Import your vehicle to the Netherlands from a non-European Union location as part of your household goods.

Are you moving to the Netherlands soon?

It's good to know that it often pays off to bring your car, motorcycle, or camper with you. Many expatriates (expats) and repatriates are exempt from road tax (bpm) and import duties. This can save you thousands of euros compared to someone who doesn't have this relocation exemption.

Both importing and exporting vehicles as household goods within the EU are similar to regular import/export processes. The main difference is that importing as household goods can offer many financial benefits for you to take advantage of. Furthermore, there are adapted technical requirements for the admission of the motor vehicle as household goods compared to regular import/export. These requirements are often less strict, allowing you to continue enjoying the motor vehicle you're used to using abroad.

Conditions for permit exemption BPM for moving from outside the EU

When you want to import your vehicle as moving goods, it is important to consider the legal conditions. You need to meet these conditions in order to benefit from the tax and import duties exemption. Additionally fewer technical requirements apply for vehicles imported as household effects.

• You are moving to the Netherlands from a country outside the European Union.
• Your residence is changing to the Netherlands (and thus the European Union).
• You have resided for a minimum of 12 consecutive months in a country outside the European Union.
• You have owned the vehicle for at least 6 months.
• You import the vehicle within 12 months after moving to the Netherlands.
• You do not lend, pawn, rent, or transfer the vehicle within 12 months from the date the goods are imported.
• This exemption does not apply to commercial vehicles.

To import household goods from the United States

Check out the story of moving back from the United States to the Netherlands and importing a Nissan Leaf.