Australian wanting to import into Irish Republic/UK

95746 · May 31, 2006

Hello
We are an Australian family wanting to spend 2007 in UK/Ireland/Europe. Have been trying to glean info from this site for a while and need a little help. Have decided we need a large European van (probably more than 4 tonne) which we will hopefully buy in Germany on the way over.

Now the tricky part. I understand it is difficult to register and insure a vehicle without a residential address. This may not be a problem as it appears we may be able to work in UK or Ireland. From a vehicle importing perspective is there a practical difference between these two countries?

I understand that German VAT needs to be paid and if we were going to work in the UK, we would pay UK VAT and recoup the German VAT. What happens in Ireland? Does being part of the EU make a difference?

I would very much appreciate any advice.

Lisa

DubPaul · Jun 1, 2006

Hi,

If you import a van into Ireland you might also have to pay Vehicle Registration tax (VRT). This is a dodgy tax on all vehicle imports and you can estimate it is as 25% of the value of the vehicaly in IRELAND (not the purchase price).

If you check back through the postings you will see the details on VRT as I imported my own van from Germany. You have to ensure the weight is at a certain threshhold etc etc etc.

99662 · Jun 14, 2006

Hello Lisa

It is more expensive to import a car or motorhome from Germany to Ireland due to the Irish tax system.

Better to purchase in Germany and then import to UK as you only pay 16% VAT (GST) in Germany and 17.5% VAT in the UK. When you pay the UK vat then send a receipt to the German dealer and he will repay you the 16% German VAT.

I live in WA and I am considering purchasing a Hymer in Germany but as I am British I shall register it in the UK. Not possible to register in Germany unless you live there!

You may contact me directly via pm.

Best regards,
Robert

MissEllie · Jun 14, 2006

Hi Lisa
You will need to make sure the van is over 6months old and has over 6,000 klms on the clock otherwise you are liable for VAT at 21%in Ireland even though you will have already paid it, apparently Ireland has a special dispensation from the EU to charge VAT again. You will also have to pay VRT (Vehicle Registration Tax) which is calculated at different rates, go to the Irish Government Revenue Website, address is www.revenue.ie for information. If you see a van you are thinking of buying, email Revenue and they will send you a calculation of how much you have to pay.

Good luck
Elaine

88974 · Jun 14, 2006

Hi Elaine,

Not true about the v.a.t., if you have evidence that you have paid v.a.t. in another e.u. country that holds for ireland, i.e. you pay no extra. the only thing you would have to pay is the V.R.T. If you have an irish adress then you can import and register here, V.R.T. on a van that size is fify euro.

95843 · Jun 15, 2006

yes that is true, once you have paid the VAT in another EU country and can prove so you are fine in Ireland. Once the Van is over 3 tonne you pay €50 VRT.

DubPaul · Jun 15, 2006

once the *unladen* weight of the van is over 3000kg

Australian wanting to import into Irish Republic/UK

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