International Migrant Population Statistics in Ireland (2026)
In 2024, 23.1% of the population in Ireland were international migrants, according to World Bank World Development Indicators data. Up from 19.1% in 2020 to 23.1% in 2024 (+4 percentage points). Ireland ranks #11 of 57 economies in Europe & Central Asia on this measure, and #40 of 216 globally.
Key Statistics
- Latest value (2024)
- 23.1% (2024)
- International Migrant Population in Ireland as of 2024, the most recent observation in World Bank World Development Indicators data.
- Change since 2020
- +4 pp (2024)
- Up from 19.1% in 2020 to 23.1% in 2024 (+4 percentage points).
- Earliest value in this dataset (1990)
- 6.5% (1990)
- Earliest observation in this dataset, which covers 1990 onward (the source series may begin earlier). Up from 6.5% in 1990 to 23.1% in 2024.
- Record high (2024)
- 23.1% (2024)
- The 2024 value is the highest in the available World Bank World Development Indicators series for Ireland.
- Rank in Europe & Central Asia
- #11 of 57 (2024)
- Ireland ranks 11 of 57 countries in Europe & Central Asia with data, based on each country's latest value.
- Global rank
- #40 of 216 (2024)
- Ireland ranks 40 of 216 countries with data globally.
- Europe & Central Asia average
- 16.8% (2024)
- Ireland (23.1%) is above the average of 16.8% across the 57 countries in Europe & Central Asia with data.
- Personal remittances, received (current US$) (2024)
- $656.4 million (2024)
- Related indicator from World Bank World Development Indicators.
- Internet use in Ireland (2024)
- 97.2% (2024)
- 97.2% of the population in Ireland used the internet in 2024 (World Bank); shown for context only.
- Population (2024)
- 5.4 million (2024)
- Ireland had a population of 5.4 million in 2024 (World Bank); shown for scale only.
Trend, 1990–2024
| Year | % of population | Change |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 23.1% | +4.0 pp |
| 2020 | 19.1% | +2.0 pp |
| 2015 | 17.1% | +0.6 pp |
| 2010 | 16.5% | +1.6 pp |
| 2005 | 14.9% | +5.0 pp |
| 2000 | 9.9% | +3.0 pp |
| 1995 | 6.9% | +0.4 pp |
| 1990 | 6.5% | — |
Frequently asked questions
What share of people in Ireland were international migrants?
23.1% of the population in Ireland were international migrants in 2024, according to World Bank World Development Indicators data.
Where does the international migrant population data for Ireland come from?
The data comes from the World Bank World Development Indicators (indicator SM.POP.TOTL.ZS). The latest observation for Ireland is from 2024; the snapshot was retrieved on 2026-06-10.
How has international migrant population in Ireland changed over time?
World Bank World Development Indicators data show a rise from 6.5% in 1990 to 23.1% in 2024.
How does Ireland compare with other countries in Europe & Central Asia?
Ireland ranks 11 of 57 countries in Europe & Central Asia with data, with 23.1% versus a regional average of 16.8% (latest values per country).
Source & methodology
Source: World Bank, World Development Indicators, indicator
SM.POP.TOTL.ZS, retrieved .
Figures are shown exactly as published in the source dataset; only the change column of the trend table is computed from adjacent published values.Read more on the methodology page. All figures are estimates and projections; this is not financial advice.
Last updated .