🇮🇪 Moving from the US to Ireland: Logistics, Customs & Relocation Guide.
Ireland grants Transfer of Residence relief through the Revenue Commissioners, waiving duty and the 23% standard VAT rate on used household belongings imported from the US.
Average shipping cost
from $4,100
Door-to-door, 20ft FCL entry point
Transit timeline
3–5 weeks
Ocean freight 14–26 days to Dublin or Cork, often via UK feeder
Major ports of entry
Dublin
Dublin · Cork · Belfast (feeder)
Ireland customs & Transfer of Residence: step by step
Required registration: PPS number + Revenue ToR relief
- 1
Apply for a PPS number on arrival
The Personal Public Service number identifies you to Revenue and is requested alongside the ToR relief claim.
- 2
File Transfer of Residence relief with Revenue
Submit the inventory, evidence of 12 months of US residence and proof of your Irish address before the goods are presented for clearance.
- 3
Budget for Dublin housing timelines
Dublin and Cork rentals move fast and short-term storage is often needed; origin or destination storage should be quoted upfront.
- 4
Check feeder routing via the UK
Many Irish-bound containers tranship through Liverpool or Southampton, which adds a UK transit entry and 3–6 days to the schedule.
Import VAT avoided with relief
23%
Filed with Irish Revenue Commissioners via Transfer of Residence relief (C&E 1076).
Primary visa pathways
- • Critical Skills Employment Permit
- • General Employment Permit
- • Stamp 0 (retirees)
European corporate tech hub, English-speaking environment.
Importing a vehicle into Ireland
Vehicle Registration Tax applies unless ToR relief is granted; the car must be registered at an NCT centre within 30 days. Right-hand traffic conversion of headlamps is required.
Calculate landed vehicle taxesPopular expat destinations in Ireland
| City | Profile | Cost index |
|---|---|---|
| Dublin | Multinational tech and pharma HQs, tightest housing market | $$$$ |
| Cork | Pharma and manufacturing, direct deep-water port | $$ |
| Galway | Medtech and universities, west-coast lifestyle | $$ |
| Limerick | Aviation and engineering, strong value on space | $$ |