VRTCalculator.ie

Ireland's #1 VRT Calculator

Calculate your Vehicle Registration Tax (VRT) before importing a car to Ireland. Get accurate estimates including NOx levy and all applicable charges.

Calculate Your VRT Now → Learn How VRT Works
Free & Instant
100% Accurate Estimates
Updated for 2026
10,000+ Calculations

€5.5M+

VRT Calculated

15K+

Users Monthly

98%

Accuracy Rate

VRT Calculator

Get your estimate in seconds

The estimated Irish market value of your vehicle

What Is Vehicle Registration Tax (VRT)?

Vehicle Registration Tax (VRT) is a mandatory tax applied at the first registration of a vehicle that becomes officially registered in Ireland. Every vehicle newly imported and assigned an Irish vehicle registration number must pay VRT before it can be insured, taxed, or legally driven.

Who Must Pay VRT?

You are generally liable for VRT if you:

  • Import vehicles from abroad
  • Purchase cars imported from the UK, EU, or elsewhere
  • Bring a vehicle into Ireland for permanent use
  • Change the purpose of a vehicle (e.g., commercial to private)

Vehicles Subject to VRT

This applies to all types of vehicles registered:

  • Passenger cars and diesel cars
  • High-emission diesel vehicles
  • Commercial vehicles (light and heavy)
  • Motor caravans and agricultural tractors

How Is VRT Calculated?

The official VRT calculation uses data from the Revenue database including OMSP, emissions, and vehicle details.

Key Factors in VRT Calculation

  • OMSP Open Market Selling Price determined by Revenue
  • CO₂ Emissions WLTP measured emissions determine the VRT rate
  • NOx Emissions Nitrogen oxide levels determine the NOx levy
  • Vehicle Category A (cars), B (commercial), or C (heavy)
  • Condition & Mileage Affects the OMSP valuation

VRT Formula (Simplified)

VRT = OMSP × VRT Rate + NOx Levy

Real Example

2020 Audi A4 2.0 TDI (Diesel)

OMSP: €24,000

CO₂ Band Rate: 20%

NOx Emissions: 75 mg/km → €750 levy

VRT = €24,000 × 20% = €4,800

NOx Levy = €750

Total VRT ≈ €5,550

VRT Categories Explained

Understanding which category your vehicle falls into is essential for calculating VRT accurately.

Category A

Passenger Cars

This category produces the highest tax liabilities. VRT is calculated as a percentage of OMSP based on CO₂ emissions plus NOx levy.

Example: 2019 BMW 320d

OMSP: €26,000 | CO₂ Rate: 21% | NOx: €800

Total VRT ≈ €6,260

Category B

Commercial Vehicles

Covers most small vans and work vehicles. Many are subject to a flat rate or reduced percentage depending on CO₂ emissions.

Example: 2021 Ford Transit Custom

OMSP: €22,000 | CO₂: 135 g/km | Rate: 13.3%

Total VRT ≈ €2,926

Category C

Heavy & Special Vehicles

Includes large trucks, buses, agricultural tractors, and motor caravans. Usually pay a fixed VRT charge of €200.

Example: €120,000 Motorhome

Fixed charge regardless of value

Total VRT = €200

Is Importing Worth It After VRT?

Even after paying VRT, importing often offers significant savings compared to buying in Ireland.

Cost Breakdown UK Import Buy in Ireland
Vehicle Price €13,000 €18,500
Transport €500 —
VRT €4,000 —
VAT & Customs Duty €800 —
Total €18,300 €18,500

Savings: €200 — Even with all fees, importing still offers value!

The VRT Process at NCTS

The VRT process is managed by the National Car Testing Service (NCTS). Most registrations are completed within 5–15 working days.

1

Book

Schedule NCTS appointment

2

Prepare

Gather all documents

3

Inspect

Vehicle examination

4

Pay

Pay VRT amount

5

Register

Get Irish plates

Documents Required

To avoid delays at your NCTS appointment, make sure you bring:

Proof of identity (passport or driving licence)
Proof of address (utility bill or bank statement)
Vehicle registration document from country of origin
Purchase invoice or receipt
Proof of date of entry into Ireland
Certificate of Conformity (if available)
Booking confirmation for NCTS appointment
Means of payment for VRT

Important: Missing documents are the number one cause of registration delays!

Common Mistakes That Increase VRT

Underestimating OMSP

Wrong statistical code

Ignoring NOx levy

Selecting incorrect category

Final Checklist Before You Import

  • ✓
    Calculate VRT using our free calculator
  • ✓
    Estimate total tax costs (VRT + VAT + Customs)
  • ✓
    Check customs & VAT requirements for your origin country
  • ✓
    Pay VRT within 30 days of arrival
  • ✓
    Arrange motor tax after registration

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about VRT and vehicle imports in Ireland

How does Vehicle Registration Tax actually affect the final price of a car in Ireland?
Many buyers underestimate how much VRT increases the real purchase cost. In some cases, VRT alone can represent 20–40% of the vehicle's Irish market value, especially for high-emission diesel cars and large SUVs.
Which data matters most when estimating VRT before buying a car?
The most important factors are: Irish Open Market Selling Price (OMSP), CO₂ emissions (WLTP), NOx emissions, and the correct VRT category. A mistake on any of these inputs can significantly distort your estimate.
How close is a VRT calculator estimate to the real amount charged by Revenue?
A good calculator usually stays within a few hundred euro of the final assessment. The biggest source of variation is Revenue's own individual OMSP determination, which cannot be perfectly predicted in advance.
Is there a minimum VRT amount?
Yes. For certain vehicle categories, Revenue applies a minimum VRT amount. This means that even if your calculated percentage of the Open Market Selling Price (OMSP) is low, you will still be required to pay at least the minimum VRT set for that category.
What options do I have if Revenue values my car too high for VRT?
You can submit an appeal within 30 days of registration by providing Irish market listings, dealer valuations and condition reports. Successful appeals often result in partial VRT repayment.
Should I use WLTP or NEDC emissions when estimating VRT?
Always use WLTP if available. If your vehicle only provides NEDC data, it must be converted to WLTP-equivalent values before applying the correct VRT band.
What additional taxes should I expect when importing a vehicle from the UK?
Beyond VRT, most UK imports are also subject to: Customs duty (typically 10%), Irish VAT (23%), and registration and inspection fees.
How long does the full vehicle registration process normally take?
From arrival in Ireland to final registration, most vehicles are completed within 5–15 working days, depending on NCTS appointment availability and documentation readiness.
Do short-term visitors to Ireland have to pay VRT on their vehicles?
In most cases, no — provided the vehicle remains registered abroad and is not sold or permanently kept in Ireland. Strict residency and usage rules apply.
Is VRT estimation reliable for vans and commercial vehicles?
Yes, but commercial vehicles follow different rules than passenger cars. Misclassification between private and commercial use is one of the most common causes of penalties.
What happens if I miss the 30-day deadline for VRT payment?
Late registration can result in financial penalties, backdated charges, vehicle seizure and possible prosecution by Revenue.
How can I identify the correct statistical code for my vehicle?
The statistical code is assigned based on your vehicle's technical specifications and classification. NCTS staff and Revenue documentation can confirm the correct code during registration.
Can VRT be paid online or must I attend in person?
Payment and documentation are handled online through Revenue systems, but the vehicle must still attend a physical NCTS inspection before plates are issued.
How is VRT different from Irish motor tax in practice?
VRT is a once-off registration tax. Motor tax is an annual charge for using public roads. Both must be paid, but they serve different legal purposes.
Are there any situations where VRT does not apply at all?
Yes — for example, certain transfers of residence, diplomatic vehicles and specific temporary imports may qualify for full exemption.
What financial incentives exist for electric vehicles under VRT rules?
Electric vehicles benefit from partial VRT relief up to defined OMSP limits, which can significantly reduce their registration cost.
What is the difference between HPI Check and VRT Check?
An HPI check verifies a vehicle's history (finance, theft, write-off). A VRT check estimates how much tax you must pay to register that vehicle in Ireland. Both are essential, but they serve completely different purposes.