Complete Guide to Buying, Importing, and Selling a Car in the Netherlands

Yes, you can buy, import, and sell cars in the Netherlands as a resident or expat. The country has 8.9 million passenger cars, one for every 1.9 inhabitants. While famous for cycling infrastructure, cars remain essential for family needs, cross-border travel, and convenience. Car ownership has grown steadily since 2020, with around 100,000 new vehicles added annually.

Whether you're looking for local car dealerships and services, understanding import regulations, or navigating the Dutch vehicle registration system, this guide covers everything you need to know about car ownership in the Netherlands.

Who Can Buy a Car in the Netherlands?

You must be at least 18 years old with a valid driver's license. EU and EFTA licenses are valid immediately. Non-EU licenses remain valid for 185 days after moving to the Netherlands; after that, you need a Dutch license. Required documents include third-party liability car insurance (WA-verzekering), vehicle registration card (kentekenkaart), and certificate of car ownership (tenaamstellingsbewijs).

Buying a New Car

Popular Brands: Kia leads the market, followed by Volkswagen (20% market share). Tesla Model 3 dominates electric cars, followed by Kia Niro.

Where to Buy: Major dealerships include Broekhuis, Emil Frey NL, Hedin, Louwman, Pon Dealer Group, and Van Mossel. Online sellers like AutoDealers.nl and auto.nl represented 5% of new car sales in 2021 but are growing.

Electric Vehicles: Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) are exempt from motor vehicle tax (MRB). Government subsidies available until 2025 for new or used electric cars. The Netherlands has one of the densest EV charging networks worldwide.

Registration and Paperwork

Register with the RDW (Rijksdienst voor het Wegverkeer) for 11.40 euros. RDW-approved dealerships transfer the license plate automatically and provide vehicle registration certificates. You receive registration card and code within one working day.

Buying a Used Car

Where to Buy: Dealerships stock used cars with warranty advantages. Online platforms include AutoScout24, AutoTrader, Bynco, Gaspedaal, and Ooyyo. Marktplaats hosts listings, though 80% are from professionals offering warranty or trade-in.

Verification Steps: Check RDW license plate history. Verify mileage and APK (periodic motor vehicle test) date. Confirm emission class. Arrange ownership transfer, dealerships handle this immediately; private sellers must accompany you to RDW or provide documents.

Car Costs in the Netherlands

Motor Vehicle Tax (MRB): Calculated at registration based on vehicle type, weight, fuel type, and environmental impact. Varies from around 100 euros/year upward. Electric and hydrogen cars are exempt.

Periodic Motor Vehicle Test (APK): First inspection four years after registration, then every two years, then annually. Costs 20-75 euros at RDW-approved garages.

Car Insurance: Mandatory third-party liability (WA-verzekering). Average costs around 75 euros/month. Major providers: ANWB, Aegon, ABN AMRO, a.s.r., Centraal Beheer, FBTO, InShared.

Fuel Costs: As of early 2023, gasoline costs around 1.8 euros per liter.

Importing a Car

From EU/EFTA countries: No additional investment needed. Possible tax exemptions if meeting criteria. From outside EU/EFTA: Costly, includes transportation, import duties, VAT, and inspection. Import costs are 924 euros; re-inspection up to 531 euros; registration around 100 euros. Requirements: Be 18+, registered in BRP, car must pass RDW inspection, submit BPM return, pay motor vehicle tax, arrange third-party liability insurance.

Selling a Car

Through Dealerships: Quickest method. Immediate purchase and favorable trade-in prices for new car purchases.

RDW-Licensed Websites: Sites like ikwilvanmijnautoaf.nl and wijkopenautos.nl determine value and handle paperwork including registration transfer and certificate of indemnification (vrijwaringsbewijs).

Auction Sites: Marktplaats is popular but time-consuming. Requires high-quality photos, detailed descriptions, viewings, and test-drives.