Complete Guide to Importing Vehicles to Ireland

Everything you need to know about importing cars, vans, motorcycles, and commercial vehicles to Ireland. From initial purchase to final registration, we'll guide you through every step of the process.

Import Process Overview

Importing a vehicle to Ireland involves several key steps, with requirements varying depending on where you're importing from. The process has become more complex since Brexit, with additional requirements for UK imports.

Main Import Routes

Importing from UK (Post-Brexit)

Since Brexit, importing vehicles from Great Britain requires additional customs procedures. Northern Ireland has special arrangements under the Windsor Framework.

Step-by-Step Process for UK Imports

1. Purchase Vehicle: Ensure you receive all documentation including V5C registration document, service history, and purchase invoice
2. Arrange Transport: Use a registered vehicle transporter or drive on UK plates (temporary export plates required)
3. Customs Declaration: Submit customs import declaration before or upon arrival in Ireland
4. VAT Payment: Pay Irish VAT (23% on passenger cars) - UK VAT not applicable
5. Obtain Customs Clearance: Receive customs clearance document (C&E1076)
6. VRT Registration: Book appointment at NCTS center within 30 days
7. Pay VRT: Calculate and pay VRT based on vehicle specifications
8. NCT/Safety Check: Complete safety inspection if vehicle over 4 years old
9. Receive Irish Registration: Get Irish plates and registration certificate

Required Documents for UK Imports

• UK V5C registration document (logbook)
• Purchase invoice or bill of sale
• Proof of VAT payment in Ireland
• Customs clearance document (C&E1076)
• Proof of identity (passport or driving license)
• Insurance certificate or cover note
• NCT/DOE certificate (if applicable)
• Proof of residence in Ireland

Costs for UK Imports

Importing from EU Countries

Importing from EU member states is more straightforward as there are no customs duties or import VAT to pay (assuming VAT was already paid in the EU country).

EU Import Process

1. Purchase Vehicle: Obtain all documentation from seller including registration certificate
2. Transport to Ireland: Drive or transport vehicle to Ireland
3. Verify VAT Status: Confirm VAT was paid in country of origin
4. Book VRT Appointment: Schedule inspection at NCTS center within 30 days
5. Vehicle Inspection: Bring vehicle and documents to NCTS
6. Pay VRT: Pay calculated VRT amount
7. Complete NCT: Safety check if vehicle over 4 years old
8. Receive Registration: Get Irish plates and certificate

Required Documents for EU Imports

• Original EU registration certificate
• Invoice or purchase agreement
• Certificate of Conformity (CoC) from manufacturer
• Proof of VAT payment in EU
• Valid insurance certificate
• Proof of identity
• NCT/equivalent safety certificate (if applicable)

Popular EU Import Countries

Importing from Outside EU

Importing vehicles from countries outside the EU (USA, Japan, Australia, etc.) requires full customs clearance procedures.

Additional Requirements

• Import Duties: 10% customs duty on vehicle value for most countries
• VAT: 23% on total value (including shipping and duty)
• Shipping: Professional vehicle shipping via container or RoRo
• Compliance: Vehicle must meet EU type approval standards
• Modifications: May require modifications for EU compliance

Total Cost Calculation Example (USA Import)

VRT Registration Process

Regardless of where you import from, all vehicles must complete VRT registration at an authorized NCTS center.

NCTS Centers Locations

VRT inspections are conducted at National Car Testing Service centers nationwide. Major locations include:

• Dublin: Fonthill (Dublin 22), Northside (Finglas)
• Cork: Little Island
• Galway: Liosbán
• Limerick: Dooradoyle
• Waterford: Butlerstown
• Plus centers in: Drogheda, Dundalk, Mullingar, Sligo, Letterkenny, Carlow, and more

Booking Your VRT Appointment

1. Visit the NCTS website or call your nearest center
2. Select "VRT Inspection" appointment type
3. Choose available date and time slot
4. Provide vehicle details (VIN, make, model)
5. Receive confirmation email with appointment details

What Happens During VRT Inspection

• Identity Verification: VIN check, chassis number verification
• Documentation Check: Review of all import and purchase documents
• Safety Inspection: Basic safety checks (lights, brakes, structure)
• OMSP Assessment: Revenue officer determines Open Market Selling Price
• VRT Calculation: Final VRT amount calculated and presented
• Payment: Pay VRT and registration fees
• Registration: Receive Irish registration certificate and number plates

Payment Methods Accepted

• Debit card (Laser, Visa Debit, Mastercard Debit)
• Credit card (Visa, Mastercard)
• Cash (some centers)
• Bank draft made payable to "The Collector General"

NCT Requirements for Imports

Vehicles over 4 years old must have a valid National Car Test (NCT) certificate or equivalent before VRT registration.

Accepted Test Certificates

Note: If no valid test certificate, you must complete an Irish NCT before VRT registration. Book NCT appointment in advance as waiting times can be several weeks.

Money-Saving Tips for Importers

Before You Buy

• Calculate total cost: Use our VRT calculator plus shipping, VAT, and duties
• Check OMSP database: Verify Revenue.ie's valuation before purchasing
• Consider RHD vs LHD: Right-hand drive vehicles have better resale value in Ireland
• Verify CO2 emissions: Lower emissions = lower VRT; check official figures
• Age matters: Newer vehicles often justify the VRT cost better

During Import Process

• DIY customs clearance: Save €100-200 by completing paperwork yourself
• Compare transport quotes: Get multiple quotes for vehicle shipping
• Book NCT early: Avoid delays by scheduling in advance
• Gather all documents: Incomplete documentation causes delays and costs
• Check for reliefs: Verify eligibility for any VRT exemptions or reliefs

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Not calculating total cost before purchase
• Buying LHD vehicles without considering resale impact
• Missing the 30-day VRT registration deadline (penalties apply)
• Purchasing vehicles with unclear ownership or finance outstanding
• Forgetting to factor in NCT, insurance, and running costs
• Not verifying vehicle history (mileage, accidents, write-offs)

Special Import Cases

Classic and Vintage Vehicles

Vehicles over 30 years old qualify for Category C VRT (€200 flat rate), making classic car imports very attractive. Requirements:

• Must be over 30 years from date of first registration
• Standard customs and VAT procedures still apply
• May require engineering inspection for roadworthiness
• Historic vehicle insurance available at reduced rates

Electric and Hybrid Vehicles

Electric vehicle imports receive VRT relief (being phased out by 2025). Current status:

• Battery electric vehicles: Reduced VRT (check current year's relief amount)
• Plug-in hybrids: Subject to standard CO2-based VRT
• Benefit from lowest VRT bands due to low/zero emissions
• Government grants may be available for new EVs

Commercial Vehicle Imports

Vans and commercial vehicles have different VRT rates and may qualify for VAT relief on commercial use vehicles:

• Category B vans: 8% or 13.3% VRT depending on CO2
• Special N1 vans: €200 flat rate if qualifying criteria met
• Commercial vehicle VAT recovery may be possible for businesses
• Must prove commercial use for certain reliefs

Motorcycle Imports

Motorcycle imports follow similar customs procedures but different VRT calculations:

• VRT based on engine capacity (cc) and age
• 10% age reduction per year (maximum 30%)
• Electric motorcycles currently VRT-exempt until December 2025
• Easier to transport (can be crated or ridden)

Typical Import Timeline

Note: Timeline can vary significantly based on vehicle location, documentation completeness, and appointment availability.

Useful Import Resources

• Revenue.ie VRT Information
• Irish Customs Information
• NCTS Centers & Bookings
• Citizens Information - Importing Vehicles
• VRT Calculator Ireland

Calculate Your Import Costs

Before importing any vehicle, use our free calculator to estimate your total VRT cost and ensure the import makes financial sense.