Japan to Ireland
The journey

From there.
To here.

Every step from your first message to the keys in your hand — what we do, what you decide, and how long each part usually takes.

The whole journey at a glance

Most imports take 80–120 days from winning bid to Irish plates, plus the time it takes to find the right car.

StageTypical time
Finding the right car at auction1–4 weeks
Export papers and waiting for a sailing2–4 weeks
At sea to Ireland6–8 weeks
Customs, VRT inspection and registration1–2 weeks
NCT prep and handover1–2 weeks

Step by step

  1. Tell us what you are after

    Day 1You: share your brief

    Model, spec, colour, mileage and your total budget in Ireland. Not sure of the model? Tell us how you drive and who you carry. We set a sensible target for the landed cost.

  2. We search and shortlist

    1–4 weeksYou: review candidates

    We watch the auctions and send you cars that fit, with photos, the auction sheet translated, and our honest view of each.

  3. You approve, we bid

    Auction dayYou: sign off car and maximum bid

    You confirm the car and your maximum in writing, and pay the agreed deposit. We bid to your limit and never beyond it. If we don't win, we move to the next car.

  4. Export and shipping

    8–12 weeksYou: follow the tracker

    The car is de-registered, transported to port, export-inspected and booked on a RoRo car carrier or into a container. You get the vessel name so you can follow it.

  5. Customs and VRT

    1–2 weeks after arrivalYou: pay taxes as quoted

    We clear customs, pay duty and VAT, and present the car at an NCTS centre for the VRT inspection. Revenue assesses VRT and the car receives its Irish registration.

  6. Road-ready and handover

    1–2 weeksYou: choose NCT and delivery option

    Any agreed work (tyres, fog lamp, tint) is done, plates are fitted, and you collect the car or we deliver it to your door.

What we need from you

  • Proof of name and address for the registered owner — only an original P60, bank or financial statement, credit card statement, or utility bill (electricity, gas, TV provider, landline or bill-pay mobile). No older than 6 months. If you can't provide an original, two online statements: one utility and one bank.
  • Written approval of the car and maximum bid
  • Payments at the agreed stages
  • Your insurance arranged before collection

Ready to start your import?

Tell us the car, budget and timing — we'll reply with an honest view.