The Irish passport grants its holders immense privileges and is considered one of the most valuable travel documents globally. Recent data shows Irish passport holders enjoy visa-free access to 188 destinations worldwide.
Ireland’s Immigrant Investor Programme (IIP) provides high-net-worth individuals and families an avenue to acquire Irish and EU citizenship. Despite the IIP closing for new applicants in 2022, interest remains strong with over 1,400 submissions in the first half of 2023. Applicants still in the pipeline are motivated by the prospect of attaining the coveted Irish passport.
The IIP offers a clear pathway to securing EU rights and freedom of movement. Irish citizens can freely live, work, study, and do business across the EU’s 27 member countries. As an EU citizen, Irish passport holders can take advantage of employment opportunities, pursue university degrees, or retire in any EU country without requiring visas or work permits. This EU access and establishment is a major incentive driving enduring demand for the IIP. Irish citizens also retain special privileges to reside and work in the UK under the Common Travel Area despite Brexit. This further expands their options within Europe.
Beyond the EU, Irish citizens enjoy visa-free entry to major economies like the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Singapore, South Korea, and Hong Kong. They can readily explore or conduct business in these key destinations. The Irish passport also provides easy access to promising emerging markets in Latin America, Africa, and Asia. Destinations like Brazil, South Africa, Kenya, Mexico, and Argentina are visa-free.
In total, Irish citizens can freely travel to over 75% of the world’s countries spanning 6 continents. This global mobility aids business expansion, overseas education, luxury tourism, and visiting family/friends abroad.
There are also indirect travel benefits to holding an Irish passport. Ireland itself boasts world-class tourism offerings ranging from vibrant cities like Dublin to scenic coastal drives and castles.
Ireland has a top-ranked education system, a booming economy, and high living standards. For investors gaining Irish citizenship through the IIP, residing in Ireland delivers an excellent quality of life. Irish citizens can also freely return to their country of origin while retaining their EU rights.
For global investors, the Irish passport attained through the IIP enables unmatched mobility. It opens doors to immense opportunities for travel, work, education, business, and investment across multiple continents. The Irish passport’s powerful visa-free reach and EU rights make completing the IIP well worth the effort for those still eligible.
