Welcome to VRT.ie- Estimate Your VRT for UK & Japanese Vehicle Imports
Estimate Vehicle Registration Tax (VRT) for cars imported to Ireland with our independent tools. Get clear guidance on importing vehicles from the UK or Japan, including CO₂ and NOx charges.
Why Use VRT.ie?
Understand vehicle import costs before you buy
Designed for UK & Japanese vehicle imports
Clear guidance for motorcycles and commercial vehicles
Vehicle Registration Tax (VRT) is a tax applied when a vehicle is first registered in Ireland, based on its Open Market Selling Price (OMSP), CO₂ emissions, and any NOx charges.
Can I use this calculator for UK and Japanese imports?
Yes. Our calculator is designed to estimate VRT for vehicles imported from the UK (GB & Northern Ireland) and Japan.
Does the calculator include NOx charges?
Yes. Where emissions data is available, NOx levies are included in the estimate.
Where do the VRT estimates come from?
VRT.ie provides VRT estimates from the revenue’s VRT database and industry market data. Final VRT is only confirmed by the Revenue Commissioners when your vehicle has been inspected at your VRT appointment.
Importing a Car from the UK to Ireland
Costs may include VRT, VAT (23% for most GB imports), Customs Duty (10%), and any applicable NOx levy. Vehicles from Northern Ireland may qualify for VAT/duty exemptions under certain conditions. Use our VRT calculator to estimate the VRT portion and plan costs accurately.
Japanese vehicles are popular in Ireland. Costs typically include Customs Duty (10%), VAT (23%), and VRT based on OMSP, CO₂, and NOx. Some vehicles may require type approval or modifications. Our calculator helps estimate Irish VRT liability before shipping.
All vehicles imported from the UK or Japan must have a valid customs declaration before registration in Ireland. This is a legal requirement to ensure VAT and customs duties are correctly paid.
VRT.ie partners with CustomsDeclaration.ie to provide a professional customs agent service. Our service helps you complete and submit the necessary customs documentation quickly and accurately, ensuring a smooth import process.
Using a customs agent saves time, avoids mistakes, and ensures compliance with Irish and EU customs regulations.
How Is VRT Calculated in Ireland?
VRT is calculated using several factors:
Open Market Selling Price (OMSP): Revenue’s estimate of the vehicle’s value in Ireland.
NOx Levy: Extra charge for certain petrol and diesel vehicles.
Vehicle Age & Depreciation: Older vehicles may reduce the OMSP and VRT.
Note: VRT is calculated differently for motorcycles and commercial vehicles:
Motorcycles: VRT is calculated based on engine size and vehicle ge.
Commercial vehicles: VRT is generally a flat rate of €200 or 13.3% of OMSP
Our calculator combines these factors for vehicles.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is the estimate guaranteed?
The calculator provides a best-estimate based on available data. Final VRT is only confirmed by the Revenue Commissioners when your vehicle has been inspected at your VRT appointment.
Do I still need a VRT inspection?
Yes. All imported vehicles require VRT inspection and registration in Ireland.
Who should use this calculator?
Private buyers, motor traders, and anyone planning to import from the UK or Japan.
How long does VRT in Ireland take?
You must book an appointment at an NCTS centre to have your vehicle inspected within 7 days of the vehicle arriving in Ireland. Registration as well as VRT and any other due tax liabilities must be paid within 30 days of the vehicle arriving in Ireland.
How much does VRT in Ireland cost?
For cars (Category A vehicles), the total amount of VRT due will be based on a percentage of the vehicle’s Open Market Selling Price. The valuation of each and every vehicle make and model is held on Revenue’s databases. You can use our online calculator to calculate the VRT on a vehicle you are registering in Ireland. The total VRT due can be appealed and exemptions may be granted under certain circumstances.
Do I need to clear customs when importing a vehicle to Ireland?
All vehicles imported to Ireland from outside the EU are required to clear customs when they arrive in Ireland. This has always been the case for vehicles from Japan and other countries. The biggest change in recent times is that since Brexit vehicles imported from the UK must clear customs. You will require a customs agent to clear customs on your behalf. VRT.ie provides a customs agent service which you can request here.
Does VRT need to be paid on commercial vehicles?
Yes. Commercial vehicles weighing less than 3.5 tonnes and designed for the transport of goods are considered Category B vehicles (N1 in the EU) for VRT valuation purposes. Generally, the VRT due on Category B vehicles in Ireland is 13.3% of the vehicle’s Open Market Selling Price with a minimum of €125 due.
Commercial vehicles weighing over 3.5 tonnes or at the time of manufacture, have less than four seats and have a technically permissible maximum laden mass weight that is greater than 130 percent of the mass in service of the vehicle with bodywork in running order are considered Category C vehicles. The VRT rate applicable to Category C vehicles is a flat rate of €200
How much VAT and VRT is due for new cars in Ireland?
New cars (Category A vehicles) imported into Ireland are subject to VRT upon registration which depends on the Open Market Selling Price of the vehicle. According to the Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Testing Procedure, VRT on new cars varies between 7% to 37%.
Category A vehicles imported from the UK into Ireland may or may not be subject to VAT at the standard rate of 23% and/or customs duties of 10%, depending on the origin of the vehicle. You can use our online costs calculator to calculate the customs, VAT, and VRT due when registering a vehicle in Ireland.
Is it possible to avoid paying VRT in Ireland?
Yes. There are many specific circumstances under which VRT reliefs and exemptions may be granted. Some examples include a transfer of residence, inheritance, diplomatic and consular arrangements, transfers of business undertakings, and donations by public authorities. In all cases, however, the vehicle must be registered and go through the VRT process, even if VRT payment is not due. It is also possible to claim repayment of previously paid VRT if the vehicle is scheduled for permanent export or removal from Ireland. For more information on VRT relief and exemption, refer to this section of our website.
What is needed for VRT in Ireland?
In order to import a vehicle into the Republic of Ireland, you must have the requisite documents ready for the VRT procedure. The documentation you will need depends on whether the vehicle is used or new. In all cases, the following checklist outlines the documentation that is required for VRT in Ireland.
How long do I have to pay VRT?
You have 30 days from the date of the vehicle’s arrival in Ireland to register the vehicle and to pay any VRT due. Late payment can incur fines depending on the length of payment delinquency and vehicle category. More information can be found here. It is also possible that Gardaí or Customs can seize the vehicle if VRT is not paid within 30 days.
What is Vehicle Registration Tax (VRT)?
Vehicle Registration Tax (VRT) is a tax charged on new vehicles and vehicles imported into Ireland. VRT is charged when an imported vehicle is registered in Ireland, which must take place within 30 days of the vehicle’s arrival in Ireland. The total VRT due depends on the vehicle’s Open Market Selling Price, carbon emissions, and nitrogen oxide levy and ranges from 7% to 37%. You can use our online calculator to calculate the VRT on a vehicle you are registering in Ireland.
Welcome to VRT.ie was last modified: January 8th, 2026 by admin