Relocating from the UAE to Ireland – 5 things to consider

Are you planning an international relocation from the UAE to Ireland?

Moving to a new country involves many considerations—from logistics and customs regulations to local nuances you might not expect. In this blog, Jessie De Ryck, one of Crown Relocations’ experienced Move Managers, shares valuable insights to answer five commonly asked questions about relocating to Ireland.

From transit times to customs duties and vehicle shipping, we’ve got you covered.

1. Transit Times for Sea Shipments to Ireland

You should allow around 7 to 10 weeks for your shipment to reach your new home in Ireland. For moves from Abu Dhabi and Dubai, Crown offers sailing from Jebel Ali to Dublin port.

The direct sailing to Dublin typically takes 40 to 48 days. The estimated door-to-door transit time includes:

• Sailing time from port to port
• 3 to 5 working days in both the UAE and Ireland for customs clearance
• Loading, unloading, and final delivery.

Planning ahead and allowing for some flexibility can help reduce stress and ensure a smooth arrival.

2. Door-to-Door Quotations – Avoiding Surprises

At Crown Relocations, we provide comprehensive door-to-door quotations. However, to help you prepare fully, it’s important to understand that additional costs at the destination may still apply. These can vary based on your specific delivery address and local regulations. Examples include:

• Shuttling Service: In many Irish towns and city centres, narrow streets or parking restrictions may prevent large moving trucks from accessing your home. In such cases, your items may need to be transferred to a smaller shuttle van.
• Long Carry Fees: If our vehicle must park at a distance from your home, additional labour may be needed to carry items, incurring a ‘long carry’ surcharge.
• Parking Permits: In urban areas, a temporary parking permit may be required for unloading. Crown can help arrange this with local authorities.
• Stairs or Outside Lift Requirements: If your building lacks a lift or your apartment is located on an upper floor, a stair carry or external hoist may be required.
• Access Restrictions or Remote Locations: Deliveries to rural properties or remote areas might require special handling or added logistics support.

If you have a final delivery address available at the time of enquiry, your dedicated Move Manager will proactively access limitations and advise with you on what to expect, helping you avoid delays or unplanned expenses.

3. Customs Duties on Household Goods

You may qualify for duty-free importation of your household goods and personal effects into Ireland – Provided you meet certain conditions: These include:

• You’ve lived outside the EU for at least 12 consecutive months
• You’ve owned and used the goods for at least 6 months
• You’re moving to Ireland with the intent of taking up permanent residence
• You can provide documentation showing:
  • Termination of residency/employment in the UAE
  • Proof of taking up residence in Ireland (rental/purchase agreements, employment contract)
  • Your PPS number, or evidence that an application has been submitted.

Important Note: Irish customs procedures can be detailed and strict. Customs officers may request additional documents beyond the usual list. For this reason, we strongly advise submitting all required paperwork well in advance of your packing date to avoid delays.

4. Sending Smaller Quantities of Furniture and Personal Items

Don’t need a full container? No problem.

Crown Relocations offer a cost effective Shared Container Service for small shipments. Regular service routes operate via Rotterdam or Antwerp, and we consolidate your items with others heading to Ireland to help reduce your costs.

This is an ideal option for students, professionals relocating with minimal belongings, or families sending items ahead of their main move.

Find out more about the service here.

5. Shipping Vehicles to Ireland

It is possible to ship a car or motorbike along with your household goods, provided they are owned by the same individual and meet import criteria.

To qualify for duty-free entry, you must:

• Have used and owned the vehicle for at least 6 months prior to the move
• Prove you were a resident in the UAE for at least 12 consecutive months before moving
• Show intention to reside in Ireland permanently

You’ll also need to complete local registration, arrange mandatory insurance, and submit your vehicle for technical inspection in Ireland. Crown can assist with documentation, customs clearance, and coordination.