If you are importing a car into Ireland, Vehicle Registration Tax (VRT) can be one of the biggest costs to plan for. Use the calculator below to estimate your VRT bill based on the car’s OMSP value, CO₂ emissions, and NOx emissions.
Estimate Your VRT
This tool is an estimate for Category A passenger cars and is intended for planning only.
What Is VRT and Why It Matters
VRT (Vehicle Registration Tax) is a tax charged when a vehicle is registered in Ireland for the first time. If you are buying from abroad and importing, VRT can materially impact the total cost of ownership. A car that appears to be a bargain overseas may end up expensive once tax, fees, transport, and compliance costs are added.
Most private buyers focus on three major tax drivers:
- OMSP: The Revenue-estimated open market selling price in Ireland.
- CO₂ emissions: Determines the base VRT percentage band.
- NOx emissions: Adds an environmental levy in tiers.
How This VRT Tax Calculator Works
1) Base VRT from CO₂ Band
The calculator maps your CO₂ value to a VRT percentage band and applies it to OMSP. Higher emissions generally mean a higher tax percentage.
2) NOx Levy
On top of base VRT, a NOx levy is estimated using tiered rates:
- First 60 mg/km at €5 per mg
- Next 20 mg/km at €15 per mg
- Any amount above 80 mg/km at €25 per mg
The levy is capped in this estimator to avoid runaway values in edge cases.
3) Reliefs and Rebate Inputs
If you expect a relief, grant, or rebate, enter it in the relief field. The calculator subtracts it from estimated tax (never below zero).
4) Registration Fee
An indicative registration charge is added to show a practical “total payable” figure.
Example: Quick VRT Estimate
Suppose you import a vehicle with:
- OMSP: €25,000
- CO₂: 128 g/km
- NOx: 45 mg/km
- Relief: €0
In that case, the calculator applies the matching CO₂ band rate to OMSP, adds NOx levy, then shows estimated VRT and total due. This gives you a realistic planning number before you commit to purchase.
Tips Before You Import a Car
- Verify emissions from official documents: Use manufacturer certificate values where possible.
- Plan for exchange-rate movement: Imported vehicle costs can shift quickly.
- Budget for non-tax costs: transport, inspection, plates, and potential maintenance.
- Get a second estimate: compare your own calculation with official guidance before purchase.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Using purchase price instead of OMSP
VRT is generally based on OMSP, not what you paid abroad. These numbers can differ significantly.
Ignoring NOx
Some buyers only calculate CO₂-based VRT and forget NOx levy. This can lead to a budget surprise at registration time.
Overlooking relief eligibility rules
Reliefs can depend on vehicle type, timing, and policy limits. Always verify current criteria from official sources.
Important Disclaimer
This calculator is for educational and planning purposes only. VRT policy, rates, relief thresholds, and interpretations can change. Always confirm your final liability directly with the relevant official authority before purchasing or registering a vehicle.