Japan to Ireland
How it worksInstant estimate
The journey

The full process,
step by step.

Our four stages, broken into seven detailed steps: what we do, what you decide, and how long each part usually takes.

From winning bid to Irish plates

2.5–3.5 months

depending on when we catch the shipping schedule from Japan to Ireland.

2–4 weeksExport papers and the next sailing6–8 weeksAt sea to Dublin Port1–2 weeksCustoms, VRT and registration1–2 weeksNCT prep and handover

Why the range? Ships from Japan to Ireland leave on fixed sailing dates. If your car is ready just before a sailing, it can be on Irish plates in about 2.5 months. If it just misses one, it waits for the next ship and takes closer to 3.5 months. We book the earliest sailing we can and send you the vessel name so you can follow it.

The whole journey at a glance

Most imports take 2.5–3.5 months from winning bid to Irish plates, depending on when we catch the shipping schedule from Japan, plus the time it takes to find the right car.

StageTypical time
Finding the right car at auction1–4 weeks
Export papers and waiting for the next sailing2–4 weeks
At sea to Ireland6–8 weeks
Customs, VRT inspection and registration1–2 weeks
NCT prep and handover1–2 weeks

Step by step

  1. Check real auction prices

    Day 1You: see an instant estimate

    Start with our instant estimate: real auction prices and the landed cost for any model. After paying the €25 search deposit you send us your full brief: model, spec, colour, mileage and total budget in Ireland.

  2. Pay the €25 search deposit

    Day 1–2You: start the search

    Your rough estimate is free. The deposit starts a live auction search. It is credited in full against our fee when you buy, and refunded if we can't find a suitable car within 30 days. Start your search.

  3. We search and shortlist

    1–4 weeksYou: review candidates

    We watch the auctions and send you cars that fit, with photos, the auction sheet translated, and our honest view of each.

  4. You approve, we bid

    Auction dayYou: sign off car and maximum bid

    You confirm the car and your maximum in writing, and pay the agreed deposit. We bid to your limit and never beyond it. If we don't win, we move to the next car.

  5. Export and shipping

    8–12 weeksYou: follow the tracker

    The car is de-registered, transported to port, export-inspected and booked on the next available sailing, on a RoRo car carrier or into a container. Catching an earlier or later sailing is what moves the total between 2.5 and 3.5 months. You get the vessel name so you can follow it.

  6. Customs and VRT

    1–2 weeks after arrivalYou: pay taxes as quoted

    We clear customs, pay duty and VAT, and present the car at an NCTS centre for the VRT inspection. Revenue assesses VRT and the car receives its Irish registration.

  7. Road-ready and handover

    1–2 weeksYou: choose NCT and delivery option

    Any agreed work (tyres, fog lamp, tint) is done, plates are fitted, and you collect the car or we deliver it to your door.

What we need from you

  • Proof of name and address for the registered owner — only an original P60, bank or financial statement, credit card statement, or utility bill (electricity, gas, TV provider, landline or bill-pay mobile). No older than 6 months. If you can't provide an original, two online statements: one utility and one bank.
  • Written approval of the car and maximum bid
  • Payments at the agreed stages
  • Your insurance arranged before collection

Ready to start your import?

See what your car really sells for with our instant estimate, then start a live search when you're ready.

Instant estimateStart your search