Bringing A Car to Netherlands
An expat wanting to bring a car to Netherlands from outside the European Union must go through 2-step process of ‘importing’ and ‘registering’ the vehicle before it can be driven.
IMPORTING A CAR TO HOLLAND
Expats with EU citizenship residing in the Netherlands cannot drive a foreign-plated vehicle longer than 3 months Holland, which is the maximum length of time allowed for tourists and visitors. Expats coming from overseas who bring a car to Netherlands must go through the import process immediately as the car will not be released from customs until the paperwork is complete.
The process of importing a foreign-registered vehicle to the Netherlands for personal use is similar whether the country of registration is part of European Union or not.
The Rijksdienst voor het Wegverkeer (RDW) is the Dutch national department of motor vehicles and road transport.
IMPORTING A VEHICLE FROM INSIDE THE EU
There is free movement of goods throughout the EU area, and this applies to all personal belongings including cars and motorcycles. However, an import permit is needed for a tax-free registration of a car or motorcycle. Permits are granted to those who have lived in another EU state for at least twelve months and who have owned the car or motorcycle for at least six months. It may not be sold for 12 months after arrival in the Netherlands. These restrictions are in place to stop Dutch residents from buying cars less expensively in Germany and then bringing them back across the border to the Netherlands.
More information about bringing an EU car to Netherlands is available on the Dutch tax bureau website
IMPORTING A VEHICLE FROM OUTSIDE THE EU
If moving to the Netherlands from a non-EU country, privately owned cars or motorcycles may be registered tax-free although a permit is required. It is advisable to apply for this permit from the customs office of the intended district of residence before arriving in the Netherlands.
More information about bringing a non-EU car to Netherlands.
DUTCH VEHICLE TAXES
If the tax-free waiver is not granted, the vehicle may still be imported, but taxes must be paid.
Information on Dutch vehicle import taxes is available on the Netherlands customs bureau (Douane Nederlands) website
Taxes that may be involved in the import process are:
- BTW – sales tax
- BPM – this is a “green” tax payable by the first person to register a car or motorcycle in the Netherlands. This does not apply to the first car for those settling in Holland if it can be shown to be part of the family’s goods and furniture on first arrival into Holland.
REGISTERING A FOREIGN CAR
Once a car is imported to the Netherlands, it must be registered with the Dutch authorities…
Before the foreign vehicle can be driven on Dutch roads the owner must:
- Have a Netherlands registration number and associated registration certificate (kentekenbewijs)
- Have Dutch license plates (kentekenplaaten)
- Have paid the applicable road tax (motorrijtuigenbelasting)
- Have Dutch vehicle insurance with third-party liability
REGISTRATION CERTIFICATE
In order to be issued with a Dutch registration certificate, the vehicle must have a technical inspection to ensure it complies with Dutch safety and emissions standards. This is done at an RDW inspection facility.
The vehicle may not be driven – not even to the test centre – unless the driver has a ‘one day registration certificate’ (eendagskentekenbewijs) which can be obtained online. Once the certificate is issued, an appointment for the test can be made.
RDW INFO TO IMPORT A VEHICLE TO NETHERLANDS
The following are required:
- The vehicle
- Proof of identity – passport or driver’s licence
- Proof of residence (bewijs van het verblijf) – an extract from the local council, property title deeds, rental contract, utility bill or insurance certificate
- Foreign registration certificate (inschrijvingsbewijzen van motorrijtuigen)
- Non-EU certificate of conformity (conformiteitsverklaring) if European type-approval has not been issued
- Certificate of conformity (certificaat van overeenstemming or CVO) if European type-approval has been issued
- Customs clearance certificate (certificaat van inklaring)
- Certificate of purchase – proof of ownership
- If the vehicle is more than 3 years old, APK test for road worthiness is required, however in the case of vehicles imported for private use, the RDW performs both tests simultaneously.
BPM SUBMISSION WHEN RELEVANT
After approval, the RDW will issue a declaration form for motor vehicle tax (BPM-aangifteformulier). This declaration must be given to the BPM customs authorities at the RDW test center.
The Dutch Customs website gives the addresses of the BPM-declaration points. Once documentation is completed, the vehicle registration certificate is sent to the owner’s residence. Drivers are responsible for obtaining their own registration plates. This can be done at a recognised garage.
The vehicle must have at least third party insurance before it may go on the roads.
ROAD TAX
Road tax (motorrijtuigenbelasting) must be paid as soon as a car or motorcycle is registered in the Netherlands. The Tax Office will send a bill for this to the owner’s mailing address. Various payment methods and terms are allowed. Pricing varies depending on the vehicle, the type of fuel and district of registration.
DUTCH REGISTRATION PLATES
Two license plates are provided for an automobile, one in the case of a motorcycle. The number plate manufacturer will register the owner’s information and stamp the Vehicle Certificate.
Provide the following:
- Proof of identity (Identiteitsdocument)
- Vehicle Certificate
- Certificate of Ownership
- For a list of authorized licence plate manufacturers see the RDW website
IMPORT & REGISTRATION SERVICE
VDS Auto Import has over 20 years of experience in importing cars as part of personal removal goods for expats. They offer full vehicle import services, from shipping to registration. Get more information.
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