The Australia-to-Ireland move has a particular character to it. Most people doing this route have been in Australia for a long time. They went for what was supposed to be 2 years and stayed for most of their 30s. Now they're 40 with kids in primary school, a house full of furniture they bought in Sydney or Melbourne, a superannuation fund they're not sure what to do with, and parents back in Ireland who aren't getting any younger.
That's one version. The other is Australians, born there, built their career there, arriving in Ireland for work, a partner, or a change of pace. Smaller move, different paperwork, different questions.
This page covers both. The logistics, the customs process, the car, the pets, the super. And the parts most moving guides don't touch.
The biggest group using AMC's Australia route. Irish people who left during the 2008-2015 recession, many from Cork, Galway, and the midlands, and built a life in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, or Perth. The move back is usually prompted by family (ageing parents, most commonly), by the cost of living in Australian cities (Sydney and Melbourne are now among the most expensive cities in the world to rent in), or simply by the weight of being far away for too long.
This group typically has large shipments. 10 or 12 years in Sydney means a fully furnished 3 or 4-bedroom house worth of goods accumulated over a decade. They usually qualify for Transfer of Residence customs relief and, if they've owned a car in Australia for 6+ months, for VRT exemption on one vehicle. They also have the most complex financial situation: Australian superannuation, potentially Australian property, and the question of what happens to both when they leave permanently.
Ireland's multinational economy draws Australians regularly. Tech, pharma, financial services. Australians also come for partners, for family, or because they've worked through Southeast Asia and Europe and Ireland is the next chapter. This group generally moves smaller volumes, one or two-bedroom apartments, and often doesn't bring a car. Their main questions tend to be practical: how long does shipping take, how do they open an Irish bank account, how does Irish healthcare compare to Medicare.
Everything from Australia to Ireland travels by sea. There's no land route, and air freight for full household goods isn't financially practical for most people. The origin port is determined by where in Australia you're leaving from.
The most common departure point for the Australia-Ireland route. Port Botany handles most of NSW's container traffic. Transit time to Dublin: 6-8 weeks, depending on routing and whether your shipment goes directly through Suez or consolidates at an Asian or European hub port. If you're in New South Wales or the ACT, Sydney is your port.
Victoria's freight hub. Transit to Dublin: 6-8 weeks. Melbourne and Sydney are broadly similar in transit time to Ireland. If you're in Victoria or South Australia, Melbourne or Adelaide (Outer Harbor) are the relevant options. Confirm with AMC on current routing, as consolidation arrangements shift by season.
Fisherman Islands terminal. Transit to Dublin: 6-9 weeks depending on routing. Queensland-based moves go through Brisbane. It's less frequently served by direct lines than Sydney and Melbourne, so consolidation at a hub port is more common.
The longest transit to Dublin of any Australian port: 7-10 weeks. Perth's position on the west coast means a longer leg to Suez. If you're in Western Australia, factor this into your planning window with 14+ weeks lead time from first contact to delivery is realistic.
LCL (Less than Container Load): your goods share a 20ft or 40ft container with other shipments heading in the same direction. Right for studios, one and two-bedroom apartments, or anyone not shipping a full house.
FCL (Full Container Load): your own container. A 20ft fits roughly a 2-3 bedroom house. A 40ft fits a 4+ bedroom house. After 10-15 years in Australia, many returning families are looking at a 40ft. Your own container means your goods don't wait for consolidation at a hub port, which can tighten the transit window.
Available for a few priority boxes you need in Ireland before the sea shipment arrives including documents, work equipment, anything that can't wait 8 weeks. Air freight from Sydney or Melbourne to Dublin runs 4-7 days. The cost per cubic metre is significantly higher than ocean. Use it for a small number of priority items, not furniture.
The lead time for an Australia-to-Ireland move is longer than almost any other route AMC handles. Perth to Dublin is potentially 10 weeks ocean transit alone, before you add packing and customs at each end.
Start the process. Book a video survey. We assess your volume, packing requirements, and access over a call at a time that works across the time zone (AEST/AEDT is 10-11 hours ahead of Irish time; early morning in Ireland is afternoon in Australia). Written quote within 48 hours.
If you have pets: start the rabies titre test process now. Read Section 6 before anything else. Missing the titre test timing is the single most common reason people can't bring their pets when they move.
AMC collection from your Australian address. Goods professionally packed (if booked), loaded, Australian export documentation completed, container sealed and booked onto the vessel.
AMC tracks the shipment and prepares Irish customs clearance documentation (Transfer of Residence application, inventory review, Revenue clearance) while your goods are on the water.
Customs clearance, container released from port, AMC collects and delivers to your Irish address. If your Irish address isn't confirmed yet, your goods go into our Naas warehouse until you have keys.
Ireland is in the EU. Goods arriving from Australia cross an international customs boundary, which means Irish import duties and VAT apply, unless you qualify for Transfer of Residence (ToR) relief, administered by Irish Revenue.
The conditions:
For returning Irish emigrants: you almost certainly qualify. 8 or 12 years in Sydney more than covers the 12-month residency requirement.
For Australians arriving for the first time: you also qualify, as long as the goods are your personal effects, owned for 6+ months, and you've been an Australian resident for the past 12 months.
What isn't covered: new items in original packaging, alcohol and tobacco (subject to Irish excise duty), commercially purchased goods, and vehicles (which have their own VRT process — see Section 5).
How AMC handles it: we file the ToR application to Revenue on your behalf before your shipment arrives in Dublin. We prepare the inventory, compile your supporting documents, and manage the Revenue clearance. You don't contact Revenue directly.
What we need from you: a detailed inventory of all items (AMC provides the template), proof of your Australian address for the past 12+ months (utility bills, bank statements, lease or mortgage documents), proof of your new Irish address or evidence it's in progress, and your PPS number if you have one from before you left Ireland.
Australia drives on the left. Australian cars are right-hand drive, the same as Irish and UK cars. There's no headlight beam direction issue (unlike US-sourced left-hand drive vehicles, where the headlights need adjustment). From that perspective, your Australian car is immediately usable on Irish roads.
Vehicle Registration Tax is Ireland's one-time registration tax on imported vehicles. It's calculated as a percentage of the car's Open Market Selling Price (OMSP) in Ireland. Revenue's valuation of what that specific car would sell for on the Irish market. VRT rates run from 7% to 37% of OMSP based on CO2 emissions under WLTP testing. Electric vehicles attract a flat rate of around €170.
Australian cars are tested under ADR (Australian Design Rules) standards rather than Euro standards. Revenue assesses the equivalent WLTP CO2 figure when determining OMSP and the applicable VRT rate. For common Australian models (Toyota RAV4, HiLux, Camry) Revenue has established OMSP valuations. For less common models, the assessment takes longer.
If you've owned and used the car in Australia for at least 6 months and you've been living outside Ireland for at least 12 months, you may qualify for Transfer of Residence VRT relief, which exempts you from paying VRT on one vehicle. It's significant, on a Toyota RAV4 or HiLux the VRT can run to €5,000-10,000 without relief.
AMC can connect you with VRT specialists who handle the Revenue application. It's worth getting this confirmed before you commit to shipping the car, because if you don't qualify, the VRT bill changes the maths considerably.
When your car arrives in Ireland, you have 30 days to present it for the imported vehicle NCTS inspection, the roadworthiness check for imported vehicles before registration. Book the appointment in advance; they fill up quickly.
After a decade in Australia, many people have large-format vehicles, dual-cab utes, large SUVs, V8 sedans. These have higher CO2 ratings, which pushes them into higher VRT brackets. Even with VRT relief, the ongoing costs of a large Australian vehicle in Ireland (fuel at European prices, road tax, insurance on a relatively uncommon model) can add up. Some people find it cheaper to sell in Australia and buy a smaller European car on arrival. Run the numbers before deciding.
AMC transports vehicles inside containers alongside household goods and can quote for vehicle shipping and VRT agent introductions.
Ireland is a rabies-free island. The pet import rules exist to keep it that way. The process from Australia is manageable, but the timing is the part that catches people out.
For dogs only: tapeworm treatment between 24 and 120 hours before arriving in Ireland.
Vaccination, then 30+ day wait, then titre test, then 3-month wait, then travel. That's a minimum of 4 months from vaccination to entry into Ireland.
If your pet has had a recent, valid titre test already, check with your vet whether you're already within the window. If not, start immediately. The titre test timing is the one part of the Australia-Ireland move that genuinely can't be compressed.
The health certificate must be issued by a vet registered with DAFF as an authorised issuer, and endorsed by DAFF before travel. DAFF endorsement takes time. Book well in advance of your travel date. The certificate is valid for 10 days from issue, so the timing of the DAFF endorsement appointment needs to be close to your departure date.
AMC doesn't transport live animals. We work regularly with specialist pet relocation companies experienced on the Australia-Ireland route who know the DAFF endorsement process and manage the titre test timing. Ask for a recommendation at booking.
This isn't financial advice. Talk to an Australian financial adviser and an Irish tax professional before making any decisions about your super. But here are the issues you need to know exist, because most people find out about them after they've already gone.
If you were in Australia on a temporary visa and never became a permanent resident or Australian citizen, you can apply for the Departing Australia Superannuation Payment (DASP) once you've left Australia and your visa has expired or been cancelled.
DASP lets you claim your accumulated superannuation as a lump sum. The tax rate is the painful part. For Working Holiday Maker visa holders (subclass 417 or 462), the tax on the taxable component is 65%. For other temporary visa categories, it's 38%.
65% sounds brutal. It is. But the alternative, leaving your super in Australia with no ability to access it until you're 60, paying ongoing fund fees from Ireland, may make less sense depending on the amount. A DASP claim on $20,000 AUD in super nets you roughly $7,000 after WHM tax. That's real money in hand today versus money in a foreign fund for 20 years.
Apply for DASP through the ATO's online services portal. You can't apply until after you've left Australia and your visa has lapsed.
You cannot access your superannuation early. The money stays in Australia, invested, until you reach preservation age, currently 60 for anyone born after 30 June 1964.
This applies even if you're leaving permanently. Even if you eventually renounce your Australian permanent residency. The super is locked until preservation age, regardless of where you live.
What to do before you leave: consolidate into one fund if you have multiple accounts (the ATO's MyGov portal shows all your registered super funds). Nominate a beneficiary. Update your contact details to an international address or a trusted contact in Ireland. Pick a fund with low ongoing fees, because you'll be paying them for potentially 20 years before you see that money.
When you eventually start drawing from Australian super as an Irish resident, the Ireland-Australia Double Taxation Agreement governs how those payments are taxed across both countries. Get advice specific to your fund type before you start drawing.
If you own property in Australia and you're leaving permanently, get advice from an Australian tax accountant before you go. When you become an Australian non-resident for tax purposes, you can no longer claim the main residence CGT exemption for the period you're a non-resident. When you eventually sell, you'll pay CGT on the non-resident portion of the gain. The 50% CGT discount for individuals also no longer applies to non-residents, that changed in 2017.
If you're renting the property out while living in Ireland, Australian rental income is taxed at non-resident rates: 32.5% from the first dollar, with no tax-free threshold.
The Ireland-Australia Double Taxation Agreement covers most common income types between the two countries. But the interaction between Australian CGT, Irish Capital Gains Tax, and the treaty needs specific professional advice. Don't figure this out after you've already moved.
If you've been on Australian Medicare, the transition to Irish healthcare needs some forward planning.
Medicare eligibility ends when you're no longer an Australian resident. For most people leaving permanently, this happens fairly quickly once you establish Irish residency. Private health insurance policies, Medibank, Bupa, NIB, HCF, typically also terminate when you're no longer an Australian resident, though some funds offer short transitional arrangements. Travel insurance bridges the coverage gap during transit, but it doesn't replace proper healthcare coverage once you're settled.
Irish citizens returning to Ireland have entitlement to HSE services on return. Public GP visits run €60-80 for most people (free for medical card holders). Public hospital care is subsidised.
Medical card eligibility is income-based. If your Irish income for the assessment year is below the threshold, you may qualify. Thresholds are published on hse.ie.
Most working adults in Ireland carry private health insurance alongside HSE entitlement. The main providers are VHI, Laya Healthcare, and Irish Life Health. Private cover means faster access to consultants, private hospital rooms, and services not available publicly. Monthly premiums run €80-250/month for adults depending on cover level.
One thing to know: if there's a gap of more than 13 weeks between health insurance cover and joining an Irish private insurer, you may face Lifetime Community Rating loading, a percentage increase in your premium for each year over 34 that you were without cover. Get Irish private health insurance in place quickly, and keep documentation of your Australian private health cover to support a reduced loading claim.
If you're arriving employed at a multinational, private health insurance is often included in the package.
Register with a GP when you arrive. GPs in Ireland are the gatekeepers, you need a referral to see a specialist. Find a GP near your Irish address at hse.ie, confirm they're accepting new patients, and register in person.
PPS number
The Personal Public Service number, Ireland's equivalent of the Australian Tax File Number. You need it for employment, Revenue, healthcare, and most government services. Apply at your local Intreo Centre with your passport and proof of Irish address. For returning Irish people, your old PPS number is still valid and may just need reactivation.
Irish bank account
You need an Irish bank account for salary payments, rent, and utility direct debits. AIB, Bank of Ireland, and Permanent TSB are the main high-street banks. Revolut (Irish IBAN) is the quickest to open and works for most daily purposes while you establish an Irish banking history. Most mainstream banks need proof of address and a PPS number before opening an account. Revolut or N26 as a bridging account is the common workaround.
Driving licence exchange
Ireland recognises Australian state-issued driving licences for direct exchange. You can swap your NSW, VIC, QLD, WA, SA, TAS, ACT, or NT licence for an Irish licence at an NDLS (National Driver Licence Service) centre without retaking a driving test. Bring your Australian licence, a certified eyesight report from an optician, proof of Irish address, and your PPS number. Confirm current requirements at ndls.ie before your appointment.
Revenue registration
Once you're earning in Ireland, your employer registers you with Revenue and PAYE tax is deducted at source. If you're self-employed, you register directly with Revenue for income tax and PRSI. Your PPS number is your Revenue identifier.
Set up a Revenue myAccount online to manage your tax credits and PAYE record. If you're used to the ATO's MyGov, it's a broadly similar concept, one portal for your Irish tax affairs.
These are realistic guides. Your actual quote comes from a video survey. Australian moves sit at the higher end of AMC's pricing across all routes, primarily because of the transit distance involved.
All figures include collection from your Australian address, packing if booked, Australian export documentation, ocean freight, Irish port handling, ToR customs clearance, and delivery to your Irish address. Vehicle transport, VRT specialist fees, and specialist items are quoted separately.
A. From Sydney or Melbourne: 6-8 weeks ocean transit after collection. From Brisbane: 6-9 weeks. From Perth: 7-10 weeks. Add 1-2 weeks for collection, packing, and export documentation at the Australian end. Total from collection to delivery: 8-12 weeks from the east coast, 10-14 weeks from Perth.
A. It depends on your visa history. If you were on a temporary visa and never became a permanent resident, yes you can apply for the Departing Australia Superannuation Payment (DASP) after you've left and your visa has lapsed. For Working Holiday Maker visa holders (417/462), the tax rate on the taxable component is 65%. If you're an Australian permanent resident or citizen, you can't access your super until preservation age (60), regardless of where you live. Talk to an Australian financial adviser before you leave. The decisions about your super and any Australian property are better made before departure, not after.
A. No. Ireland drives on the left, same as Australia. Right-hand drive is standard in Ireland. You won't have the headlight or lane-position issues that come with US left-hand drive imports. VRT still applies unless you qualify for relief, and the car still needs to pass the NCTS imported vehicle inspection within 30 days of arriving in Ireland.
A. Australian rental income while you're an Irish tax resident is taxed in Australia at non-resident rates, 32.5% from the first dollar, no tax-free threshold. You also lose the ability to claim the main residence CGT exemption for the non-resident period when you eventually sell. The Ireland-Australia Double Taxation Agreement is relevant here, but you need an Australian tax accountant experienced with non-resident property owners to advise on your specific situation. This one is worth sorting before you leave.
A. Yes, and most people do. You fly over, sort your accommodation, and your shipment arrives 8-12 weeks later. AMC delivers to your confirmed Irish address. If you're not ready, we hold your goods at our warehouse in Naas, Co. Kildare until you are.
A. Yes. Ireland requires a titre test, a blood test confirming adequate rabies antibody levels, regardless of vaccination history, unless he's had a valid titre test result within the required window. Check with your vet on the dates. If he needs a new titre test, you're looking at a minimum of 4 months from vaccination to entry into Ireland. Start this the moment you know you're moving.
A. Book a video survey. We schedule these at times that work across the time zone, early morning in Ireland is afternoon in Sydney or Melbourne, and we accommodate both. We'll assess your volume, confirm your ToR eligibility, go through your options, and send a written quote within 48 hours.
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