Buying a car in the Netherlands, in English.
Auto Duo is a small car dealer in De Kwakel, near Amstelveen, Amsterdam and Schiphol. We help internationals buy, lease and sell cars without the paperwork headaches, and we are happy to do it all in English.
- Location
- De Kwakel, near Amsterdam and Schiphol
- Language
- English and Dutch
- Viewing
- By appointment, 7 days a week
- Contact
- +31 6 14 88 52 69 (call or WhatsApp)
What we can do for you
- Buy a used car from our stock. Every car is selected by us and shown with an all-in price. See the current stock (in Dutch).
- Find and import a car from Germany. Germany has a far bigger choice. We search, inspect, import and register the car, and you get one all-in price upfront. More about import.
- Lease. Financial lease for business use, or private and operational lease through our lease partners. Lease options.
- Inspect a car before you buy it elsewhere. Found a car at another dealer or a private seller? We check it for you. Pre-purchase inspection.
- Sell your car when you leave. A remote offer based on photos and a handover planned around your departure. Sell your car.
What you need to buy and register a car
- A BSN and a Dutch address registered with your municipality (BRP).
- A valid driving licence. A foreign licence is usually valid for up to 185 days after you register with a municipality; after that you need a Dutch licence.
- Car insurance that starts on the day of delivery. Third-party liability (WA) is the legal minimum.
- Road tax (motorrijtuigenbelasting). The Tax Administration sends the assessment automatically once the car is in your name.
We take care of the registration with the RDW at handover, and we explain the registration card and code you receive. For official information, see the RDW website in English.
Buying from a dealer or a private seller
A private sale can look cheaper, but you buy without warranty and have to check the history yourself. Buying from a dealer gives you more protection under Dutch consumer law, and a car that has been inspected and prepared. Mileage of Dutch cars can be checked against the national register (NAP); for imported cars, the service history matters even more.
Frequently asked questions.
Can I buy a car in the Netherlands without a BSN?
You can agree on a purchase, but to register the car in your name with the RDW you will normally need a BSN and a Dutch address registered with your municipality. Once you have those, we arrange the registration at handover.
How long can I drive on my foreign driving licence?
Usually up to 185 days after you register with a Dutch municipality. Licences from EU and EFTA countries, and from some other countries, can be exchanged for a Dutch licence; otherwise you need to pass the Dutch theory and practical exams. Check the current rules with the RDW for your country.
Do I need insurance before I collect the car?
Yes. Driving an uninsured car on Dutch roads is not allowed. Third-party liability (WA) is the legal minimum; many people choose extra cover. Let your policy start on the day of delivery. You will also pay road tax (motorrijtuigenbelasting), which the Tax Administration charges automatically after registration.
Can I lease a car as an expat?
Often, yes. Leasing companies check your income, residence and length of contract, and some are stricter for people who arrived recently. We request proposals from our lease partners for the car you choose, so you know quickly what is possible.
I am leaving the Netherlands. Will you buy my car?
Yes. Send us the licence plate, mileage and photos, and we make an offer remotely. We can plan the handover close to your departure date, settle any outstanding finance with the lender and deregister you as the owner with the RDW.