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Importing a Car into the Netherlands

What you need to know about importing your car to the Netherlands

Once you've decided to make the move to the Netherlands, you might be wondering what you should be bringing with you to your new home. Although many people choose to buy a new or second-hand car upon arriving in the Netherlands, you can also choose to import your old car into the country. There are a variety of reasons to do so, which can include both sentimental and practical reasons (for instance, if you have a car that is unique or expensive, or if you require a specific car due to a disability). 

Keep in mind that the process of importing a vehicle other than a car, such as a motorcycle, a camper van, or a caravan, may be slightly different to the process described here. However, the main steps for the process should remain similar for all of these vehicles. 

You must be 18 years or older, and registered in the BRP, to be able to import a vehicle into the Netherlands.

Importing an EU Car

If you are importing a car into the Netherlands from another EU country, then you do not need to make a Customs declaration or pay for any importation fees. However, you need to make an appointment with the Netherlands Vehicle Authority (RDW) for an assesment. 

It is important to note that if you are already registered in the Personal Records Database (BRP), you are not allowed to drive on Dutch roads with a car that has a foreign registration (license) plate which is registered under your name. In order to bring your car to the RDW assessment, you will need to either: a) request a short-term car and motorcycle, and a motor vehicle, tax exemption (which lasts for 2 weeks); b) apply to RDW for a one-day exemption; or c) hire a trailer to transport your car to the assessment.

Find an RDW inspection facility (in Dutch)

Making the Appointment

Once you have located an inspection facility, you can make the appointment. Please note, you should make the appointment via your DigiD, so it is important to ensure that you have already obtained your DigiD. To learn more about the process for obtaining this, you can visit our DigiD page.

You can make the inspection appointment on RDW's website.

What Should I Bring to the Appointment?

You will need to bring your complete original foreign registration certificate. You will not be able to keep this once it is handed in, so you should ensure that you make a copy of it for tax purposes. You will also need to bring your ID. You may also bring a Certificate of Conformity with you - however this is not mandatory.

The Appointment

At the appointment, if your car is approved by the RDW and passes its check, then it will be entered into the Dutch vehicle registration database. There is no fixed cost for the registration and the appointment, as it will vary depending upon the type of vehicle that you wish to import. 

After the Appointment

Once your vehicle has been registered in the database, you should submit a car and motorcycle tax return (BPM). You can find the form on the Dutch Tax Authority's website (in Dutch). Please note that you can only file this return on paper, and it is not possible to file this return online.

Once you have filed this tax return, within 5 working days you should receive a new registration certificate from the RDW. You will then receive a new registration code a few days after this (which you will need in case you decide to sell your car in the Netherlands).

You will now need to pay a monthly road tax on your car, as well as take out a monthly insurance for it. This is mandatory if you wish to drive your car on Dutch roads. You will also need to change the license plate of your car into a Dutch license plate. You can find a license plate manufacturer on the RDW's website (in Dutch).

Importing a Car from Outside the EU

If you wish to import a car from outside the EU, the overall procedure for importation outlined above will remain similar. However, you may need to take a few additional steps. For instance, it is important to consider whether your vehicle's lights, noise levels, and mirrors all meet the European standards in order to ensure that your car will not be rejected for importation. 

Learn more about importing a car from outside the EU

Learn more about driving in the Netherlands

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