Northern Ireland recorded a 65% increase in foreign direct investment (FDI) activity in 2025, securing 28 projects compared to 17 the previous year, highlighting its growing appeal to international investors, the latest EY European Attractiveness Survey shows.
The report shows that while FDI projects across Europe declined by 7% last year, the continent remains a highly competitive destination globally, with more than 5,000 projects recorded across 47 countries.
And against this backdrop, Northern Ireland’s performance stands out, reflecting its ability to punch above its weight in an increasingly competitive market for mobile investment.
Growth in the region was driven by strong activity in key sectors, particularly software and IT services, which accounted for nine projects last year, followed by business services with eight projects.
Belfast continues to play a central role in attracting international investment, ranking sixth among UK cities for FDI behind larger investment hubs London, Manchester, Edinburgh, Birmingham and Glasgow.
The city secured 16 of the projects, about 57% of the overall total, slightly behind the 59% of investments outside the Belfast Metropolitan Area (BMA) reported by Invest NI in its results last year.
Andrew Dolliver, EY UK & Ireland strategy and transactions partner
At a UK level, the overall number of FDI projects declined by 14% in 2025, reflecting the broader shift in global investment patterns and increased competition between regions.
According to EY, Northern Ireland’s growth within this context highlights the strength of its regional proposition and its ability to stand out within a challenging environment.
Andrew Dolliver, EY UK & Ireland strategy and transactions partner, said: “Northern Ireland’s performance this year stands out in what is an increasingly competitive and selective global investment environment.
“While overall FDI levels have softened across Europe, the projects that are coming through are more focused, more strategic, and increasingly concentrated in areas such as technology and business services, where Northern Ireland is proving it can compete.
“What is particularly encouraging is how closely private investment aligns with the region’s overall direction.
“Ongoing investment through City and Growth Deals, together with a focus on innovation, skills and high-growth sectors, is helping to strengthen Northern Ireland’s long-term appeal and create the conditions for more high-value investment, with almost half of all projects last year coming from US investors.”
He added: “As competition for investment intensifies globally, maintaining this momentum will depend on continued focus on skills, infrastructure and creating the conditions that support long-term, high-value investment into the region.”
Within this global context, EY says Northern Ireland is well positioned to capture further investment, with its strong talent base, growing innovation ecosystem and connectivity to key international markets continuing to support its attractiveness to foreign investors.