Importing a Car to Ireland
VRT, customs and VAT explained — plus a free VRT calculator and the full 2026 step-by-step import process.
What is VRT and how much will I pay?
Vehicle Registration Tax is charged on every car registered in Ireland. It's a percentage of the car's Open Market Selling Price (OMSP), set by its CO₂ emissions band — so a cleaner car pays less. The exact figure depends on the specific model, so get an instant estimate with the free VRT calculator rather than guessing.
Customs duty and VAT on imports
If the car comes from within the EU and VAT was already paid there, you generally owe only VRT. If it comes from outside the EU — which includes Great Britain — customs duty (typically 10%) and VAT at 23% can apply on top of VRT. Northern Ireland and EU-origin cars are treated differently. The rules are case-specific, so confirm with Revenue before committing.
Step-by-step: how to import a car to Ireland
- Source the car and check its history. Find the car (in Ireland, the EU or Great Britain) and run a history check for finance, write-offs and mileage. Value it at Irish market rates first so you know the all-in cost.
- Calculate VRT before you buy. Use the free Autoza VRT calculator to estimate the Vehicle Registration Tax based on the car’s Open Market Selling Price (OMSP) and CO₂ emissions. For non-EU/Great Britain imports, factor in possible customs duty and VAT too.
- Bring the car into Ireland and book the VRT appointment. You must register the car within 30 days of it arriving in the State. Book a VRT inspection appointment at an NCTS centre.
- Pass roadworthiness / NCT if required. Older imported cars need a valid NCT. Arrange the test if the car is over four years old or its NCT has lapsed.
- Pay VRT, get plates and insure. Pay the VRT at the NCTS centre, receive your Irish registration number, fit Irish plates and arrange Irish insurance before driving.
Should you import or buy local?
Once VRT — and, for Great Britain imports, customs and VAT — are added, importing is often no cheaper than buying a car already on Irish plates, and it carries more admin. Before you import, compare the all-in cost against live Irish listings: check the Irish market value and search used vehicles on Autoza.
Importing a car to Ireland — FAQs
How much does it cost to import a car to Ireland?
The main cost is Vehicle Registration Tax (VRT), which is based on the car’s Open Market Selling Price and CO₂ emissions. Cars imported from outside the EU — including Great Britain — can also attract customs duty (typically 10%) and VAT at 23%. Use the free Autoza VRT calculator for an instant VRT estimate.
How is VRT calculated in Ireland?
VRT is charged as a percentage of the car’s Open Market Selling Price (OMSP) in Ireland, with the rate set by the car’s CO₂ emissions band — higher-emitting cars pay a higher percentage. Electric vehicles qualify for VRT relief. The Autoza VRT calculator applies the current 2026 bands automatically.
Do I pay VAT importing a car from the UK?
Cars imported from Great Britain are treated as non-EU imports, so VAT at 23% and customs duty (typically 10%) can apply, on top of VRT. Cars from Northern Ireland or the rest of the EU on which VAT was already paid generally avoid this, but rules vary by case — always confirm with Revenue.
How long do I have to register an imported car in Ireland?
You must register an imported vehicle and pay VRT within 30 days of it arriving in the State. Late registration can incur penalties, so book your NCTS VRT appointment as soon as the car lands.
Is it cheaper to import or buy a used car in Ireland?
Once VRT — and, for Great Britain imports, customs and VAT — are added, importing is often no cheaper than buying locally, and it carries more admin and risk. Compare the landed import cost against live Irish listings on Autoza before you decide (as of 23 June 2026).
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— The Autoza Team · Updated 23 June 2026