Country guide · 🇮🇪 Ireland
Apostille for importing a Japanese car to Ireland
Ireland has a strong RHD JDM enthusiast community and runs a unique import path: Revenue Commissioners handle VRT (Vehicle Registration Tax), the NCT (National Car Test) certifies roadworthiness, and the Motor Tax Office issues plates. 11,123 Japanese vehicles arrived in 2024. The MLIT Certificate of Export with Hague Apostille anchors the Revenue VRT declaration and protects against post-clearance challenges.
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The local authorities — Revenue + NCT + Motor Tax
Three Irish authorities sit in the chain: Revenue Commissioners (the Revenue national assesses VRT based on OMSP — Open Market Selling Price); NCTS (National Car Testing Service) at the NCT centre inspects roadworthiness within 30 days of registration; Motor Tax Office in your local county council issues the registration certificate and plates. The MLIT certificate with apostille is the authenticated foundation of the Revenue VRT calculation.
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Why apostille helps Revenue VRT
Revenue VRT is calculated based on Open Market Selling Price and the vehicle's declared origin/history. For Japanese imports, the MLIT certificate documents Japan-side deregistration and gives the assessor key data (engine code, date of first registration, mileage). With apostille, Revenue accepts the document at face value; without, individual assessors may request clarifications or supporting evidence, delaying VRT clearance by weeks.
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Our process for Irish importers
Email us the Certificate of Export scan. Feasibility in hours. Apostille at MoFA Tokyo in 3 working days. DHL/FedEx to Dublin, Cork, Galway, Limerick or anywhere in Ireland: 3-5 days. Total: 10-15 days door-to-door — sits comfortably within the 7-day post-arrival window to declare to Revenue. €280 flat fee. Refund guaranteed if Revenue or NCT rejects the apostille.
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Tips for Irish importers
For RHD JDM enthusiasts (R32-R34, Supra, RX-7): Ireland's RHD market makes registration straightforward — apostille avoids Revenue queries on classic-valuation imports. For NCT post-registration: book the slot while we process the apostille. For dealer fleet imports: batch scheduling cuts per-unit cost. Note: post-Brexit, vehicles transiting through Northern Ireland or UK need additional NoVA/HMRC documentation — apostille covers the Japan side only.
Ready to apostille your Ireland import?
Send us the scan of your Certificate of Export. We confirm feasibility within hours, deliver the apostilled original to Ireland in 15 days door-to-door. € 280, all-inclusive, refund guaranteed.