How to get a car in the Netherlands: A guide for expats

Moving to a new country can be stressful. There is a lot to take care of, including transportation such as a car. Mobility expert Pim Hoogers from KINTO guides you through the options for getting a car in the Netherlands, including the pros and cons of each.

The Netherlands has a fantastic public transportation system and is well connected with trains, buses, and trams. And, of course, Dutchies love their bikes. However, having a car can make life a lot easier, especially if you want to explore beyond the cities or work a bit further from home. Here are the different ways you can go about getting your own set of wheels in the Netherlands.

First things first: Your driver’s licence

When you move to the Netherlands and want to drive a car, you will, of course, need a valid driver’s licence. Often, you can use your foreign driver’s licence for up to 185 days, but after that, you’ll need a Dutch driver’s licence.

To get one, you must be registered as a resident in the Dutch Population Register (BRP) and make a visit to your local municipality. In many cases you can exchange your foreign licence without taking a new driving test. For example, if you are an EU/EFTA citizen or if you benefit from the "30 percent tax ruling", it's just a straightforward swap. 

You’ll find all the information on the RDW website about which licences qualify for this exchange. If your home country is not included, you will have to take a Dutch driving test.

Renting a car: Only for short-term use

If you have just arrived at Schiphol airport and need a car to get settled in your new home-town, a rental car can be a good idea. It can also be an option if you only need a car once a year, for a holiday for example.

However, if you need a car for more than a few weeks, renting becomes rather expensive, making it unsuitable for most expats.

Buying: The cheapest option

If you are planning to stay in the Netherlands for several years or maybe even indefinitely, buying a car is, in most cases, the cheapest option. It doesn’t have to be a brand-new car. Dutch car dealerships usually offer a good selection of well-maintained used cars.

You can also buy a car directly from another person, for example through Marktplaats. This might be a bit cheaper than going to a dealership, but you have to do all the paperwork regarding the transfer of ownership yourself.

Although buying a car might be the cheapest option, owning a car can also be a hassle. You have to take care of taxes, insurance, maintenance, potential damages and eventually you have to sell it. And if you don’t speak Dutch (yet), this might be extra challenging.

Private lease: Popular but difficult for most expats

Private lease is a popular option among many Dutch residents because of its convenience. A typical private lease contract is usually for four to six years and includes taxes, maintenance, insurance and roadsides assistance - all at a fixed monthly rate. Although it might be more expensive than buying a car yourself, it is also very convenient because all you have to take care of is fuel.

This may sound like a good deal if you are unsure about buying a car. However, there are some strings attached, especially for expats.

First of all, many leasing companies do not accept expats as customers, and if they do, you will need a Dutch driver’s licence in most cases.

Secondly, a private lease contract will be registered at the Dutch credit registry, Bureau Krediet Registratie (BKR). It is considered a loan because the multi-year contract is a long-term financial obligation. This credit registration will affect future credit applications, such as a mortgage. If you have a 400 euros per month private lease car it may result in being able to borrow up to 80.000 euros less for your new home.

Thirdly, a private lease contract is usually a commitment for four to six years. If you want to terminate the contract before it officially ends, there are usually heavy penalties for doing so. This can make it an unsuitable solution if you are unsure whether you will be here for the entire duration of the contract.

So, although private lease may seem appealing due to the all-inclusive service, it is less accessible or suitable for expats in many cases.

Car subscription: Flexibility and convenience combined

If you like the convenience of leasing but do not want to commit to a four to six year contract, or if you are considering buying a house in the Netherlands and don't want your mortgage options affected, there is a third option. One that is open to expats, easy to apply for and doesn't require a credit registration: a car subscription.

With a subscription, you pay a fixed monthly fee for the car, which also includes insurance, maintenance, taxes and roadside assistance. Just like a private lease car. However, unlike a private lease contract, you only have to commit for a few months. After the initial rental period, you are able to cancel your subscription without any extra costs or keep driving for as long as you like. So, you get all the convenience of a lease car with (almost) the flexibility of a rental car.

A car subscription is usually a little bit more expensive than a traditional lease contract. But it is a lot cheaper than renting a car for a longer period of time and comes without all the hassle of buying and owning one. Also, because there is no credit registration, the car will not be a problem if you want to buy a house in the Netherlands.

A car solution for every situation

Choosing how to get a car in the Netherlands depends on your plans and lifestyle. Buying a car is often the cheapest option for those staying long-term, while leasing can work well if you meet the all requirements. Renting is convenient for short-term needs but becomes expensive for more than a few weeks. A car subscription, however, offers an ideal mix of flexibility and convenience, making it especially suitable for expats.

If you’re looking for an easy, carefree way to drive a car in the Netherlands, consider a flexible car subscription from KINTO. Enjoy the freedom to explore the Netherlands (and the rest of Europe) with a solution that suits your needs!