MOVING TO IRELAND

Irlande / Irlanda / Irland

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    Introduction to Ireland

    Population: 4.9 million

    Capital city: Dublin

    Official languages: Irish and English

    Currency: Euro

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    Moving to Ireland from UK

    If you are moving to any country from the UK, it can be difficult to know what visas and permits you are required to have. For those moving to Ireland from the UK, you will be pleased to know that the move is relatively free of confusing documents. According to the Common Travel Agreement (CTA), British expats and Irish citizens can move freely between the countries for work or living without the need for visas, employment permits or residency permits. You must, however, have a valid UK or Ireland passport that is valid for at least another 6 months following your entry to the country. This makes working in Ireland as a British citizen exceedingly easy compared to the complications and bureaucratic red tape associated with further-afield destinations.

    Living in Ireland

    There are many benefits of moving to a country so close to the UK. There is no significant language barrier, the climate is largely the same, and travel time is kept to a minimum. Much of Ireland’s culture is similar to that of the UK, though with some distinct and interesting differences. However, there are some changes that come with life in Ireland that you should prepare yourself for.

    The cost of living in Ireland may come as a surprise for British citizens relocating to Ireland. Rent costs can be around 30% higher, public transport can cost far more, and even groceries come at a higher price. However, wages in Ireland are also generally higher than in the UK. Despite this, you should check whether you can afford these increased prices before making the move to Ireland.

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    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 can 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 non-negotiable 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 the 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.

    International removal companies like GMS will be able to provide assistance with transporting belongings and the necessary bureaucracy that comes with it.

    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
    • The shipper does not need to be present for Customs clearance.
    • The 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%.
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    Useful Ireland Relocation Links

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

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    Popular Destinations for British Expats in Ireland

    Ireland is a country with relatively sparse population centres. If you have previously visited, you have likely travelled to the capital of Dublin, a bustling and colourful city in the East of the country. One of the most important things to know about Ireland is that Dublin stands out in this way, while other cities and rural areas are much less well-connected, smaller, and with much less to do. While they can be more affordable than the capital, you should definitely do your research before deciding on the best Irish destination for you and your family.

    Global Moving Services is vastly experienced in international removals to cities all over the globe. Our long history and detailed knowledge of different countries make us 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

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    Moving to Ireland with Your Car Or Motorcycle

    For British expats hoping to move to Ireland, another draw is that driving here is a lot easier compared to other international destinations. No alterations are necessary for cars either, so transporting a vehicle is an appealing option for many people moving to Ireland. A vehicle is often very useful for families, particularly if moving to more rural areas of the country with limited access to local or national public transport.

    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
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    Moving to Ireland with Pets

    The climate in Ireland is very similar to that of the UK, meaning that if you wish to move to Ireland with your pet, they will likely not suffer any ill health from the relocation.

    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.

    Further advice on moving your pets overseas is available on our blog.

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    Restricted & Dutiable/Taxable Items in Ireland

    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%).
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    Prohibited/Banned Items in Ireland

    Like any country, Ireland has a list of items that are prohibited from entering the country as part of luggage or household shipments. You should ensure that you are aware of these restrictions as they could affect your entry to the country.

    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.

    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 20 7097 5335 , 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 specialises 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 20 7097 5335 .

    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.