Can I take my car with me when I move abroad?

Yes, you can take your car with you when you move abroad. For moves within the EU, this is relatively straightforward thanks to freedom of movement, but you do need specific documents and must account for costs such as transport, taxes, and technical inspections. The total costs vary greatly by country and can run into several thousand euros.

What documents do you need to take your car abroad?

For car import abroad, you always need your vehicle registration certificate, an export declaration from the RDW, valid insurance documents, and a recent MOT inspection. In addition, each country requires specific documents, such as a certificate of conformity or translated papers.

The most important documents to arrange are vehicle registration certificate parts I and II, where part I stays with you and part II goes to the RDW for the export declaration. You will receive this export declaration within 2 to 3 working days and it costs approximately 25 euros. You must inform your insurer about the export, as your Dutch coverage usually only applies temporarily abroad.

For technical documentation, you need a valid MOT certificate no older than one year. Many countries also require a certificate of conformity (COC) from the car manufacturer, proving that your car meets European standards. You can request this certificate from your dealer or importer and it usually costs between 200 and 400 euros.

Allow at least 3 to 4 weeks to arrange all documentation. Some papers, such as the COC, can take longer, especially for older cars or less common brands.

What does it cost to move your car to another country?

The total costs for car import range between 1,500 and 4,000 euros, depending on the destination country and the value of your car. This includes transport costs (300–800 euros), registration costs (100–500 euros), technical inspections (50–200 euros), and any taxes.

Transport costs depend on the distance and the method. Car transport to Spain costs approximately 600–800 euros, to Germany 300–500 euros. If you drive yourself, you save on transport costs, but you pay for fuel, tolls, and possibly a hotel along the way.

The biggest cost item is often taxes. Within the EU you do not pay import duties, but some countries do levy registration taxes or similar charges. In Spain you pay a registration tax of between 0 and 14.75% of the car’s value, depending on CO2 emissions and age.

Always compare the total costs with the value of your car and the price of a comparable car in your new country. For cars older than 8 years or with a value below 8,000 euros, selling and buying locally is often more cost-effective.

How do you arrange the technical inspection and registration in your new country?

After arrival, you must register with the local authorities within 30 to 90 days (depending on the country) and have your car inspected. You will then receive a new registration plate and must take out local insurance. The entire process usually takes 2 to 6 weeks.

Start by registering with the municipality or the local RDW equivalent. Bring all your Dutch documents, plus your municipal registration extract and proof of address in the new country. Many countries also require proof of tax liability or an employer’s statement.

The technical inspection is similar to the Dutch MOT, but can be stricter. In Germany you must go to the TÜV, in Spain to an ITV station. Costs range between 50 and 200 euros. Older cars or cars with modifications are more likely to fail.

For the new registration plate you pay registration costs and sometimes also for the plates themselves. In most EU countries you can keep your Dutch registration plate for a few weeks, but after that you risk fines. Therefore, arrange local insurance immediately, as your Dutch policy usually only applies for 30 to 90 days.

Which countries have special rules for car import?

Spain, France, and Germany each have their own rules for car import. Spain has strict CO2 standards and high taxes for polluting cars, France often requires technical adjustments to headlights, and Germany has very strict technical inspections.

For Spain, a popular destination, special rules apply. Cars older than 10 years may encounter problems with the ITV inspection. The registration tax ranges from 0% for very fuel-efficient cars to 14.75% for polluting models. Diesel cars have been taxed more heavily since the new environmental legislation.

France has specific requirements for headlights, which often need to be adjusted for right-hand traffic. France also requires a contrôle technique that is stricter than the Dutch MOT, especially for older cars. Applying for the carte grise (vehicle registration certificate) can take 4 to 8 weeks.

Germany has the strictest technical requirements. The TÜV inspection is very thorough and cars with minor defects are immediately rejected. However, registration costs are low and there are no import taxes for EU cars. Expats are often given 6 months for registration instead of the standard 30 days.

When is it better to sell your car instead of taking it with you?

Selling is often more cost-effective for cars older than 8 years, with a value below 8,000 euros, or when moving to countries with high import costs. Selling is also wiser when the length of stay is uncertain or when cars are not suitable for the new country.

Calculate the total costs of taking your car versus buying locally. With a 10-year-old car worth 6,000 euros going to Spain, you can quickly end up with 2,500 euros in import costs. You are better off selling and buying a comparable car in Spain, often at lower prices due to the better climate.

Also pay attention to practical aspects. Right-hand drive cars in countries where people drive on the right are inconvenient and worth less. Cars without air conditioning are almost unsellable in warm countries. Diesel cars are being banned from more and more cities due to environmental zones.

For temporary postings of less than 2 years, taking your car is often worthwhile, especially with newer cars. You then retain your Dutch registration and insurance, which saves a lot of administrative hassle. For permanent emigration, a thorough cost-benefit analysis is important for making the right decision.

An international move brings many choices, including the decision about your car. Whether you choose to take it with you or buy locally, good preparation is important. We assist with moving within Europe and moving worldwide, including advice on car import. With our experience since 1922 and our own customs declarants, we ensure a completely hassle-free move, so you can focus on your new start abroad.

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