Moving to Ireland guide

Moving to Ireland

Irlande / Irlanda / Irland

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A Guide to Relocating to Ireland

Want to move to Dublin? Considering moving to Cork? Here’s the moving advice you’ll need for any international removal to Ireland…

Moving Household Goods And Personal Effects To Ireland

Please note. That many of these things will not apply to you if you are moving from another EU (European Union) State and/or you are a citizen of the EU (European Union) due to the free movement of goods throughout the EU.

Below is a list of the documents you will need when planning an international removal to Ireland:

  • Copy of Passport (Of the individual moving/importing the goods)
  • Removal packing list – We will complete this if you want us to undertake a full packing service for your removal
  • C&E1076 Transfer of Residence document
  • Transfer of Residency (TOR) – PPS Declaration Document
  • Original Bill of Lading (OBL) – Express Release Accepted or Alternatively (2 Original nonnegotiable copies showing the ocean freight rate) / Air Waybill (AWB) – We will take care of this if completing the entire international removal to Ireland for you.
  • Documentary evidence of residence abroad for at least one year
  • Documentary evidence of taking up permanent residence in Ireland
  • Resident / Work Permit / Letter of Employment
  • Lease / Rental Agreement (applicable only to diplomatic relocations / diplomats moving)
  • Letter from the Irish Department of Foreign Affairs Protocol Section authorizing release of the consignment from the port (applicable only to diplomatic relocations / diplomats moving)
  • Form 1076 (applicable only to diplomatic relocations / diplomats moving)

We recommend providing these as soon as possible to reduce delays with your removal to Ireland. Late receipt of documentation can lead to missed shipments, additional charges and penalties at Irish Customs. For your own protection, we will almost never ship your goods without the above in place.

Additional Removal Advice

  • All goods should be in the ownership of the shipper for at least 6 months prior to import
  • Required documents must be received by the agent prior to the arrival of the shipment to minimize any port charges
  • Shipper does not need to be present for Customs clearance.
  • Shipper should arrive in the country prior to the arrival of the shipment.
  • Used household goods may be allowed entry on a duty and tax free basis once the TOR has been verified.
  • Imports not deemed qualified as part of a TOR shipment will be subject to duty (variable) and value added tax (VAT) of approximately 23%.
Helpful Downloads

Everything you need to help you plan your move.

PDF

My Move Checklist

To help you keep on track with your international removal.

PDF

Removal Inventory / Packing List:

For use if you need to provide a removal packing list or moving inventory yourself for your international removal service.

XLS

Removal Survey Cubic Calculator:

For use if you need to find out the volume of your move before making an enquiry. Remember when doing an international move, to allow a little more space for loading volume.

PDF

Easy Self Survey Tool:

For use for you to better describe the requirements of your move. This outlines all the things that a professional international removal company would need to know to physically move your goods.

PDF

International Removal Insurance Form:

If you're taking out insurance with us, download this form, complete it and email it back to your international relocation manager.

Useful Links

We always recommend speaking directly to the relevant embassy for the most accurate and up to date moving advice:

Popular Destinations in Ireland

Global Moving Services is vastly experience in international removals to cities all over the globe. Their long history and detailed knowledge of different countries makes them the perfect choice for your move. Here are some of the most popular destinations we are asked to move people to in Ireland:

Dublin, Cork, Limerick, Waterford, Kilkenny, Derry, Galway, Armagh, Newry, Lisburn. Get a quote to one of these places

Need Help?

If you are unsure about what you need, one of our international move managers is always willing to help. Just call us on +44 121 392 1720, or fill out an international removal enquiry, and we’ll ease you through the process.

Moving Your Money

If you’re moving to Ireland, it’s very likely you’ll have to exchange a large amount of currency. Many people waste thousands doing this through their bank as they think there is no alternative; but we partner with Global Reach who specialise in doing just this. Global Reach will offer all Global Moving Services customers preferential rates when exchanging currency and guarantee to beat other rates you’re receiving. Ask one of our move managers about this, to find out more click here or give us a call: +44 121 392 1720.

Get Insurance

We always advise taking out an insurance policy with us on every move. Although we like to think we’re the best in the industry, the odd accident can occasionally happen. For added peace of mind, make sure to speak to one of our move managers about this.

If you have already contracted us for your international removal to Ireland, then you can download the insurance form and email the completed form back to your international relocation manager.

Moving Your Car Or Motorcycle

Below is a list of the documents you will need when planning to move your vehicle to Ireland:

  • Original Passport (Of the individual moving/importing the goods)
  • OBL / AWB
  • Copy of current Insurance Certificate (copy of previous policy documentation is acceptable if no current insurance is in effect)
  • Bill of Sale showing date of purchase and price
  • Original Registration

Additional Import Advice

  • The OBL must include the chassis number, engine number, color, model, make, and weight of the vehicle.
  • Vehicles brought into Ireland under TOR rules are not subject to duty or tax.
  • The duty rate on vehicles imported outside of the TOR Protocol is 23% VAT of the cost, insurance and freight (CIF) value, and the vehicle registration tax is payable up to 35% of the vehicle value.
  • In order to avoid unnecessary delays and charges for demurrage and storage due to lengthy Customs procedures, the agent must receive a copy of the required documentation prior to arrival of the shipment; check with agent for specific timeframes

Relocating Your Pets to Ireland

These documents will be required when planning to relocate your pet to Ireland:

  • Vaccination Record
  • Pet Passport
  • Veterinary Health Certificate

Additional Import Advice

  • Pets arriving from outside of the EU must be pre-booked and pass through the Quarantine Station at Dublin airport.
  • Prior approval from the Department of Agriculture must be received prior to import.
  • A 6-month quarantine is not required if the following conditions met: proof of rabies vaccination and follow up that this was effective (6 months after inoculation), Health Certificate, and electronic microchip.
  • Pets arriving from within the EU can usually enter without prior approval or examination at a Quarantine Station.
Restricted & Dutiable/Taxable Items

Think very carefully before moving these items to Ireland. Items on this list will be taxed and/or require specific permission to import. In all cases they must be declared prior to you relocating to Ireland:

  • Alcohol is subject to duties (variable according to type, strength, etc.) and VAT (23%).
  • A Declaration Form is needed prior to arrival of the container and should be loaded at rear of the container for easy access if examination is required.
  • New furniture and household goods (items purchased within 6 months of the date of shipping are subject to Customs duties and VAT of 23%).
Prohibited/Banned Items
Do not move any of these items to Ireland:
  • Narcotics
  • Drugs
  • Pornography
  • Firearms
  • Meat products
  • Endangered species and any products or parts thereof as outlined by CITES (authorization from CITES is required)
  • Live plants
  • Explosives
  • The following additional items are prohibited in GMS Baggage/Courier Consignments:
    • Aerosols (all kinds, Hairspray, Deodorant etc)
    • Aftershaves / Perfumes / Fragrances
    • Airbags
    • Alcoholic Drinks or Bottles
    • Ammunition of any kind
    • Animals of any kind (Dead or Alive)
    • Any items containing Petrol (Liquid, Gas or Fumes)
    • Biological Samples
    • Car Batteries
    • Cash & Cards (Credit / Debit)
    • Chainsaws
    • Cheques (Bank)
    • Christmas Crackers
    • Counterfeit Currency
    • Dangerous Goods
    • Driving Licence
    • Drugs (Including Prescription)
    • Engines
    • Excrement / Filth
    • Fire Extinguishers
    • Fish (Dead or Live)
    • Foodstuffs (all kinds)
    • Hazardous Goods
    • Human Remains (including ashes)
    • Infectious Substances
    • Knives
    • Laptop Computers, Mobile/Smart Phones or Tablets
    • Lighters
    • Lottery Tickets
    • Nail Varnish / Nail Varnish Remover
    • Oils
    • Paints
    • Passports
    • Perishable Goods (All)
    • Plants / Seeds etc
    • Printer Toner
    • Seatbelt Tensioners and Steering Wheels
    • Stamps
    • Tobacco
    • Water
    • Weapons (all kinds, including replicas)
    • Windscreens

Disclaimer: Customs regulations can change at any time with or without notice. This information is provided as a guide only. While Global Moving Services has exercised reasonable care in publishing this information, Global Moving Services makes no representation, either expressed or implied, as to its accuracy or applicability.