Import a car or not? Here’s what to consider

You've found the exact car you're looking for in Germany. The right model, low mileage, and at an attractive price. Should you buy it? Importing a car can be interesting, but there are additional considerations. Here are the key points to keep in mind.

What is an import car?

An import car is simply a car that was originally registered abroad and is then brought to the Netherlands and registered here.

Of course, you can buy a used car in the Netherlands that someone else has imported, but you can also search for a car abroad and arrange the import yourself. Germany and Belgium are popular countries to search for cars. It's not surprising, as they are nearby and the selection is large. Germany is particularly interesting due to its vast automotive market and wide range of brands, models, and configurations.

Why would you import a car?

The main reason is, of course, the selection. Perhaps you're looking for a specific model that is hardly available in the Netherlands. Or you find a lightly used car across the border with more options, lower mileage, or a better price.

Especially in Germany, cars are often well-equipped. This makes it worthwhile to not only look at the Dutch market but to broaden your search area.

However, a lower foreign asking price does not automatically mean that the car is cheaper in the end. There are various additional costs associated with importing. Therefore, calculate the entire picture before you enthusiastically sign a purchase agreement.

What should you pay attention to when buying a car from abroad?

Basically, the same things as when buying a used car in the Netherlands, but with a bit more caution. You may not know the seller, the car is hundreds of kilometers away, and the history is not always easy to verify.

Therefore, check at least:

• whether the VIN (chassis number) in the car matches the number on the documents;
• whether the foreign registration certificate is complete;
• the mileage and mileage history;
• the maintenance history;
• whether the car has had damage in the past;
• whether a valid inspection report is available;
• what warranty or goodwill arrangement the seller offers;
• whether all agreed information is included in the purchase agreement.

Also, do not rely solely on photos and a shiny body. If you have little knowledge of cars, have the car technically inspected before purchase.

Always ask for a purchase invoice or sales agreement. If something turns out to be incorrect later, you at least have written proof of what you bought and what was agreed upon.

Check the mileage

The mileage history deserves extra attention for a car from abroad. Compare the odometer reading with, for example, maintenance invoices, inspection reports, and the maintenance booklet.

For cars from Belgium and Germany, this verification has become somewhat easier. Since January 2025, the RDW has been taking over Belgian odometer readings. Since February 2026, this will also apply to German odometer readings. After import, you can find these readings in the RDW Vehicle Report.

Are you buying a car in Belgium? Then the seller must also provide a Car-Pass. This includes information about the mileage.

A complete and well-documented history remains important. Not only to determine if you are buying a good car, but also when you want to sell it later.

Importing a car from Germany

Do you want to import a car from Germany? Then don't just look at the 'Kaufpreis'. Compare the car with a similar one in the Netherlands and then add up all the costs for the import. Only then will you know if you are actually getting a better deal.

Also, carefully check the vehicle documents and history. And once you've bought the car, it still needs to be transported to the Netherlands. You can, under certain conditions, drive the car to the Netherlands yourself, but you must arrange a valid registration and the right insurance. You can also have the car transported. JUR picks up cars all over Germany and transports them to the Netherlands.

Importing a car from Belgium

Importing a car from Belgium is also popular. The advantage is, of course, that you do not have to search far from home. Moreover, the mandatory Car-Pass helps in verifying the mileage history. Again, make sure to check the car and all documents before you pay. Ensure you receive the complete Belgian registration certificate and check if the VIN matches the car.

Have you found an interesting car in Belgium? Then JUR can also arrange the transport from Belgium to the Netherlands for you.

What does it cost to import a car?

How much you ultimately spend depends primarily on the price you pay for the car. But on top of that purchase price come the costs for the import itself. Consider, for example:

• the transport to the Netherlands;
• the costs for the RDW;
• the BPM;
• Dutch license plates;
• possibly a purchase or technical inspection;
• any additional costs related to the purchase and registration.

Are you importing a car from outside the EU? Then you will also have to deal with different regulations and possibly import duties and VAT. In this article, we mainly focus on importing a car from another European country, such as Germany or Belgium.

How can you calculate the BPM for an import car?

Tax on Passenger Cars and Motorcycles (BPM) is an important cost item to consider in advance. If you import a passenger car from abroad and have it registered in the Netherlands, you generally need to file a BPM declaration. How much BPM you pay depends, among other things, on the CO₂ emissions of the car.

How does importing a car to the Netherlands work?

Found a car, checked the history, calculated the total costs, and decided to buy it? Then it's time to bring your new car to the Netherlands and officially import it.

In broad terms, it works like this:

1. You buy the car abroad and ensure you receive all the necessary documents with it.
2. The car is transported to the Netherlands.
3. You make an appointment at an RDW inspection station to have the car identified and to request a Dutch registration.
4. After the appointment at the RDW, you file a BPM declaration with the Tax Authorities.
5. After approval from the RDW and Tax Authorities, you receive the Dutch registration certificate.
6. You have Dutch license plates made and insure the car.

Do you have a still valid foreign APK from an EU or EEA country? Then the RDW can, under certain conditions, take this over. Bring proof of this to the appointment.

Drive to the Netherlands yourself or have the car transported?

That's another choice you need to make. You cannot simply drive a purchased car with the foreign registration to the Netherlands. What options you have depends on the country where you buy the car. You need to consider the foreign registration, license plates, and insurance.

Don't want to arrange all that yourself? Then you can also have the car transported. This part of the import process can be handled by JUR for you. We pick up cars in Germany, Belgium, and other European countries and bring them to the Netherlands. So you don't have to fly or drive to another country, arrange a temporary registration, and then drive hundreds of kilometers with a car you barely know. Fill in the loading and unloading location and receive a suitable offer during office hours, directly or within three hours.

Do you have questions about importing a car or are you looking for a reliable partner for your vehicle transport? Calculate your price online now. You can also call +31 (0)38 8450683 or email info@jurautotransport.nl!