Volkswagen VRT Calculator
Calculate VRT for VW vehicles importing to Ireland
Calculate Volkswagen VRT →Volkswagen VRT Calculator
Calculate VRT for your Volkswagen with model-specific considerations.
Volkswagen Import Value
VW offers excellent value for Irish imports. Known for reliability, efficiency, and strong residuals, VW models consistently deliver competitive VRT rates across their range.
VW VRT Champions
- Golf 1.4 TSI: Perfect efficiency balance
- Polo 1.0 TSI: Low emissions, great value
- ID.3/ID.4: Electric models with maximum relief
Popular VW Models and Their VRT Costs
The Volkswagen range spans everything from the city-sized Polo to the Touareg SUV, so VRT bills vary a lot depending on which model you bring in. Good news is that VW's smaller petrol engines are among the most VRT-friendly options in the Irish import market right now.
VRT by Model
- Polo 1.0 TSI (95g CO2): Cheapest VW to register, sitting in the 14% band. A 2021 Polo at 16,000 OMSP means roughly 2,240 in VRT.
- Golf 1.5 TSI (115g CO2): Also in the 14% band. The Golf is the single most imported VW model in Ireland, and the 1.5 TSI is the pick of the range for VRT purposes.
- Passat 2.0 TDI (135g CO2): Moves up to 16%. A 2020 Passat valued at 28,000 would be about 4,480 in VRT.
- Tiguan 2.0 TDI (155g CO2): Hits the 20% band. Strong Irish demand keeps resale values high, but VRT is steeper than a Golf.
- ID.3 and ID.4 (0g CO2): Electric means up to €5,000 VRT relief applies (tapering to zero at €50,000 OMSP), so most pay €0.
What to Watch For
The 1.0 TSI and 1.5 TSI petrol engines are the sweet spot for VW imports right now. They avoid the uncertainty around diesel resale values and deliver genuinely low CO2 figures. If you are importing a used Golf or Passat from the UK, check the DSG gearbox service history. These gearboxes are reliable with regular oil changes but expensive to replace if neglected.
Popular Volkswagen Models and Their VRT in Ireland
If you are browsing donedeal or Carzone for a VW to bring home, you will see certain models pop up again and again. There is a reason for that. The Golf and Polo dominate the Irish import market because they sit in lower VRT bands and hold their value well once registered here. The Tiguan is climbing fast in popularity too, especially among families who want an SUV without paying Touareg-level insurance.
The Polo 1.0 TSI is probably the easiest VW to import on a budget. A 2020 model with around 40,000 miles on the clock will typically be valued between 14,000 and 17,000 OMSP. With CO2 emissions around 95g/km, you are looking at the 14% VRT band. That puts your VRT bill somewhere between 1,960 and 2,380 depending on the exact valuation. For a car that costs under 20,000 all in, that is hard to beat.
The Golf 1.5 TSI is the one most people end up buying. It is the most imported VW in Ireland and for good reason. CO2 sits around 115 to 125g/km depending on the spec, which keeps you in the 14% band. A 2021 Golf at 22,000 OMSP would cost roughly 3,080 in VRT. The Passat 2.0 TDI pushes into the 16% band because diesel emissions are higher, around 130 to 140g/km. A 2020 Passat at 26,000 OMSP works out to about 4,160 in VRT.
The Tiguan 2.0 TDI lands in the 20% band with emissions around 150 to 160g/km. That same 26,000 OMSP Tiguan would cost you 5,200 in VRT. The electric ID.3 and ID.4 qualify for up to €5,000 VRT relief (tapering to zero at €50,000 OMSP). A 2022 ID.3 at 28,000 OMSP would pay €0 in VRT after relief. That makes electric VWs some of the cheapest cars to register in Ireland right now.
Volkswagen VRT Costs: Real Examples
Numbers on a page are one thing. Working through actual cars with real prices is another. Here are four examples based on cars that have recently sold on the UK market and been imported to Ireland.
Example one: a 2021 Polo 1.0 TSI with 35,000 miles. UK purchase price was around 14,500. OMSP valued at 16,000. CO2 emissions are 94g/km, so the VRT rate is 14%. VRT comes to 2,240. Add that to the purchase price and you are at 16,740 total. Road tax for a petrol Polo is about 190 a year, which is nothing.
Example two: a 2020 Golf 1.5 TSI Style with 42,000 miles. UK price was 18,200. OMSP valued at 21,500. CO2 sits at 121g/km, keeping it in the 14% band. VRT is 3,010. Total cost including VRT is 21,210. For a fully loaded Golf with heated seats and a digital dash, that is solid value.
Example three: a 2019 Passat 2.0 TDI Elegance with 58,000 miles. UK price was 17,800. OMSP valued at 24,000. CO2 is 137g/km, which puts it in the 16% band. VRT is 3,840. Total comes to 21,640. The Passat loses more to age depreciation than the Golf, which helps bring the OMSP down.
Example four: a 2022 Tiguan 2.0 TDI R-Line with 28,000 miles. UK price was 29,500. OMSP valued at 33,000. CO2 is 153g/km, landing in the 20% band. VRT is 6,600. Total is 36,100. The Tiguan is not cheap to register, but it holds its value extremely well in Ireland so you get a lot of that back when you sell.
Volkswagen vs Other Brands on VRT
VW sits in an interesting spot when you compare it to other brands on VRT costs. It is not the cheapest option, but it is not the most expensive either. Here is how it stacks up against three brands you will see a lot on the Irish import market.
Ford is generally cheaper on VRT. The Fiesta 1.0 EcoBoost is one of the cheapest cars to register in Ireland, with CO2 around 100g/km putting it in the 14% band at a lower OMSP than most Golfs. A 2021 Fiesta at 14,000 OMSP would be about 1,960 in VRT. The Focus 1.0 EcoBoost is similar. Ford's small engines are genuinely low emission, which keeps VRT down. The trade-off is that Fords tend to depreciate faster than VWs, so you pay less upfront but lose more over time.
Toyota is a mixed bag. The Yaris and Corolla hybrids are excellent on VRT because their CO2 figures are very low. A 2021 Corolla 1.8 Hybrid at 20,000 OMSP would be around 2,800 in VRT at 14%. But the RAV4 and Land Cruiser hit higher bands. Toyota's big advantage is reliability, which means used imports tend to have higher OMSP values because they last longer. That pushes VRT up compared to a similar-age VW.
BMW is consistently more expensive. A 3 Series 2.0 diesel sits in the 20% or 24% band depending on the exact model, and the OMSP is higher because BMWs command premium prices. A 2020 320d at 30,000 OMSP with 145g/km CO2 would be about 6,000 in VRT. That is nearly double what you would pay on a similar-age Passat. The 5 Series and X5 push even higher. BMW owners pay a premium for the badge and VRT reminds you of that every time.
Buying a Volkswagen in Ireland vs Importing
The big question most people face is whether to buy a VW on the Irish market or import one from the UK. There is no single right answer because it depends on the model, the age, and how much hassle you are willing to deal with.
Importing from the UK is usually cheaper on paper. A 2021 Golf 1.5 TSI that costs 24,000 on DoneDeal might be 18,500 in the UK. Even after paying VRT of around 3,010, registration fees of about 150, and shipping of roughly 500, your total is 22,160. That saves you about 1,840 compared to buying locally. For a Tiguan the saving is bigger because the OMSP is higher, sometimes 3,000 or more.
But there are costs people forget about. Currency exchange rates matter. If sterling is strong against the euro, your saving shrinks. You also need to budget for an Irish NCT once the car arrives, and potentially for any work needed to bring it up to Irish standards. Some UK cars have speedometers in miles, which is fine legally but means you need to learn your braking distances in a new unit.
The biggest headache with importing is the paperwork. You need to get the VRT appointment at your local motor tax office, bring the UK logbook, proof of purchase, and the car itself for inspection. The process can take a few weeks from buying the car to having it registered, and during that time you cannot legally drive it on Irish roads. If you buy locally, you drive it away the same day. For people who need a car quickly, that convenience is worth paying extra for.
My general advice is this: import if you are buying a Golf, Polo, or Passat and you have a few weeks to sort the paperwork. The savings are real. But if you are buying a Tiguan or Touareg, check the Irish prices first because dealers sometimes discount them heavily to move stock, which narrows the gap.
Volkswagen Diesel vs Petrol VRT Comparison
One of the most common questions for VW importers is whether to choose a diesel or petrol engine. The answer has shifted notably in recent years, and the old assumption that diesel is always the VRT-friendly choice no longer holds true. The VRT system in Ireland taxes vehicles primarily on CO2 emissions, but the NOx levy on diesel cars has changed the calculation considerably.
A Volkswagen Golf 1.5 TSI petrol produces around 115 to 125g/km CO2 depending on the specification, which puts it in the 14 percent VRT band. The Golf 2.0 TDI diesel produces about 130 to 140g/km, which places it in the 16 percent band. On a car valued at 22,000 OMSP, the petrol Golf has a VRT of roughly 3,080, while the diesel Golf costs about 3,520. That is a 440 difference in favour of petrol. But the petrol Golf also avoids the NOx levy entirely, while the diesel Golf attracts an additional 500 to 1,000 in NOx charges depending on the year. When you factor everything in, the petrol Golf saves you about 1,000 to 1,500 on the total tax bill compared to the diesel.
The gap widens on larger models. The Passat 2.0 TDI produces around 135g/km CO2 and sits in the 16 percent band. A 2021 Passat at 28,000 OMSP attracts VRT of roughly 4,480 plus a NOx levy of 600 to 1,200. The equivalent petrol Passat, the 1.5 TSI, produces about 125g/km and sits in the 16 percent band, with a VRT of roughly 3,920 and no NOx levy. The total tax saving for the petrol is about 1,200 to 1,700. The diesel still offers better motorway fuel economy, so the right choice depends on your annual mileage. If you do over 25,000 kilometres a year, the diesel's fuel savings can offset the higher tax within two to three years. For lower mileage drivers, the petrol VW is the more tax-efficient option.
Which Volkswagen Models Offer the Best VRT Value in 2026
Volkswagen's range spans from the city-sized Up to the Touareg SUV, and the VRT you pay varies enormously depending on which model you bring in. Some VW models are remarkably tax-efficient, while others can cost you thousands. Here are the models that currently offer the best balance of purchase price, VRT cost, and long-term value for Irish importers.
The Volkswagen Golf 1.5 TSI is the standout choice for VRT efficiency in the VW range. With CO2 emissions around 115 to 125g/km, it sits in the 14 percent VRT band. A 2021 Golf 1.5 TSI Style with 40,000 kilometres on the clock typically carries an OMSP of 22,000, giving a VRT bill of roughly 3,080 before age relief. The Golf is the most imported VW in Ireland, which means strong resale demand and plenty of parts availability. The 1.5 TSI engine is the pick of the range for VRT because it offers the lowest CO2 for the most popular Golf model.
The Volkswagen Polo 1.0 TSI is the most VRT-efficient VW you can buy. With CO2 emissions as low as 95g/km, it qualifies for the 14 percent band at the lowest end. A 2021 Polo 1.0 TSI Life at 16,000 OMSP would cost roughly 2,240 in VRT before age relief. The Polo is cheap to insure, fuel-efficient, and holds its value reasonably well. For a first-time import or a budget-conscious buyer, the Polo offers the lowest total cost of any VW import.
The Volkswagen ID.3 and ID.4 electric models offer the lowest VRT of any VW. As full EVs, they qualify for up to €5,000 VRT relief (tapering to zero at €50,000 OMSP), so most pay €0. A 2022 ID.3 Pro Performance at 28,000 OMSP would cost €0 in VRT. The ID.4 at 35,000 OMSP would also cost €0 in VRT. These figures are dramatically lower than any petrol or diesel VW, and the running costs are lower too. The catch is the higher purchase price of electric VWs, but if you can afford the upfront cost, the VRT saving alone makes them an attractive option.
Volkswagen Maintenance and Resale Value After VRT
One aspect of VW ownership that many importers overlook is how the maintenance history and resale value interact with the initial VRT investment. The VRT you pay is a sunk cost, but a well-maintained Volkswagen with full service history will recoup a larger portion of that cost when you sell the car. Understanding this dynamic helps you make smarter choices about which VW to import and how to maintain it.
The Volkswagen Golf and Passat are the strongest performers on resale value in the Irish market. A 2021 Golf 1.5 TSI that cost 22,000 to import with 3,080 in VRT will still be worth around 16,000 to 18,000 after three years of ownership. That means you recoup approximately 2,000 to 2,500 of your initial VRT investment through the car's retained value. The Passat is similar, with three-year-old examples retaining about 55 to 60 percent of their import value. The Tiguan and Touareg hold their value even better because SUVs are in high demand in Ireland, with three-year-old Tiguans retaining 60 to 65 percent of their import value.
Maintenance costs are also a factor. Volkswagen parts are widely available in Ireland and prices are reasonable compared to premium German brands like Audi and BMW. A service at an independent VW specialist costs roughly 200 to 350, while a main dealer service is 350 to 500. The key is to keep the service book stamped and to use genuine VW parts where possible. A car with full VW main dealer history will sell for 1,000 to 2,000 more than one with independent garage history. That premium partly offsets the higher cost of dealer servicing and helps you recover more of your VRT investment when you sell.
Volkswagen VRT FAQs
How is VRT calculated on a Volkswagen import?
VRT on a Volkswagen is calculated using the standard Irish system based on the car's CO2 emissions and its Open Market Selling Price as assessed by Revenue. For Volkswagen models, the OMSP tends to be closely aligned with the actual market price because the brand has a large market share in Ireland, which gives Revenue plenty of data to work with. Unlike some premium brands where the OMSP can notably exceed the purchase price, VW valuations are generally predictable.
Revenue starts by setting the OMSP based on the car's make, model, engine, year, mileage, and condition. For VW models, this is usually within 5 to 10 percent of what you might expect to pay for a similar car on the Irish market. After setting the OMSP, Revenue applies age-related depreciation using the standard scale. The adjusted value is then multiplied by the VRT rate that corresponds to the car's CO2 emissions.
The VRT rate bands for Volkswagen imports are:
- 0–50g/km: 7% (ID.3/ID.4 electric)
- 51–80g/km: 9%
- 81–85g/km: 9.75%
- 86–90g/km: 10.5%
- 91–95g/km: 11.25%
- 96–100g/km: 12%
- 101–105g/km: 12.75%
- 106–110g/km: 13.5%
- 111–115g/km: 15.25%
- 116–120g/km: 16% (Polo 1.0 TSI, Golf 1.5 TSI)
- 121–125g/km: 16.75%
- 126–130g/km: 17.5%
- 131–135g/km: 19.25%
- 136–140g/km: 20% (Golf 2.0 TDI, Passat 2.0 TDI)
- 141–145g/km: 21.5%
- 146–150g/km: 25%
- 151–155g/km: 27.5%
- 156–170g/km: 30% (Tiguan 2.0 TDI)
- 171–190g/km: 35% (Golf R, Touareg V6)
- 191g/km and above: 41% (Touareg V8/W12)
Electric VW models like the ID.3 and ID.4 qualify for up to €5,000 VRT relief (tapering to zero at €50,000 OMSP), so most pay €0. This is the single biggest VRT-saving option in the VW range.
Which VW model has the lowest VRT?
The Volkswagen models with the lowest VRT are the ID.3 and ID.4 electric cars, which qualify for up to €5,000 VRT relief (tapering to zero at €50,000 OMSP) and pay €0 in practice. A 2022 ID.3 Pro Performance at 28,000 OMSP would cost €0 in VRT, making it the cheapest VW to register in Ireland by a wide margin. Among petrol and diesel models, the Polo 1.0 TSI and Golf 1.5 TSI are the most tax-efficient.
The Polo 1.0 TSI is the most VRT-efficient combustion VW. With CO2 emissions as low as 95g/km, it qualifies for the lowest 14 percent band. A 2021 Polo 1.0 TSI at 16,000 OMSP would cost roughly 2,240 in VRT before age relief. The Golf 1.5 TSI is close behind at 115 to 125g/km, also in the 14 percent band. A 2021 Golf at 22,000 OMSP would cost about 3,080 in VRT. The difference between the two reflects the Golf's higher OMSP rather than a difference in the VRT rate.
The ID.3 is worth considering seriously if you can stretch to the purchase price. The VRT of 1,400 on a 28,000 car compares to 3,080 on a similar-size Golf petrol. Over a five-year ownership period, the ID.3 saves you about 1,680 in VRT and roughly 3,000 to 4,000 in fuel costs compared to the Golf. The total cost of ownership can be lower for the ID.3 even though the purchase price is higher, especially if you can charge at home on a cheap electricity tariff.
Is the VW Golf GTI expensive to import for VRT?
The Volkswagen Golf GTI is more expensive to import than a standard Golf, but the VRT premium is smaller than you might expect for a performance car. The GTI produces around 145 to 155g/km CO2 depending on the year and specification, which puts it in the 20 percent VRT band. That compares to 14 percent for the standard 1.5 TSI Golf. On a car valued at 30,000 OMSP, the GTI's VRT is roughly 6,000, while the standard Golf costs about 4,200. The GTI premium is about 1,800 in VRT.
This is actually quite reasonable compared to performance versions of other brands. A BMW M135i, which competes with the Golf R, produces around 175g/km and sits in the 24 to 28 percent bands. The Golf R itself produces about 180g/km and sits in the 24 to 28 percent range, with a VRT of 7,200 to 8,400 on a 30,000 OMSP. The GTI is notably cheaper to register than the R, while still offering most of the performance that buyers want.
The GTI also holds its value extremely well in Ireland. A three-year-old GTI typically retains 60 to 65 percent of its original value, compared to 55 to 60 percent for a standard Golf. That strong resale value partially offsets the higher VRT, because you recoup more of the initial tax when you sell. If you are a driving enthusiast and want a performance car that does not bankrupt you on VRT, the GTI is one of the best options in the market. Just be aware that the previous-generation GTI with the older EA888 engine produces higher CO2 than the current model, so the year matters for the VRT calculation.
What is the NOx levy on VW diesel imports?
The NOx levy is an additional charge applied to diesel vehicles in Ireland, calculated based on the vehicle's nitrogen oxide emissions. It is separate from the CO2-based VRT and can add between 500 and 2,500 to your total bill depending on the age and emissions standard of your VW diesel engine. This levy has become a notable factor in the decision to import diesel Volkswagens, particularly older models.
Volkswagen's diesel engines have been under intense scrutiny since the 2015 emissions scandal, and many of the company's older TDI engines produce higher NOx emissions than newer models. A pre-2016 VW Golf 2.0 TDI with the EA189 engine can attract a NOx levy of up to 2,400. A 2018 model with the EA288 evo engine produces much lower NOx and attracts a levy of around 800 to 1,200. The latest 2021 onwards EA288 evo engines with twin-dosing AdBlue technology produce minimal NOx and attract the lowest levy of around 500 to 700.
The NOx levy is charged at the time of VRT payment and is non-negotiable. For a 2018 Golf 2.0 TDI with a CO2-based VRT of 3,520 and a NOx levy of 1,000, your total tax payment is 4,520. That is an extra 28 percent on top of the standard VRT. If you are considering a diesel VW import, factor the NOx levy into your budget from the start. The newer the car, the lower the NOx levy. The best approach is to target 2020 or newer VW TDI models with the latest emissions technology.
Can I challenge the OMSP on my VW import?
Yes, you can challenge the OMSP that Revenue assigns to your Volkswagen, and this is more common with VW imports than with some other brands because the Irish market has excellent data on VW pricing. Revenue's database is generally accurate for popular models like the Golf, Polo, and Passat, but less so for niche models, unusual specifications, or cars with higher-than-average mileage.
The evidence you need to challenge the OMSP is straightforward. Collect listings from DoneDeal, Carzone, and Motors.ie showing comparable VW models for sale at prices lower than the OMSP Revenue has assigned to your car. Focus on cars with the same model, engine, year, and approximate mileage. At least five to eight listings give you a solid evidence base. Listings that have been online for more than two weeks are more persuasive because they show the market is not willing to pay the asking price.
You submit your evidence at the VRT appointment or through Revenue's online portal. The officer reviews your evidence against their database. If they agree that the market value is lower, they adjust the OMSP and recalculate the VRT. For a Golf at 22,000 OMSP and 14 percent VRT rate, a successful challenge reducing the OMSP by 2,000 saves you 280. For a Passat at 28,000 OMSP and 16 percent, a 2,000 reduction saves 320. The savings are not enormous on VW models because the margins are smaller than on premium cars, but it is worth doing if you have solid evidence. The process takes about 15 minutes and costs nothing.
Is it cheaper to import a VW or buy one in Ireland?
For most Volkswagen models, importing from the UK is cheaper than buying from an Irish dealer, but the savings are smaller than they are for premium brands. This is because Volkswagen has a strong Irish dealer network with competitive pricing, and the UK-Irish price gap is narrower for mass-market brands than for premium ones. The saving typically ranges from 1,500 to 3,500 depending on the model and age.
A 2021 Golf 1.5 TSI Style that costs 17,500 in the UK provides a realistic example. Revenue sets the OMSP at 22,000. The VRT at 14 percent with 20 percent age depreciation comes to 2,464. Customs duty at 10 percent is 1,750, and VAT at 23 percent on the duty-inclusive value is about 4,428. Shipping adds roughly 500. Your total additional costs are about 9,142, and the all-in price is 26,642. A similar Golf from an Irish dealer would cost around 29,000 to 31,000. You save about 2,500 to 4,500 by importing.
A 2021 Polo 1.0 TSI at 12,500 in the UK gives an all-in cost of about 18,500 after VRT, duty, VAT, and shipping. An Irish dealer would sell the same car for about 20,000 to 21,000. The saving of 1,500 to 2,500 is still worthwhile but may not justify the hassle for some buyers, especially if you need the car quickly. The key is to check Irish prices before you commit. The savings are biggest on the Golf and Passat, smaller on the Polo and Up, and heavily model-dependent on the Tiguan and Touareg.
What documents do I need to import a VW from the UK?
Importing a Volkswagen from the UK requires the same standard set of documents as any other UK car import. The process is well-established and straightforward if you have everything in order. VW models are among the most commonly imported cars in Ireland, so Revenue handles these registrations regularly and the process is usually smooth.
The essential documents are:
- UK V5C registration certificate: The UK logbook. Make sure the seller signs it to confirm the sale. This is the single most important document for the import process.
- Proof of purchase: A receipt or invoice from the seller. Revenue does not use this to set the OMSP, but they need it for their records.
- Certificate of Conformity: VW provides these for all models sold in Europe. It confirms the car meets EU standards and includes the official CO2 and NOx data. If the car does not have a CoC, you can request a duplicate from any VW dealer for a fee of around 50 to 100.
- Proof of identity: Your passport or Irish driving licence.
- Proof of address: A utility bill or bank statement.
- Insurance certificate: Proof that the car is insured for the journey to Ireland.
If the car is over four years old, you also need a valid NCT certificate. The NCT must be done within 30 days of registration, but doing it beforehand saves you a second trip. VW-specific extras that are useful include the service history booklet and any receipts for major work like timing belt changes or DSG gearbox servicing. The DSG gearbox service is particularly important for VW imports because a neglected DSG can cause expensive problems. Buyers often check this specifically when buying a used Golf or Passat.
How does the VW ID electric relief work?
The Volkswagen ID.3, ID.4, and ID.5 electric models qualify for up to €5,000 VRT relief (tapering to zero at €50,000 OMSP). This is the same relief that applies to all fully electric cars and it dramatically reduces the VRT you pay. The relief is a flat €5,000 deduction from the VRT, tapering to zero for vehicles over €50,000 OMSP. For VW ID models, the effective rate is almost always 5 percent because their CO2 is zero, which places them in the lowest band.
The calculation is straightforward. An ID.4 with an OMSP of 38,000 emits 0g/km CO2, placing it in the 7% band, so the VRT before relief is 38,000 times 7 percent, which is 2,660. The up to €5,000 relief then reduces this to €0. Without the relief, the same car would cost 2,660 in VRT.
A practical comparison makes the benefit clear. An ID.3 Pro Performance at 28,000 OMSP costs €0 in VRT with the EV relief. A comparable Golf 1.5 TSI at 22,000 OMSP costs about 3,080 in VRT. The ID.3 saves you about 1,680 on the VRT alone. When you add in fuel savings of approximately 600 per year compared to petrol, the total saving over five years is around 4,680. The ID.3 has a higher purchase price than the Golf, but the lower VRT and running costs narrow the gap notably. If you can charge at home and your daily driving is within the ID.3's 400 kilometre range, the electric VW offers the lowest total cost of any new VW import.