Moving to Ireland
English speaking, in the European Union, and small enough to feel knowable. Here is what it really costs to move your home to Ireland, how customs relief works, the routes in for different nationalities, and the admin that gets you settled.
A soft landing in the European Union, with one large caveat called rent.
Ireland is one of the easier cultural landings for English speaking movers, and it is a full member of the European Union, which matters for work, study, and onward travel. Dublin anchors a strong jobs market in technology, pharmaceuticals, and financial services, and the rest of the country trades intensity for landscape and pace.
It suits professionals recruited into the multinational employers clustered around Dublin and Cork, citizens of European Union and European Economic Area countries who can move freely, and British and Irish citizens who travel under the Common Travel Area without a visa at all. It suits anyone who values being inside the single market while still living in an English speaking country.
The honest caveat is housing. Rents and house prices in Dublin are high and supply is tight, so line up somewhere to live before you fixate on the rest. Get that right and Ireland is a warm, manageable place to land.
The realistic routes in.
Your route depends entirely on your passport. British and Irish citizens and European Union nationals have it easiest, while people from outside the bloc generally arrive through an employment permit.
British and Irish citizens move between the two countries freely, live and work without a visa, and access public services. If this is you, the immigration step is essentially nothing.
Citizens of European Union and European Economic Area countries, plus Switzerland, can live and work in Ireland without a permit. You register locally for tax and services rather than for permission to be there.
For people from outside the European Union in eligible high demand roles with a qualifying salary. It offers a fast track toward longer term residence and family reunification.
For a wider range of occupations from outside the European Union, normally tied to a specific job offer and employer, with a labour market test in many cases.
Bringing your household goods in.
Because Ireland is in the European Union, where your goods start changes everything. If you are moving from another European Union country, your household goods circulate freely and there is no customs entry to make. If you are moving from outside the bloc, you claim transfer of residence relief through Revenue, the Irish tax and customs authority.
Transfer of residence relief generally lets you import used personal property free of duty and value added tax when you are moving your normal home to Ireland, provided you have owned and used the goods for at least six months and you are genuinely transferring residence. You submit a declaration and an inventory, and Revenue may ask for evidence that you are moving for real, such as a tenancy or employment in Ireland and the closing of your old home.
Restricted and prohibited items follow European Union rules: firearms, certain foods and plants, and some medicines need permits or are not allowed. If you are bringing a vehicle from outside the European Union, expect customs and Vehicle Registration Tax to apply, assessed by Revenue, and budget for it rather than being surprised at the port.
What people wish they had known.
The single thing that catches people out is housing. Dublin has a genuine shortage of rentals, viewings draw crowds, and prices are high for what you get, so secure somewhere before you fixate on furniture and schools. Many movers start in temporary accommodation and search hard on the ground.
The weather is mild but grey and wet for long stretches, which sounds trivial until you live it. People who settle well invest in good rain gear and lean into the indoor and social culture rather than waiting for sunshine that comes in short bursts.
Finally, the small country effect cuts both ways. Networks are tight and word of mouth opens doors, which is wonderful once you are in and a little closed feeling at first. Joining clubs, sports, and local life accelerates belonging more than anything else.
How to pick a mover for this route, without the guesswork.
We do not rank or recommend individual companies. We teach you the criteria that separate a safe international move from an expensive mistake, then put your request in front of vetted movers who run this lane.
Check the trade affiliation. Membership of FIDI or IAM is the clearest signal a mover is financially screened and bound to industry standards for international household goods. For Ireland, ask whether the mover regularly clears transfer of residence shipments through Revenue if you are coming from outside the European Union, and whether they run the short Irish Sea crossing efficiently if you are coming from Britain.
Insist on a binding pre move survey. A real video or in home survey of your volume is the only honest basis for a price. A quote given without one is a guess that tends to grow on moving day.
Compare like for like. Read what each quote includes: packing, materials, customs clearance, destination delivery, stair or long carry charges, and insurance. The cheapest headline number is rarely the cheapest move.
Understand the insurance terms. Ask whether cover is full replacement value or depreciated, what the excess is, and how claims are handled. Read the valuation clause before you sign.
Read recent reviews for this corridor. A mover can be excellent locally and weak on international shipments. Look for verified reviews that mention the actual route and customs experience.
What life costs once you land.
Ireland is a moderately expensive country dominated by one very expensive housing market in Dublin. Food, transport, and energy sit around western European norms.
Indicative 2026 figures in US dollars, converted from euro. Your city and lifestyle will move these numbers.
Where people land
Dublin concentrates the jobs in technology, pharmaceuticals, and finance, and the cost to match. Cork is the strong second city, with its own multinational base and a friendlier housing market. Galway draws people who want the west coast and a university town feel, while commuter towns around Dublin trade a longer journey for more affordable space. Match the town to your job and your tolerance for a commute.
Healthcare and banking
Healthcare runs through the Health Service Executive. Public care is available to residents, with a means tested medical card or a GP visit card covering more for those who qualify, and many people add private health insurance for shorter waits. You will be asked for proof of residence to register with a local doctor.
Almost everything official keys off your Personal Public Service number, the PPS number, issued by the Department of Social Protection. You need it for employment, tax, healthcare, and benefits, so apply early. Opening a bank account is straightforward once you have proof of address and identification, and many people start with one of the established retail banks or a regulated digital account.
Your first month checklist
- 1Apply for a Personal Public Service number, the PPS number, from the Department of Social Protection.
- 2If you are not an EU or British citizen, register your immigration permission and collect your Irish Residence Permit, the IRP.
- 3Open an Irish bank account with proof of address and identification.
- 4Register with a local GP and sort health cover through the Health Service Executive or privately.
- 5Set up your tax details with Revenue so your pay is taxed correctly.
- 6Swap to an Irish mobile plan and update your address for utilities and post.
Get moving quotes for Ireland.
Tell us your origin, size, and timing. We pass your request to vetted international movers who run the route to Ireland, and you compare them on your own terms.
Questions people ask about this move.
How much does it cost to move to Ireland?
It depends heavily on where you start. From Britain, a two to three bedroom move by sea can run from roughly 2,400 to 5,500 US dollars given the short crossing. From North America or further afield, plan on around 5,500 to 9,500 US dollars or more for the same household. These are indicative 2026 ranges, not a quote.
Do I need a visa to move to Ireland?
It depends on your passport. British and Irish citizens use the Common Travel Area and need nothing. European Union and European Economic Area citizens have free movement. People from outside the bloc generally need an employment permit and immigration permission. Confirm your route with the official Irish immigration service before you move.
Do I pay duty on my furniture when moving to Ireland?
If you move from another European Union country, your used goods move freely with no customs entry. From outside the bloc, you can usually claim transfer of residence relief through Revenue to import used personal property free of duty and value added tax, subject to conditions. Verify the current rules with Revenue first.
What is a PPS number and when do I need one?
The Personal Public Service number is your single identifier for tax, employment, healthcare, and benefits, issued by the Department of Social Protection. You should apply soon after arrival because employers, Revenue, and health services all ask for it.
How long does shipping to Ireland take?
From Britain, sea freight is often just two to six days door to door because of the short crossing, plus handling. From North America, expect roughly two to five weeks, and longer from Asia or Oceania. Customs handling adds time if you are importing from outside the European Union.
Can I bring my car to Ireland?
Yes, but if it comes from outside the European Union you may face customs charges, and Vehicle Registration Tax generally applies and is assessed by Revenue. Factor that cost in early, because it can be significant on a newer or higher value car.
Moving to Ireland from where you are.
Pick your starting country for the costs, customs, and timeline specific to that route. Browse them all on the corridors index.
From Britain
From the Americas
From mainland Europe
- Germany to Ireland
- France to Ireland
- Poland to Ireland
From further afield
- Australia to Ireland
- India to Ireland
We refresh corridor guides as rules and prices change.
Last reviewed: 27 March 2026. We refresh this guide as costs, customs, and visa rules change.