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Hi David, 

I'm afraid not - no car is exempt from VRT (unless you're moving into Ireland with your own car from abroad).

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Hi Matt,

If you mean are there companies that will do all the paperwork etc. and just give you a bill at the end, then yes there are. We've not used any of them ourselves so can't recommend any, but do a search online for those specialising in importing cars from the UK or Northern Ireland - and then look for public reviews of the services.

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Hi Danny,

While it sounds like the car shouldn't attract VAT or import duty (you'll need to prove it was used in Northern Ireland), all passenger cars being imported are subject to VRT and the NOx levy. If it's a commercial, there is no NOx levy, but there would still be VRT, calculated differently. Revenue has quite a strict definition of what a commercial SUV is though, so make sure you know what you're doing before you make that move.

Read our How Much VRT Is Paid In Ireland? guide for more information

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Hi Pete,

The process is the exact same as for a running car. You will need to make an appointment with the NCTS and have the car inspected, and pay VRT, even if it is indeed on a trailer or recovery truck.

If the Ford is over 30 years old the VRT will only be €200 in any case.

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Hi Conor,

Our understanding is that it will be good enough to show that the car has been in use, even if it was a company car. Essentially, once the car has not been brought in by a car dealer to sell on right away it is likely to be exempt from VAT and import duty.

As ever, we encourage would-be importers to check their individual case with Revenue direct before committing to a purchase.

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Hi Ger,

There isn't a strict list of required documents as the situation depends on the car itself and when it was first brought into or registered in the North. There's no such thing as too much information, however, so gather what you can.

For the NCT VRT inspection you will need:

• The UK logbook (V5C)
• Purchase invoice or receipt
• Proof of identity
• Proof of address
• PPS number

To ensure that no VAT or import duty are payable, obtain the car's MOT test history (showing that it was used in the North) or any information relating to a customs declaration in the North if the car was imported there as a used vehicle by a dealer or the previous owner.

And always check with Revenue before you commit to bringing the car over the border.

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Hi Karl,

It'll be in the top VRT band for a start, at 41 per cent of the Open Market Selling Price (OMSP). That, unfortunately, is not the price you pay for the car in the UK, but the value Revenue believes the car to be worth after registration in Ireland. It's not easy to estimate for an older and rare car such as yours, but for example, if we guessed at €7,500, then the VRT would be €3,075.

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Hi Lisa,

It does not sound like the dealer imported the car according to the Windsor Framework (do ask them) and it does not sound like the car was used for "a reasonable amount of time" after importation into the North so going on the little information above, we'd have to assume that yes, you would be liable for VAT on importing that car, plus import duty, VRT and the NOx levy.

Read our Guide to importing a car from Northern Ireland for more

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Hi Patrick,

This is quite a unique situation so I'd suggest the best thing to do is talk to Revenue. My feeling is that you should be fine so long as your permanent place of residence has been the UK, regardless of your business interests in Ireland. You'll just need paperwork to show that.

The complication with transferring the vehicles to your partner is that they must be owned for at least six months before the move, so if you're not moving back for a while it's a possible option. Make sure you read all the rules carefully though.

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Hi John,

As the car is less than six months old, VAT will be due on it. If you can wait a while, it won't be. No customs duty will be applicable, however, regardless. VRT will of course be payable at the appropriate rate.