Netherlands – Buying or Importing a Car

How do I buy a new car in the Netherlands as a foreigner?

Foreign nationals are permitted to purchase a car in the Netherlands even when holding a non-Dutch driving licence, though proof of identity — typically a passport — will be required. The exact documentation needed beyond your passport depends on the type of driving licence you hold at the time of purchase.

If you already possess a valid Dutch driving licence, that document alone is sufficient for the purchase. If you are using a foreign driving licence, you will additionally need to present your original passport (not a photocopy) along with a recent extract from the civil registry of your municipality of residence — one that is no more than three months old.

To both purchase and register a car, you will generally need a Dutch BSN (Burger Service Nummer — citizen service number) along with an iDIN verification account. The BSN is assigned when you complete your registration with your local municipality, making BRP (Basisregistratie Personen) enrolment an essential preliminary step before you proceed with buying a vehicle.

Acquiring a brand-new car in the Netherlands is a considerable financial undertaking — vehicle prices are among the steepest in Europe, and buyers often face extended waiting periods before taking delivery. When you buy from an RDW-recognised dealership, the dealer handles the registration on your behalf, sparing you the need to arrange it independently.

The first registered owner of a new vehicle is required to pay a one-off BPM (belastingen op personenauto’s en motorrijwielen) charge in order to complete registration. The amount is tied to the car’s CO₂ output, which means greener and electric vehicles attract a lower BPM liability.

Paying the full price of a new car upfront is beyond the means of many buyers, so vehicle financing is widely used in the Netherlands. Expats looking to finance a purchase will typically need to supply a recent payslip, their passport or identity card, a valid residence permit, and a bank statement — all dated within the past three months, with the statement covering at least one complete month of transactions. Mainstream banks can be reluctant to lend to those without an established Dutch credit history; specialist finance providers tend to approach each application with greater flexibility.

Always confirm the current documentation requirements directly with the RDW at rdw.nl, and check the latest BPM rates with the Dutch Tax Administration at belastingdienst.nl, since these figures are revised each year.

How do I buy a used car in the Netherlands?

The second-hand market can offer more accessible prices, but purchasing a used vehicle also carries risks — buyers may have limited visibility over a car’s service record, the accuracy of its odometer reading, or whether its asking price reflects fair market value.

Online platforms have become an increasingly popular route for sourcing used vehicles. Marktplaats, a large Dutch classifieds website used for everything from household goods to cars, lists a wide range of second-hand vehicles — though verifying quality remotely can be difficult and buyers must handle all the associated paperwork themselves. Established dealer networks and BOVAG-certified outlets — BOVAG being the Dutch automotive trade body — provide stronger consumer protections and often come with warranty arrangements.

Before committing to any used vehicle, check its history using the RDW’s online vehicle history tool. The Dutch vehicle registration card (Kentekenbewijs) is a compact plastic document that conforms to EU standards and incorporates considerably more security features than older paper equivalents, including an embedded microchip storing the vehicle’s history. You can search any Dutch-registered vehicle by its licence plate number on the RDW website to review ownership details, APK status, and any recorded issues.

The formal transfer of a vehicle’s registration certificate into the name of a new owner is known in the Netherlands as tenaamstelling. When buying through a dealer, the transfer is typically handled at the point of delivery — though if the buyer holds a foreign driving licence, both the delivery and the registration must take place at the nearest RDW approval station.

Until the RDW database reflects the change of ownership, the seller continues to bear legal responsibility for the vehicle and any fines it attracts. Both parties therefore have a clear incentive to finalise the transfer on the day of the sale. To complete the transfer, you will need the vehicle registration card (kentekencard), the attribution code (tenaamstellingscode), and a valid form of identification.

To put a vehicle in your name, you must be at least 18 years old, reside in the Netherlands, and be entered in the Personal Records Database (BRP) of a Dutch municipality. Private transfers can be completed at a participating post office (postkantoor), an RDW service counter, or an RDW-approved garage.

Can I import a vehicle into the Netherlands, and how does the process work?

Anyone residing in the Netherlands who has purchased a vehicle abroad must have it registered here. The procedure differs depending on whether the vehicle originates from within the EU/EFTA area or from a country outside the EU. All vehicles must be left-hand drive, as traffic in the Netherlands moves on the right; right-hand drive cars are not eligible for standard registration.

The Netherlands has specific requirements regarding vehicle lighting: daytime running lights are compulsory on all cars, and headlights must be properly set for right-hand traffic. Imported vehicles that fall short of these requirements will need adjustments before they can pass the RDW inspection.

If you are relocating to the Netherlands, your car or motorcycle is treated as part of your personal belongings, and you are not in principle liable for taxes when bringing it in. If you have owned the vehicle for more than six months prior to your move from a non-EU country, you may qualify for an exemption from both customs duty and VAT under what is commonly called the “removal goods” or “personal effects” exemption. You should always confirm your eligibility with the Dutch Customs authority (Douane) before shipping, as specific conditions must be met.

The step-by-step process for importing a car to the Netherlands is as follows:

1. Confirm vehicle eligibility: Before importing, verify that your car meets Dutch and EU standards, especially regarding emissions and safety regulations. The Netherlands follows EU emissions standards (Euro 6 for newer vehicles).
2. Arrange transport: Ensure the vehicle meets Dutch and EU standards, then arrange for the car to be transported, either by road or by shipping.
3. Customs declaration (non-EU imports): If the car is from outside the EU, you must make a customs declaration, which can be done at the point of entry — for example, the port of Rotterdam — and customs will calculate the duties and VAT you are required to pay.
4. RDW inspection appointment: Make an appointment online with the RDW for an inspection of your car, taking the foreign registration certificate and a valid identity document, as well as supplementary documents such as a Certificate of Conformity (CoC) or foreign vehicle inspection report.
5. APK roadworthiness test: If necessary, have an APK carried out — this is a mandatory periodic technical inspection of a motor vehicle’s roadworthiness, which can also be done at the RDW inspection facility. An APK is not required if you are importing a car from an EU/EFTA country with a valid vehicle inspection report from that country.
6. File and pay BPM: File a car and motorcycle tax (BPM) return; this can also be done at the RDW inspection facility. The Tax Administration website provides more information about BPM.
7. Obtain insurance and register: Obtain Dutch car insurance and register the vehicle to receive Dutch plates.
8. Pay MRB: After you receive the registration certificate, you will have to pay motor vehicle tax (MRB).

The principal authorities responsible for vehicle imports and registration in the Netherlands are: the RDW (Netherlands Vehicle Authority) for inspections and registration; the Dutch Customs (Douane) for customs declarations and duty payments; and the Dutch Tax Administration (Belastingdienst) for BPM and MRB.

What are the costs involved in importing a car to the Netherlands?

Bringing a vehicle into the Netherlands from a country outside the EU introduces several layers of cost that can push the total outlay well above the original purchase price. A clear understanding of each element will help you plan your budget before making any commitments.

Import duty (non-EU only): When importing a vehicle from outside the EU, you pay import duties. For a car younger than 30 years, this is 10% of the purchase value and transport costs. For cars older than 30 years, no import duties apply. There is free movement of goods within the EU, meaning that if you import a car from Germany or any other EU member state, you do not pay import duties. Note that as of 2024, additional import duties apply to electric cars from China, and these additional duties will apply for a period of five years.

VAT (BTW): The Netherlands applies 21% VAT calculated on the total import value including customs duties. For qualifying classic vehicles over 30 years old, a reduced VAT rate of 9% may apply instead of the standard 21%; however, customs officials may require proof of “collector’s value” and historical significance to approve this reduced rate, and it is not automatic. Always confirm applicable rates with the Dutch Tax Administration.

BPM (private vehicle and motorcycle tax): The Netherlands imposes BPM — a one-time registration tax on private cars and motorcycles — upon first entry into the Dutch system. In contrast to EU-wide customs duty and VAT, BPM is a Netherlands-specific charge designed to steer buyers towards lower-emission vehicles. For used imports, the tax is calculated on the vehicle’s current market value after depreciation; rates are revised annually, so using the most up-to-date BPM calculator is essential. Vehicles with smaller carbon footprints attract proportionally lower BPM charges.

RDW registration fee: A modest fee is charged for entering an imported vehicle onto the RDW register; as of 2024, this is typically around €50, but always check the official RDW website for the current rate.

Compliance and modification costs: If your vehicle does not fully comply with Dutch or EU standards — for example, if headlights need to be adjusted for right-hand traffic, a speedometer needs a metric overlay, or additional safety equipment is required — you will need to factor in workshop costs. These vary widely depending on the vehicle and the work required; obtain quotes before importing.

Shipping costs: In addition to the purchase price, you pay for transportation, BPM, RDW inspection, licence plates, and possibly import duties and VAT. Ocean freight rates vary considerably depending on origin and carrier; always confirm current shipping costs with a reputable freight forwarder. The port of Rotterdam is the primary entry point for vehicles arriving by sea.

Unlike jurisdictions where vehicle import tax takes the form of a single flat-rate levy, the Dutch framework stacks three separate charges — customs duty, VAT, and BPM — on top of one another, meaning that the cumulative tax burden on a high-emission car brought in from outside the EU can easily surpass its original purchase price. Verify all current rates with Dutch Customs and the Belastingdienst before entering into any financial commitment.

How do I register a vehicle in the Netherlands?

The RDW (Rijksdienst voor het Wegverkeer) is the Dutch national body responsible for road transport and vehicle administration, and every motor vehicle driven on Dutch roads must be registered with it. Registration is referred to as tenaamstelling — literally, placing the vehicle under your name.

Before a car can be registered, several conditions must be satisfied: the vehicle must be covered by at minimum third-party liability insurance, it must have cleared the Dutch APK roadworthiness inspection, valid registration plates must be affixed, and there must be no outstanding road tax. All of these prerequisites need to be in order before the registration process can proceed.

For a new car bought from a dealership, registration is handled by the dealer on-site if the outlet holds RDW accreditation. In the case of a private purchase or an imported vehicle, you will need to attend an RDW inspection station or service counter in person. To complete registration at the RDW, you must bring a valid driving licence and a population register extract — issued within the past three months — from the municipality in which you are resident.

For imported vehicles, registration follows on from the inspection and BPM payment steps outlined in the import section above. Expats who move to the Netherlands and bring their car with them as a personal belonging are permitted to continue using their foreign plates for up to six months, after which they must apply for Dutch registration with the RDW; this requires the vehicle to undergo a physical RDW inspection.

The overall registration timeline for an import can span several weeks, depending on inspection availability and whether any technical modifications are necessary. You can book RDW inspection appointments and find service centre locations at rdw.nl.

What insurance do I need to drive legally in the Netherlands?

Taking out car insurance — at the very least, third-party liability cover (WA verzekering) — is a legal prerequisite for driving in the Netherlands. This basic level of cover pays for damage you cause to other road users and their property. Rather than operating through a state-run scheme, the Netherlands relies on a competitive private insurance market in which drivers select from a range of commercial providers.

Dutch motor insurance is generally available at three tiers: basic third-party only (WA), third-party with fire and theft cover (WA+), and fully comprehensive (allrisk). The right level of cover will depend on how new your vehicle is and what it is worth. For a recently purchased or imported car, comprehensive protection is typically the sensible choice.

Car insurance is compulsory in the Netherlands and is a regular expense alongside road tax. Insurers will ordinarily ask for your driving licence details, vehicle registration information, and your claims history. Many Dutch insurers will accept proof of a no-claims bonus built up in another country — particularly those with established bonus-malus systems — though this is handled at each insurer’s discretion, and you may be asked to provide an official no-claims letter from your previous provider.

Arriving with only a foreign driving licence may result in a higher initial premium, as some insurers find foreign licences more difficult to verify. It is well worth comparing quotes from multiple providers. The Dutch insurance market is overseen by the Dutch Central Bank (DNB) and the Netherlands Authority for the Financial Markets (AFM).

A vehicle must carry at minimum third-party liability insurance before it can be registered with the RDW. This means arranging cover is something that must happen before — not after — registration is completed.

What driving licence do I need in the Netherlands as an expat?

Following your registration in the Dutch municipality system (BRP), you are entitled to drive using a foreign licence for a maximum period of 185 days. Once that window has elapsed, you must either exchange your foreign licence for a Dutch one, or sit Dutch theory and practical tests if your licence is not eligible for direct exchange.

A direct exchange is only possible if your licence was originally issued in an EU or EFTA member state, or in a country that has concluded a bilateral agreement with the Netherlands on the basis of meeting European driving licence criteria. If your licence does not qualify, you will be required to complete driving lessons and pass both a theory examination and a practical test before a Dutch licence can be issued to you.

To begin the exchange process, arrange an appointment at your local Stadhuis (city hall) and bring the required documents. The municipality will then forward your paperwork to the Driving Test Organisation (CBR), who will carry out the exchange. From start to finish, the process typically takes between two and four weeks.

Costs associated with applying for a Dutch driving licence or exchanging a foreign one may qualify as extraterritorial expenses, potentially falling within the scope of the 30% ruling for eligible expat employees. Consult your employer’s HR department or a tax adviser to clarify your individual situation.

The authority responsible for driving licence exchange and issuance is the RDW, acting in conjunction with the CBR (Centraal Bureau Rijvaardigheidsbewijzen — Driving Test Organisation). The current list of countries covered by bilateral exchange agreements is subject to periodic updates and should be checked on the RDW website.

How do I sell a car in the Netherlands?

Selling a vehicle in the Netherlands requires transferring the registration into the buyer’s name within the RDW system and ensuring that all outstanding obligations on the vehicle have been resolved. When both parties are well prepared, the process is relatively uncomplicated.

Until the RDW database records the new owner’s details, the seller retains legal responsibility for all vehicle-related obligations and any fines that arise. It is therefore essential to finalise the transfer on the day of the sale rather than at a later date. If you are selling or trading in your vehicle to an official RDW partner dealership, the ownership transfer can be processed on the spot — you will need to present the vehicle registration card (kentekencard), the attribution code (tenaamstellingscode), and valid identification.

For private sales, the transfer can be completed at an RDW counter, an RDW-approved garage functioning as a kentekenloket, or at certain participating post offices. Both the seller and buyer are generally required to be present, although the buyer may be formally authorised to act on the seller’s behalf. As soon as the RDW system confirms the transfer, the seller’s motor vehicle tax (MRB) liability ceases automatically and the buyer’s begins.

There is no capital gains tax in the Netherlands on the private sale of a vehicle used solely for personal transport — unlike the treatment applied to property or investment assets. However, if the vehicle in question is registered to a business, different VAT and corporate tax provisions may come into play; professional advice from a Dutch tax specialist is recommended in such cases.

Prior to completing the sale, ensure that any outstanding fines, road tax arrears, and APK obligations have been dealt with. Prospective buyers will routinely check the vehicle’s history via the RDW website before proceeding. At the point of sale, you should hand over the kentekencard, the tenaamstellingscode, all sets of keys, the full service history, and any remaining warranty documentation.

What are the ongoing costs and obligations for vehicle ownership in the Netherlands?

Motor vehicle tax (MRB — motorrijtuigenbelasting): The formal name for road tax in the Netherlands is motor vehicle tax, commonly referred to by the abbreviation MRB. This tax becomes payable as soon as a motor vehicle is entered in your name on the register. The applicable rate varies according to the vehicle’s fuel type and weight, and it also differs between provinces. You begin paying from the date the licence plate is assigned to you, either on a monthly or quarterly basis.

Once your vehicle is registered, the Dutch Tax Administration (Belastingdienst) automatically sends you a payment notice; you can settle MRB via direct debit each month or by invoice every three months. Use the Belastingdienst’s MRB calculator to get an estimate of your liability based on your vehicle’s weight, fuel type, and province.

Vehicles first put into service at least 40 years ago and originally registered before 1 January 1988 may qualify for a classic vehicle exemption, potentially resulting in reduced or zero MRB. Consult the official eligibility criteria on the Government.nl vehicle tax page.

APK roadworthiness inspection: The vast majority of vehicles on Dutch roads must pass a periodic technical inspection known as the APK. Carried out at an approved garage or testing station, the APK assesses whether the vehicle is safe to drive, environmentally compliant, and correctly entered in the registration system. A vehicle without a current APK certificate is not legally permitted on public roads.

The APK is broadly comparable in purpose to the annual MOT test in the UK or the TÜV inspection in Germany, though the frequency of testing varies according to the age of the vehicle. Newly registered cars are generally exempt for an initial period, after which periodic inspections become mandatory. The premises where you take your vehicle for its APK must hold RDW approval; you can identify qualifying garages by the official “RDW erkend” sign and a sticker reading “APK lichte voertuigen” for lighter vehicles.

Mopeds, motorcycles, and vehicles more than 50 years old are generally exempt from the APK requirement, with limited exceptions for vehicles operating in public transport or carrying hazardous materials. Always verify current APK frequencies and exemptions with the RDW or via business.gov.nl.

Insurance: Once a vehicle is registered in your name, you are obliged to arrange an APK and maintain valid insurance cover. A minimum of third-party liability insurance is mandatory for as long as the vehicle remains on the register.

Registration suspension: If you plan to leave your vehicle unused for an extended period — for instance, while spending time abroad — you can suspend its registration. During a suspension, a valid APK certificate and insurance are not required, and no MRB is charged for the duration. Suspension can be arranged through the RDW website using your DigiD account, for periods of one, two, or three years.

Frequently asked questions

Can I buy a car in the Netherlands without being a resident?

You must be registered in the Dutch Personal Records Database (BRP) and be at least 18 years old to register a vehicle in your name in the Netherlands. Temporary visitors cannot register a vehicle; however, non-residents may drive a foreign-registered vehicle in the Netherlands for up to six months without registering it. Always check the latest residency requirements with the RDW.

Do I need a BSN number to buy a car in the Netherlands?

To buy a car in the Netherlands, you need a BSN (Burger Service Nummer), which is your citizen service number. This is obtained when you register with your local municipality. Without a BSN, you will not be able to complete vehicle registration in your name.

Is a right-hand drive vehicle allowed in the Netherlands?

No. The Netherlands drives on the right, and right-hand drive vehicles are not approved for standard registration. Any imported vehicle must be left-hand drive and have headlights adjusted for right-hand traffic before it can pass the RDW inspection. Confirm technical requirements with the RDW before importing.

What is BPM, and do I always have to pay it?

BPM (Bijzondere Verbruiksbelasting van Personenautos) is a one-time vehicle tax paid by the first party to register it in the Netherlands. There are exemptions — for example, a moving exemption if you are relocating to the Netherlands and your vehicle is considered part of your household effects. Always file the required BPM return with the Belastingdienst, even if you believe you qualify for an exemption.

How long does the driving licence exchange process take?

You will need to make an appointment at your local city hall; the municipality will then forward your documents to the CBR (Driving Test Organisation), and the whole process takes between two and four weeks. Drivers from countries without a bilateral agreement with the Netherlands must pass both a theory test and a practical driving test before a Dutch licence can be issued.

What checks should I carry out before buying a used car?

Before buying a used vehicle, check its history via the RDW’s online licence plate tool, which shows APK status, number of previous owners, and whether the vehicle has been reported stolen or written off. Also verify there are no outstanding fines or unpaid road tax, and confirm the seller’s identity matches the registration documents. A test drive and independent mechanical inspection are also strongly advisable.

What is the moving goods exemption for importing a car?

If you are moving to the Netherlands, your car or motorcycle is considered part of your movable property, and in principle you do not have to pay taxes for importing it. You must still file a BPM return (even though payment may be waived) and have the vehicle inspected and registered by the RDW within six months of arrival. Verify current eligibility conditions with Dutch Customs (Douane) before shipping.

Can I suspend road tax and insurance if I am not using my car?

You do not need a valid APK or insurance for a car whose registration has been suspended, and you will not need to pay MRB for the period in question; you can suspend vehicle registration for a period of one, two, or three years. Suspension can be arranged online via the RDW using your DigiD. Note that suspension means the vehicle cannot be driven on public roads during that period.