Does a UK citizen working in Ireland have to import their car?

Hi,

My daughter lives/works in Maynooth but goes to the North occasionally for work. She wants to buy a Volkswagen Polo from the North (cheaper obviously) and use it mostly in the Republic. She is from the UK (Kent) and has residency to work/pay taxes etc. Will she need to import it?

Chris Steward (Kent)

Apr 2025 Filed under: importing

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Expert answer

Hi Chris,

Unless your daughter has a permanent address in the North where she can register the car, then yes, she will have to import it.

Shane O' Donoghue - Complete Car Advisor