→ Import route
Importing a car from Germany into the Netherlands
Compare dealer asking prices like for like in both countries, read the registration taxes and steps, and estimate the cost with the free calculator.
In short
On 3 Nov 2026, the comparison Germany → Netherlands matched 121 models by registration year, mileage band and fuel. The median model's dealer asking price was 13% lower in Germany than in the Netherlands, with 94% of models listed lower in the origin country. The calculator estimates the total cost of registering the car in the Netherlands, including registration tax (BPM), VAT where due and fees.
Among advertised cars in Germany whose VAT status is known, 36% are marked VAT-deductible. For a used car with VAT shown separately, a VAT-registered buyer can buy without the origin country's VAT and account for VAT in the destination. For a used car under normal VAT rules, a private buyer collecting it abroad generally pays the seller-country VAT. Seller-arranged delivery can change the VAT treatment; confirm the invoice and delivery arrangements.
Like-for-like asking prices: Germany and Netherlands
Each model is compared using only the registration years, mileage bands and fuels listed in both countries, with the same weights on both sides. A negative figure means a lower asking price in the origin country, before transport and import taxes.
Differences compare matched cars. Destination medians include all listed cars of each model.
Models with lower asking prices in Germany
| Model | Matched difference | Destination median |
|---|---|---|
| MINI Clubman | −25% | €15,400 |
| Jeep Avenger | −22% | €25,900 |
| Porsche 911 | −22% | €144,900 |
| Kia Sportage | −22% | €23,000 |
| Volvo V60 | −22% | €25,000 |
| Cupra Terramar | −21% | €42,900 |
| Opel Zafira | −21% | €7,000 |
| Kia Stonic | −20% | €15,900 |
| Opel Grandland | −19% | €19,800 |
| Mazda CX-30 | −19% | €24,400 |
| BMW X1 | −19% | €24,000 |
| BMW 1 Series | −19% | €14,900 |
Models with higher asking prices in Germany
| Model | Matched difference | Destination median |
|---|---|---|
| Volvo EX30 | +9% | €36,400 |
| Kia EV6 | +6% | €34,500 |
| Volkswagen ID.3 | +6% | €22,900 |
| Peugeot 207 | +1% | €2,500 |
| Kia ProCeed | +1% | €19,700 |
| Audi A6 | +0% | €35,000 |
| Tesla Model Y | +0% | €34,900 |
Estimate the cost of importing a car from Germany into the Netherlands
Enter the asking price and the car's details to see the taxes with their legal basis and clearly labelled estimates.
Registration taxes in the Netherlands
BPM (belasting van personenauto's en motorrijwielen)
The Netherlands charges BPM once, when the car enters the Dutch register. Gross BPM is a CO₂ charge plus, for diesels, a surcharge per gram above a threshold. A used import may use any BPM tariff in force from two months before its first admission abroad to the RDW approval (with that tariff's NEDC or WLTP value), which often makes the tariff of its first registration year the cheapest; electric cars first registered before 2025 can use the old zero tariff.
The gross amount is then reduced by the forfaitaire depreciation table, by the car's age in months (81% after 9½ years, nothing left after 17 years and 10 months). A Dutch trade valuation (koerslijst) or an appraisal (taxatierapport) can give more depreciation for a high-mileage or damaged car. Then come the RDW identification check, registration, the recycling contribution and plates.
Official sources
- Wet BPM 1992, art. 9, 10 en 10b: BPM rates, used-car depreciation and historical tariffs
- Wet BPM 1992, art. 9 en 10b: CO₂ rates, diesel surcharge and historical tariffs
- Wet BPM 1992, art. 10; Uitvoeringsregeling BPM, art. 8: used-car depreciation
- Regeling tarieven Dienst Wegverkeer 2026, art. 11 en 14: RDW fees
The steps
- Check the listing's asking price against comparable cars, the mileage history and whether the car is sold under the margin scheme or with VAT shown separately.
- Get the registration certificate, including all parts issued by the country, the Certificate of Conformity (CoC), the invoice or contract, and the service records from the seller.
- Arrange a car transporter, or drive the car on temporary or export plates with insurance valid for the trip. The calculator includes a transport estimate you can change.
- Register the car in the Netherlands: pay any registration tax and fees due, complete any required inspection and get local plates.
Questions about this route
Is it cheaper to buy a used car in Germany than in the Netherlands?
On 3 Nov 2026, 94% of 121 models compared like for like had lower dealer asking prices in Germany than in the Netherlands, with the median model listed 13% lower. Transport and registration costs come on top.
What taxes do I pay to register a car from Germany in the Netherlands?
Registration tax for this destination: BPM. The Netherlands charges BPM once, when the car enters the Dutch register. Gross BPM is a CO₂ charge plus, for diesels, a surcharge per gram above a threshold. A used import may use any BPM tariff in force from two months before its first admission abroad to the RDW approval (with that tariff's NEDC or WLTP value), which often makes the tariff of its first registration year the cheapest; electric cars first registered before 2025 can use the old zero tariff.
Do I pay VAT again when I import a used car from Germany into the Netherlands?
A car that is used for VAT purposes, bought from a dealer under the margin scheme or from a private seller in another EU country, carries no VAT again in the Netherlands. If VAT is shown separately, a VAT-registered buyer can buy without the VAT charged in Germany and account for VAT at the destination. For a used car under normal VAT rules, a private buyer collecting it abroad generally pays the seller-country VAT. Seller-arranged delivery can change the VAT treatment; confirm the invoice and delivery arrangements. A car first used six months ago or less, or driven 6,000 km or less, is a new means of transport for VAT and is taxed at 21% in the destination country, whoever buys it.
How do I bring the car from Germany into the Netherlands?
Use a car transporter, or drive the car on temporary or export plates with insurance valid for the trip. Keep the registration certificate, Certificate of Conformity (CoC) and invoice for registration at the destination.