Expert answer

Hi Paul,

We need two things to estimate the VRT (and please note that we can only provide an estimate, and you need to take all factors into account for yourself). First is the CO₂ emissions rating to determine the VRT band. That will vary from model to model, even for a single variant such as the 530d.

Our data shows that car has an NEDC CO₂ rating of around 139g/km, but Revenue will ‘uplift’ that using its formula in a bid to make it comparable to WLTP-rated cars. That means it considers it to have CO₂ emissions of about 172g/km on importation.

This means Band 19 for VRT at 35 per cent.

That’s 35 per cent of the OMSP, the Open Market Selling Price as determined by Revenue, which is not always very easy to guess at, but a quick look at Irish classifieds suggests in and around €18,000, meaning VRT of €6,300.

Don’t forget you’ll be liable for the NOx levy as well, which will be high for that car.

Expert answer

Hi Joanne,

No, we don’t think that would be possible unless you have a place of residence in the UK as well as here that the transaction could be done through. Also, it’s likely to violate the terms of any car finance agreement to take it out of the country and register it in another one - which you would have to do to use the car in Ireland.

Expert answer

Hi Michael,

When relocating to Ireland from the UK, you may be eligible for an exemption from Vehicle Registration Tax (VRT) under the Transfer of Residence (TOR) relief, provided certain conditions are met. However, the guidelines primarily address the importation of a single vehicle, and information regarding exemptions for multiple vehicles is lacking.

I can only suggest you attempt to send a query to Revenue on this before you bring the vehicles in.

Expert answer

Hi Farzana,

Unlike the UK, where specific mention of a taxi is required on the signage, in Ireland (including Dublin), taxis are permitted to use all bus lanes. However, technically they are only allowed do so when they are actively working, which typically means carrying a fare-paying passenger. This policy is outlined in the Road Traffic (Traffic and Parking) Regulations, which state that fare-carrying taxis may operate in bus lanes during the course of business.

There is one exception: contra-flow bus lanes - those that allow buses to travel against the general flow of traffic - are typically restricted to buses only. Taxis are generally not permitted to use contra-flow bus lanes unless explicitly indicated by signage.

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Hi Louise,

It would be €710 a year. See our Motor Road Tax Prices in Ireland Explained guide for more information.

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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 Shane,

When you're taxing a commercial vehicle for private use then the rate goes by the engine size. 

The Wildtrak can be had with 2.0 or 3.0-litre diesel engines, while the Ranger can be had with a 2.0-litre diesel or 3.0-litre petrol option. The 2.0-litre engines cost €710 a year to tax and the 3.0-litre units (doesn't matter what fuels them) are €1,494 per annum.

Read our Motor Road Tax Prices in Ireland Explained feature for full details.

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 Vincent,

The Xpeng brand has only just arrived in Ireland this month so we don't believe there will be any used examples available as yet. It actually launched in Ireland ahead of the UK, so you won't find any used ones over there to import either.