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Is a car used by a dealer liable to attract VAT on import?
Hi,
Your guide to importing a car from NI was very informative and helpful but I wonder if you have any clarification on what is meant by private use.
I am looking at a 2025 car in NI with a main dealer. It was registered in January 2025, has NI plates (not UK), V5C was registered on 3 June 2025 and it has 11,000 km on the clock.
It is registered to the dealer's name (business name) and address and used as a demo and company-use car.
It's been difficult to get clarification as to whether this car might be liable for VAT or not. The private ownership piece and the date the V5C was registered are the main grey areas for us.
Any helpful advice would be gratefully received
Elaine (Monaghan)
Jul 2025 Filed under: importing
Can I avail of the Transfer of Residence process?
Hi,
I'm moving back to Ireland after five years living in the UK and want to avail of the Transfer of Residency VRT exemption.
I am also registered in Ireland as a sole trader in the motor trade and complete Irish VAT and income tax returns annually. The Irish work is mostly vehicle repairs which I sub out to a third party and occasionally fly home myself to complete the work.
Do you think this will impact my chances and should I put all the vehicles (three of them) into my partner's name who has no affiliation with Irish tax system or the motor trade?
Appreciate any advice you may have as it's not clearly laid out by Revenue.
Thank you
Patrick (London)
Jul 2025 Filed under: importing
With this dealer paperwork from NI, will I pay VAT?
I am purchasing a car from Northern Ireland to import into the Republic of Ireland. The dealership in NI purchased this car on 18.06.2025 and has the customs documentation from mainland GB. The V5C is also available. Will I be liable for VAT if I purchase this car?
Lisa Comer (Galway)
Jul 2025 Filed under: importing
What paperwork is needed to import a car from the North?
Hi,
I recently bought a car in NI. Registered in my name, just waiting on papers. But I live in Republic of Ireland and want to register there. How does this work? What papers will I need?
Thanks
Erika (Navan)
Jul 2025 Filed under: importing
Do I pay VAT on importing a car from Northern Ireland?
Hi,
I would like to know if I have to pay VAT if I import a used vehicle from Northern Ireland into the Republic.
Do I need to pay extra tax due to Brexit?
Christine (Tralee)
Jul 2025 Filed under: importing
Can I import a Land Rover Defender as a commercial?
I am looking to import a Land Rover Defender 110 or 90 from the UK as they are significantly cheaper over there. I however do not want to pay a huge amount of VRT. Can it be brought in as a two-seat commercial and only pay the €333 rate?
Alex Ryan (Dublin )
Jul 2025 Filed under: importing
Can I import this VW Golf from the North VAT-free?
Hi,
I am going to buy a car from a second-hand dealer in NI. The car was previously in use in mainland UK. The dealer says he has paid the VAT and that they have an exemption to sell to the Republic, customs and duty free. The car is a 2020 Volkswagen Golf.
Do I have to pay VAT if I buy it and bring it across the border?
Hugh McDonald (Kilnaleck)
Jul 2025 Filed under: importing
Can I avoid VRT and VAT importing a Toyota Hilux?
Hi,
I am considering importing a 211 Toyota Hilux from Northern Ireland. I am not VAT-registered. My wife is originally from the North and her parents still live there. I have previously imported a car from the UK in 2019 and paid VRT, and last year we were successful in importing my wife's car from the North without paying VRT, as she met the criteria.
Just wondering is there any way for me to avoid VRT or VAT, or both somehow? Maybe using her parents, some way.
Any thoughts or ideas would be great.
Thanks
Derek (Kildare )
Jul 2025 Filed under: importing
Looking at a 2025 car to import from the North...
Hi,
I'm looking at importing a car from Northern Ireland. It has an NI registration from new, was registered in February 2025, and has done 6,500 miles. As far as I can tell, the dealership never sold the car to a private buyer, but it was used as a demo, and by garage staff, etc. Can you tell me whether this car would be liable for VAT and customs duty, as well as VRT?
Thanks,
John
John Sheehan (Dublin)
Jul 2025 Filed under: importing
What's the V3 document reference number on a UK logbook?
A Republic of Ireland buyer wants to buy my car located in the north of Ireland. They are asking for a V3 number on a log book. What is this? And is this necessary for the sale for them to bring the car over?
Jess
Jul 2025 Filed under: importing
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