When you are moving abroad from Ireland, the logistics are manageable if you start early. They become genuinely stressful if you don't.

This checklist covers the full process, from the first decisions to the first week in your new country. It's built from the questions AMC hears most often from the thousands of Irish families and individuals we've helped move over the past 25 years. Some of it is universal. Some varies significantly by destination.

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Before you start: 5 decisions that shape everything else

These aren't checklist items. They're the decisions that determine what the rest of the checklist looks like.
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1. Where are you going?

The destination affects almost everything downstream: what visa you need, how you ship your belongings, what admin you face on arrival, and how long the whole process takes. If you haven't chosen yet, or you're choosing between two destinations, start there. Our destination guides cover the main routes from Ireland:

• Moving from Ireland to Australia
• Moving from Ireland to the USA
• Moving from Ireland to Canada
• Moving from Ireland to Spain
• Moving from Ireland to the UK
• Moving from Ireland to France
• Moving from Ireland to Germany
• Moving from Ireland to Italy
• Moving from Ireland to the Netherlands
• Moving from Ireland to Portugal
• Moving from Ireland to Switzerland
• Moving from Ireland to Norway

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2. What's your visa route?

For EU destinations, Irish citizens have free movement, no visa required. For Australia, Canada, and New Zealand, working holiday visas exist for eligible age groups. For the USA, there's no working holiday equivalent; every route requires an employer, family connection, or the DV Lottery. The UK now requires a visa for most work purposes post-Brexit.

Sort the visa before you book anything else.

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3. What's your timeline?

Visa processing adds time. Immigration draws add time. Shipping takes 1 to 10 weeks depending on destination. The gap between deciding to go and actually going is almost always longer than people expect.

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4. How much are you bringing?

The answer determines your shipping cost, your logistics, and how early you need to book a removal company. A rough rule: more than 5 cubic metres of belongings means sea freight is the right option. Under 5 CBM, you have more flexibility.

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5. What's your budget for the move itself?

Separate from cost of living in your new country, the move itself has a cost. Shipping, flights, deposits on a new rental, insurance, travel cover during the gap, temporary accommodation, and the admin fees in your destination country all add up. A rough minimum for a solo move: €5,000 to €8,000 for a well-planned relocation. Families moving a full house should budget more.

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The master checklist: what to do and when

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12+ months before your move date

Immigration and visa

• Research visa options for your destination
• Check eligibility for working holiday visas (Australia subclass 417: up to age 35; Canada IEC: up to age 35; New Zealand: up to age 35), applications for some open once a year and fill quickly
• If using a points-based system (Canada Express Entry, Australia skilled migration): check your score now, not later
• If moving to the USA: enter the DV Lottery in October if applicable; start employer visa process if sponsored
• Get immigration advice if your route is complex or if you have dependants

Financial planning

• Research the cost of living in your destination city specifically, not just the country
• Estimate first-year costs: rent deposits (often 2 months), furniture, transport, healthcare gap cover
• Check your Irish pension situation. What happens to your PRSI contributions when you leave
• Research pension transfer or preservation options if you have an Irish occupational pension

Property

• Decide whether to sell or rent your Irish home if you own one
• If renting it out: research tax obligations as a non-resident landlord
• If selling: factor in the timeline. Irish property sales can take 3 to 6 months from offer to keys

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6 months before your move date

Removal company

• Book a pre-move survey with AMC, in-person or video call, no cost
• Review your fixed quote and confirm your shipping date
• Confirm your destination address (or storage options if the address isn't finalised)
• Understand the customs requirements for your destination (AMC will advise)
• Start decluttering, every cubic metre you don't ship saves money directly

Banking

• Open a bank account in your destination country if possible in advance
  • Canada: RBC, TD, Scotiabank newcomer programmes allow opening from Ireland
  • USA: most US banks need a US address; use Wise or Revolut as a bridge
  • Australia: major banks (ANZ, Commonwealth, Westpac, NAB) allow advance opening
  • EU destinations: N26 or Wise works for the transition period; local account once resident
• Set up a multi-currency card (Wise, Revolut) for the transition period regardless of destination

Accommodation

• Research rental markets in your destination city
• If moving to a competitive rental market (Dublin, London, Amsterdam, San Francisco, Sydney, Vancouver): start the search early and have references ready
• Budget for rental deposits, typically 1 to 2 months' rent, sometimes more

Healthcare

• Research your destination's health system and how to access it as a new arrival
  • EU countries: you're entitled to register once resident
  • Australia: Medicare covers most things; activate it on arrival
  • Canada: provincial health insurance has a 3-month waiting period, arrange private cover
  • USA: arrange employer health insurance or marketplace cover before you arrive
  • UK: NHS access for Irish citizens remains unchanged; register with a GP on arrival
• Get copies of any prescriptions and your medical history from your Irish GP
• If you take regular medication: carry enough supply to last 3 months minimum

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3 months before your move date

Revenue and tax

• Notify Revenue Commissioners that you're leaving Ireland (revenue.ie)
• If emigrating mid-year after paying PAYE: you may be entitled to a tax refund. Claim it before you go
• Check whether you'll trigger tax residency in your destination country within the current tax year (183-day rule applies in most countries)
• If you have investment income, rental income, or self-employment income: get tax advice for both jurisdictions before you go

Social welfare and PRSI

• Contact the Department of Social Protection regarding your PRSI record
• Check whether your destination country has a social security totalization agreement with Ireland. These protect your contribution records across both countries (Ireland has agreements with the USA, Canada, Australia, and most EU states)
• If entitled to Jobseeker's Benefit and leaving within the benefit period: check transfer conditions (EU destinations allow transfer of benefit for up to 3 months in some cases)

Driving licence

• Check whether your Irish driving licence is valid in your destination country and for how long
  • EU: valid permanently as a resident
  • Australia: valid for 3 months, then convert to a state licence
  • Canada: typically 60-90 days, then provincial conversion (reciprocal agreements with several provinces)
  • USA: varies by state, typically 30-90 days, then state licence required
  • UK: Irish licence remains valid indefinitely for driving in Northern Ireland; in Great Britain, valid for up to 12 months, then conversion
• Make 3 certified copies of your Irish driving licence before you leave. Some countries require the original

Documents to gather and copy

• Passport (valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned move date)
• Irish birth certificate (full version, not abbreviated)
• Marriage certificate / civil partnership certificate if applicable
• Children's birth certificates
• PPS number record
• Driving licence (and international driving permit if required)
• Medical records and vaccination history
• Educational certificates and transcripts (originals. many destinations require apostille certification)
• Employment references on headed paper
• Bank statements (12 months, for visa and rental applications)
• Utility bills as proof of address
• P60 / tax records
• Revenue tax clearance certificate

Store copies securely in the cloud (not just on a hard drive that goes in the shipping container). Carry originals in hand luggage.

Pets

• Check pet import requirements for your destination early. Some take months to prepare
  • EU destinations: microchip, rabies vaccination (21+ days before travel), EU pet passport, health certificate within 10 days of travel. Straightforward.
  • Australia: the most complex process. Minimum 10-week preparation period. Rabies titre test required, followed by a waiting period. Pets must travel via an approved country and enter through approved Australian airports.
  • USA: microchip, rabies vaccination, USDA-endorsed health certificate. No quarantine.
  • Canada: microchip, current rabies vaccination, health certificate within 10 days of travel.
  • Norway: tapeworm treatment required 1 to 5 days before entry (specific to Norway. catches people out).
• Book pet transport early. Airline pet spaces fill up
• Check breed-specific restrictions for your destination country (Spain, Germany, the UK, and others have breed lists)

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6 to 8 weeks before your move date

Packing and shipping

• AMC delivers packing materials to your Irish address
• Begin packing non-essential rooms: books, seasonal clothing, spare linens, storage items
• Photograph valuables before packing for insurance purposes
• Review your inventory list with AMC. This becomes your customs document
• Confirm what items cannot be shipped to your destination (restricted items vary: certain foods, plants, soils, untreated wood, and some electronics are restricted in Australia and some other countries)

Utilities and subscriptions

• Cancel or transfer Irish utility accounts (gas, electricity, broadband)
• Redirect post (An Post redirection service)
• Cancel or transfer Irish subscriptions and direct debits
• Notify your Irish bank of your departure and new address
• Contact your Irish pension provider (if applicable)
• Notify your car insurer if selling the car or taking it

Children

• Research schooling options in your destination. Waiting lists for schools in popular expat areas (especially in Spain, the Netherlands, and Germany) can be long
• Request school transfer records and reports from your children's current school
• International schools are an option in most cities; fees and registration timing vary widely
• If moving mid-school-year, notify your children's current school and agree a leaving date

Moving week

• Final pack of day-to-day essentials
• Meter readings on your Irish property (gas, electricity, water)
• Take photos of the condition of your Irish rental property for deposit purposes
• AMC crew packs and loads your remaining belongings
• You receive a full inventory list and bill of lading
• Tracking access is provided through AMC's portal
• Carry important documents, medications, valuables, and anything you need for the first 2 to 10 weeks in hand luggage. Your shipping container won't arrive immediately

First week in your new country

The admin sequence on arrival varies by country, but the priorities are broadly similar.

First 48 hours

• Get a local SIM card. Most admin requires a local number
• Access cash in local currency
• Check in with your accommodation contact and confirm handover
• Register your arrival with your Irish embassy or consulate (not legally required, but useful for emergency contact purposes)

First 2 weeks

• Register with local authorities if required (Germany: Anmeldung within 14 days; Netherlands: register at gemeente; Switzerland: register at your Commune within 14 days. Fines apply if missed)
• Open a local bank account
• Register for public health insurance or confirm employer health cover is active
• Apply for your local tax or identity number:
  • Spain: NIE number
  • Germany: Steueridentifikationsnummer (arrives by post after Anmeldung)
  • Netherlands: BSN number (from gemeente registration)
  • Australia: Tax File Number (TFN): apply online
  • Canada: Social Insurance Number (SIN): Service Canada office
  • USA: Social Security Number (SSN): requires work authorisation
• Convert your driving licence within the window your country allows

Within the first month

• Register with a local GP / doctor
• Confirm your children's school start date
• Set up local utilities in your name
• Confirm your shipment delivery date with AMC

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Vehicles: bring it or sell it?

This is a decision most people make too late. The answer depends on the destination and the car's value.

EU destinations (Spain, France, Germany, Netherlands, Portugal, Italy): Vehicles can be imported but must pass local roadworthiness tests and be re-registered within a set period after you establish residency. Spain requires ITV and re-registration within 30 days of residency registration. Germany requires TÜV inspection and re-registration within 6 months. Costs vary but budget €500 to €1,500 in fees for a typical car. Right-hand drive vehicles need headlight beam deflectors converted for continental driving.

UK: Irish-registered vehicles can be used in Great Britain for up to 6 months. Importing permanently requires NOVA registration and, for cars registered outside the UK, an MOT.

Australia: One of the most complex vehicle import processes. Vehicles must comply with Australian Design Rules, and modifications are often required. Import approval from the Department of Infrastructure is required. For most people, selling before you leave and buying in Australia makes more financial sense.

USA: Left-hand drive isn't an issue. Irish-registered vehicles require DOT and EPA compliance. Most modern European cars don't meet US standards without modification. Practically speaking, most people sell their Irish car before moving to the USA.

Canada: Vehicles less than 15 years old must meet Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. Older vehicles have an easier import path. Recall clearance from Transport Canada is required.

The general rule: if the car is newer, high-spec, and worth €20,000+, run the numbers on importing it. For anything else, selling before you leave and buying locally is usually simpler and cheaper overall.

AMC quotes vehicle transport alongside household goods. Ask about this when you book your survey.

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Shipping costs: what to expect

The cost of shipping your belongings from Ireland depends on volume, destination, and service type. Here are the ranges:
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Sea freight, door-to-door from Ireland:

Spain and other European destinations typically use road freight rather than sea; these are road freight groupage estimates. Dedicated truck options are available for larger moves at a higher cost.

The only accurate figure comes from a survey. AMC surveys are free, in-person or video, and produce a fixed quote.

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The things people forget to budget for

These aren't the obvious costs. They're the ones that appear after you've already committed.

Private health insurance during the gap. Canada has a 3-month waiting period before provincial cover starts. Australia's Medicare requires registration on arrival, straightforward, but temporary gaps happen. In the USA, if your employer cover doesn't start on day one, you're uninsured.

Storage at either end. If your Irish rental ends before your shipping date, or your new address isn't ready when your container arrives, you need storage. This is common and manageable, but it's not free.

The deposit cycle. You'll likely pay a deposit on your new rental before you receive the deposit back from your old one. Budget for both being out at the same time.

Translation and apostille fees. Some countries require official translations of Irish documents and apostille certification from the Department of Foreign Affairs. Budget €50 to €200 per document depending on the destination.

First-month living costs before the first paycheque. If you're starting a new job, your first payment could be 4 to 6 weeks after you start. Have at least 2 months' living costs accessible in cash before you leave.

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FAQs

Q. When should I start planning a move abroad from Ireland?

‍For destinations that require a visa process (the USA, Australia on a skilled visa, Canada via Express Entry) 12 months is a sensible minimum. For EU destinations where no visa is required, 6 months is usually enough for a well-organised move. Working holiday visa routes (Australia 417, Canada IEC) can move faster but often have fixed application windows.

Q. How much does it cost to move abroad from Ireland?
‍The shipping cost alone ranges from around €1,200 for a small road freight move to Spain to €14,000+ for a full container to Australia. On top of that: flights, deposits on a new rental, travel insurance, healthcare gap cover, admin fees, and first-month living costs. A solo move to a European country can be done for €5,000 to €8,000 all-in. A family moving to Australia or Canada should plan for €20,000+ in total first-year costs.

Q. Do I lose my Irish entitlements when I leave?
‍Your PRSI contributions remain on record and count toward certain benefits including the State Pension (Contributory) if you return to Ireland or qualify under an EU or bilateral totalization agreement. Public services card, GP visit card, and medical card entitlements end when you leave. Your Irish passport remains valid regardless of where you live.

Q. Do I still have to pay tax in Ireland after I leave?
‍If you break Irish tax residency (generally by spending fewer than 183 days in Ireland in a tax year, or fewer than 280 days averaged over two years), your liability to Irish tax on foreign income generally ends. You may still owe Irish tax on Irish-sourced income (rental income from an Irish property, for example). Get tax advice specific to your situation before you leave, the rules interact with your destination country's tax residency rules.

Q. Can I bring everything I own?
‍Within reason, yes. Most personal household goods can be shipped internationally. Items that are commonly restricted include: untreated timber products and certain natural materials (especially for Australia), some foods, plants, and soils, certain firearms and weapons, alcohol above personal allowances in some countries, and items subject to intellectual property restrictions. AMC advises on prohibited items for your specific destination as part of the survey.

Q. What happens to my Irish bank account when I move abroad?
‍You can usually keep your Irish bank account open as a non-resident. However, some Irish banks have introduced fees or restrictions for non-resident accounts, and you'll need to notify your bank of your change of address. Having an Irish account alongside a local account in your destination country is useful during the transition.

Q. What's the single most important thing to do before I move?
‍Get a pre-move survey done early. It's the step that tells you what everything actually costs, which then lets you plan the rest. Everything else on this checklist is easier once you know your shipping volume, cost, and timeline. AMC surveys are free and take 30 to 60 minutes.

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Get started

AMC has been moving Irish households to destinations across the world for over 25 years. FIDI and FAIM accreditation. Experienced coordinators who know the paperwork, the ports, and the quirks of every destination we serve.

The first step is a free pre-move survey, in-person or by video call. It costs nothing and gives you a fixed quote based on your actual volume, not an estimate.

Get a free pre-move survey here.