Driving to work

In the Netherlands, you can use your own car for commuting. You must have a valid driver’s licence and car papers, and follow the traffic rules. 

Driving a foreign car 

Do you want to drive a car in the Netherlands that has a foreign registration plate? You can do this for up to six months if the car is registered in your name as long as you are not registered as resident in the Netherlands in the Personal Records Database (BRP). If you are registered as a resident, you can only drive the car briefly and in special situations. You must always have valid insurance, an inspection certificate and car registration papers.

Tax on cars in the Netherlands 

If you have been registered as resident in the Netherlands for more than six months, you must change your foreign registration plate for a Dutch registration plate. To arrange this, visit your nearest branch of RDW. You also have to pay private motor vehicle and motorcycle tax BPM for this. If you have a Dutch registration plate, you pay road tax. 

Visit the Belastingdienst website for information about the rules for taxes on vehicles with foreign registration plates. Under these rules, you might have to pay tax for your vehicle in the Netherlands. If you not sure, contact Belastingdienst. 

Commuting allowance if you have your own transport 

Your boss might give you money for travelling to work. This is called a commuting allowance. In that case, you receive an amount for each kilometre or working day that you travel. Ask your boss or employment agency about this. Some employers do not provide a commuting allowance.