Removals to Ireland from the UK
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Moving to Ireland from Great Britain now involves customs, but used household goods still go in free if you meet Revenue's rules. Here is how relief works, why Northern Ireland is different, and which ferries removals use.
Last updated: October 2026 · 3 min read
Written and fact-checked by the Removly editorial team · How we research prices
Do you pay customs moving from Great Britain to Ireland?
Not on qualifying household goods. Irish Revenue's transfer-of-residence relief needs three things: you have lived outside the EU continuously for at least 12 months, you have owned and used the goods for at least six, and you import them between six months before and 12 months after your move.
Apply on Form C&E 1076, emailed to customs at the arrival port at least two weeks before the goods land. Sell, lend or hire out anything within 12 months and import charges apply. Alcohol, tobacco, trade tools and commercial vehicles don't qualify.
Source: Irish Revenue (transfer of residence) (2026)
Is moving from Northern Ireland different?
Yes. Goods moving from Northern Ireland to the Republic need no customs declarations and pay no tariffs, apart from excise goods such as alcohol and tobacco. A Belfast-to-Dublin move is road work, not an international shipment.
The exception catches people out: goods from Great Britain that travel through Northern Ireland still need full customs. Driving a GB move via Belfast doesn't avoid the paperwork. For moves within Northern Ireland, see our Belfast removal companies page.
Which ferries do removals to Ireland use?
- Holyhead–Dublin — the main route for Dublin and the east.
- Fishguard–Rosslare and Pembroke–Rosslare — for the south-east.
- Cairnryan–Belfast and Liverpool–Belfast — then by road, with customs still needed for GB goods.
Ferry freight needs a Pre-Boarding Notification ID before check-in, which your mover arranges. Smaller moves can go as a part load. Published prices vary too widely to quote one figure, so compare surveyed quotes.
What food can't you bring to Ireland?
Meat, milk and products made from them can't come from Great Britain into Ireland. Small amounts of sealed, branded infant formula and medical foods are allowed. Empty the fridge before the van is loaded.
Source: Food Safety Authority of Ireland (2026)
Once you're living there, apply for a PPS number — you need it to work and to use public services.
Removals to Ireland: FAQs
Is there customs when moving from Great Britain to Ireland?
Yes, since Brexit. Household goods can still come in free under transfer-of-residence relief if you have lived outside the EU for at least 12 months and owned and used the goods for at least six. You apply on Form C&E 1076.
Is there customs moving from Northern Ireland to the Republic?
No customs declarations are needed for goods moving from Northern Ireland to Ireland, apart from excise goods such as alcohol and tobacco. But goods from Great Britain routed through Belfast still need full customs.
When do I send Form C&E 1076?
At least two weeks before your goods arrive, by email to customs at the port of arrival, with your supporting documents. Ferry freight also needs a Pre-Boarding Notification ID before check-in — your mover arranges it.
Can I take food to Ireland from the UK?
Not meat or dairy. Meat, milk and their products cannot be brought from Great Britain into Ireland. Small amounts of sealed, branded infant formula and medical foods are the exception.
Which ferry routes do removals to Ireland use?
Holyhead–Dublin is the main one, with Fishguard–Rosslare and Pembroke–Rosslare for the south-east. Some moves go via Cairnryan or Liverpool to Belfast and drive south — those still need customs.