Buying a Car in the Netherlands: Your Complete Guide to Purchase & Registration
The Netherlands is renowned for its exceptional public transport system and world-class cycling infrastructure, yet car ownership has actually been increasing since 2020. Whether you’re a resident and plan to buying a car in the Netherlands Or an expat navigating the Dutch automotive market, understanding the car buying process is essential for making informed decisions. This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step buying a car in the Netherlands, from legal requirements to ongoing costs and specialized services.
Legal Requirements and General Considerations
Before diving into your car search, it’s crucial to understand the legal framework surrounding vehicle ownership in the Netherlands. You must be at least 18 years old and possess a valid driver’s licence to legally drive and own a car. The type of licence you hold determines your driving privileges in the country.
If your driver’s licence was issued in an EU or EFTA country, you can use it to drive in the Netherlands without needing to exchange it. However, licences issued outside the EU or EFTA are only valid for 185 days after your move to the Netherlands, after which you’ll need to apply for a Dutch driver’s licence.
Three essential documents are required for legal car ownership: third-party liability car insurance, a certificate of car ownership, and a vehicle registration card. The Rijksdienst voor het Wegverkeer (RDW) serves as the main regulatory body for road transport in the Netherlands, handling vehicle licensing, monitoring, and documentation.
When it comes to purchasing, haggling over the price is common practice in the Dutch car market. You have the flexibility to pay for a car in full or through installments, with many dealerships offering financing options. Major Dutch banks like ABN AMRO also provide personal loans for vehicle purchases, giving you additional financing alternatives.
Buying a New Car
Advantages of New Vehicles
Purchasing a new car offers several compelling benefits that make it an attractive option for many buyers. New vehicles provide greater reliability and typically come with lower maintenance costs during the initial years of ownership. You also have the opportunity to customize the vehicle according to your preferences, from color choices to optional features. All new cars sold in the Netherlands come with a minimum two-year warranty, providing additional peace of mind and protection against unexpected repair costs.
Where to Buy New Cars
Your journey to finding a new car can begin with online research to compare models and prices from the comfort of your home. The Netherlands boasts several major dealership networks, including:
These dealerships have locations throughout the country and are often RDW-accredited, ensuring compliance with national standards. They advertise their stock online and allow you to book appointments for vehicle viewing.
The online car buying market is evolving, with about 5% of new car sales completed fully online in 2021, and this percentage is expected to grow. Online purchasing allows you to easily compare information and specifications from multiple sources. Popular online platforms include AutoDealers.nl and auto.nl. When buying online, always carefully read the return policy, as terms can vary significantly between retailers.
Important Considerations for New Car Purchases
Be prepared for potentially lengthy delivery times, sometimes extending up to a year, partly due to global supply chain issues including chip shortages affecting automotive manufacturing. When purchasing from an RDW-approved dealership, they will handle the licence plate transfer to your name and provide a vehicle registration certificate. You’ll receive your registration card and code by mail within one working day of the transaction.
Buying a Used Car
Pros and Cons of Used Vehicles
Used cars offer significant advantages in terms of affordability and immediate availability. However, it’s important to understand that used car prices have been rising due to demand outstripping supply in recent years. While cost savings are substantial, used vehicles come with fewer guarantees and higher risks, especially when dealing with individual sellers rather than established dealerships.
Essential Checklist for Used Car Buyers
When considering a used vehicle, thorough documentation verification is crucial. Always verify that the vehicle registration card and code match the car you’re inspecting. Use the RDW licence plate check to view the car’s complete history and ensure it can be legally transferred, confirming it hasn’t been reported stolen or marked for export.
Mileage verification is particularly important, as odometer fraud, while banned since 2014, can still occur. Look for the mileage logo indicating a logical mileage history, and request an RDW Vehicle Report from the seller for comprehensive odometer information. Check the date of the last Periodic Motor Vehicle Test (APK) to ensure the vehicle meets current safety and environmental standards, and verify the emission class.
Be vigilant about potential fraud, including “ringed” or “cloned” vehicles, where stolen cars are given the identity of damaged or existing vehicles. Inspect the vehicle for signs of forced entry and verify that all keys are original and function correctly. Examine the maintenance booklet and service history, check for engraved registration numbers on windows that match the documentation, and ensure the seller has the complete paper registration certificate or registration card with the 9-digit ascription code.
Where to Buy Used Cars
Used car dealerships often provide the best balance of selection and security, with many leading dealerships offering used vehicles alongside warranty options and trade-in opportunities. Car brokers, known locally as autohandelaar, are locally based businesses that often provide more advantages than private sellers, including warranty coverage.
Online platforms have become increasingly popular for used car shopping. Major websites include:
Marktplaats is also widely used, though approximately 80% of cars listed there are from professional sellers rather than private individuals.
When buying from private owners, typically found on Marktplaats or AutoScout24, take extra precautions. Arrange to meet at the seller’s home, ask for their identification, ensure they’re familiar with the car’s operation, and always pay via bank transfer rather than cash to protect against scams. Remember that the seller is responsible for providing correct certificates and number plates.
Car Registration and Paperwork
Registration Process
Once you purchase a car in the Netherlands, immediate registration with the RDW is mandatory, costing €11.40. This process can be completed either in person at an RDW office or online using your DigiD for digital identity verification.
Registration Requirements
To register a vehicle, you must meet specific criteria: be at least 18 years of age, reside in the Netherlands with registration in the Personal Records Database (PRD) including a BSN (citizen service number), and possess the car registration certificate and code.
Required documentation includes valid identification, which can be a Dutch driving licence (no more than 10 years old), a valid EU passport or ID card with residence certificate and personal data copy from the municipal register (no more than three months old), or a valid foreign passport with residence certificate and original BRP extract (no more than three months old). You’ll also need the vehicle registration card and certificate of car ownership.
Legal Responsibilities After Registration
The RDW will verify your identity and details, transferring the paperwork immediately. You’ll receive a code: all 9 digits for a new vehicle, or the first 4 digits immediately for a used car with the remaining 5 digits arriving by mail when the registration card is sent. From the moment of registration, you become liable for all vehicle obligations, including car insurance, APK inspections, and motor vehicle tax.
Ongoing Car Ownership Costs
Car ownership in the Netherlands involves several ongoing expenses beyond the initial purchase price. Motor Vehicle Tax (MRB) is calculated upon registration and paid monthly or quarterly. The amount depends on vehicle type, weight, fuel type, and environmental impact. Notably, fully electric and hydrogen-powered cars are exempt from MRB, making them financially attractive options.
The Periodic Motor Vehicle Test (APK) is mandatory for all cars to ensure roadworthiness. The first inspection occurs four years after registration, followed by inspections every two years, and then annually thereafter. APK costs range between €20 and €75 and must be performed by an RDW-approved garage. If your car fails the inspection, necessary repairs must be completed before the vehicle can be legally driven again.
Car insurance is a legal requirement, with mandatory third-party liability insurance covering damage or injury caused to others. Optional coverage types include extended liability and all-risk insurance. Insurance rates vary based on your driving history, experience, and vehicle value, with average costs around €75 per month. Major providers include:
Fuel costs also represent a significant ongoing expense, with gasoline prices around €1.8 per litre as of early 2023.
Electric and Hybrid Vehicles
The Netherlands is experiencing significant growth in electric and hybrid vehicle adoption, driven by environmental concerns and attractive financial incentives. The country boasts one of the world’s densest charging networks and aims for zero emissions for all new passenger vehicles by 2030.
Electric and hybrid vehicles offer substantial tax benefits, including exemption from the motor vehicle tax (MRB). Government subsidies are available until 2025 for both new and used electric cars, though these are subject to availability and may have specific eligibility requirements.
Popular electric models include Tesla’s Model 3 and Kia’s Niro, which were leading Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) in early 2023. For Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs), the Mitsubishi Outlander and Volvo V60 were among the most popular choices. You can compare fuel consumption and energy efficiency using the Brandstofverbruiksboekje (fuel economy guide), which provides valuable information for making informed decisions about vehicle efficiency.
Services Tailored to Expats
auto.nl
auto.nl specifically caters to expats and offers a comprehensive online car buying experience. They provide a wide variety of vehicles, from brand new to used cars, allowing you to order online with the same ease as purchasing shoes. The service includes delivery to your front door or even Schiphol Amsterdam Airport for maximum convenience.
Their digital showroom features highly detailed pictures and notifications of any scratches or dents, ensuring transparency in the buying process. Reliability is ensured through a 100-point inspection of every car by their Workshop Manager. As part of the Louwman Group, which has been active in the Dutch automotive sector since 1923, auto.nl brings decades of industry experience to their service.
The company offers a 14-day money-back guarantee starting from delivery day, effectively providing an extended test drive period. If you’re unsatisfied with your purchase, they arrange pickup and provide a full refund with no strings attached. For outright purchases, iDeal payments are accepted, though credit cards are not currently supported.
Leasing options are available, functioning similarly to a subscription service with fixed monthly fees. To qualify for leasing, you need a Dutch social security number, must be at least 18 at the start of the lease term and at most 80 at the end. A valid international driver’s licence is accepted for private lease arrangements.
Autocoach
Autocoach operates as an independent car buying service specializing in second-hand vehicles. Unlike traditional dealers, they don’t sell from their own inventory, ensuring objective advice without incentives to guide you toward specific vehicles. Their comprehensive service covers the entire process, from finding the best car based on your needs and budget to handling paperwork and delivery.
The service includes screening and negotiation for the best deals, including favorable conditions and warranty terms. They conduct technical inspections using experienced car inspectors and provide fluent communication in both English and Dutch, eliminating language barriers and ensuring you understand all documentation.
Autocoach operates with fixed fees and provides complete cost transparency for all involved expenses. They typically arrange everything within two weeks and offer trade-in options for your current vehicle. Their aftercare service ensures warranty coverage, typically ranging from 3 to 12 months, with Autocoach serving as your primary point of contact if issues arise.
The service allows you to purchase a car online without seeing it in person, with delivery to your doorstep. As a consumer, you can invoke the 14-day right of withdrawal for online purchases under certain conditions. For documentation, only a valid Dutch driving licence is typically needed, though they can guide foreign licence holders through the in-person RDW registration process.
Importing a Car into the Netherlands
Importing a car into the Netherlands is a lengthy and potentially costly process, particularly for vehicles from outside the EU/EFTA region. You must be at least 18 years old and registered in the Personal Records Database (BRP) to be eligible for car importation.
The import process involves several steps, beginning with making an online appointment with the RDW for vehicle inspection. You’ll need to bring the foreign registration certificate, valid identity documents, and supplementary documentation such as a Certificate of Conformity or foreign vehicle inspection report.
If necessary, an APK inspection must be carried out at the RDW facility, though this isn’t required for imports from EU/EFTA countries with valid vehicle inspection reports. You must file a car and motorcycle tax (BPM) return at the RDW inspection facility, and within a few days of approval, the RDW will send you the vehicle registration certificate.
Subsequently, you’ll need to have Dutch registration plates made by a recognized manufacturer, pay motor vehicle tax on a monthly or quarterly basis, and obtain third-party liability insurance. The costs associated with importing from outside the EU/EFTA can be significant, including transportation, import duties, VAT, inspection fees (€924), re-inspection costs (€531), and full registration (around €100).
Equipment and Safety Requirements
While driving in the Netherlands, you must always carry three essential documents: your driver’s licence, vehicle registration card, and vehicle insurance document. Unlike some European countries, there are no mandatory safety objects required to be kept in your car.
However, it’s advisable to maintain certain safety equipment for your own protection and convenience. Recommended items include a red warning triangle for roadside emergencies, a reflective safety vest for visibility when outside your vehicle, spare bulbs for quick replacements, and a first-aid kit for emergency medical situations.
Making the Right Choice
Buying a car in the Netherlands involves careful consideration of multiple factors, from legal requirements and ongoing costs to the choice between new and used vehicles. Whether you opt for the reliability of a new car, the affordability of a used vehicle, or the environmental benefits of an electric model, thorough research and proper documentation are essential.
The key to a successful car purchase lies in understanding the process, conducting thorough checks, and utilizing available resources. Take advantage of RDW services for verification, consider professional inspection services for used cars, and don’t hesitate to use specialized expat services if you’re unfamiliar with Dutch procedures.
Remember that car ownership is a significant financial commitment extending well beyond the purchase price. Factor in insurance, taxes, maintenance, and fuel costs when making your decision. With careful planning and the right approach, you can navigate the Dutch car market successfully and find a vehicle that meets your needs and budget.
Whether you’re commuting to work, exploring the Dutch countryside, or simply wanting the convenience of personal transportation, the right preparation will ensure your car buying experience in the Netherlands is smooth and successful.