Moving to Ireland
Moving overseas is exciting, but it can also be overwhelming. From customs rules to packing, shipping logistics, and final delivery, there’s a lot to manage. That’s where Palmers Relocations comes in. With nearly 45 years of experience, we guide Australians through every step — so you can focus on starting your new life in Ireland with confidence.
Tailored International Moving Services
for Every Household
Moving to Ireland is more than shipping boxes — it’s moving your life, your memories, and everything you’ve worked for. Whether you’re returning home, starting a new chapter, or bringing your family closer to roots, the journey can feel overwhelming.
With nearly 45 years of experience, Palmers Relocations guides Australians every step of the way — from packing and shipping to customs clearance and final delivery. We handle the logistics so you can focus on settling into your new life in Ireland with confidence.
Shipping Options to Ireland
Air Freight
Air freight is the most time-efficient way of transporting urgent shipments of specific personal items. Often, customers opt to have a smaller air freight shipment delivered with essentials while waiting for the sea-freight shipment which is a more cost-effective choice but takes a longer time to arrive.
Sea Freight
– Full Container Loads (FCL) or sole-use shipping containers in sizes of 20′ or 40′ are utilized for complete household moves. In addition to furniture and household goods, we can ship additional items such as vehicles. FCL offers the most efficient and speedy solution for direct door-to-door service.
– Shared Container Loads (Groupage) – the cost-effective way to transport your goods overseas.
Goods are loaded into the container along with other people’s goods to the same destination and you split the shipping cost paying only for the volume being used in the container.
– Less than Full Container Loads (LCL) – great for small shipments that require fast delivery. Shipment is wrapped and secured in wooden crates and then loaded into a container with other goods.
Shipping to Ireland: Key Facts for a Stress-Free Move
Important Information About Shipping to Ireland
Understanding Ireland’s customs and duty‑free rules can save you money and stress. Palmers handles all the documentation and clearance for you — but it helps to know how the process works.
Duty-Free Eligibility
Most Australians relocating to Ireland can import their household goods and personal items duty‑free under Ireland’s Transfer of Residence rules if:
- You have owned and used your goods for at least 6 months prior to shipping
- You have lived outside the European Union (EU) for at least 12 consecutive months before moving
- You intend to live in Ireland for 185+ days (6+ months) once you arrive
- Your shipment arrives within 6 months before or up to 12 months after your intended move‑in date
If these conditions are met, customs relief usually applies and no import duty or VAT (23%) will be charged on your household goods and personal effects.
Note: If you are moving items to a holiday home or secondary residence, or importing items not covered under the relief (like new goods, alcohol, or tools of trade), customs duties and VAT will apply, and Palmers can help you understand those costs.
Documentation You’ll Need
Palmers prepares and lodges your customs paperwork, but we’ll need specific documents from you to make sure everything is in order:
Transfer of Residence (TOR) Documents
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Completed Transfer of Residence Form (C&E 1076) – this is the official declaration to Irish Customs
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TOR1 Application if applicable (often for vehicles or where required)
Proof of Residence & Use
You’ll need documents showing:
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You lived abroad for at least 12 months (e.g., utility bills, rental agreements, bank statements)
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Your goods were owned and used for at least 6 months
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You intend to live in Ireland long‑term (e.g., employment letter, lease/rental agreement)
Other Supporting Documents
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Passport copy
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Packing list (provided by Palmers)
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Original Bill of Lading (OBL)
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Work permit / Letter of employment (if applicable)
Potential Additional Fees When Importing to Ireland
Even with duty-free eligibility, some items may still incur charges:
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New or recently purchased items (owned less than 6 months) may attract 23% VAT and customs duties.
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Vehicles or boats that don’t meet Transfer of Residence (ToR) conditions may be subject to Vehicle Registration Tax (VRT) and VAT.
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Commercial goods, antiques, or artworks intended for resale are treated as imports and will incur standard customs charges.
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Inspection or quarantine fees may apply to certain items, such as wooden furniture, outdoor equipment, or plants.
Don’t worry — Palmers will advise you in advance, and we make sure all items are documented correctly and compliant. This helps you avoid unnecessary fees and surprises when your shipment arrives in Ireland.
Our International Relocation Services include:
Door to Door Move Management
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Moving abroad is much more than simply transporting your goods from one country to another. With so many rules, regulations and customs formalities, it is important to choose provider who understands the whole moving process to ensure a smooth international moving process.
At Palmers, we make sure our clients are looked after from initial phone call until delivery at your new home.
International Packing
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Our packing team is professionally trained to international packing standards, and have years of experience in wrapping, packing, and moving household goods.
We will pack everything using materials that are specifically designed to protect your household effects in transit.
International Packing Materials
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Our packing materials have been specially designed to improve standard packaging materials and protect your valuables during the long journey ahead.
At Palmers, we utilise only 100% recyclable and the best-quality packing and wrapping materials available.
Detailed Inventory List
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We prepare an inventory with descriptions of the items, label, and number the cartons/packages prior to loading. This document is the key to make sure your goods are checked and cross-checked while your shipment progresses from uplift through to delivery.
Loading & Transportation
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Your goods will be loaded into a secured shipping container for shipment. Palmers Relocations will transport the container to secure storage until departure to port / terminal.
Secure Storage Solutions
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Palmers Relocations offer secure storage solutions through our international network anywhere in the world until departure delivery.
Export Document Preparation
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Palmers experienced export move managers will guide you through all of the documentation required for successful import of your goods.
Customs Clearance
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Palmers move managers will look after customs and customs clearance to ensure smooth transition.
Delivery
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Your goods will be safely transported from the port of arrival to our global partners depot to schedule delivery to your residence. On the agreed date and time, your goods will be delivered to your residence.
Destination Services
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Palmers Relocations offer various types of added value services to elevate the moving experience to the next level.
At Palmers, we offer:
– Vehicle & Boat Relocation
– Pet Relocation
– Exit Cleaning Services
– Handyman Services
– International Money Transfers
– Valet Unpacking Services
– Storage Solutions
-Transit Insurance
Call us today on 1300 363 916 or get a full international relocation quote through our quote form.
Our Added Value Services:
At Palmers, we go beyond shipping your belongings. Our additional services give you peace of mind and make your move stress-free:
Transport Relocation Service
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In addition to relocating your personal effects and household goods, many of our clients choose to relocate their vehicle, motorcycle, or boat overseas. We offer both direct and shared international shipping services for these items.
Our service includes not only the freight but also handling all necessary customs clearance formalities at your chosen destination.
Pet Relocation Service
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We offer full door-to-door pet relocation services both within Australia and internationally.
With over 30 years of experience, our pet relocation experts ensure premium care for your pet throughout the entire process, including:
- Assisting with import documentation and vaccinations
- Preparing your pet for the move
- Caring for your pet during transportation
Contact us today to learn more!
Short and Long-Term Storage
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We offer a variety of storage solutions worldwide through our international network, ensuring secure options no matter where you are.
Palmers Protect+ Warranty
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Palmers has a proud history of delivering smooth and stress-free international relocations. However, when moving abroad, there is always an inherent risk of loss or damage to your personal effects due to multiple parties involved until your goods reach their destination.
To provide peace of mind, Palmers offers two Palmers Protect Warranty options to safeguard your goods during the move
Exit Cleaning Service
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For a more enjoyable moving experience, Palmers offers a premium home cleaning service.
Our experienced cleaning team uses professional equipment and high-quality products to ensure your kitchen, bathrooms, laundry, living room, and bedrooms are sparkling clean and ready for either move-in or exit cleaning inspections.
Contact our friendly team to learn more and book your service.
Valet Unpacking Service
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In addition to relocation and our standard unpacking service, we offer a Valet Unpacking Service to take your moving experience to the next level.
With Valet Unpacking, your new home is set up just the way you left your old one, so you can settle in effortlessly:
- Furniture is placed in the correct spots
- Surfaces are wiped down, with books and display items organized and staged
- Kitchen items are unpacked and neatly arranged in cupboards
- Clothes are unpacked, folded, and organized in wardrobes
- Beds are made, with linens placed in wardrobes
- Bathrooms are set up with toiletries and towels
- Living rooms and bedrooms are ready for you
- Cartons are folded and prepared for collection
With everything taken care of, you can step into your new chapter stress-free.
Handyman Services
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When you’re moving, we offer handyman services to ensure a smooth, damage-free transition.
Our team can assist with tasks such as disassembling and reassembling furniture, mounting televisions or shelves, and handling minor repairs. We’ll take care of everything, so you don’t have to lift a finger.
Foreign Exchange Service
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At Palmers, we partner with an Australian company to offer international money transfers, helping you save on currency exchange rates and bank fees. This partnership makes your relocation more cost-effective and hassle-free.
Contact us today to learn more!
You Are in Good Hands.
Palmers, Since 1980.
At Palmers, we ensure a friendly and professional moving service for each and every one of our customers. Read our customer reviews for local, interstate, and international relocations below
Start your move to Ireland with a free quote from Palmers Relocations — trusted by Australians for nearly 45 years.
Call 1300 363 916 or submit a free quote form!
Download Your Customs Guide to Ireland
When you book a removal with Palmers Relocations, we make sure that we go above and beyond to make your relocation as stress-free as possible.
Trust The Palmers difference