Ukrainians in Ireland were shown how to register a car: drivers have only 7 days.

Car Registration Procedure in Ireland in 2025

In 2025, the vehicle registration system in Ireland continues to operate under clearly established rules, requiring car owners to be attentive and comply with prescribed procedures. Whether you are buying a new car from an Irish dealership or importing it from abroad, the process requires timely paperwork and payment of relevant taxes.

As reported by Relocate.to, the registration procedure differs depending on the origin of the vehicle and the owner's status. Special attention is paid to meeting deadlines and properly completing tax documentation.

When purchasing a new vehicle from an official dealer in Ireland, most of the formalities are handled by the seller. They register the data with the Revenue tax authority, pay the vehicle registration tax (VRT), and provide the buyer with necessary documents, including the RF100 form and proof of VRT payment. The cost of this tax is typically already included in the price of the car.

The owner only needs to pay the annual motor tax, after which the Department of Transport will send the registration certificate by mail. The dealer is also required to produce and install license plates. If purchasing a new car directly from abroad, the owner will have to register it independently through the NCTS center and submit the certificate of conformity (CoC) into the Revenue system.

Importing a Vehicle to Ireland

Importing a vehicle requires a more complex procedure. When importing from European Union countries, the owner does not need to pay import duties or VAT if these taxes have already been paid in the country of origin. However, registration with the NCTS, payment of VRT, and production of number plates remain mandatory.

After importing the vehicle, the owner has 7 days to book an appointment at the NCTS and 30 days to complete the entire process.

When importing from non-EU countries, such as Ukraine, customs clearance, VAT payment, and, in some cases, duties are added. When registering, it is necessary to provide the customs declaration number (MRN). For vehicles older than 4 years, an NCT inspection is mandatory.

Ukrainian citizens residing in Ireland under the temporary protection program have the right to temporarily use their own vehicles without paying VRT and without Irish registration for 12 months. To do this, they need to have Ukrainian registration, insurance, and documents confirming ownership.

After the 12-month period, they either need to export the vehicle or register it.

When planning a long-term stay, one can apply for a waiver of VRT under the ToR scheme if the vehicle has been owned for more than 6 months before the move. Ukrainian driving licenses are recognized until the end of 2025.

Insurance is mandatory and can be arranged through Ukrainian services (if the Green Card is supported) or through Irish companies.

Let us also remind you of the extensive reform of traffic rules in Europe.

News Analysis

In 2025, the car registration procedure in Ireland remains quite complex and requires car owners to be attentive and timely. It is important to comply with legislative requirements and correctly complete all necessary documents to avoid unpleasant issues.

Importing vehicles to Ireland also has its differences and requirements, considering differences in tax systems and registration rules. Thus, before purchasing a vehicle abroad, owners should familiarize themselves in detail with all procedures and requirements of the country.