How much VRT will you pay on a Japanese import in Ireland?

What looks like a great deal on paper can quickly change once the real costs start to surface.

If you've looked into importing a car from Japan to Ireland, you've probably heard one thing over and over again "Watch the VRT — that's the one that'll catch you."

And to be fair… they're not wrong.

VRT (Vehicle Registration Tax) is usually the biggest unknown when importing a car. It's also the part that can turn what looks like a great deal into something a bit less appealing — if you don't understand how it works.

So let's break it down properly, without the confusion.

VRT Calculator

To make this more practical, here's what VRT usually looks like on common imports such as a Porsche Macan or a 2.0L Mercedes.

If Revenue values the car at around €25,000 to €35,000 in Ireland, VRT will typically fall between €6,000 and €10,000, depending mainly on emissions and the final valuation.

For slightly higher-spec or newer examples, where the valuation moves closer to €40,000, VRT can reach €10,000 to €15,000 or more.

For example, a car bought in Japan for €18,000 may be valued by Revenue at €25,000 to €30,000 in Ireland.

If it falls into a 30% VRT band, that alone can add €7,500 to €9,000 to the final cost — which is why understanding VRT early is so important.

Note. These aren't exact figures — but they reflect what most buyers actually see in practice.

What Is VRT (and why does it exist?)

VRT is a tax you pay when registering a car in Ireland for the first time.

It doesn't matter if the car is brand new or coming from Japan — if it's being registered here, VRT applies.

And no, unfortunately, there's no way around it.

How VRT is actually calculated?

This is where things get interesting.

VRT isn't based on what you paid for the car in Japan.

It's based on what Revenue thinks the car is worth in Ireland
(This is called the OMSP — Open Market Selling Price)

Then they apply a percentage based on emissions.

So the formula is essentially: VRT = % of OMSP (based on CO₂ emissions).

If you're not sure how VRT is calculated or what affects it, you can read a full breakdown here.  

Why VRT catches people out?

Most people make one of these mistakes:

• They assume VRT is based on the purchase price
• They guess the amount instead of checking
• They don't factor it in early enough

And suddenly the "cheap car" isn't so cheap anymore

What affects VRT the most?

There are three main factors: 

1. Revenue valuation (OMSP). What they think the car would sell for in Ireland 
2. CO₂ emissions. Higher emissions = higher tax band 
3. Vehicle type. SUVs and larger engines tend to get hit harder

How to estimate VRT before you buy?

This is where you avoid problems.

Before committing to a car, you should:

• check similar models already in Ireland
• use the Revenue VRT calculator
• look at real examples (not guesses)

Because once you know the VRT, the rest becomes predictable.

Important: Older cars can be tricky

Cars like a 2000 Skyline can be slightly more complex.

Why?

Because older vehicles often have:

• estimated emissions
• different valuation logic

Which can push them into higher VRT bands than expected.

The smart way to look at VRT

Instead of asking "How much is VRT?" 

Ask "What's the total cost of the car in Ireland?"

Because that's what actually matters.

Final thought

VRT isn't something to fear — but it is something to respect.

Once you understand how it's calculated, it becomes predictable. And when it's predictable, you can make proper decisions instead of guessing.

Because importing a car from Japan to Ireland isn't about finding the cheapest option — it's about knowing the full cost before you commit.

Related guides

See full cost breakdown: Cost to Import a Car from Japan to Ireland

Avoid surprises: Hidden Costs When Importing a Car from Japan to Ireland