Moving to Ireland from the USA
Ireland is a top destination for Americans moving abroad — helped by a shared language and, for many, eligibility for citizenship through an Irish-born grandparent. Most belongings ship by sea container to Dublin or Cork. This guide covers shipping costs and timelines, EU transfer-of-residence customs relief, and the main routes Americans use to live in Ireland legally.
Estimate your move cost
An instant, route-specific range for Ireland. Adjust the details for a closer figure, then get matched with movers for exact quotes.
Estimated shipping cost
$6,300 – $9,400
Indicative only — based on typical 2 bedrooms moves. Get real quotes below.
Visa & residency options in Ireland
Ireland sets its own immigration rules. Many Americans qualify for citizenship by descent; others use employment permits or other immigration stamps. The options below are informational.
Citizenship / Foreign Births Register
If you have an Irish-born grandparent (or parent) you may claim Irish — and thus EU — citizenship.
Critical Skills Employment Permit
For in-demand occupations with a qualifying job offer.
General Employment Permit
Broader employer-sponsored work route.
Stamp 0 / retiree / independent means
For those with sufficient income who will not work locally.
These are Ireland immigration routes — consult a local immigration lawyer for advice. Portunus specializes in U.S. visas, not Ireland ones.
Typical moving costs
Indicative ranges by home size for moving to ireland from the usa. Reviewed 2026-06-15.
Studio
$2,400–$4,200
1 bedroom
$3,600–$6,000
2 bedrooms
$5,200–$8,500
3 bedrooms
$7,500–$12,000
20ft container
$4,200–$6,500
40ft container
$7,000–$10,500
What drives the cost
- Shared vs full container (volume)
- Origin coast (East Coast cheapest to Ireland)
- Door-to-door vs port-to-port
- Packing, insurance, ToR handling
- Season — summer peak
Transit times
Shipping methods
- Sea freight, shared container / LCL (best value for partial loads)
- Sea freight, full container / FCL (whole-home moves)
- Air freight (fast, premium — essentials only)
Moving companies for this route
Compare what each mover offers, then request quotes to see exact pricing for your move.
| Mover | Best for | Door-to-door | Packing | Storage | Vehicles | Pets | Quote |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SDC International Shipping | Sea freight, Door-to-door overseas | Get quote | |||||
| International Van Lines | Best overall, Full-service moves | Get quote | |||||
| Crown Relocations | Premium, Corporate relocation | Get quote | |||||
| Seven Seas Worldwide | Budget, Small moves & students | Get quote | |||||
| Sirelo (compare multiple movers) | Compare several quotes at once | Get quote |
Movers serving the Ireland route. Links go to each company's own quote page; we may be compensated for referrals. We don't publish third-party star ratings — request quotes to compare directly.
Customs & import rules
- Ireland is in the EU: used household goods can enter duty/VAT-free under Transfer of Residence (ToR) relief.
- Generally requires that you lived outside the EU for 12+ months and owned/used the goods for 6+ months.
- A detailed inventory and ToR application to Irish Revenue are required before/at import.
- New items, alcohol/tobacco over limits, and vehicles have separate rules.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to move to Ireland from the USA?
A shared-container move is roughly $2,400–$8,500 depending on volume and service; a full 40ft container can run $7,000–$10,500+. The estimator above gives a route-specific range.
How long does shipping to Ireland take?
From the U.S. East Coast, sea freight to Dublin/Cork is typically 12–22 days in transit; the West Coast is longer. Add packing, customs and delivery.
Can I bring my belongings duty-free?
Yes, usually — EU Transfer of Residence relief exempts used household goods if you lived outside the EU for 12+ months and apply to Irish Revenue with an inventory.
Can Americans move to Ireland?
Many qualify for Irish citizenship through an Irish-born grandparent; others use employment permits or income-based stamps. These are Irish immigration routes — check current requirements with Irish authorities.
Estimates and timelines are indicative; mover and route details last reviewed 2026-06-15. We may be compensated when you request a quote through links on this page.