Importing an American Car to Ireland: A Guide 2026

This guide summarizes what you are responsible for when registering a car in Ireland and the indicative costs for 2026. Values should be confirmed with the authorities or a broker before each purchase.

How does delivery work in Ireland?

• Selection in the USA. Licensed dealer in the USA, with access to thousands of cars in every state. Before any commitment, you will receive photos, available documents, and the type of title (clean, salvage, rebuilt).
• Maritime transport. From the USA to Europe, with assistance until arrival.
• Customs processed. The car is cleared through customs upon entry into the EU: customs duties are never paid a second time in Ireland.
• Delivery to Ireland. Delivery to your dealership or your address. You can also choose a car from our stock in Portugal.

Customs duties and VAT

Customs duties. From July 1, 2026, cars manufactured in the USA, with proven origin, enter the EU with 0 % duty (Regulation (EU) 2026/1455, in force until 12/31/2029). Classic cars 30 years old or more, in original condition and of a discontinued model, enter as collector's items (code 9705), also with 0 % duty. In both cases, nothing to pay in Ireland.

VAT. For a reseller with a valid VAT number (VIES), the sale is made without Portuguese VAT and the VAT is self-assessed in Ireland. For a private individual, the VAT from the Portuguese invoice or the margin scheme applies. The exact framework is specified in each quote.

Registration tax (VRT)

A vehicle over 30 years old pays a fixed VRT of €200. Below that, the VRT is a percentage of the Irish market value (OMSP), from 7 % to 41 % depending on CO2, plus a NOx surcharge.

Deadlines: Schedule the inspection at the NCTS center within 7 days of arrival and register and pay the VRT within 30 days.

Approval

A vehicle without European homologation may require individual certification (NSAI). For a classic car over 30 years old, confirm the requirements with the Road Safety Authority before purchase.

Vintage regime

If the car is over 30 years old, it has access to the vintage motor tax (reduced annual amount) and optional ZV plates.

Annual tax

Motor tax Annual emissions: based on CO2 emissions for vehicles manufactured after 2008, and engine displacement for vehicles manufactured before that date.

Indicative costs in Ireland (2026)

Heading	Indicative value
VRT — more than 30 years	€200 fixed fee
VRT — under 30 years old	7 % to 41 % of OMSP + NOx
NCTS Marking	Up to 7 days
Registration and VRT	Up to 30 days
Vintage motor tax	Reduced amount

Indicative prices, excluding transport and car rental. Taxation changes frequently: please confirm with the Irish authorities or a customs broker.

For resellers and individuals

• Resellers. Dealer prices and terms negotiated on a case-by-case basis, with access to B2B program.
• Private individuals. We also sell directly, with the legal guarantee of conformity.
• Pre-purchase inspection. Upon request, made by an industry professional (paid service).

Want an American car in Ireland?

Tell us the model, year, and budget: we'll search in the US or suggest a car from our stock. Contact us on WhatsApp, see the cars available or make one customized search.

Frequently asked questions

How much does the VRT (Visual Rapid Transit) system cost for a 1960s muscle car? A fixed €200 because he is over 30 years old.

Can a car with left-hand drive be registered? Yes, it's common for American classics to be shown in Ireland.

What are the deadlines? You have 7 days to book the NCTS and 30 days to enroll and pay the VRT, starting from the date of arrival.

Other destinations in Europe

Portugal · Germany · France · Belgium · Netherlands · Spain · Italy · Poland · Austria · Switzerland · Luxembourg · Sweden · Denmark · Norway

All destinations: importing an American car to Europe

Sources: revenue.ie (VRT); revenue.ie (VRT calculation). Last checked: October 2026.

In stock or on its way

Public prices, without Portuguese registration.

1972 Chevrolet C10 Short Bed — LS 6.0 engine, 22/24-inch wheels61 500 €1966 Ford Mustang Convertible — California car, automatic convertible top.49 000 €1969 Plymouth Road Runner — Drag car, new 440 engine64 500 €1982 Chevrolet Corvette — 24,251 original miles, Cross-Fire Injection34 000 €1966 Ford Mustang — Red, V8, Carfax report37 500 €1968 Chevrolet K10 4x4 — Restored show truck, 46,000 original miles.64 500 €

View all stock · Can't find the model? We'll look for it for you.