Below is selected information on importing removal goods, cars, and pets. You should consult the website of the Customs Administration of the Netherlands for full details on these and all other categories.
Removal goods
When you move to the Netherlands, you are generally entitled to take your removal goods along without paying taxes on these goods. There are differences between moving to the Netherlands from an EU country and from a non-EU country. When moving from a non-EU country, you can usually import your removal goods tax-free, but you need to apply for the relevant exemption. More information regarding specific obligations can be found on the website of the Douane (Dutch Customs). Special rules apply to certain things, such as cars and pets.
When you move, you might also need to arrange several matters regarding the export of your removal goods in your country of departure. Ask the authorities in the country of departure or your removal company for details well ahead of your moving date.
Importing a car
If you decide to bring a foreign-registered car with you when you move to the Netherlands, you need to follow the relevant import and registration procedures. You can find detailed information on what you need to do from either the RDW or Netherlands Worldwide.
RDW: The Netherlands Vehicle Authority's responsibilities include registering cars and owners; licensing vehicles; and issuing vehicle registration certificates, driving licenses, and certificates of road worthiness.
Netherlands Worldwide: A government website where you can learn more about what to do if you want to bring your car to the Netherlandsalong with step-by-step instructions for importing a car.
Important:
If you are (or should have been) registered in the Dutch Personal Records Database (BRP) you are not allowed to drive a car with foreign registration plates in the Netherlands due to the Dutch Road Traffic Act.
Importing a pet
The regulations for bringing your pet to the Netherlands vary according to the type of animal and where you are travelling from or through. There are different rules for travelling from EU countries and from third countries.
You are allowed to bring up to 5 pets with you. You must be the owner of the pet or a representative authorised by the owner. Travelling with more than 5 animals is considered commercial movement and different rules may apply.
To import a pet dog or pet cat, each animal needs at least the following:
- An EU pet passport (if coming from an EU country) or a valid veterinary certificate plus owners declaration form.
- A valid vaccination against rabies, given at least 21 days before travel. Note: animals cannot be vaccinated against rabies until 12 weeks of age. This means that cats and dogs younger than 15 weeks cannot be brought into the Netherlands. If you are coming from a non-EU country with a high risk of rabies, the dog or cat must be at least 7 months of age due to the additional mandatory blood tests.
- A microchip, placed before or on the same day as the rabies vaccination. The date on which your pet was chipped and the chip number must be stated in the pet passport.
Important
There may also be additional requirements, depending on where you are travelling from or through.
For example, your pet might need to have a blood test or be dewormed before arrival, you might need to report your pet to Customs on arrival, and/or you might need to pay tax.
Rules and regulations are subject to change. Consult the website of The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA) to read all about the current rules for travelling with pets and for the rules on bringing other species into the Netherlands.
Additional requirements for dogs on arrival
- You must register your dog in a designated database within 2 weeks of arrival if the dog will be staying in the Netherlands for longer than 3 months. This needs to be done by a veterinarian. (You may need to first request a UBN (uniek bedrijfsnummer / unique business number) from the RVO (Rijksdienst voor Ondernemend Nederland / Netherlands Enterprise Agency). See the RVO website or contact your veterinarian for more information.
- You may also need to register your dog with your local municipality for dog tax. This varies per municipality.