Why do Independent Professionals choose Ireland?

To commemorate and celebrate the day of our patron saint, St Patrick, we caught up with Sean Piggott, head of Business Development at Icon Accounting to discuss the main factors that influence Independent Professionals globally to relocate to Ireland.
As always, our goal at Icon Accounting is to retain and provide complete transparency for professionals that may be reading this from overseas or even considering Ireland for their next opportunity.
It is important to note that whilst this blog focuses on highlighting the benefits of relocating to Ireland, there are also key societal challenges that have an impact on Ireland’s ability to continue  attracting the top talent globally, the most prevalent being the current property market.

From our experience gained from conversations with talent that has relocated to Ireland for professional opportunities, we have summarised the key influencing factors below:

Strong Economy:

Ireland's economy has grown rapidly in recent years and consistently over recent decades, making it an attractive destination for professionals seeking new opportunities.
The country has a low unemployment rate, high GDP per capita, and multiple emerging markets that are still thriving including, but not limited to, tech, pharma, engineering, and life-science.
This is the ultimate vote of confidence for Independent Professionals who are looking to relocate because in the worst case scenario where one industry begins to stagnate, there are many others that will benefit by engaging with their skill-set providing peace of mind and a feeling of longevity.

Multinational Companies:

Many multinational companies have established their European headquarters in Ireland, creating a high demand for skilled professionals. This has resulted in a vibrant job market with opportunities across various sectors and is a major factor in the continued expansion of the Irish Independent Professional market in Ireland.
The Independent Professional market became prominent in Ireland in 2008, and without the multinational companies driving demand for this segment of talent, it is unlikely the growth experienced within the market would have been feasible. This has paved the way for further growth as indigenous companies of all sizes witness the benefits of engaging with talent on a contract for services basis.

Favourable Business Environment:

Ireland has a pro-business environment with a competitive corporate tax rate, making it an attractive destination for international companies looking to set up operations.
This has led to the creation of many high-skilled jobs across the country and has fuelled demand in the Irish labour market. The competitive corporation tax rate also makes the idea of contracting in Ireland much more attractive to the top talent globally, who currently provide services elsewhere internationally and as such, pay more a higher corporation tax on their activities and profits.

English-speaking and a gateway to Europe:

Ireland is an English-speaking country, making it easier for professionals from other English-speaking countries to integrate into the workforce and society.
This too makes Ireland more attractive for international companies to base themselves in the Irish market and as such, the Independent Professional market continues to expand.

Quality of life:

Ireland is known for its friendly people, beautiful landscapes, and high quality of life.
With a blend of dynamic and vibrant cities as well as rural countryside, there is somewhere that will appeal to everyone on the Emerald Isle.
This does come with its own costs, as Ireland is one of the more expensive European countries to live in, but the rate of pay available to Independent Professionals reflects this.

Overall, Ireland provides a unique combination of professional opportunities and a high quality of life, making it an attractive destination for many professionals seeking a new challenge. If you are an Independent Professional considering relocating to Ireland, please feel free to reach out to a member of our expert team who can provide further support and assistance on the tax efficiencies that can be taken advantage of as part of your relocation.
Our team can also provide insight into the best recruitment agencies for your skillset and area of expertise.

You can contact us directly by emailing info@iconaccounting.ie or by calling 01-8077106.