Question 1

How is a new car registered in the Netherlands?

Accepted Answer

The Dutch dealer registers it with the RDW, and the BPM is already in the price. The kentekencard arrives by post, with a separate letter carrying the tenaamstellingscode you will need when you sell; keep the two apart.

Question 2

How much BPM does a new car pay in the Netherlands?

Accepted Answer

The BPM is set by the car's WLTP CO₂ figure, in bands that rise steeply above 100 g/km, and a diesel pays a surcharge on top. A zero-emission car pays a small fixed amount, and on a Dutch new car the BPM is included in the consumer price.

Question 3

How much road tax does a new car pay in the Netherlands?

Accepted Answer

The motorrijtuigenbelasting is billed per quarter on the car's massa rijklaar and fuel, plus the opcenten of your province, so there is no single national figure. An electric car pays 70% of a petrol car's rate in 2026, 2027 and 2028.

Question 4

When does a new car need its first APK?

Accepted Answer

Four years after first registration for a petrol or electric car, then at six and eight years and yearly after that. Diesel and LPG cars are first tested at three years, then every year.

Question 5

Is it better to buy a new or a used car in the Netherlands?

Accepted Answer

A new car brings the full factory warranty and the specification you choose, but loses most value in its first years. A used car on Dutch plates has already paid its BPM, which is never charged again.

New cars for sale in the Netherlands

Suzuki SWIFT 1.6 Sport AIRCO / LMV / NIEUWE APK

Suzuki Swift 1.2 Bandit EASSS AIRCO ! (bj 2013)

Suzuki S-Cross 1.4 Boosterjet Select Smart Hybrid | Voorraad

Suzuki S-Cross 1.4 Boosterjet Style Smart Hybrid | Climate c

Skoda Peaq 286pk 90 Sportline | Relax Pakket | Assist Pakket

Skoda Peaq 286pk 90 Sportline | 360 Camera | LED Matrix | Wa

Nissan Leaf Evolve 75 kWh | 19'' lichtmetalen velgen | 3D-sign

Nissan Qashqai Tekna + Panoramisch glazen dak e-Power | 12.3" TFT

Nissan Qashqai N-Connecta + Panoramisch glazen dak + Cold Pack e-

Nissan X-Trail Tekna Plus e-4ORCE | 12.3" NissanConnect Navigatie