Import a Car from Singapore to Ireland

Importing from Singapore to Ireland

No FTA, so 10% customs duty applies, plus VRT and 23% VAT.

The VRT itself is the same CO2-based calculation used for every Irish import. What changes with Singapore is the customs duty and the currency conversion (prices are typically quoted in SGD). Always budget for VRT plus customs duty plus 23% VAT when calculating your total landed cost.

Step-by-step Singapore 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.

Singapore 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.

What Singapore Cars Are Worth Importing

Singapore has one of the most expensive car markets in the world thanks to the Certificate of Entitlement (COE) system, which can add SGD 80,000–€100,000 to the price of a new car. That means used Singapore cars are usually only 3–5 years old when owners sell them, often with very low mileage. Premium European brands — Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Audi, and Porsche — are popular imports because they retain excellent condition and come with full dealer service histories.

Singapore uses right-hand drive, so vehicles are compatible with Irish roads without conversion. The currency is the Singapore Dollar (SGD), and cars are generally priced higher than in the UK or EU, so factor that into your budget. Shipping from Singapore to Ireland typically takes 5–7 weeks via the Suez Canal, with container shipping costs of approximately €1,400–€2,000. Roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) is not commonly available from Singapore, so container is your main option.

Singapore Import Considerations

Singapore's vehicles are well-maintained by law — annual inspections are strict and roadworthiness standards are high. However, check for rust if the car has been near the coast. You'll need the Land Transport Authority (LTA) deregistration document, the original purchase invoice, and CO2/NOx data from the Certificate of Conformity. Budget for NCT testing (€55) and any modifications needed for Irish compliance, such as rear fog lights. Use our VRT band calculator to estimate your tax before committing.