Importing Your Car to the Netherlands: An Expat Guide

Initial Considerations: Is Importing Worth It?

Before embarking on the car import process, it's wise to weigh the costs and benefits. The Netherlands has excellent public transport and cycling infrastructure, and car ownership can be expensive due to taxes and parking. However, for some expats, especially those with families or specific commuting needs, importing their existing vehicle might be the preferred option.

Factors to consider include your car's age, value, fuel type, CO2 emissions, and whether you qualify for any tax exemptions.

Step-by-Step Car Import Process

The import process primarily involves two main authorities: the RDW (Dutch Vehicle Authority) and the Belastingdienst (Tax and Customs Administration).

Step 1: RDW Inspection (Keuring)

Every imported vehicle must undergo an inspection by the RDW to verify its identity, technical condition, and compliance with Dutch and European standards.

1. Schedule an Appointment: Make an appointment with the RDW inspection station.
2. Prepare Documents: Bring your foreign registration certificate (kentekenbewijs), certificate of conformity (C.O.C. if available), and a valid ID.
3. Inspection: The RDW will check your car's VIN, engine number, mileage, and general roadworthiness.
4. Outcome: If approved, the RDW will provide you with the necessary documents for BPM declaration and eventual registration.

Step 2: BPM Declaration (Belasting van Personenauto's en Motorrijwielen)

BPM is a one-off purchase tax on passenger cars and motorcycles, payable when a vehicle is first registered in the Netherlands. This can be substantial.

• Calculation: BPM is primarily based on the vehicle's CO2 emissions for new cars. For used imported cars, it's calculated based on its current market value after depreciation.
• Declaration: You must complete a BPM declaration form ('Aangifteformulier bpm') and submit it to the Belastingdienst.
• Payment: Once your BPM declaration is processed, you will receive a payment request.

Step 3: Obtain Dutch Number Plates

After the RDW inspection and BPM declaration (and potential exemption approval), you will receive your Dutch registration number from the RDW. You then need to get official Dutch number plates made by an authorized plate manufacturer (erkende kentekenplaatfabrikant).

Step 4: Insure Your Car

Once your car is registered and has Dutch plates, you must arrange at least third-party liability (WA) car insurance before driving it on public roads.

Step 5: Pay Motorrijtuigenbelasting (MRB) - Road Tax

The Belastingdienst will automatically start collecting quarterly or annual road tax (MRB) once your car is registered in your name. This tax is based on your car's weight, fuel type, and the province you live in.

Required Documents and Timeline

Key Documents:

• Foreign registration certificate (kentekenbewijs)
• Certificate of Conformity (C.O.C.) if available
• Proof of ownership
• ID (passport, BSN)
• Proof of address in the Netherlands
• For BPM exemption: specific forms and proof of previous residency/car ownership.

Timeline:

The entire process can take several weeks. The RDW inspection can be booked fairly quickly, but processing times for BPM declarations (especially with exemptions) and final registration can vary. During much of this time, you may not legally drive your car on Dutch roads.

Importing a car to the Netherlands is a complex but manageable process for expats. By understanding each step and preparing all necessary documentation, particularly for BPM exemption, you can successfully bring your vehicle to your new home.