Image of Belfast at night

Invest in Northern Ireland

Why locate in Northern Ireland?

The region offers more than just skilled people, competitive costs and great infrastructure; it's a location that delivers altogether more for investors.

As a location, Northern Ireland has exactly what investors are looking for – a workforce that is educated, innovative, resilient and results-driven. People who will go the extra mile to make sure your operation is a success. Combine this with a superb infrastructure, competitive costs and excellent support packages and you have the ideal location for foreign direct investment (FDI).

Northern Ireland’s Unique Market Access Position following EU Exit

Following the UK’s exit from the European Union (EU), Northern Ireland continues to have access to Great Britain (GB) and EU markets for goods. This means that Northern Ireland is a gateway for the sale of goods to two of the world’s largest markets and the only place where businesses can operate free from customs declarations, rules of origin certificates and non-tariff barriers on the sale of goods to both GB and the EU.

This puts Northern Ireland in the highly advantageous position of being the only region in the world able to trade goods freely with both the GB and EU markets.

By establishing your business in Northern Ireland, you can become much more competitive thanks to unique tariff-free access to two of the biggest markets in the world.

Read more about Northern Ireland’s Tariff-Free Market Access to GB and the EU.

Download our This is Northern Ireland brochure

Contact us to find out how we can help your company grow

  • Business friendly

    We are home to one of Europe's most business-friendly cities of its size.

  • Competitive costs

    Operating costs can be 40% lower than other Western European locations.

  • Guaranteed talent pipeline

    A highly skilled, educated workforce and free, customised training and recruitment programs for investors.

  • Track record

    More than 1,500 international companies have already established operations in Northern Ireland.

FDI support

Invest NI supports investors to establish and expand successful operations in Northern Ireland. From initial fact-finding, bespoke discovery visits, property and talent sourcing, business and sector network introductions through to tailored packages of financial assistance, Invest NI’s team of investment professionals are with you every step of the way.

  • Talent sourcing

    We’ll help make relevant introductions to help you source talent needed for your future business growth and success.

  • Training support

    Our Assured Skills Programme provides the necessary support to source a high-quality workforce through bespoke recruitment and pre-employment training.

  • Property search and selection

    We can help with your search for suitable premises, connecting you to relevant databases and property agents in the region.

  • Introductions to centres of excellence

    We’ll help you connect with our universities and colleges so you can tap into our world-leading research capabilities and access talent.

  • Financial incentives

    Our financial support includes grants for employment, R&D and training.

  • Business networks

    We can help connect you with business networks across a range of sectors including technology, financial, professional & business services, advanced manufacturing and life & health sciences.

What our investors say

Northern Ireland has a rich legacy of manufacturing excellence and entrepreneurial spirit, and it is this, combined with a skilled workforce, culture of innovation, strong local supply chain, and strategic access to global markets that makes it a compelling opportunity for forward-thinking investors.

Kieran Hegarty, President, Terex

Northern Ireland’s best-in-class educational system, paired with hard-working curious people creates the perfect environment for software development and cyber security. Aflac has found the region to be a top talent hub, supporting our global business.

Keith Farley, Senior Vice President, Aflac

Our decision to establish our technology product development presence in Northern Ireland has provided us with a hugely successful foundation on which we continue to build, attracting high-quality graduates and highly-skilled professionals from a Fintech background.

Emma Pollock, Chief Technolgy Officer, FinTrU

EY has built an incredible business in Northern Ireland over decades, proudly providing a superb service to a broad range of clients across the island of Ireland, the UK and our global network. The creation of 1,000 new jobs  will help to strengthen Northern Ireland’s reputation as home to world-class universities and fantastic local talent and they will help to spotlight the region as an attractive hub for global business and future international investment.

Frank O’Keeffe, EY UK & Ireland Managing Partner, Markets and Managing Partner EY Ireland

Derry was not the only location considered for this facility, but it came out on top when we realised the quality of the local workforce, the cost-competitive business environment and the ease with which we can establish links and work with colleges and universities to support our research and development plans.

Philip O’Doherty, Managing Director, E+I Business, Vertiv

Explore Northern Ireland

Click on the map below for a 360-degree experience of Northern Ireland and to find out more about international and local businesses in the region.

Map of Northern Ireland in relation to Europe and the World

Northern Ireland Investment Summit 2023

The Northern Ireland Investment Summit took place on Wednesday 13 September 2023. It was delivered by the Department for Business and Trade, in partnership with Invest NI and the Northern Ireland Office. The Summit explored what makes Northern Ireland one of the world’s most attractive investment destinations. 

Watch the sessions from the Summit here.
 

The FDI journey

We can help your business succeed through a combination of financial support, tailored guidance and information.

  • Contact Invest NI

    You can get in touch with us by completing a contact form or contacting our office in your region. We look forward to talking to you about your project.

  • Personal touch

    We will provide you with a dedicated individual who will help guide you through your investment journey. They will listen to your requirements and offer you solutions along with market intelligence to help you build a picture of what Northern Ireland has to offer.

  • Visit Northern Ireland

    Visit the region in person - or virtually - and discover Northern Ireland for yourself. Find out more about what we have to offer; meet existing investors; see available properties; visit our universities or colleges; hear from the recruitment specialists. Find out what makes Northern Ireland tick.

  • Make your investment

    From first contact until you are set up and thriving in Northern Ireland, we will be your trusted business partner. We are there to ensure your operation is a success and will be there to help through the lifetime of your project.

    No surprise then that over 64% of new investors reinvest!

Please get in touch.  You can find a team in your region or fill in an enquiry form and a member of the team will contact you directly.

For information on how we use your personal data including your rights, see our privacy notice.

You may also be interested in

  • Buy from Northern Ireland

    Northern Ireland has a global reputation as a trusted business partner. Our companies supply into more than 100 countries around the world.
    Find out more
    /international-business/buy-from-northern-ireland

  • Why Northern Ireland?

    Northern Ireland is a great place to grow a business internationally thanks to its highly skilled talent, excellent infrastructure, competitive costs, and supportive, business-friendly environment.
    Find out more
    /international-business/why-northern-ireland

  • Our international teams

    Our international teams build the business relationship between Northern Ireland and both established and emerging global markets. We have teams working across Europe; the Americas; India, Middle East & Africa; and Asia Pacific.
    Find out more
    /international-business/our-international-teams