Import a Car from Switzerland to Ireland
VRT, customs duty and VAT guide for Switzerland imports
Calculate Import VRT →Switzerland Import VRT Calculator
Estimate VRT for a vehicle imported from Switzerland.
Importing from Switzerland to Ireland
Switzerland has a bilateral agreement with the EU, so 0% customs duty. VRT and VAT apply.
The VRT itself is the same CO2-based calculation used for every Irish import. What changes with Switzerland is the customs duty and the currency conversion (prices are typically quoted in CHF). Always budget for VRT plus customs duty plus 23% VAT when calculating your total landed cost.
Step-by-step Switzerland 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 (0% (bilateral agreement)) 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.
Switzerland 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 0% (bilateral agreement) on the value and 23% Irish VAT on the combined figure. Use the calculator above to model your specific vehicle.
Swiss Car Imports: Premium and Well-Maintained
Switzerland benefits from 0% customs duty on vehicle exports to the EU under bilateral trade agreements, which makes it an interesting source for premium German cars. Swiss vehicles are known for impeccable maintenance — annual inspections (MFK) are strict, and Swiss garages use high-quality parts. BMW, Mercedes, and Porsche models are especially popular imports, often with lower mileage than their German counterparts because Swiss drivers tend to cover fewer annual kilometres.
The currency is the Swiss Franc (CHF), which is stronger than the euro, so Swiss cars tend to be priced higher. However, the quality and condition often justify the premium. Shipping from Basel or Geneva takes 3–5 days via the Rhine river to Rotterdam, then onward to Ireland, or you can drive through France to a Channel port. Container shipping costs around €700–€1,000. Swiss vehicles use WLTP testing, so CO2 and NOx data is directly accepted by Revenue. Check our OMSP guide for how Revenue values Swiss imports.
Switzerland Import FAQs
What customs duty applies to Switzerland imports?
Customs duty from Switzerland is 0% (bilateral agreement). It is charged on the vehicle value before Irish VAT.
How is VRT calculated for a Switzerland 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 Switzerland import?
Yes. Irish VAT at 23% applies to the vehicle value plus any customs duty. This is separate from VRT.