance, which streamlines business travel and enables direct, efficient access to key US markets.
A multinational innovation hub
Dublin is a business capital, home to clusters of global leaders in technology, pharmaceuticals, and financial services. Many of the world’s most influential multinational corporations have established a presence here, drawn by the city’s skilled talent pool, business-friendly environment, and global connectivity.
Beyond its role as a hub for multinational headquarters, Dublin also has a thriving startup ecosystem. The city promotes innovation through a network of incubators, accelerators, and research centres, creating an environment where early-stage companies can prosper alongside global players.
With a broad range of government and private sector supports, entrepreneurs can scale quickly and access the resources needed to compete on a global stage.
A high-performing workforce
Ireland consistently ranks among the top global performers for workforce productivity and talent availability. It leads the EU in labour productivity, with workers contributing an average of €97.10 per hour, more than double the EU average, and holds the highest percentage of residents educated to a bachelor’s degree level or higher worldwide, reflecting the depth and quality of its talent pool.
Dublin stands out as a talent-rich capital, ranked fourth globally for workforce competitiveness. The city’s labour force is not only productive, but exceptionally well educated with 65% of residents aged 25 to 64 holding third-level qualifications, far exceeding the EU-27 average of 43%.
This talent pool is across critical sectors including technology, life sciences, and financial services, making Dublin an ideal base for knowledge-intensive industries.
A centre for innovation
Ireland is a leading location for research, development and innovation. In 2022, over €3.5 billion was spent on R&D across the economy. And, in 2023, the state announced the introduction of an increase to the R&D tax credit to 30%, regardless of company size.
The country’s tax incentives, as well as its innovative accelerators, supports and intellectual property regime, drive success and profitability for R&D activities. The culture of collaboration between industry, academia, state agencies and regulatory authorities is a big plus too.
Global leaders in pharma, biotech, ICT and financial services have all undertaken R&D projects in Ireland. In fact, half of the top ten companies on Forbes’ list of the World’s Most Innovative Companies have offices right here in Dublin, including ServiceNow, Workday, Salesforce, Amazon and Facebook.
Investment in Dublin is at an all time high and these are just a few of the most convincing reasons to invest in the city. For more information about starting a business here, check out the articles below.
