Import a Car from Saudi Arabia to Ireland
VRT, customs duty and VAT guide for Saudi Arabia imports
Calculate Import VRT →Saudi Arabia Import VRT Calculator
Estimate VRT for a vehicle imported from Saudi Arabia.
Importing from Saudi Arabia to Ireland
No FTA, 10% customs duty, VRT, and 23% VAT apply.
The VRT itself is the same CO2-based calculation used for every Irish import. What changes with Saudi Arabia is the customs duty and the currency conversion (prices are typically quoted in SAR). Always budget for VRT plus customs duty plus 23% VAT when calculating your total landed cost.
Step-by-step Saudi Arabia import process
- Buy the vehicle and obtain the registration document and proof of purchase.
- Arrange shipping/transport to Ireland.
- Clear customs and pay any duty (10%) and Irish VAT at 23%.
- Book a VRT appointment and present the Certificate of Conformity with CO2 and NOx data.
- Revenue assesses OMSP, charges VRT, and you receive Irish plates.
Saudi Arabia Import Cost Example
For a car with an Irish OMSP of EUR 40,000 and CO2 of 140g/km (20% band), the VRT would be EUR 8,000 before age depreciation. Add customs duty of 10% on the value and 23% Irish VAT on the combined figure. Use the calculator above to model your specific vehicle.
Saudi Arabia Vehicle Imports to Ireland
Saudi Arabia is a right-hand drive market where luxury SUVs and pickup trucks dominate. Toyota LandCruisers, Nissan Patrols, and Range Rovers are the most common vehicles, and many are only 2–3 years old with low mileage. Saudi cars are typically well-maintained thanks to the country's extreme climate — vehicles are kept garaged and serviced regularly to cope with sand and heat. This means the bodywork and mechanicals are often in excellent condition, though check for sun damage to interior plastics and leather.
The currency is the Saudi Riyal (SAR), pegged to the US dollar at a fixed rate. Car prices are moderate — a 2021 Toyota LandCruiser VXR can be found for SAR 120,000–150,000 (roughly €29,000–€36,000). Shipping from Jeddah or Dammam to Dublin takes 2–3 weeks via the Suez Canal, with container costs of approximately €1,400–€1,800. Saudi vehicles are right-hand drive, so they're compatible with Irish roads. However, check that the vehicle has a valid Certificate of Conformity with WLTP CO2 and NOx data — some Saudi-market cars may only have local emissions documentation. Use our VRT rates page to estimate your band.
Saudi Arabia Import FAQs
What customs duty applies to Saudi Arabia imports?
Customs duty from Saudi Arabia is 10%. It is charged on the vehicle value before Irish VAT.
How is VRT calculated for a Saudi Arabia car?
VRT uses the Irish OMSP and the CO2-based bands, identical to any other import. The country of origin only affects customs duty and VAT, not the VRT rate.
Do I pay VAT on a Saudi Arabia import?
Yes. Irish VAT at 23% applies to the vehicle value plus any customs duty. This is separate from VRT.