This way you can easily buy a car in the Netherlands as an expat

An expat is someone who is going to live and work abroad for an international organization for a specific period of time, usually 1 to 3 years. In addition, it is also possible for an expat to look for a job abroad. The exact number of expats in the Netherlands is unknown. It is estimated that there are approximately 200,000.

When you are staying in the Netherlands as an expat, it is useful to use a car as a means of transport. Read in this article how expats can easily buy a car to use during their stay in the Netherlands.

Why is a car the most optimal means of transport in the Netherlands?

The Netherlands Environmental Assessment Agency has released an accessibility analysis for the whole of the Netherlands to gain insight into the degree of accessibility to facilities and jobs. Here are some interesting insights. For example, 30% of the elderly living in rural areas, villages or the outskirts of cities cannot reach a hospital or outpatient clinic within half an hour without a car.

The same analysis also shows that if you are completely dependent on public transport, it is less easy to use various facilities. With the bicycle, this accessibility becomes somewhat greater, but not as great as when you have a car. Residents of the Netherlands with a car have the highest accessibility of facilities and jobs.

Don’t have a driver’s license yet, but do you want to get one?

Our favorite vehicles with an automatic gearbox

Are you an expat in the Netherlands and do you want to drive here? Every country has different rules, including the Netherlands. It may take a while before you drive confidently on Dutch roads. So make it as easy as possible for yourself. To be able to fully focus on traffic and not have to switch gears, it may be smart to choose an automatic transmission, for example. We list our 3 favorite vehicles with an automatic gearbox.

#1 Toyota C-HR

‘Let’s go places’ with the Toyota C-HR. This car is a hybrid variant. This means that you drive economically, cheaply and cleanly, without sacrificing driving range. In addition to easy driving thanks to the automatic gearbox, there are also various other systems that work automatically. For example, the C-HR is equipped with automatic lighting, automatic wipers and adaptive cruise control.

The Toyota C-HR features 17-inch alloy wheels, black headliner, electrically operated windows, LED daytime running lights and a rear seat that can be folded in parts, among other things.

#2 Audi A3

If you say a spacious interior, fine driving characteristics and comfortable on the road, you say Audi A3. This A3 is available in both the hybrid and petrol variant. In addition to the automatic gearbox – available with both fuel variants – other useful options have been incorporated to make your ride as comfortable as possible.

For example, this vehicle has LED daytime running lights, LED rear lights and LED headlights, front and rear parking sensors, navigation system and cruise control. Did you know that the rain sensors control the wiping capacity on your windshield?

#3 Ford Kuga

The Ford Kuga is the best-selling Ford in Europe alongside the Fiesta and Focus. This vehicle falls into the (compact) SUV category. Characteristics of the Kuga are the high entry, the comfortable driving on unpaved roads and the large available space.

This Kuga has various options and specifications that make your ride a lot more pleasant and easier. For example, the low beams work automatically, the tailgate can be operated electrically, and the model has a high beam assistant, LED rear lights and LED daytime running lights and a lane sensor.

This is how you register a car without a Dutch passport

With a foreign driver’s license it is possible to register a car in the Netherlands. To register a car as a foreigner or expat, without a Dutch passport or driver’s license, there are a number of conditions that you must meet. These conditions are listed below:

• You must, among other things, be present during the transfer in person or have a digital authorisation
• Have a minimum age of 18 years old
• Living in the Netherlands
• Be registered in the Municipal Personal Records Database at a municipality

Please note: with only a residence permit or residence permit, it is not possible to have the vehicle registered in your name.