Moving From Los Angeles to Ireland
Updated June 2026
Moving from Los Angeles to Ireland is a transatlantic ocean freight operation, not a straightforward relocation. The shipment leaves through one of the busiest port complexes in the world, crosses the Atlantic, and clears customs under Ireland’s Transfer of Residence relief framework before delivery to your new address. Each of those stages has its own requirements, and how well you prepare for them determines how smoothly your household goods arrive.
SDC International Shipping is an FMC-licensed international shipping company headquartered in Sherman Oaks, which means we manage LA-to-Ireland moves from pickup through overseas delivery under one coordinator, without brokering the freight to a third party.
Ocean Freight from Los Angeles to Ireland
Almost all household goods shipments from LA to Ireland move by ocean freight. The primary departure point is the Port of Los Angeles or Port of Long Beach. From there, most sailings route through a northern European transshipment hub before final delivery to an Irish port, typically Dublin or Cork, depending on your destination address.
Transit Times
Port-to-port transit from Los Angeles to Ireland typically runs 4 to 6 weeks for direct or near-direct routings. Add time for inland pickup at origin, port processing at both ends, customs clearance in Ireland, and final delivery, and the realistic door-to-door window is 6 to 10 weeks. Exact timing depends on vessel schedules, port congestion, and how quickly your customs documentation clears on the Irish side.
Full Container vs. Shared Container
For larger households, a dedicated 20-foot or 40-foot container gives you the most control. Your goods are loaded, sealed, and shipped as a single unit with no other cargo. For smaller volumes, shared container space (LCL) is available on the LA-to-Ireland lane and significantly reduces cost when your shipment doesn’t fill a full container. We’ll recommend the right option based on your inventory and timeline.
Ireland Customs: Transfer of Residence Relief
Ireland allows qualifying individuals to import used household goods duty-free under Transfer of Residence (TOR) relief. To qualify, you generally need to meet all of the following conditions.
- You have been living outside the EU for at least 12 consecutive months prior to your move.
- You are transferring your normal place of residence to Ireland permanently.
- The goods have been owned and used by you for at least 6 months before the shipment date.
- The goods are intended for personal use and will not be sold or transferred for at least 12 months after importation.
If you do not qualify for TOR relief, duties and VAT apply to the assessed value of your goods. It is worth confirming your eligibility with Irish Revenue or a customs broker before your shipment departs Los Angeles.
Documents Required for Irish Customs
The standard documentation package for a household goods shipment entering Ireland includes the following.
- Passport copy
- Detailed packing list or inventory (item-level descriptions, not general categories)
- Bill of Lading
- Proof of prior residence outside the EU for at least 12 months (utility bills, lease agreements, employment records)
- Proof of new Irish address (rental agreement or property purchase documents)
- Completed Transfer of Residence declaration form
Incomplete documentation is one of the most common causes of delays and unexpected storage charges at the port. We walk you through what’s required before your shipment leaves so you are not resolving paperwork problems from 5,000 miles away.
Packing and Export Preparation in Los Angeles
Ocean freight to Ireland requires export-standard packing. Furniture and fragile items need to be wrapped, padded, and loaded in a way that accounts for multi-week transit across open water, container movement during loading and discharge, and handling at transshipment ports. Our professional export packing team creates a piece-level inventory during the pack, which serves double duty as your customs declaration list and insurance documentation.
We coordinate Certificates of Insurance where required by your LA building or property manager, and handle elevator and access scheduling for high-rise buildings or properties in areas like Downtown LA, Culver City, or gated communities in the hills.
Vehicles, Port Procedures, and Restricted Items
Shipping a Vehicle to Ireland
We ship vehicles to Ireland only when containerized with household goods. We do not handle vehicle-only shipments. If you plan to bring a car, it needs to be factored into container selection early, and you will need to confirm import eligibility with Irish Revenue before shipping. Importing a US-spec vehicle into Ireland involves Vehicle Registration Tax, VAT at 23%, and compliance with Irish road standards. Many clients decide the costs and conversion requirements are not worth it for older or lower-value vehicles.
Items That Cannot Ship to Ireland
Standard international restrictions apply, including no firearms or weapons, no hazardous materials, no perishables, and no soil or plant matter. Alcohol and tobacco can be included in personal effects but are subject to quantity limits and may not qualify for duty-free treatment under TOR relief. Certain antiques and cultural property items may require export permits from the US side before departure.
Delivery in Ireland
Once your shipment clears customs at Dublin or Cork, our destination partner coordinates delivery to your Irish address. If your housing is not ready when the shipment arrives, bonded storage can be arranged at the destination port to hold your goods until you are ready to receive them. We build this contingency into the plan upfront so it does not become an emergency decision later.
For optional coverage beyond standard carrier liability, marine cargo insurance is available and recommended for higher-value shipments or any move where replacement costs would be significant.
Get a Quote for Your LA to Ireland Move
If you are planning a move from Los Angeles to Ireland, call 877-339-0267 or request an estimate online. We will walk you through container options, timing, and customs requirements so you can plan with accurate information from the start.
