Ireland: Investing

FDI in Figures

After Sweden, Ireland is the second most attractive country in terms of FDI per European Union capita. The structure of FDI has undergone through a transformation, the low value-added activities have been reduced to the profit of  R & D and upscale services (engineering, information and communications technologies, pharmaceutical products, medical technology).  After having obtained a strong backward flow in 2008 under the effects of the global recession, the FDI picked up again but it still remains weak.  Some  of the appealing assets of the country are an attractive fiscal and legal frame, a high-skilled and multi-cultural work force and a strong relationship with the United States.  However, the country's appeal has been strongly deteriorated by the international crisis and the country has to affront a declining competitiveness.

Why You Should Choose to Invest in Ireland

Strong Points

Ireland's strong points are:
- A strong and thick industrial and tertiary fabric;
- The lowest corporation tax rate in Europe;
- A young and skilled workforce;
- A competitive economy; and
- Developed infrastructures.

Weak Points

Ireland's weak points are:
- A limited domestic market;
- Growing labor costs.

Government Measures to Motivate or Restrict FDI

For years, the Irish Government actively promoted foreign direct investment (FDI). Ireland provided an attractive taxation framework to foreign investors, by having one of the lowest taxation rates in the European Union. This strategy has fueled a robust economic growth since the late 1990s.
More recently, the Government has focused on Ireland’s international competitiveness by encouraging companies with foreign investments to increase their research and development (R&D) activities and to provide goods and services with higher added value. Nevertheless, the crisis has considerably impacted the country's appeal in terms of FDI. In effect, investors fear long term vulnerability of the Irish economy and a worsening of the unemployment level.

Several state organizations promote investment inflow:
- The Industrial Development Authority of Ireland (IDA);
- Enterprise Ireland;
- Udaras na Gaeltachta.

Bilateral Investment Conventions Signed By Ireland

More informations on www.bilaterals.org

Procedures Relative to Foreign Investment

Freedom of Establishment

Guaranteed.

Acquisition of Holdings

Authorized, except for some sectors of activity.

Obligation to Declare

Please consult the Industrial Development Agency of Ireland (IDA) website.

Competent Organization For the Declaration

IDA

Requests For Specific Authorizations

Potential investors are also required to examine the environmental impact of the proposed project and to meet with Irish Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) officials.

Investment Opportunities

Investment Aid Agency

Arthur Cox (corporate and business law, expertise in mergers, acquisitions and corporate finance).
KPMG

Tenders, Projects and Public Procurement

Etenders, Irish Public Tenders
Tenders Info, Tenders in Ireland
Ted - Tenders Electronic daily, Business opportunities in EU 27

Other Useful Resources

Industrial Development Agency of Ireland
Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment, Northern Ireland

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