Moving to Ireland from Australia: What You Need to Know
Whether you’re relocating for work, returning home to Ireland, or making a fresh start in the Emerald Isle, moving from Australia to Ireland involves more than just packing your belongings. With OSS World Wide Movers, international removals to Ireland are made easier through expert coordination, compliance with Irish customs regulations, and end-to-end support.
This quickstart guide outlines exactly what you need to know about the Transfer of Residence (ToR) process, what items are allowed or restricted, and how to avoid common pitfalls when shipping your household goods from Australia to Ireland.
Who Can Bring Their Belongings to Ireland Duty-Free?
If you’re moving to Ireland from Australia, you may be eligible to import your used household goods and personal effects duty-free under Ireland’s Transfer of Residence (ToR) rules.
Permanent residents (including returning Irish citizens, work visa holders, and Australians settling in Ireland)
- You must have lived outside Ireland for at least 12 months and owned and used the goods for 6+ months before shipping.
- You must intend to live in Ireland for at least 185 days (6+ months).
- You may import your goods up to 6 months before or within 12 months after taking up residence.
Holiday or secondary home owners
- You can bring in goods, but 23% VAT and customs duty (typically 10%–25%) will apply.
- You’ll need to provide proof of a second residence and PPS number.
Essential Paperwork You’ll Need With You
To clear customs without delays, you’ll need to prepare and carry both physical and digital copies of these documents:
- Completed Transfer of Residence Form (Form 1076) and TOR1 application
- Full, signed inventory in English
- Proof of previous residence abroad for at least 12 months
(utility bills, bank statements, credit card statements) - Recent document (within 6 months) confirming overseas residence
- Proof of employment abroad and in Ireland
- Irish residence evidence – such as a lease, rental agreement or utility bill
- Proof of intent to reside – e.g. Irish job offer, contract, or immigration documents
Important
All TOR documents should be submitted to Irish customs at least 2 weeks before your shipment arrives.
Getting Cleared at the Border – What to do Step by Step
Submit your Form 1076 and TOR1 documents before your shipment arrives in Ireland
Once your shipment arrives, OSS World Wide Movers will present the customs paperwork on your behalf.
Once Irish Customs approves and stamps the documents, your goods are cleared for delivery.
No personal appearance is normally required unless importing a car or restricted items.
What Items Are Restricted or Banned When Moving to Ireland?
Ireland has strict import rules. Here’s what to look out for when moving to Ireland
| Item | Rules | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Alcohol | Subject to duty and VAT | Diplomats may import alcohol duty-free with approval |
| Motor Vehicles | Must be used & owned for 6+ months | You must remain the owner for 12 months post-import |
| Pets (dogs & cats) | Must have a Pet Passport or an import licence | Comply with EU Pet Travel Scheme and health regulations |
| Firearms | Temporary import licence required | Surrender to the Gardaí (Irish Police) upon arrival for examination |
| Food | Meat, dairy and perishables are prohibited | Do not include any food products in your shipment |
| Plants, soil, and straw | Prohibited |
Even used straw in packing is banned
|
| Absolutely Prohibited | Narcotics, pornography, explosives, endangered species, live animals/birds, used hay/straw, unauthorised firearms | It will be confiscated by customs and may lead to penalties |
Fees You Might Still Pay After Importing Your Goods to Ireland
New or unused items (less than 6 months old): Subject to 23% VAT and customs duty (10–25%)
Vehicles not meeting ToR rules: Subject to Vehicle Registration Tax (VRT) and VAT
Commercial imports, antiques or artworks for resale: Standard customs charges apply
Inspection fees: May apply for items like wooden furniture or outdoor goods
Pre-Move Checklist for People Moving from Australia to Ireland
Before moving from Australia to Ireland, ensure you’ve ticked off all the critical steps
Book OSS World Wide Movers 4-8 weeks in advance. This ensures there’s plenty of time to prep.
Submit your Form 1076 and TOR1 at least 2 weeks before your shipment arrives
Book international moving insurance through OSS. Click here to contact OSS about insurance.
Clean all outdoor items (bikes, barbecues, garden tools) to avoid inspection delays
Secure an Irish address for delivery (can be a residence, hotel or storage facility)
Ensure any pets meet Pet Passport or import licence requirements before travel
Make The Move To Ireland From Australia With OSS
At OSS World Wide Movers, we make international removals to Ireland easy, compliant, and stress-free. With decades of experience, expert customs knowledge, and a global network of trusted partners, we’ll handle your move from Australia to Ireland with care and precision.
Whether you’re relocating to Dublin, Cork, Galway or the Irish countryside, OSS ensures your belongings arrive safely and on time, so you can focus on settling into your new life.