Registering an American car in the Netherlands: Is it worth it?

The Netherlands is one of the best choices in Europe for those who want to import a American classic car, 40 years old or moreAutomatic exemption from road tax (MRB) and a registration tax (BPM) that drops virtually to zero thanks to age-related discounts. For genuine classic cars, the Dutch tax framework is hard to beat.

But be warned: there is an obstacle that changes the equation — the RDW import inspection in Lelystad, Rigorous, expensive, and with long deadlines. This guide explains all the components, so you can make an informed decision.

Notice: the values indicated are 2026 indicators. Tax rules and inspection fees change frequently. Always confirm with an authorized customs broker before making any purchase decision.

How Much Does it Cost to Enroll in School in the Netherlands?

Importing a car directly from the USA to the Netherlands involves four layers of cost:

1. Customs Duties (EU Customs)

Same as the rest of the EU: 10 % For passenger cars (tariff code 8703). For classic cars classified as collector's items. (tariff code 9705 — vehicles ≥ 30 years old, state of origin, model out of production), the rights descend to 0 %. This regime is a Community standard — it applies in the Netherlands exactly as in [the rest of the Netherlands]. Portugal or in France.

2. By the way (Dutch VAT) — 21 % or 9 %

The standard Dutch VAT rate (BTW) is 21 %, calculated on the customs value plus duties. For vehicles classified under the NC 9705 collection regime, the rate applies. reduced from 9 % — a significant saving compared to the Portuguese VAT of 23 %.

3. BPM (registration tax)

BPM is the Dutch first registration tax, calculated based on CO₂ emissions or engine displacement. The key point for older vehicles is... afschrijving (Age-related discount): the older the car, the lower the calculation base. In classic cars 40+ years old, this discount is so high that the effective BPM It frequently falls to near zero.. It is one of the biggest attractions of the Dutch system for collectors.

4. MRB (annual circulation tax)

The MRB is the annual circulation tax. Dutch law stipulates... automatic exemption for vehicles with 40 years or older (oldtimerstatus): no exemption is required or special formalities need to be followed — it applies by law from the moment the car reaches that age. For a 1965 Mustang or a 1970 Chevrolet, the MRB is zero, Without bureaucracy.

Classic Regime / Oldtimer

The Netherlands clearly distinguishes between two categories for classic cars:

Vehicle age	Customs duties	By the way	BPM	Annual MRB
30–39 years (NC 9705)	0 %	9 %	Partial discount	Due
40+ years old (oldtimer)	0 % (if NC 9705)	9 % (if NC 9705)	~0 € (maximum discount)	0 € (automatic exemption)

For an American classic car 40+ years old in original condition, the combination rights 0 % + BTW 9 % + BPM ~0 + MRB 0 This makes the Netherlands one of the EU countries with the most favorable registration tax for classic cars.

Keuring RDW: The Inspection You Can't Ignore

All vehicles coming from outside the EU must pass through keuring (import inspection) by RDW (Rijksdienst voor het Wegverkeer), carried out at the facilities of Lelystad.

What you should know:

High cost: the process may cost ~€1,000 or more, depending on the necessary checks and any required adaptations.
Long-term periods: The scheduling and the entire process can take weeks to months.
Technical requirement: RDW verifies headlight brightness (European standard), braking system, emissions, component homologation, and safety. Mechanical adaptations may be necessary—and add cost to the process.
No shortcuts: Unlike some countries that accept faster individual approvals, in the Netherlands there is no way to circumvent the keuring process for non-EU vehicles.

Practical conclusion: The inspection fee is the main factor that can make the Netherlands less competitive than it seems at first glance, especially for moderately priced cars where the inspection cost is too high.

Salvage: Registration with Restrictions

In the Netherlands, a vehicle with the title salvage (damaged/lost in the USA) he can receive registration — but with a restriction of movement The registration document indicates that the vehicle has been involved in an accident. This is not a full EU registration equivalent to a vehicle with no damage history.

What this means in practice:

The restriction is recorded in the Dutch documentation and will follow the car.
For subsequent transfer to Portugal or another EU country, the restriction may be a legal or commercial obstacle.
Keuring can be even more demanding for salvage, requiring detailed structural inspection.

Recommendation: Avoid salvage vehicles if the ultimate goal is resale in Portugal or another demanding European market.

Netherlands vs Portugal: Is it worth it?

When the Netherlands makes sense

The car has 40+ yearsMRB zero, BPM zero, BTW a 9 % — a very favorable combination.
Intends Keep the car in the Netherlands. (collection, event, occasional use) or transfer it later to Portugal as intra-community use.
The vehicle is in impeccable original condition and you will have no problems with Keuring.
You have the time and availability to manage the RDW process (long timeframes).

When Portugal (or another EU country) might be preferable

The vehicle is between 30 and 39 years old: the BPM (Best Before Price) still carries weight, and maintenance remains expensive → analyze on a case-by-case basis.
The car has a low or medium value: the fixed cost of the maintenance (~€1,000) weighs disproportionately.
You need a fast process: RDW is not the way to go.
Vehicle salvaged that you intend to resell in Portugal or Spain: it's best to consider Belgium or Poland.

Our analysis before each import: The ideal country of registration depends on the year, value, condition, and final destination of the car. In some cases, the Netherlands is the best option; in others, Belgium or France are more economical. We provide a complete simulation. before purchase - Contact Us.

Looking to import an American classic?

Autozilla operates directly from California with a US dealer license. We analyze the ideal registration country for each vehicle — including the Netherlands — and handle all logistics and paperwork.

Contact us on WhatsApp For a free simulation, or see our current stock of American classics.

Want to understand the complete import process from the USA? Read our [link/article/guide/etc.]. Complete Guide to Importing Cars from the USA to Portugal.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the registration tax (BPM) for an American oldtimer in the Netherlands? For vehicles 40+ years old, the age-related discount (afschrijvingThe engine speed is so high that the BPM (beats per minute) often drops to near zero. The exact values depend on the engine displacement and year — confirm with a specialist mechanic.

Does an American car need a special inspection to be registered in the Netherlands? Yes. All vehicles coming from outside the EU must go through the RDW inspection center in Lelystad. The process costs approximately €1,000 or more and can take several weeks.

Do the Netherlands accept cars with salvage titles from the USA? They can register salvaged vehicles, but with a circulation restriction recorded in the documentation—it is not equivalent to a full registration. For later resale in Portugal, this restriction can be problematic.

Is the exemption from the MRB (circulation tax) automatic for oldtimers? Yes. At age 40, the MRB exemption applies automatically by law, without the need for an application or additional formalities.

Is it more worthwhile to enroll in the Netherlands or directly in Portugal? It depends on the age, value, and condition of the car. For classic cars 40+ years old in good condition, the Netherlands is often advantageous. For newer cars or those of lower-to-mid-range value, the cost of the keuring (vehicle inspection) can reverse the equation. Ask us for a comparative simulation before deciding.