Ireland Net Migration
Net migration SM.POP.NETM
Ireland's net migration was 35,417 in 2025, ranked 191st globally. This represents a 9.3% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1960–2025.
Overview
Ireland's net migration stood at 35,417 in 2025, a decline of +3,642 from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 36,317 by 2026. Ireland ranked 191st globally.
Ireland’s net migration record has swung dramatically over the past six decades, moving from a low of –38,492 in 1960 to a high of 94,513 in 2006, the all‑time peak that coincided with the Celtic Tiger boom and attracted a surge of skilled workers from the EU and beyond. The deepest decline occurred in 1988, when net migration fell to –44,020 as the economy contracted and emigration rose sharply. After a prolonged period of modest inflows, the latest World Bank estimate for 2025 shows net migration at 35,417, placing Ireland 191st globally and slightly below peers such as Switzerland, which recorded 37,253, and Qatar’s 36,288. The resurgence reflects continued demand for Irish labour, especially in technology and pharmaceuticals, while demographic pressures and post‑Brexit mobility patterns sustain the inflow. If policy reforms further streamline residence permits and address housing shortages, the upward trajectory of net migration is likely to persist, reinforcing Ireland’s demographic growth.
Data & projection
| Year | Net Migration | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2028* trend | 28,621 | - | - |
| 2027* trend | 32,469 | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 36,317 | - | - |
| 2025 | 35,417 | −3,642 | #191 |
| 2024 | 39,059 | −4,814 | #188 |
| 2023 | 43,873 | −49,662 | #184 |
| 2022 | 93,535 | +66,116 | #189 |
| 2021 | 27,419 | +11,673 | #185 |
| 2020 | 15,746 | −13,917 | #172 |
| 2019 | 29,663 | −3,724 | #180 |
| 2018 | 33,387 | +4,504 | #178 |
| 2017 | 28,883 | +9,916 | #177 |
| 2016 | 18,967 | +5,591 | #169 |
| 2015 | 13,376 | +12,928 | #172 |
| 2014 | 448 | +12,757 | #132 |
| 2013 | -12,309 | +10,102 | #62 |
| 2012 | -22,411 | +4,118 | #53 |
| 2011 | -26,529 | +445 | #51 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Ireland matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2021. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw net migration improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Ireland's net migration was 35,417 in 2025. Ranked 191st globally. This represents a 9.3% decrease from the previous year.
Ireland's net migration peaked at 94,513 in 2006.
The lowest net migration in Ireland was -44,020 in 1988.
Ireland ranks 191st globally in net migration as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SM.POP.NETM. Data sourced from World Bank.
Ireland's net migration is projected to reach 36,317 by 2026 based on trend extrapolation.
The net migration of Ireland in 2025 was 35,417. This ranks 191st in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_ireland_net-migration,
title = {Ireland Net Migration},
url = {https://historysaid.com/ireland/net-migration/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}