Only 526 Croatian nationals relocated to Ireland in the first nine months of 2024, reflecting a sharp decline in migration compared to previous years. Currently, an estimated 16,000-17,000 Croatians live in Ireland, about half of the roughly 34,000 who received a PPS (Personal Public Service) number in the past 20 years, a figure akin to Croatia’s OIB, reports N1. 

The decline comes amid Ireland's housing crisis and growing anti-immigrant sentiment, with many locals concerned about preserving Irish identity. Croatia's ambassador to Ireland, Dr. Davor Vidiš, attributes the reduced migration to improved job markets across Europe. Once a top destination, Ireland has seen fewer EU migrants overall, including a significant drop in Polish residents, from 400,000 to 100,000.

Croatian migration peaked in 2016 when over 5,300 citizens moved to Ireland, accounting for nearly 5% of all foreign arrivals. However, in the first nine months of 2024, Croatians ranked 36th among incoming foreign nationals, signaling a shift in migration patterns.

High housing costs, such as €500,000 for a 60-square-meter home, have further discouraged migration to Ireland. Experts suggest improved conditions in Croatia and other EU countries are keeping workers closer to home.