Limerick
Import a car from Japan to Limerick
In short: You can import a car from Japan to Limerick in about 8 to 12 weeks. You pay the auction price, shipping, 23% VAT, VRT and (from 2026) 0% duty on documented Japan-built cars. A 2019 Toyota Aqua lands on Irish plates for about €8,059, and we handle every step, from the auction in Japan to your driveway in Limerick.
Japanese car imports in Limerick
Delivered via the M7 once your car is on Irish plates.
Limerick commuters favour economical hybrids and family MPVs such as the Toyota Sienta and Honda Freed.
Typical drive from Dublin Port to Limerick: about 2.5 hours.
How to import a car from Japan: step by step
- Tell us the carMake, model, year range, budget and must-haves. We confirm what's realistic from live auction data.
- We search the auctionsWe shortlist real cars from Japan's auctions (about 890,000 results every three months) that match your brief.
- You approve, we translateYou see photos and the translated auction sheet (grade, mileage, damage map, options) before any bid.
- We bid to your limitWe bid on your behalf and never go above the limit you set.
- Export and shippingThe car is de-registered in Japan and shipped to Dublin, usually by RoRo, in about 6 to 8 weeks.
- Customs clearanceWe clear customs (0% duty for documented Japan-origin cars, otherwise 10%, plus 23% VAT).
- VRT and registrationVRT inspection at the NCTS, VRT paid, and your Irish registration number issued.
- NCT-ready and deliveredE-marked tyres or a rear fog light if needed, then delivered on Irish plates.
What it costs: a worked example
A 2019 Toyota Aqua at the current median auction price for that year, Japan-built with documented origin (0% duty), with an illustrative Irish value of €11,000 for VRT:
| Auction price in Japan | €2,980 |
|---|---|
| Shipping to Dublin (RoRo) | €1,000 |
| Customs duty | €0 |
| Import VAT (23%) | €915 |
| VRT (estimate) | €1,155 |
| Our fee incl. VAT | €1,538 |
| Customs clearance agent | €171 |
| NCT, tyres & prep (typical) | €300 |
| Total on Irish plates | €8,059 |
Try your own car in the import cost calculator or see a real Volvo XC90 example.
Duty, VAT and VRT in one minute
- Customs duty: 0% for Japan-built cars with a statement on origin or importer's knowledge (from 1 Feb 2026); otherwise 10%. Details.
- VAT: 23% on the car, shipping and duty.
- VRT: Irish open market value × CO₂ band (7%–41%) + NOx charge. Worked examples.
- Motor tax: CO₂-based; hybrids sit in low bands.
Most popular cars to import
Volkswagen Golf
Ireland's most-imported car from Japan in 2025.
- Median at auction
- €3,144
- Sold (3 months)
- 2,761
Compared with: Toyota Corolla Sport, Mazda3, Audi A3
Volkswagen Polo
The second most-imported car from Japan, and cheap to run.
- Median at auction
- €2,643
- Sold (3 months)
- 2,277
Compared with: Toyota Yaris, Honda Fit, Suzuki Swift
Audi A3
Premium hatchback, Japanese-spec and often loaded with options.
- Median at auction
- €3,945
- Sold (3 months)
- 910
Compared with: Volkswagen Golf, Mercedes-Benz A-Class, BMW 1 Series
Honda Fit
The clever small car with 'magic seats' and huge interior space.
- Median at auction
- €1,163
- Sold (3 months)
- 15,719
Compared with: Toyota Aqua, Toyota Yaris, Volkswagen Polo
Toyota Aqua
The Prius hybrid system in a small, cheap-to-run hatchback.
- Median at auction
- €1,775
- Sold (3 months)
- 22,223
Compared with: Honda Fit Hybrid, Toyota Yaris Hybrid, Nissan Note e-Power
Toyota Yaris
Ireland's favourite supermini, available as petrol or hybrid.
- Median at auction
- €5,061
- Sold (3 months)
- 10,262
Compared with: Toyota Aqua, Honda Fit, Volkswagen Polo
Mazda2
Sold in Japan as the Demio: stylish, economical and fun to drive.
- Median at auction
- €1,252
- Sold (3 months)
- 7,574
Compared with: Toyota Yaris, Honda Fit, Suzuki Swift
Suzuki Swift
Light, fun and cheap: a favourite with first-time drivers.
- Median at auction
- €1,082
- Sold (3 months)
- 4,480
Compared with: Toyota Yaris, Mazda2, Volkswagen Polo
Mazda3
Ireland's most stylish family hatchback, badged Axela in older Japanese cars.
- Median at auction
- €7,955
- Sold (3 months)
- 1,572
Compared with: Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Corolla Sport, Honda Civic
Nissan Note
The e-Power hybrid that drives like an EV but never needs charging.
- Median at auction
- €1,686
- Sold (3 months)
- 18,088
Compared with: Toyota Aqua, Honda Fit Hybrid, Nissan Leaf
Documents you will receive
- Export certificate (Japanese de-registration)
- Auction sheet and English translation
- Bill of lading and shipping insurance
- Customs clearance entry and VAT receipt
- Origin statement where 0% duty applies
- VRT receipt and Irish registration certificate
Why buyers choose Japan to Ireland
- Irish company, Irish agreement: one written contract, stage payments and Irish consumer law.
- Door to door: auction, shipping, customs, VRT, NCT prep and registration. Not just to the port.
- You approve every car after seeing the translated auction sheet, and we never bid above your limit.
- Real data: live prices from 890,000+ auction results, and honest advice when a car is not worth importing.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to import a car from Japan to Ireland?
Roughly: the auction price, plus shipping (€1,000–€1,700), duty (0% for documented Japan-origin cars, otherwise 10%), VAT at 23%, VRT, clearance and fees. For example, a typical Toyota Aqua at a median auction price of €1,775 lands on Irish plates for about €8,059.
How long does it take to import a car from Japan to Ireland?
About 8 to 12 weeks from winning the auction to Irish plates, including 6 to 8 weeks at sea.
Is there import duty on Japanese cars in Ireland?
From 1 February 2026 Japanese-origin cars can enter at 0% duty with a statement on origin or importer's knowledge. Other cars pay 10%.
Do I pay VAT on a car from Japan?
Yes. Import VAT at 23% is charged on the car, shipping and any duty.
Do I need to register the car myself?
Not with us. We handle customs, VRT, registration and NCT preparation, and deliver the car on Irish plates.
Which cars are best to import from Japan?
Hybrids such as the Toyota Aqua, Prius and C-HR and the Honda Fit and Vezel, plus well-specified European cars like the Golf and Audi A3. See our Top 50.
Is it cheaper to import a car from Japan than buy in Ireland?
Often, by thousands, especially for hybrids and premium cars. Our 'Is it worth importing?' tool compares the two for your exact car.