Step-by-Step Guide: Importing a Car from Germany

For example, you might find a car in Germany that you can’t buy in the Netherlands. In addition, German cars are often much more affordable than Dutch cars. Of course, you’ll need to take into account the costs involved in importing a car. Are you planning to import a car from Germany? At Alpina.nl, we’ve put together a handy step-by-step guide for you!

Step 2: Shipping a Car from Germany to the Netherlands

After you've purchased the car in Germany, you'll need to transport it to the Netherlands. There are two ways to do this:

Drive the car yourself

Are you planning to drive the car to the Netherlands yourself? If so, you must have valid liability insurance for the car. However, most insurers do not offer liability insurance for cars with foreign license plates. You can, however, apply for a temporary license plate to import a car.

Car Ambulance

Another way to transport a car is by car carrier. That way, you don’t have to get liability insurance or drive it yourself. Less hassle, but maybe also less fun. Many people choose to drive the car to the Netherlands themselves because they want to get behind the wheel of their new car as soon as possible.

Step 3: Have the car inspected by the RDW

A car from abroad cannot simply be issued a Dutch license plate. The vehicle must first be inspected by the RDW to determine whether it meets all environmental and safety requirements. You must therefore have the car inspected at an RDW inspection station. During the inspection, the inspector verifies whether the vehicle is eligible for registration and use on Dutch roads. The inspector also determines the information required for filing the BPM tax return.

Step 4: File a BPM return

The next step is to file a BPM return. BPM is the tax you pay on a passenger car, van, or motorcycle. The Tax and Customs Administration calculates the BPM for a passenger car based on its CO2 emissions. If you buy a new car in the Netherlands, the importer will file the BPM return for you. However, if you import a car from Germany, you must file the BPM return yourself. You can only file the BPM return once the car has been inspected at an RDW inspection station.

Step 5: Install License Plates

Only after you have filed your BPM return and paid the BPM will you receive a Dutch license plate from the RDW. You will also receive the corresponding registration card in your name. All you have to do then is install the license plates, and you’ll be able to drive your imported car on Dutch public roads!

Looking to get car insurance? Check out Alpina.nl!

As soon as your imported car from Germany is ready to hit the roads in the Netherlands, you’ll need car insurance. After all the hassle of importing it, you’ll naturally want to get car insurance quickly and easily. We can help you with that! On Alpina.nl, you can easily compare providers to find the best car insurance. Do you have any questions? Feel free to contact us!