A MAJOR INFLUX of students saw Brazilians take out more resident permits in Ireland than any other nationality last year.

This continues a trend from 2013 when the South American nation also placed first for uptake of residency in Ireland.

Overall, the new European figures show that Ukrainians made up the biggest chunk residency permits granted in the EU.

In total 302,772 became residents in an EU member state – 68% of the total number coming in.

In Ireland 36,728 people were granted residency in 2014, almost a quarter of whom (8,883) were Brazilian.

These were followed by US citizens (4,737), Indians (2,897) and Chinese citizens (1,956).

Big uptake

The large uptake of Brazilian citizens into Ireland is partially down to a study co-operation deal signed between the two countries back in 2013 – with the aim to bring 4,000 students here a year between 2013 and 2016.

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While across Europe the biggest driver for individuals taking up residence in 2014 was family, with 30% citing this as their reason, in Ireland education was by far the biggest driver, with two thirds citing it.

Reasons for resident permits granted across the EU Source: Eurostat

The big influx of students here has been attributed to the English tuition available in Ireland and the strength of Irish universities.

The Brazilian government is currently pursuing a drive to have its scientific students attend some of the world’s best undergraduate and PhD programmes.