Relocating to Ireland is an exciting experience, and East Coast Shipping is here to ensure your move is smooth, professional, and stress-free. Whether you're shipping personal effects, furniture, or a vehicle, this page provides everything you need to know — from customs rules to helpful resources and fun facts about life in Ireland.

Services We Offer for Moves to Ireland

International Door-to-Door Moving

• Full packing & wrapping

• Professional inventory

• 20ft & 40ft FCL containers

• Groupage & LCL options for smaller shipments

• Delivery to your residence in Ireland

• Basic assembly & debris removal

Customs Clearance Support

• Guidance on Transfer of Residence (TOR)

• Submission of required forms & documents

• Clearance through Ireland’s customs authorities

• Coordination with Irish receiving agents

Vehicle Shipping to Ireland

• Cars, motorcycles & specialty vehicles

• Export documentation & U.S. title validation

• Containerized or Ro/Ro options

• Assistance with Irish VRT registration procedures

Additional Services

• Short & long-term storage

• Marine insurance options

• Crating for antiques, artwork, or fragile items

Customs Rules for Moving to Ireland

Ireland allows duty-free import of personal effects when moving permanently under the Transfer of Residence (TOR) Relief.

✔ You May Qualify for TOR if:

• You lived outside the EU for at least 12 months

• Your household goods were owned & used for 6+ months

• Items are for your personal use in Ireland

• Goods arrive within 12 months of your relocation

Items Not Eligible for TOR Relief

• Alcohol or tobacco

• New / unused goods in original packaging

• Tools of trade or commercial-use items

• Food, plants, soil, or perishables

• Hazardous materials (paints, aerosols, chemicals)

 Required Documentation

• Completed C&E 1076 TOR Form

• Passport & proof of residency abroad

• Proof of residency in Ireland (lease, utility bill, employment letter)

• Packing list or mover’s inventory

• Bill of Lading (we provide this)

Importing a Car or Motorcycle into Ireland

Ireland allows you to ship your vehicle inside the same container as your household goods.

✔ Vehicle Requirements Under TOR:

• Owned & used for 6 months minimum prior to shipping

• You must have lived abroad 12+ months

• Vehicle must be imported for personal use

 After arrival, vehicles still require:

• Irish VRT (Vehicle Registration Tax) unless exempt under TOR

• NCTS vehicle inspection

• Irish insurance & registration plates

We guide you through each step.

What You Can & Cannot Ship

✔ Common Allowed Items

• Used furniture

• Clothing and linens

• Bikes & sports equipment

• Kitchenware

• Books, décor & personal belongings

• Electronics (used)

Restricted / Prohibited

• New, boxed, or unused items

• Alcohol & tobacco

• Food products (especially meat/dairy)

• Plants, seeds, soil

• Firearms or weapon replicas

• Paint, aerosols, batteries, chemicals

New items risk full VAT + duty charges.

Transit Times to Ireland

Average shipping times from the U.S.:

• East Coast to Dublin or Cork: 3–5 weeks

• West Coast to Ireland: 5–7 weeks

• Customs clearance: typically 3–7 business days

• Groupage shipments take 2-3.5 months approx. 

Major Ports We Serve in Ireland

Dublin Port

Ireland’s busiest port for household goods and vehicles.

Cork Port (Ringaskiddy Terminal)

Ideal for shipments heading to southern regions.

Rosslare Europort

Often used for vehicle imports & consolidated shipments.

Timeline: What to Expect When You Move to Ireland

1. Pre-Move Preparation

• Confirm inventory

• Submit TOR documents

• Schedule packing & pickup

2. Packing Day

• Professional wrapping

• Inventory preparation

• Container loading

3. Ocean Transit

• Real-time tracking

• Carrier updates

• Arrival notice

4. Customs Clearance

• Submission of TOR

• Payment of any port/local fees

• Release of goods

5. Final Delivery

• Delivery inside residence

• Basic assembly

• Debris removal

Helpful Links for Moving to Ireland

• Irish Revenue – Transfer of Residence (TOR) Guidance
  https://www.revenue.ie/en/customs/individuals/transfer-residence/index.aspx

• TOR Application Form – C&E 1076 (PDF)
  https://www.revenue.ie/en/customs/individuals/customs/c-and-e-1076.pdf

• Vehicle Registration Tax (VRT)
  https://www.revenue.ie/en/vrt/index.aspx

• Citizens Information – Moving to Ireland
  https://www.citizensinformation.ie

• NCTS Vehicle Inspection
  https://www.ncts.ie

Fun Facts About Ireland

• Ireland is known as the Emerald Isle thanks to its endless greenery.

• Home to global tech hubs for Google, Meta, Apple, and Pfizer.

• Over 80 million people worldwide claim Irish ancestry.

• The Cliffs of Moher are one of the most visited sites in Europe.

• Ireland has more castles per square mile than almost any country.

Why People Love Relocating to Ireland

• English-speaking, welcoming culture

• Strong job market & high living standards

• Safe cities and stunning countryside

• Excellent healthcare and education

• Vibrant music, festivals & food culture

Ireland Relocation Checklist

• Sort and declutter before movers arrive

• Gather passports, IDs, and lease agreements

• Complete C&E 1076 TOR Form

• Prepare an inventory list

• Notify banks and subscription services

• Arrange pet travel (if applicable)

• Decide what to pack vs. buy in Ireland

Ready to Move to Ireland?

East Coast Shipping provides full-service international relocation — from professional packing to customs clearance and final delivery.
Contact us anytime for a detailed quote or to book your move.

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