The Netherlands is thousands of kilometres away from Ukraine, but many refugees have come to this country by car. The ability to drive has actually been a lifesaver for many Ukrainians who fled the war and went to safe places abroad.

Each country has its own specific rules for drivers, especially those who are not citizens of an EU country. We will tell you whether refugees in the Netherlands can drive cars with Ukrainian licence plates, whether they need to register their vehicle and what to do to avoid fines.

Read more about the rules of entry to the Netherlands for Ukrainians in 2024 here.

Car registration in the Netherlands for Ukrainians

Since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, the country has made an exception for Ukrainian refugees - it allowed them not to register cars that are in the Netherlands.

However, the rules have now changed. The Netherlands has introduced important changes to cars with Ukrainian registration. According to the new rules, Ukrainian drivers have until 4 March 2025 to replace their Ukrainian licence plates with Dutch ones. To do this, the car owner must be of legal age, have a valid passport and official registration in one of the country's municipalities.

How to re-register a car in the Netherlands?

The re-registration process begins with obtaining a BPM tax exemption through the online system of the tax office. Next, the car must undergo a technical inspection at RDW, which requires a technical passport and other documents. Upon successful completion of the inspection, the owner submits a special declaration, on the basis of which the RDW issues a registration certificate and allows ordering Dutch number plates.

The final steps are to insure the car according to local regulations and set up the MRB transport tax, which can be paid automatically. It is important to note that owners of older cars (over 3 years old for most types) must additionally undergo a technical inspection at a certified RDW centre.

Readmore about the procedure for registering Ukrainian cars in the Netherlands here.

Car tax in the Netherlands for Ukrainians

It is also important for Ukrainian drivers in the Netherlands to be aware of the new vehicle taxation rules. Currently, Ukrainian cars that have not yet changed their licence plates to Dutch ones are exempt from car tax, but these rules will expire on 4 March 2025, immediately after the vehicle is registered.

Car tax (MRB) becomes mandatory as soon as the car is registered in the RDW system, but it must be paid no later than 4 March 2025. The amount of tax is not fixed - it is calculated individually for each vehicle, taking into account its characteristics.

As for the financial side of the registration process, the owner will have to pay several mandatory fees. The total amount is approximately 137 euros and includes: car identification procedure (56.50 euros), registration certificate (47.65 euros), registration with the RDW (12.50 euros) and environmental fee (20 euros).

For more information, you can

- visit the official website belastingdienst.nl/auto;

- call the tax office at 0800-0749;

- contact RDW at 088-008 74 47.

Attention! Be prepared to provide personal information: BSN number, your address, car details.

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Ukrainian driving licence in the Netherlands

Ukrainians who have been granted temporary protection in the Netherlands can continue to drive with their Ukrainian driving licence. It is important to note that even if the validity of a Ukrainian driving licence has expired, it is still valid in the European Union. This rule also applies to temporary driving licences, which are issued in Ukraine to newcomers for a two-year period. In this case, you do not need to obtain an additional Dutch driving licence - a Ukrainian licence is quite a sufficient document for driving a vehicle.

Before moving to the Netherlands, it is worthwhile to study in detail the information on prices and living standards in the country. Readabout the cost of living in the Netherlands, rent, utilities, food and entertainment here.

Driving licence in the Netherlands for Ukrainians: is it possible to get a licence?

Starting from 1 August 2024, Ukrainian citizens under temporary protection can obtain a driving licence in the Netherlands. This is a significant change from the previous situation, when municipalities did not issue licences to refugees, even after they had successfully passed all the necessary exams.

The process of obtaining a driving licence in the Netherlands involves several main stages. Firstly, you need to take practical driving lessons at a selected driving school, where experienced instructors teach all the necessary driving skills. At the same time, you need to pass a theoretical exam that tests your knowledge of traffic rules. The final stage is a practical test at the Central Bureau of Driving Licences (CBR), which assesses the ability to drive safely in real-world conditions.

The financial costs of obtaining a licence can be quite significant. The theory exam costs about 50 euros, each driving lesson costs 40-50 euros (usually about 40 lessons are required), and the practical exam costs about 250 euros. After successfully passing the exams, you need to submit documents to the municipality, including an ID card, a photo and the exam results form.

The production of the driving licence itself costs about 50 euros and the waiting period is approximately 5 working days.

For more informationon the procedure for obtaining a driving licence in the Netherlands, please follow the link.

Car insurance in the Netherlands for Ukrainians

The Netherlands has a strict rule regarding vehicle insurance - every car in the country must be insured without exception. A Ukrainian insurance policy is not enough to drive a car legally in this country. Therefore, owners of cars with Ukrainian licence plates need to take care of obtaining an international insurance document called a Green Card. This policy can be taken out both before crossing the border and while already in the Netherlands. Such insurance provides reliable financial protection in the event of road traffic accidents, covering material damage and providing additional insurance guarantees to the vehicle owner.

On the Visit Ukraine portal, you can apply for a Green Card online from a licensed insurer. Packages are available for different periods from 15 days to 1 year for cars and trucks, trailers and semi-trailers for trucks, as well as motorcycles and scooters.

However, keep in mind that after registering a Ukrainian car in the Netherlands and obtaining new licence plates, you must immediately purchase a local insurance policy, which is mandatory in the Netherlands.

How can a Ukrainian buy a car in the Netherlands?

Citizens of Ukraine are allowed to buy both new and used vehicles. Remember that after the purchase, you need to:

- take out third-party insurance;

- pay the vehicle tax;

- register the number plate at the RDW - you need to prepare your passport and an extract from the BRP with the BSN number in advance (the document cannot be older than 3 months).

What to do in case of a car breakdown in the Netherlands?

Follow a simple algorithm of actions:

- if possible, get to the nearest car park or petrol station;

- park on the right side of the road and switch on your hazard lights;

- if you are on a motorway, get out of the car and go behind the fence;

- call the emergency services (number 112), the National Information Line (0800-8002) or an official rescue company, such as Wegenwacht.

It is important to know where you are. There are distance boards along motorways across the country that show the distance to a certain point. When you speak to the rescue service, you can state this distance and indicate which side of the road you are on. With this information, you will be found.

Free parking in the Netherlands: an app to find a place

In the Netherlands, you will find both free and paid parking spaces.

- Paid parking. The average cost per hour is 3 euros, in Amsterdam - 7.50. The further away from the city centre, the lower the cost. Special mobile applications are a very convenient way to find free and inexpensive parking spaces. Download ANWB Onderweg and Parkmobile, look for free spaces and pay for parking by the minute.

- Free parking. In Dutch cities, there are so-called ‘blue zones’ - blue areas of pavement where you can stop without paying. You can also buy a ‘blue card’ that allows you to park in these zones for several hours. They are sold at police stations, petrol stations and tobacco shops.

Read more about the traffic rules in the Netherlands and the nuances that drivers must know here.

Remember. It is necessary to prepare for every road trip in advance, because a trip to another country requires careful planning. Read more about convenient routes from Poland to the Netherlands, travel time, what tourists need to know about the country and the top places to visit here.

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