If you live in the Netherlands and have bought a car abroad (for import), you must get it registered in the Netherlands. After you get the registration certificate, you will have to pay motor vehicle tax (MRB). You will also have to get registration plates and take out car insurance (at the very least, third party liability insurance (WA verzekering).
Registering your car in the Netherlands
Follow these steps to register your car in the Netherlands:
- Make an appointment online with the Netherlands Vehicle Authority (RDW) for an inspection of your car. Take the foreign registration certificate and a valid identity document to the appointment, as well as any supplementary documents like a Certificate of Conformity (CoC), a foreign vehicle inspection report or any other documents belonging to the car.
- If necessary, have an APK carried out. An APK is a mandatory, periodic technical inspection of a motor vehicle’s roadworthiness.This 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.
- File a car and motorcycle tax (BPM) return. This can also be done at the RDW inspection facility. The Tax Administration website tells you more about BPM.
Next steps
Within a few days of your car being approved, the RDW will send you the vehicle registration certificate.
You must then:
FAQs
The cost to import a car to the Netherlands starts at a cost of $749 but can vary according to factors such as the model and make of your vehicle, your current location, the nearest departure port in the USA, your transport method of choice, availability of your chosen services and your final destination.
How much does it cost to import a car from the US to the Netherlands? ›
The cost to import a car to the Netherlands starts at a cost of $749 but can vary according to factors such as the model and make of your vehicle, your current location, the nearest departure port in the USA, your transport method of choice, availability of your chosen services and your final destination.
How can I bring my car to the Netherlands? ›
If you move to the Netherlands, you can bring your car with you. You will need to register the car in the Netherlands. Your car will be issued with Dutch registration plates and you will need to pay tax. If you are coming to study in the Netherlands or are being seconded, different rules apply.
How much does it cost to register a car in the Netherlands? ›
Fees
| Description | Cost |
|---|
| Approval assessment for 10-14 aspects of a light vehicle | €99,00 |
| Identification of a light vehicle | €56,50 |
| Registration certificate | €47,65 |
| Registration in a person's name via the RDW | €12,50 |
1 more rowIf you are not registered in the Dutch Personal Records Database (BRP), you can drive a car with foreign registration plates on Dutch roads for a maximum of 6 months. This is because you are entitled to an exemption under international law (information in Dutch). You do not need to apply for this exemption.
Do I have to pay import tax from USA to Netherlands? ›
When importing goods into the Netherlands from outside the European Union (EU), you will usually have to pay import duties. You will also have to pay VAT and in some cases excise duty, consumption tax or other levies.
Is it cheaper to buy a car overseas and import it? ›
One of the main benefits of importing a foreign car is that it can be significantly cheaper than buying an American-made car. As a result, you can often get more car for your money when you import. And because many cars are not equipped with expensive features, they tend to be even cheaper.
Can I drive a car in the Netherlands with US license? ›
Tourists are allowed to drive in the Netherlands on a valid state license, preferably in combination with an International Driver's License which may be obtained in the United States through the AAA.
Can a non resident buy a car in the Netherlands? ›
You can buy a car as an expat with a foreign driving licence
There are costs associated with this. If you come from outside the EU/EEA, you will first have to pass both the Dutch theory and practical driving test before you can apply for a Dutch driving licence.
Can you ship a car to the Netherlands? ›
Car Shipping from the USA to the Netherlands starts at a cost of $749 USD with an estimated turnaround time of 4-6 weeks, depending on the make and model of the vehicle, the port of origin, and the method of shipment.
Bulgaria is undoubtedly going to be the cheapest country in this list to buy, register a car, pay tax and pay insurance. It is not a problem to travel around Europe with Bulgarian plates.
Which country has the most expensive car registration? ›
Most expensive countries for car ownership index
| Ranking | Country | AVG Annual tax & registration cost (USD) |
|---|
| 1 | Denmark | $355 |
| 2 | Germany | $217 |
| 3 | Finland | $351 |
| 4 | UK | $174 |
22 more rowsApr 3, 2023
The white number plate is for towed equipment such as trailers and caravans, whose unladen weight plus maximum payload is less than 751 kg, and for bicycle carriers. The plate has no EU symbol and NL sign.
What is mandatory to have in a car in Netherlands? ›
General road rules
It is also mandatory to keep the following items in your car while on the road: A valid driving license (rijbewijs) Vehicle registration card or certificate (kentekenbewijs) Registration certificate or code (tenaamstellingsbewijs)
How long can I keep my US car in Europe? ›
Typically 6 or 12 months, after that you need to register the car in the country you are now living in and get local number plates. This would only be needed if you intend to permanently live in that country, and US citizens would need an immigration visa. Tourists do not stay long enough to trigger these laws.
Is the Netherlands car friendly? ›
Getting around in the Netherlands. The Netherlands boasts one of the world's best infrastructures and road safety is priority in our small, densely populated country. The distances between cities and villages are relatively small, which is why we have an extensive and well-maintained road network.
How much does it cost to bring a car from the US to Europe? ›
For international auto transport, roll-on/roll-off (RORO) shipping is the cheapest method. On average, international car shipping costs between $1,500 and $5,000. International auto transport can take anywhere from 30 to 60 days from start to finish.
How much does it cost to ship from USA to Netherlands? ›
Country Conditions for Mailing - Netherlands
| Weight not over (lbs.) | Parcel Post Rate |
|---|
| 1 | $17.50 |
| 2 | 20.05 |
| 3 | 22.90 |
| 4 | 25.80 |
21 more rowsVAT and import duties for frequently purchased goods
| Goods | Import duties | VAT |
|---|
| CDs and DVDs | 0% | 21% |
| Suitcases and bags | maximum of 9.7% | 21% |
| Shoes and boots | maximum of 17% | 21% |
| Jewellery | maximum of 4% | 21% |
9 more rowsThe cost to ship a car from the U.S. to Europe ranges from $1,000 to $5,100 per car. This price range depends on the type of car being shipped, where it's going and the size of the container.
