Foreign-born population – 2025 | 24.1% of the population | Main countries of birth: United Kingdom (28%), Poland (10%), India (6%) |
Size: 1.3 million | Evolution since 2015: +58% |
International Migration Outlook 2026
50th Edition
In 2025, Ireland received 62 000 new immigrants on a long-term or permanent basis (including changes of status and free mobility), ‑13% compared to 2024. This figure comprises 48% immigrants benefitting from free mobility, 37% labour migrants, 7% family members (including accompanying family) and 7% humanitarian migrants. Around 28 000 permits were issued to tertiary-level international students and 800 to temporary and seasonal labour migrants (excluding intra-EU migration). In addition, 22 000 intra-EU postings were recorded in 2024, a ‑64% decrease compared to 2023. These posted workers are generally on short-term contracts.
In 2025, the number of first asylum applicants decreased by ‑30%, to reach around 13 000. The majority of applicants came from Somalia (2 000), Nigeria (1 900) and Pakistan (1 700). The largest increase since 2024 concerned nationals of Nigeria (1 900) and the largest decrease nationals of Georgia (‑400). Of the 5 730 decisions taken in 2025, 63% were positive.
Emigration of Irish citizens to OECD countries increased by 2% in 2024, to 22 000. Approximately 20% of this group migrated to Spain, 12% to Australia and 10% to the Netherlands.
Ireland is developing its first comprehensive National Migration and Integration Strategy for publication in 2026. This strategy will provide a whole‑of-government approach to migration and integration policy that is coherent across departments and responsive in seeking to address Ireland’s current and future demographic, economic and social policy needs.
The International Protection Act 2026 was commenced on 12 June 2026, giving effect to the EU Migration and Asylum Pact. The legislation represents the most significant reform of Irish asylum laws in the history of the State. Under the Act, upon arrival to the State, applicants will be required to go through screening, which will involve enhanced security and identity checks and the taking of biometric data. The Act also provides for faster processing, including an accelerated Border Procedure for some applicants, through which all decisions and appeals will be concluded within three months. A new State body, the Tribunal for Asylum and Returns Appeals (TARA) will have responsibility for appeals, and the removal and deportation process will be faster and less bureaucratic.
In September 2025, Ireland’s Immigration Service Delivery (ISD) launched a new case management system, initially for certain EU Treaty Rights applications, as part of its ongoing modernisation efforts. This system should eventually be expanded to all ISD areas.
Ireland published a revised family reunification policy document introducing several significant changes in November 2025. The changes include higher and indexed income thresholds for sponsoring dependent adults other than spouses or partners, as well as the granting of employment rights for certain migrant workers’ children aged 16‑18.
On 26 November 2025, the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration announced plans to introduce a mandatory accommodation contribution scheme for international protection applicants who are employed and living in State‑provided housing.
In December 2025, the minister announced changes to the mandatory period of reckonable residence for naturalisation for people granted international protection. This period was raised from three years of reckonable residence to five years of reckonable residence, in line with the standard statutory requirement.
In March 2026, Ireland applied the extension of Temporary Protection to beneficiaries under the Directive residing in Ireland with a Temporary Protection Certificate (“yellow paper”) valid until 4 March 2026. These expired certificates may be used as proof of entitlement to Temporary Protection until 4 March 2027.
In June 2026, the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment published its evaluation report on the Seasonal Employment Permit pilot scheme implemented in the horticulture sector in 2025. The review recommended a phase two of the pilot in 2027, to fully test the implementation of the legislative framework.
For further information: www.irishimmigration.ie | www.ria.gov.ie | www.enterprise.gov.ie
