|
|
| ||||||||||||||||||||||
A person registered as a legal resident in the Netherlands may not own and use a vehicle from another country. Tourists and visitors to the Netherlands, and those living in the country with partial non-resident status under the 30% tax ruling, may drive their foreign-plated car. The process of importing a foreign-registered vehicle to the Netherlands for personal use is similar regardless of whether it is registered in an EU or non-EU country. The RDW (Rijksdienst voor het Wegverkeer) is the national authority for road traffic, transport and vehicle administration.
EU-registered vehiclesThere 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. The owner should apply for this permit at the Dutch customs office in their Dutch town of residence (or intended residence). If moving to the Netherlands from an EU-member state, there are no special requirements for bringing a used vehicle and no additional VAT/BTW will be due provided the car is more than six months old or has more than 6,000 Km on the odometer. Non-EU vehiclesIf 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. A permit may be granted if the applicant has lived in a non-EU state for at least twelve months and has owned the car or motorcycle for at least six months. In addition to the permit, a Single Administrative Document (Enig Document) must be completed. Vehicle taxesIf the import permit is not granted, the vehicle may still be imported, however it will be taxed.
Taxes that may be involved in the import process are:
Registering the VehicleBefore a foreign vehicle can be used on Dutch roads it must:
Registration certificateIn order to be issued with a Dutch vehicle registration certificate a vehicle requires a technical inspection to ascertain that it complies to Dutch safety and emissions standards. The inspection is made at an RDW authorised test centre (RDW-keuringsstation). The vehicle may not be driven - not even to the test centre - unless the driver has a an "one day registration certificate" (ééndagskentekenbewijs) which can be arranged when an appointment is made.
Appointments are not obligatory for passenger cars from 08:30-12:00 weekdays. The following will be required:
If the vehicle is three years old or older, APK-testing for roadworthiness is required, however in the case of vehicles imported for private use, the RDW performs both tests simultaneously. BPM Submission when relevantAfter approval, the RDW will issue a declaration form (BPM-aangifteformulier) for motor vehicle tax (BPM). This declaration must be given to the BPM customs authorities at the RDW test centre.
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 (see below). The vehicle must have at least third party insurance before it may go on the roads. Road TaxRoad tax (motorrijtuigenbelasting) must be paid as soon as a car or motorcycle is registered in the Netherlands. Forms are available at post offices or from the Tax Office. Various payment methods and terms are allowed. Pricing varies depending on the vehicle, its fuel and district of registration.
Dutch Registration PlatesTwo number plates are issued for a car and one for a motorcycle. The number plate manufacturer will register the owner's information and stamp the Vehicle Certificate. Provide the following
Further Information
Any suggestions for extra information that should be on this page?
This is the "Registering a Foreign Vehicle in the Netherlands" INFOrmation Page at AngloINFO Holland South. AngloINFO Holland South's INFOrmation Pages provide an online encyclopaedia covering all aspects of "Life in South Netherlands, in English!". AngloINFO Holland South is your Holland South information source, for everyone living in Holland South or moving to Holland South, covering everything from the Holland South property and real estate contacts you need before and during your move to Holland, to all aspects of everyday life in the Holland South international community for those living their lives in Holland. | ||||||||||||||||||||||
