Part of our Moving to Europe, Australia & New Zealand guide
Moving to Ireland from the USA (2026 Guide)
Customs relief, documents, ports and delivery for shipping household goods from the United States to Ireland.
Short answer
Ireland's Revenue gives Transfer of Residence (TOR) relief from customs duty and VAT on household goods for people moving from outside the EU. Apply to Revenue about two weeks before your goods arrive. Signed prices for six U.S.-to-Ireland moves ranged from $4,148 to $14,417 depending on volume (see our Ireland cost guide).
Duty-free import rules for Ireland
Standard EU removal-goods relief applies: at least 12 months living outside the EU, goods owned and used for at least 6 months, and import within 12 months of moving. Full EU conditions are on our customs guide.
- Revenue asks for the TOR application before the goods arrive; late paperwork can mean storage charges.
Official source: Revenue: Transfer of Residence.
Confirm a mover's FMC license and any association claim in associations and licensing, and read reviews with where to research international mover reviews. More official customs offices are listed on those pages and in the customs guide.
Ports and delivery
Containers usually arrive at Dublin Port or Cork. Your mover's destination agent clears customs and delivers to your new home. Common delivery cities include Dublin, Cork, Galway, Limerick.
Good to know
See the six real signed prices on our Ireland cost guide.
Cost to move to Ireland from the USA (signed prices)
Getting quotes for Ireland
Ask every mover to price the same surveyed volume door to door, and check each line against our quote checklist. Pick a method in shipping methods, and check restricted items before you pack.
City-to-city routes to Ireland
Leaving from a U.S. city
- Moving abroad from Los Angeles
- Moving abroad from New York
- Moving abroad from Chicago
- Moving abroad from Boston
Licensed movers for Ireland
Compare the licensed movers we work with on our 2026 rankings: Sunset International Shipping, Shepherd International Movers, Schmidt International Relocations, My International Movers.
General information, not legal or immigration advice. Confirm current rules with the official customs office before you ship.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to move to Ireland from the USA?
Six signed Sunset International Shipping moves cost $4,148 to $7,791 for loads under 300 cubic feet and $9,324 and $14,417 for 412 and 1,139 cubic feet.
When do I apply for Transfer of Residence relief in Ireland?
Before the goods arrive. Revenue asks for the application about two weeks ahead.
Do I pay VAT on household goods moving to Ireland?
Not if Revenue grants TOR relief.
How long does it take to ship household goods to Ireland?
It depends on the U.S. departure port, the sailing schedule, transshipments, and whether you use a full or shared container. Ask each mover for the port-to-port transit time and the door-to-door estimate in writing.
Which movers can ship my belongings to Ireland?
Sunset International Shipping, Shepherd International Movers, Schmidt International Relocations and My International Movers — the four licensed movers we work with — handle international household moves. Request free quotes from the four we work with with one form.
Get free quotes from licensed movers
One short form for International Moving Company. Pick items from the inventory list or upload a quick video walkthrough. Your request is shared with Sunset International Shipping, Shepherd International Movers, Schmidt International Relocations and My International Movers so you can compare their quotes. Free, no obligation.