2025 Costs Breakdown: Importing a Japanese Car to UK, Ireland and Cyprus

Importing a Japanese vehicle into the UK, Ireland, or Cyprus in 2025 is a smart idea. It's excellent for enthusiasts and cost-conscious buyers alike. Japanese cars are rather renowned for being high-performing, low-maintenance, and affordable. The total cost, though, goes beyond the initial value of the car. From shipping charges and import duties to compliance tests and registration, various factors contribute to your overall costs.

This guide dissects all the expenses involved if you're importing a used JDM classic to the UK, an economical hybrid to Ireland, or a tough 4x4 to Cyprus. We will discuss shipping options (RoRo vs. container), import tax, VAT, IVA inspections, changes, and insurance to allow you to budget properly. This blog post will make you fully aware regarding what to anticipate when importing a vehicle from Japan in 2025.

1. Cost of Importing a Japanese Car to the UK (2025 Breakdown)

You should know every cost associated with importing a Japanese car to the UK in 2025. The prices differ based on the car but, you need to keep other costs in mind as well. Given below is the complete breakdown of Japanese car import cost UK:

A. Buying Price & Shipping Charges

The Japan car shipping cost UK varies based on the model, age, and condition. After purchasing, you can transport it via two methods:

RoRo (Roll-on/Roll-off) shipping: £800–£1,500 (less expensive but less secure)

Container shipping: £1,500–£3,000 (more secure, ideal for high-value cars)

2. UK Import Taxes & Charges

Import duty: 10% of the overall value of the car (shipping & insurance included)

VAT: 20% import duty VAT UK on the total value of the car 

3. Making It Road Legal

Japanese Car IVA Inspection Cost: £200–£450 (required to register in the UK)

DVLA registration fee: £55 (or £220 for a first-time registration)

Japanese Car Modifications UK: £500–£2,000 (may require MPH speedo, headlight conversion, etc.)

4. Other Expenses to Consider

Insurance: £300–£1,000 annually (varies on the car and your record)

Delivery from port: £100–£300

2025 Costs Breakdown: Importing a Japanese Car to Ireland

Having a Japanese car imported into Ireland in 2025 is a great method for obtaining a quality vehicle at an affordable price. However, other than the purchase price, shipping, duty, and compliance fees need to be factored. Below is a detailed analysis of what it will cost when importing a car from Japan into Ireland.

1. Purchase Price & Shipping Charges

The price of your preferred vehicle will differ depending on its model, age, and condition. Shipping Options from Japan to Ireland:

RoRo (Roll-on/Roll-off) Shipping: €1,000–€2,000 (cost-effective but less protection)

Container Shipping: €2,000–€4,000 (more secure, best for luxury or classic cars)

2. Irish Import Taxes & Charges

Customs Duty:

10% of the car's CIF value (Cost + Insurance + Freight) for imports from outside of the EU.

VAT (Value Added Tax):

Import car cost Ireland Japan is 23% of the total value (car price + shipping + duty).

3. Vehicle Registration Tax (VRT)

One of the largest costs of importing a car into Ireland is the VRT, calculated on:

CO2 emissions

Engine size

Car age

Estimated VRT Costs:

Low-emission hybrids: €1,000–€3,000

Mid-range petrol/diesel: €3,000–€7,000

High-performance/large engines: €7,000–€15,000+

4. Compliance & Registration Fees

The Japanese car compliance cost Ireland involves:

NCT (National Car Test):

€55 for the test (compulsory for registration)

Other adjustments (as required): €200–€1,500 (for instance, speedometer alteration, lighting modifications)

Registration & Plates:

Registration fee: €60

Number plates: €50–€100

5. Extra Expenses

Insurance:

€500–€1,500/year (depending on model, age, and driving history)

Transport from Port to Home:

€150–€400 (distance dependent)

2025 Costs Breakdown: Bringing a Japanese Vehicle to Cyprus

Importing a Japanese vehicle to Cyprus in 2025 provides a good chance to find a good, quality car at reasonable prices. It is extremely important to grasp the full cost hierarchy. Here's your full guide to importing a Japanese vehicle to Cyprus.

1. Purchase Price & Shipping Fees

The original price of your Japanese car will vary based on the model, age, and condition. Right-hand drive models are popular in Cyprus and fit perfectly onto local roads.

Shipping Methods from Japan to Cyprus:

RoRo Shipping: €1,200–€2,500 (cost-effective but little protection)

Container Shipping: €2,500–€5,000 (better protection, ideal for luxury/classic vehicles)

2. Cyprus Import Duties and Taxes

Customs Duty:

10-30% of CIF value (Cost + Insurance + Freight), depending on:

Engine size (<1500cc: 10%, 1500-2000cc: 20%, >2000cc: 30%)

Vehicle age (older vehicles can qualify for discounts)

VAT (Value Added Tax):

19% of overall value (car price + shipping + customs duty)

3. Special Consumption Tax (SCT)

Cyprus charges an extra Special Consumption Tax on the basis of:

CO2 emissions

Engine displacement

Fuel type

Estimated SCT Costs:

Hybrids/small engines: €500–€2,000

Mid-range cars: €2,000–€5,000

Large engines/4x4s: €5,000–€15,000+

4. Compliance & Registration

Roadworthiness Inspection:

€150–€300 (compulsory technical check-up)

Modifications: €300–€2,000 (can necessitate lighting adjustments, speedometer conversion)

Registration Fees:

First registration: €200–€500

Number plates: €100–€200

5. Extra Charges

Insurance:

€400–€1,200/annum (dependent on model and driver profile)

Port Handling & Transport:

€200–€500 (to your destination)

Key Comparison Table

This Japan car import cost 2025 comparison shows why the UK remains most popular:

Conclusion

Japanese car import to UK, Ireland, or Cyprus in 2025 is a wise decision. It's perfect for customers seeking reliability, performance and value all in one. Although the upfront price might be appealing, don't forget to include shipping, taxes, and compliance charges. This is different for each country. UK surprisingly has the most straightforward procedure with stable 10% duty + 20% VAT, amounting to £8,355–£30,870. Whereas for Ireland, it adds VRT (€1k–€15k), making hybrids and small engines more economical (€10,360–€52,700). Moreover, Cyprus has the highest potential costs because of it's engine-based duty (10–30%) + SCT (€500–€15k), reaching €12,950–€67,600. Furthermore, go for RoRo shipping for budget cars and containers for classics, and always verify taxes before purchasing. Importing definitely unlocks unique models at great prices.

FAQs

1. What is the most affordable shipping from Japan to the UK?

RoRo costs £800-£1,500 but is not as protective as container shipping (£1,500-£3,000).

2.Ho w does VRT affect the cost to import car from Japan Ireland?

VRT is between €1,000 for hybrids and €15,000+ for high-performance vehicles based on emissions and engine size.

3. Why are Cyprus imports higher than the UK?

Cyprus imposes Special Consumption Tax (€500-€15,000) and elevated engine-based customs duty (10-30%) above regular 19% VAT.

4. Do UK modifications need changes?

Yes, anticipate £500-£2,000 for MPH speedometers, headlight setup, and other IVA compliance adaptations.

5. How does the Japan car import process UK compare to Ireland/Cyprus?

The UK has the easiest system with fixed 10% duty + 20% VAT and no emissions-based charges.