Expert answer

Hi Barry,

If it’s registered as a commercial and is being imported to be registered as one in Ireland, then the VRT should be 13.3 per cent of its OMSP. That’s the Open Market Selling Price Revenue believes the vehicle to be worth in Ireland, which can be tricky to estimate, especially for something so rare, relatively speaking.

If Revenue says it’s worth €35,000 then the VRT as a commercial would be 13.3 per cent of that, or €4,655.

If this is a private vehicle then the VRT rate depends on the CO₂ emissions, and it’s likely to be in the top band, at 41 per cent. At the same OMSP, that would be a VRT bill of €14,350.

Don’t forget about the NOx levy, which will be high for that vehicle, but if it has been registered and used in Northern Ireland you shouldn’t have import duty or VAT to pay.

Expert answer

Hi Martin,

We know that the EV5 will arrive at the very end of 2025 into Ireland, but Kia won't say much about the versions available at this stage. We are attending an event in Europe later this month where we should learn more about the car, so keep an eye out for the news from that.

Expert answer

Hi Rod,

I’m afraid we don’t have any pricing information on the Kia EV5 as yet, and they’re unlikely to be announced until much later in 2025 as the car is not due to land until the end of the year.

The most an EV3 can tow is 1,000kg, officially (and not all versions can do that), while the EV5 will have a maximum tow rating of up to 1,250kg. The EV5 is clearly a larger vehicle and better suited to towing in any case.

Expert answer

Hi Aidan,

From that information, we’d be confident that there will be no import duty or VAT payable, either.

Expert answer

Hi Martin,

I'm afraid not. Kia Ireland has confirmed to us that the all-wheel-drive versions will not be offered here due to low demand.

Expert answer

Hi Mike,

Well, it’s quite different from a driving licence or NCT, which are both legal requirements. Reserving a number plate you like the look of is a luxury and hence Revenue clearly prices it at a level it expects people to be willing to pay, regardless of the cost to the State of providing this facility. People might have an issue with that, but there’s nothing forcing them to use the service so I don’t expect the masses to revolt or set up a public protest about it any time soon.

Expert answer

Hi Mark,

As I’m sure you realise, we can only guess at the OMSP (Open Market Selling Price) that Revenue will place on such a rare car. And the VRT calculation hinges on that. Let’s say it’s €25,000, and that its CO₂ emissions put it into the top VRT band at 41 per cent. That would mean a VRT bill of €10,250.

Don’t forget about the NOx levy on top of that, which is likely to be the top €600 limit for petrol cars, and of course import duty and VAT if the car is coming from England, Scotland or Wales.

Expert answer

Hi Don,

Assuming this is a used vehicle, the answer depends on the van’s history.

Previously in use in Northern Ireland:

If the van has been in use in Northern Ireland for a reasonable period (three months is generally accepted as the minimum), it can be registered in the Republic of Ireland without additional Customs Duties and import VAT. Proof is required, such as a copy of the V5C document showing the last registered keeper in Northern Ireland and the date of registration to that keeper.

Not previously in use in Northern Ireland:

If the van was first registered in Great Britain and then brought into Northern Ireland after December 31, 2020, you must provide evidence that it was imported into Northern Ireland in accordance with the Windsor Framework. This includes a copy of the Customs Declaration lodged in Northern Ireland that clearly identifies the vehicle. Without such proof, the vehicle may be subject to Customs Duties and import VAT upon registration in the Republic of Ireland.

Expert answer

Hi Marcel,

While it might be technically possible, I suspect it will be all but impossible to organise as a buyer in China. But you never know, so I suggest you speak directly to your local Aion distributor on this.

Expert answer

Hi Seoirse,

I’m afraid there’s no way for you to do that yourself in the settings. It requires a change to the car’s country code, which can only be done by Volkswagen or via some “OBD” tools that independent garages use. If you have a good mechanic, mention that to them and see if they’re willing to help.