The war forced thousands of Ukrainians to seek refuge in various European countries, including the Netherlands. Many of them went by car, which allowed them to maintain mobility, independence, and simplified the process of moving. However, despite the hospitality of European countries, there are clear rules for drivers, especially those who come from outside the EU. To ensure a comfortable stay, Ukrainian drivers should be aware of the rules applicable in the Netherlands regarding the use of cars with Ukrainian licence plates, the registration process, insurance, taxation, and parking.
This text contains detailed instructions and tips for Ukrainians who use their own car in the Netherlands to help them avoid fines and unforeseen situations.
Registering your car
Since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, Ukrainian refugees in the Netherlands have been able to use cars without mandatory registration, which has made their adaptation much easier. However, with the introduction of the new rules, owners of Ukrainian cars have until 4 March 2025 to complete the registration procedure.
Registration involves replacing Ukrainian licence plates with Dutch ones. To do so, the car owner must be of legal age, have a valid passport, and be registered in one of the country’s municipalities. The process begins with obtaining a BPM tax exemption through the online tax system, after which the car must undergo a technical inspection at RDW. The technical passport and other documents must be submitted for the inspection. Upon successful completion of the inspection, the owner submits a declaration and the RDW issues a registration certificate, allowing them to order Dutch number plates.
The final step is to insure the car in accordance with local requirements, as well as to set up the payment of the MRB transport tax, which can be paid automatically. It is important to note that cars older than 3 years must additionally undergo a technical inspection at a certified RDW centre.
Car tax
Until 4 March 2025, cars with Ukrainian licence plates that have not yet been registered are exempt from paying the tax. However, after this deadline, the motor vehicle tax (MRB) will become mandatory. The amount of tax is determined individually, depending on the vehicle’s characteristics, such as engine size, year of manufacture, and environmental performance.
The registration procedure includes several mandatory payments, which in total amount to approximately EUR 137: EUR 56.50 for the vehicle identification procedure, EUR 47.65 for the registration certificate, EUR 12.50 for registration with the RDW, and EUR 20 for the environmental fee.
Ukrainian driving licence
Ukrainians who are under temporary protection in the Netherlands are allowed to use Ukrainian driving licences, even if they have expired. The European Union recognises Ukrainian driving licences, including temporary ones issued in Ukraine for a two-year period.
However, starting from 1 August 2024, Ukrainians who want to obtain a Dutch driving licence will have to undergo a special procedure. This includes mandatory practical driving lessons, a theory exam that tests knowledge of traffic rules, and a practical exam at the Central Bureau of Driving Licences (CBR). The cost of the theory test is about 50 euros, and each driving lesson costs 40-50 euros (usually about 40 lessons are required). The practical test will cost about 250 euros. After successfully passing the exams, you need to submit documents to the municipality, including an ID, photo and exam results, and the production of the licence will cost about 50 euros.
Car insurance
In the Netherlands, there is compulsory insurance for every car that is operated in the country. A ‘green card’ can serve as a temporary solution, but after registering a car, you must purchase a Dutch insurance policy that meets local requirements. It is illegal to drive a car in the Netherlands without the appropriate insurance, so it is recommended to take out insurance before crossing the border and then renew it after registration.
Buying a car
Citizens of Ukraine can buy new or used cars in the Netherlands. After the purchase, the car is subject to mandatory registration, for which you need to prepare a passport and an extract from the BRP (with the BSN number indicated), which confirms your residency status. After that, you will need to take out third-party insurance and pay transport tax.
What to do in case of a car breakdown
If the car breaks down while driving, the driver should pull over, switch on the hazard lights, get out of the car (if on the highway) and contact the roadside assistance services. Contact numbers: 112 (rescue service) or 0800-8002 (National Information Line). To help help arrive faster, you can report your exact location by following the markers along the road.
Parking
There are both paid and free parking options in the Netherlands. The average cost of parking is 3 euros per hour, in the centre of Amsterdam – up to 7.5 euros. For a convenient search for parking spaces, you can use applications such as ANWB Onderweg or Parkmobile, which allow you to pay for services by the minute.
Free parking is also available in ‘blue zones’ – special areas where you can park without paying, but only if you have a ‘blue card’, which can be purchased at petrol stations, shops or police stations.
Knowing the rules in force in the Netherlands will help Ukrainian drivers avoid fines and ensure a comfortable stay in the country. Correct registration, timely insurance, compliance with tax and parking requirements will help to avoid misunderstandings and make living in a new country easier.
