VRT Camper Van Ireland 2026: Motor Caravan Guide

• Check whether the vehicle is factory-built or converted.
• Keep conversion evidence, invoices and photographs.
• Check seating, sleeping, cooking and storage layout before import.
• Do not assume a van automatically qualifies as a motor caravan.
• Budget for VRT plus inspection, plates, insurance and motor tax.

Revenue includes motor caravans in Category B. Since 1 July 2025, the general Category B charge uses CO₂ and OMSP: 8% or €160 (whichever is greater) up to 120g/km, and 13.3% or €266 (whichever is greater) above 120g/km. The separate €200 rule applies only to qualifying N1 vans that meet Revenue’s seat and mass conditions; it is not a general camper-van rate.

These examples assume Revenue accepts the Category B classification and OMSP. They exclude other import and registration costs.

Before importing or presenting a camper van, collect the evidence that supports the vehicle’s current condition and classification. This is especially important for converted vans where the original base vehicle may have been a panel van or commercial vehicle.

• Purchase invoice and both sides of the foreign registration document.
• Declaration of Conversion and Suitably Qualified Individual Declaration where required.
• Evidence of both CO₂ and NOx emissions.
• Conversion invoices and specification or engineer documents.
• Up to six exterior photographs: both sides, front and rear, with the registration visible where required.
• Up to nine interior photographs covering seating and table, sleeping accommodation, cooking facilities, storage and views through the interior.
• OMSP research and comparable Irish market evidence.
• Insurance quote and motor-tax planning after registration.

1. Confirm whether the conversion changes the EU vehicle category, seats, seatbelt fittings, bodywork code, mass, doors or windows.
2. Arrange the required qualified inspection and declarations before relying on a Category B estimate.
3. Submit the conversion declaration and supporting evidence through Revenue’s stated route.
4. Allow the National VRT Service to classify the converted vehicle and assess any additional VRT.
5. Keep the calculator result as a budget only; it cannot approve the conversion or classification.

For a vehicle registered abroad, Revenue says a Declaration of Conversion and Suitably Qualified Individual Declaration must be presented where the listed vehicle characteristics have changed.

For searchers asking “campervan VRT calculator” or “VRT camper van”, the main planning point is that a camper van estimate is only as good as the accepted vehicle category and OMSP. A simple percentage example can help budgeting, but it does not replace Revenue/NCTS classification.

Revenue guidance notes that Category B includes certain commercial vehicles and motor caravans. That does not mean every converted van automatically receives the treatment the buyer expects. The practical question is whether the vehicle is accepted as a motor caravan at registration and whether the documents, photographs and specification support that position.

• Check the vehicle category before relying on the purchase price.
• Keep conversion invoices, photographs and specification evidence.
• Do not assume a UK “camper” advert is enough for Irish VRT treatment.
• Use the calculator as a planning estimate, then verify classification with official guidance.

For camper vans and motor caravans, the biggest risk is not only the maths. The important question is whether the vehicle is accepted in the expected category when it is presented for registration.

Revenue requires an NCTS appointment within seven days of bringing the vehicle into the State and registration within 30 days. Keep ferry, transport or other arrival evidence. Late registration can lead to additional VRT, and an unregistered vehicle can be detained.