The Ultimate Guide to Moving to Dublin from Dubai (2026)
Sarah Mitchell
Relocation Expert
The Ultimate Guide to Moving to Dublin from Dubai (2026)
Moving from the sun-drenched skyline of Dubai to the historic, vibrant streets of Dublin is a significant life change. While Dublin offers a booming tech scene and incredible culture, the logistics of moving there from the UAE have changed significantly in the post-Brexit landscape.
If you are planning a move in 2026, you need to navigate the complexities of Trans-European shipping routes, strict Irish Revenue customs, and a notoriously competitive housing market.
This guide is your roadmap. It covers accurate 2026 shipping costs, the essential Transfer of Residence (ToR) relief, and "insider" tips you won’t find elsewhere.
What Is the Best Way to Move from Dubai to Dublin?
For most UAE residents relocating to Ireland, the safest and most cost-effective option is sea freight handled by Ireland-specialist international movers.
Because Irish customs requires a pre-approved Transfer of Residence (ToR) code, most delays and penalties occur due to documentation errors — not shipping itself.
This is why expats moving from Dubai to Dublin typically use MoveConnector to compare quotes from movers experienced with:
- Irish Revenue ToR approvals
- EU hub + Dublin feeder routing
- Dublin Port clearance procedures
Rather than contacting movers individually, MoveConnector filters out generalists and connects you only with verified Ireland-route specialists.
Step 1: Choosing Your Shipping Method
Unlike moving to the UK or mainland Europe, shipping to Ireland involves a specific "last-mile" logistical challenge: The Irish Sea Crossing.
Sea Freight (The Standard Choice)
Most UAE expats choose sea freight. Your container will ship from Jebel Ali Port (Dubai).
- The Route: Vessels rarely go direct to Dublin. They usually dock at a "hub" port like Rotterdam or Antwerp.
- The Transfer: Your container is moved to a smaller "feeder vessel" for the final trip to Dublin Port.
- The Risk: If you use a budget mover, containers often get "bumped" at the hub port, causing weeks of delay. MoveConnector partners prioritize this connection to ensure your goods arrive on time.
Air Freight (The Hurry Option)
Only recommended for a few suitcases or urgent boxes.
- Cost: Prohibitively expensive (AED 25+ per kg).
- Time: 5-8 days door-to-door.
Moving Costs: Dubai to Dublin (2026 Estimates)
Budgeting is critical. Below are the current market rates for a full door-to-door service, including packing, export documentation in Dubai, sea freight, and delivery in Dublin.
| Move Size | Service Type | Estimated Cost (AED) |
|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1-Bed Apt | LCL (Shared Container) | AED 9,500 – AED 13,000 |
| 2-Bed Apartment | 20ft Container (FCL) | AED 16,000 – AED 23,000 |
| 3-4 Bed Villa | 40ft Container (FCL) | AED 24,000 – AED 32,000 |
Choosing the Right Mover for Ireland Matters
| Option | Risk Level |
|---|---|
| General international movers | ⚠️ Medium: Often unfamiliar with ToR timing. |
| Budget freight forwarders | ❌ High: No customs handling, high port delays. |
| DIY shipping | ❌ Very high: Massive VAT & storage risk. |
| MoveConnector-verified Ireland specialists | ✅ Lowest risk. |
Compare & Save: Prices fluctuate weekly based on fuel surcharges and shipping line availability. Get 3 free, accurate quotes on MoveConnector to lock in your price.
Critical Customs Rule: The "ToR" Relief
This is the most important section of this guide. Do not ignore this.
To avoid paying 23% VAT and Duty on your own belongings, you must apply for Transfer of Residence (ToR) Relief.
How to Qualify for Tax-Free Entry
- Ownership: You must have owned and used the goods for at least 6 months in the UAE.
- Residency: You must prove you lived outside the EU (in the UAE) for at least 12 continuous months.
- Timing: You must import the goods within 12 months of your arrival in Ireland.
The Application Process
You cannot just show up at the port. You must apply before your goods arrive.
- Log in to the Irish Revenue myAccount service.
- Complete the Transfer of Residence (ToR) application.
- Upload proof of Dubai residency (Visa cancellation, utility bills) and proof of Dublin address.
- Receive your TOR Unique Code. Give this code to your mover.
⚠️ Warning: If your mover ships your goods before you have this code, your shipment will be blocked at Dublin Port, incurring massive storage fees.
5 Things You Must Know Before Moving
1. Don't Bring Your Car
We get this request daily. Do not do it.
- Safety: Driving a Left-Hand Drive (UAE) car on Irish roads (Left-Side Driving) is dangerous and makes overtaking nearly impossible.
- Cost: You may be hit with VRT (Vehicle Registration Tax), which can be thousands of Euros.
- Insurance: Insuring a non-EU spec car in Ireland is extremely difficult and expensive.
2. The Voltage is a Match! ✅
Good news: Ireland uses the Type G plug (three rectangular pins) and 230V, exactly the same as the UAE. You do not need travel adapters. Your Dubai electronics (TVs, PlayStations, Kitchen aids) will work perfectly.
3. The Housing Crisis is Real
In Dubai, you can rent an apartment in a day. In Dublin, it can take months.
- Advice: Do not ship your furniture until you have a confirmed address in Dublin.
- Storage: Ask your MoveConnector partner about "Storage-in-Transit" options in Jebel Ali if you haven't found a home yet. It is cheaper to store goods in Dubai than in Dublin.
4. Pets are Welcome
Ireland is very pet-friendly. Coming from the UAE (a "listed" country), your dog or cat does not need a Rabies Titer Test, provided they have a microchip, valid rabies vax, and an EU Health Certificate.
5. It Rains. A Lot.
Pack your winter clothes last so they are the first things you unpack. You will need them immediately upon arrival!
FAQ: Moving to Dublin
How long does the shipping take?
40 to 50 days. The sea voyage is roughly 30 days to the EU hub, plus 5-10 days for the feeder connection and customs clearance in Dublin.
Can I pack my own boxes?
You can, but we advise against it for insurance reasons. If you pack a box and it breaks (or contains a prohibited item like bleach or batteries), the insurance company will not cover it. Professional packing is usually included in MoveConnector quotes.
What items are prohibited?
Do not pack:
- Alcohol (Heavily taxed, not worth shipping)
- Tobacco products
- Plant seeds or soil
- Flammable items (Lithium batteries, cleaning fluids)
Ready to Move?
Moving from Dubai to Dublin is not a standard international relocation — it is a customs-led process where one missing ToR approval can trigger VAT charges, storage fees, and weeks of delay.
The key to a stress-free move to Ireland is choosing a mover who understands the ToR process and the Dublin Port logistics.
Don't risk your belongings with a generalist. Compare quotes from verified, Ireland-specialist movers.