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 long can I drive a car with foreign registration plates in the Netherlands?
Be aware that you can only drive a car with foreign registration plates in the Netherlands for a short time. And sometimes, not at all. It depends on your situation.
Find out how long you can drive your vehicle in the Netherlands
Importing a car into the Netherlands
After you arrive, register your car in the Netherlands’ vehicle registration database. This is known as importing your car. You should arrange this through the Netherlands Vehicle Authority (RDW).
See the step-by-step plan for importing a car
Exceptions for students and seconded employees
You can bring your car to the Netherlands without having to register it (officially import it) in the following situations:
You can use your car in the Netherlands for the duration of your course. You must be enrolled on a recognised course. You do not need to pay tax or submit a car and motorcycle tax (BPM) return.
You can use your car in the Netherlands to travel to and from work for the duration of your secondment. You do not need to pay tax or submit a car and motorcycle tax (BPM) return.
What you also need to arrange if you’re going to move to the Netherlands
Check what else you need to arrange if you are going to:
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