Driving a car in Dublin without importing it

pewpewmeow · 11-12-2021 8:21pm #1

Hi folks

I'm going to relocate to Dublin from my good old Russia. Going to work in Ireland for at least a couple of years. I.e. going to be a resident

Here in Moscow, I drive my Subaru wrx sti 2004, it has unknown mileage, a good amount of tuning etc. Would really like to also use this car in Dublin, as it is my precious baby. However, looking at the importing rules, I can see that 1) getting such old and non-stock car registered with Irish plates is a pain 2) the importing fees are just insane

Is there any way to use the car in Ireland, Dublin, without all of these difficulties? I.e. do not "import" it, as most likely it will be moving with me anyway if I switch countries once again, but still paying car taxes and so on

Could not find sufficient info on the net, so asking on reddit

Thanks in advance

colm_mcm · 11-12-2021 9:18pm

This isn’t Reddit.

https://www.revenue.ie/en/importing-vehicles-duty-free-allowances/guide-to-vrt/reliefs-and-exemptions/transfer-of-residence.aspx

FishOnABike · 11-12-2021 9:26pm

Assuming your current driving licence is Russian you will need to pass the Irish driver theory test, essential driver training, apply for an Irish learner permit and pass the Irish driving test to obtain an Irish driving licence.

While you have a learner permit you cannot drive unless accompanied by a qualified driver.

Insurance for a 17 year old modified left hand drive Subaru WRX STI is going to be eyewateringly expensive. You are likely to have to get three 'we're not interested so here's an unreasonably expensive quotation' or oughtright refusals before going back to the first through Insurance Ireland's declined cases agreement and getting insurance at an extortionate rate.

You are likely to be able to avail of exemptions from VRT, duty and VAT importing the car under transfer of residence exemptions. But if you don't register the car it could be liable to seizure, fines and penalties.

Tell me how · 11-12-2021 10:05pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118307195#Comment_118307195

Gardaí (police) are extremely dangerous and highly corrupted and deeply racist.

A reminder, you are talking to a Russian......

zoe 3619 · 11-12-2021 10:06pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118307105#Comment_118307105

Jesus..that's nasty and uncalled for.

No advice on your car,but please don't think the above attitude is what you're going to have to live with.Most of us are nice and good luck with your relocation.

[Deleted User] · 11-12-2021 10:14pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118307195#Comment_118307195

Lol.

This is hilarious!

bazz26 · 11-12-2021 11:31pm

0/10 for effort.

goochy · 12-12-2021 1:07am

Sorry but corruption is not tolerated in gardai anymore since drew Harris took over.

Unfortunately the lack of East Europeans getting vacinated here is a symbol of there lack of integration in society and why decent people like myself turn against them with good reason .

Ireland won't gain from having someone from a country like Russia in it . The fact he doesn't want to follow our laws says alot . Hope to see an impreza on the back of a recovery truck heading to a hard aidan station soon

pewpewmeow · 12-12-2021 7:31am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118307039#Comment_118307039

Sorry mate, 0 replies on reddit, had to copy-paste it.

Yeah, I've checked that link before, and unfortunately seems like TOR relaxation rules are not applied to customs duty :(

Thanks all of you guys, seems like I have to sell my baby or just find a warm dry garage for it for a long-time stay.

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118307854#Comment_118307854

Chill out, sweet cheeks. Based on your attitude I guess you're earning nothing, so I'll be paying much much more taxes than you, so you can easily sit on your ass on a coach doing nothing watching TV getting social welfare payment. I agree with you in things like integration into society and such. Don't you worry about that, I'll try my best. The reason I looked for some workarounds for my car is simply that I find stupid importing it in every country that I'm going to live in, even if I'm going to move out in several years. For example, I bought the car when I worked in US, then I moved back to Russia and had to pay really high customs duty. Now I'm moving to Ireland, and will pay customs duty here too, then when I move either back to Russia or any other country in several years, I will have to pay customs duty once again. Isn't it strange? In a similar way, you don't have to pay customs duty for a personal laptop when you're moving to another country

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118307250#Comment_118307250

Thanks for support, but I don't mind this guy. He has an opinion and a freedom of speech, it's his right to not like me, I can understand that

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118307195#Comment_118307195

Lol, got you. Guess it's not worth the troubles, easier to buy a car on a domestic market

Once again, thank you guys. I'm not trying to break the system and laws, just don't want to pay extra 10k when I don't really have to

pewpewmeow · 12-12-2021 7:53am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118307087#Comment_118307087

Thanks, I'll try to get more info about if it really possible to avoid the importing fees you've mentioned. Probably as a last resort going to consult a lawyer.

As for registering the car, getting driver's license, insane insurance cost - it's ok since it all make sense to drive safely and lawfully within the country