Moving back to Ireland from Europe means sorting out your belongings as well as your life. Customs and VAT are usually the first questions, and the answer depends on where you are shipping from and your circumstances. This guide covers the basics for Irish people returning home and for anyone arriving, so you know what to check before you book removals to Ireland.

Moving back to Ireland from Europe: customs and VAT on household goods

The starting point is whether you are moving from an EU country or from outside the EU.

• From another EU country: goods are generally in free circulation, so customs duty does not normally apply to personal belongings. VAT has usually already been paid where the items were bought.
• From the UK or another non-EU country: a customs declaration is needed. Revenue has provisions that can relieve duty and VAT on personal belongings for people moving their home to Ireland, but they depend on conditions and your own history. Nobody can promise relief in advance.

Some items follow separate rules whatever the origin. These include vehicles, alcohol, tobacco, food, plants, medicines and firearms. Always check Revenue’s current guidance before you ship.

Documents you need before shipping

Revenue’s current guidance sets out exactly what is required, and it can change, so read it before you pack. In practice, expect to gather:

• Passport or photo ID for each adult moving
• Proof of your address and residence abroad, such as tenancy or utility records
• A detailed inventory of what you are shipping
• Evidence that you owned and used the items, such as receipts for larger pieces
• Any relief application or declaration Revenue asks for
• Registration and ownership papers if you are bringing a vehicle

A clear inventory saves the most time. Pack and list room by room as you go.

Moving from the UK versus moving from the EU

Bringing furniture to Ireland from the UK is treated as a move from outside the EU. That means customs paperwork has to be right before the load travels. Get Cracking’s UK services include palletised shipments, part loads and dedicated vehicles using its own fleet. The UK relocation service also has an in-house customs team and a customs warehouse in Dublin, so the declaration side is handled by people who do it regularly.

Removals to Ireland from Spain and other EU countries are usually simpler on duty, but you still need a good inventory and proof of your move. Distance, access and load size matter more here. See our removals to Spain page for the route, and the UK and European relocations hub for other countries.

Timeline from booking to delivery in Dublin, Meath or Kildare

We cannot give a fixed schedule, because timing depends on the origin country, the volume, whether you share a load or have a dedicated vehicle, and how ready your paperwork is. The usual order is:

• Quote and inventory, with a site visit for larger homes
• Packing and collection
• Road, sea or air transport to Ireland
• Customs handling where the move is from outside the EU
• Delivery and unpacking at your new home in Dublin, Meath or Kildare

If your new home is not ready, storage can be arranged so your belongings are not stuck in a van.

What affects removal to Ireland costs

We do not quote prices in articles, because every move is different. These factors drive removal to Ireland costs:

• Volume of belongings and whether you need a full load, part load or pallets
• Distance and route
• Packing and unpacking, and crate hire
• Access at both ends, such as stairs, parking and narrow streets
• Storage before delivery
• Customs handling for non-EU moves
• Fragile or specialist items

A good quote states what is included. Ask whether it covers collection, transport, customs handling, delivery, unpacking and any cover for your goods, so you can compare quotes properly.

What Get Cracking handles for you

Get Cracking is an Irish-owned family business based in Dublin 11. For a return move we can look after packing and unpacking, crate hire, transport, storage and delivery. We also move fragile and specialist items with extra care. For UK moves, our customs team deals with the declaration side. You can read more on our moving to Ireland page.

FAQs

Do I pay VAT on furniture I bought in another EU country?

VAT is normally paid where you bought the item, and moving your own belongings between EU countries does not usually trigger it again. Check Revenue’s guidance for your situation.

Do I need a customs declaration moving from the UK?

Yes. The UK is outside the EU, so household goods need a customs declaration. Whether relief applies depends on Revenue’s conditions.

Can I store my belongings before I find a home?

Yes. Short- or long-term storage can be arranged alongside your move.

Who arranges the paperwork?

You supply the documents and inventory. We guide you on what is needed and, for UK moves, our in-house customs team prepares the customs side.

Planning your move home?

Call us on 01 866 5999, email info@getcracking.ie or request a quote and tell us where you are moving from.