Moving to Ireland

Used Household Goods and Personal Effects

Documents Required 

  • Copy of passport
  • Packing list
  • Transfer of residency 1(TOR 1) – PPS declaration document
  • Express release / air waybill (AWB)
  • Documentary evidence of residence abroad for at least 12 months
  • Two original copies of utility bills. (Electricity bill and a bank statement will do. Must not be older than 12 months).
  • Proof of residence in Ireland (2 forms)
  • Copy of property lease, rental agreement, or purchase in Ireland
  • Resident / work permit / letter of employment
  • Travel itinerary returning to Ireland / copy of flight confirmation / copy of boarding pass
  • Letter from the Irish Department of Foreign Affairs Protocol Section

Specific Information

  • All goods should be in the ownership of the owner of the goods for at least 12 months prior to import.
  • Required documents must be received by the agent prior to the arrival of the shipment to minimize any port charges.
  • Owner of the goods does not need to be present for Customs clearance.
  • Owner of the goods 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 (6% to 13%) and value added tax (VAT) of approximately 23%.
  • If they do not have a European Union country passport they must provide a copy of their Irish entry authorisation visa.  
  • Letter from the Irish Department of Foreign Affairs Protocol Section authorizing release of the consignment from the port (diplomats).
    • Needs to be confirmed ahead of arriving into port as Ireland only extends the same privileges it receives in the country of origin.

Motor Vehicles

Documents Required

  • Copy of passport
  • Original registration
  • Original bill of lading (OBL) / air waybill (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 

Specific Information

  • 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 details.
  • Motor vehicles must be in the owners name for at least 6 months to be eligible for duty and VAT free import.
  • Only one vehicle per person may be imported.

Pets

Documents Required 

  • Vaccination record
  • Veterinary health certificate
  • Pet passport

Specific Information

  • Pets arriving from outside of the European Union 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.
  • 6-month quarantine is not required if the following conditions met:
    • Proof of rabies vaccination and follow up showing effective (6 months after inoculation),
    • Health certificate,
    • Electronic microchip.
  • Pets arriving from within the European Union can usually enter without prior approval or examination at a Quarantine Station.

Restricted/Dutiable Items

  • 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 Items

  • Narcotics
  • Drugs
  • Explosives
  • Pornography
  • Firearms
  • Meat products
  • Live plants
  • Endangered species and any products or parts thereof as outlined by CITES (authorization from CITES is required)

Consignment Instructions

Recommended: Contact the destination agent to ensure all requirements have been met prior to import, especially for differences regarding air / sea shipments.

Cultural and Other Information