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Can I buy my cousin's car from the North without VAT and duty?
My cousin moved to Northern Ireland from Scotland six months ago. I am now thinking of buying the car from him; can I then import it into the Republic without being charged duty and VAT?
Ian Ockenden (Dublin)
Jul 2025 Filed under: importing
What documents do I need to import a car from the North?
What documents are needed when importing a car from Northern Ireland to southern Ireland to clear customs and registration?
Ger Fitzgerald (Kilmallock, CoLimerick V35H528)
Aug 2025 Filed under: importing
Does an imported car from the North have to be in 'private' use?
I am about to import a car from the north of Ireland that was originally registered in the UK in early 2022 and brought into Northern Ireland in late 2022.
I can show it was in the North for a reasonable amount of time (about three years), but the car is a company car and as a result it is registered to a Northern Irish company.
When reading the VRT rules it seems to suggest that the car must be shown to be in "private" ownership in the North for a period of time to be VAT and customs exempt.
Does this mean I will be liable for VAT and customs if I import this car? Is there any way to avoid this?
Conor (Waterford)
Aug 2025 Filed under: importing
Reckon this Honda will be VAT-free on importation?
Hi,
I am possibly going to try import a 242 Honda CR-V from a dealer in Belfast. It's a July 2024 car and has 20,000km on it. They gave me the V5 logbook and a TSS form. Do you think Revenue will accept this so it will be exempt from VAT and import duty?
Fiona (Dublin)
Aug 2025 Filed under: importing
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
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