Before paying, check the car, the seller and the Slovak export route; then arrange transport, RDW, taxes, number plates and insurance in the correct order.
As a private resident of the Netherlands, you can import a used passenger car from Slovakia, but do not pay until the vehicle identity and documents are correct and both the export and transport routes are workable. You should drive it yourself only once Slovak registration in your name, valid V plates, export documents and written confirmation of insurance for every transit country are in place. If they are not, choose carriage on a vehicle transporter. In the Netherlands, this is followed by the RDW import inspection, private motor vehicle and motorcycle tax (BPM), any value added tax (VAT), registration, number plates and insurance. 1 2 3
Decide before paying
Set every condition down in writing and make the purchase conditional on verifiable originals. The main go/no-go points are set out below.
| Decision | What to check | Consequence |
|---|---|---|
| Proceed with the purchase? | Vehicle identification number (VIN/chassis number), seller, purchase document and originals | Stop if there is a discrepancy or a register block 1 |
| Is the history sufficient? | Validate the ODO-/AUTO-Pass; inspect separately | No proof of complete history or condition 4, 5 |
| Is an originality check required? | No more than 15 days old, unless the holder remains the same or the first registration is no more than 60 days old | ‘Dočasne spôsobilé’ only if the identifiers are legible 1 |
| Buyer absent? | Power of attorney bearing a certified signature or acquisition document bearing the buyer's certified signature | Exception only with evidence 1 |
| Drive the car yourself? | V plate and export documents and route insurance | Otherwise use a trailer or vehicle transporter 1, 2, 3 |
| Which VAT branch? | New: no more than six months or no more than 6,000 km; used: more than six months and more than 6,000 km | New requires the special Dutch return 6, 7, 8 |
| Is CO2 evidence available? | Certificate of conformity (CvO/CoC) and RDW CO2 value | Missing CO2 affects BPM 3, 9 |
| Can the inspection be carried over? | Original report, registration entry or sticker | RDW assesses this; periodic roadworthiness inspection (APK) if required 3 |
Check the car, seller and purchase documents
Compare the vehicle identification number (VIN/chassis number) on the car with every document. Also check the seller's authority to sell the car and retain the signed acquisition document, proof of identity, both parts of the registration certificate and the number plates. Enforcement, seizure or another recorded restriction can block the change. 1
An ODO-Pass or AUTO-Pass is evidence only within the Slovak register: validate the report number and date, but do not regard it as a complete foreign history, proof of ownership or a guarantee of mileage and condition. A Kontrola originality (originality check) examines identity, alterations and wanted-vehicle indicators; it is not a complete mechanical inspection and does not assess the quality of accident repairs. 10 4 5
Arrange the Slovak export
Follow the current consolidated Slovak legislation where it differs from older information on the portal. For a normal export, a qualifying originality check no more than 15 days old is required, unless the holder remains unchanged or the first registration is no more than 60 days old. A dočasne spôsobilé result may be used only under the statutory condition that the identifiers are legible. 1 2
Have the non-resident buyer registered as the new holder/owner through the export procedure. If the buyer is absent, either a power of attorney bearing a certified signature or an acquisition document bearing the buyer's certified signature is required, subject to the statutory exceptions for certain close relatives or electronic processing. An ordinary scan or informal power of attorney is therefore not necessarily sufficient. The requested V plates and export registration documents remain valid for 30 days after deregistration for export. 1
Choose transport to the Netherlands
RDW does not issue a number plate for the journey from Slovakia. You therefore need a lawful Slovak solution or must have the car carried on a trailer or vehicle transporter. 3
| Option | Required | Limitation |
|---|---|---|
| Drive the car yourself | V plate, export documents and compulsory cover | Documents valid for 30 days; have the insurer confirm in writing that the policy covers the V plate in every transit country 1, 2 |
| Trailer/vehicle transporter | Quote and proof of handover | Choose this if the arrangements for driving the car yourself are incomplete 3, 2 |
| RDW one-day registration | Appointment, printed proof, legible white plates, insurance, safe car | Inspection day only, the Netherlands, shortest route between RDW and home 11 |
| Exceptional short-use exemption | Foreign number plate, made available from abroad, advance online notification | No more than two consecutive weeks; once per vehicle/user per 12 months; otherwise BPM/motor vehicle tax (mrb) from day one 12 |
Complete the RDW, APK and registration steps
The standard route for a vehicle from an EU or EFTA country is available to a private applicant who is at least 18 and registered in the Dutch Personal Records Database (BRP). Take valid proof of identity and the complete original foreign registration certificate; make a copy of it beforehand for the BPM return. The certificate of conformity (CvO; internationally often CoC) is optional on this RDW page, but the CO2 value shown on it may affect BPM. 3
RDW identifies the car and assesses the documents. This appointment is not a general technical pre-purchase inspection. A hazard or damage may, however, lead to a prohibition on using the car on the road. Ask at the desk whether a still-valid Slovak periodic inspection can be carried over and present the original report, the entry on the registration certificate or the number-plate sticker. Carry-over is assessed and is not guaranteed. 3
Treat BPM, VAT and mrb separately
After RDW approval and electronic transfer of the data, you file a BPM return as a private individual. For BPM, a car is used in any event at 3,000 km or more; below that threshold it is not automatically new. Gross BPM uses RDW's CO2 value: new cars follow WLTP, while used cars from before 1 July 2020 follow an NEDC or WLTP branch depending on the measured or converted values available; cars from before 2018 have no WLTP value. 13 9
If the CO2 value is missing, the published calculation page, for ‘1 July 2020 to the present’, uses 550 g/km for petrol or 395 g/km for diesel. For earlier periods, it lists the alternatives 507/356 and 350/302 where more favourable. A used car may compare permitted current and historic tariff branches and receives depreciation through a Dutch trade price list, an appraisal report or the statutory table. Do not assume that an ordinary car qualifies for an appraisal report: special conditions concerning the vehicle, appraiser, roadworthiness and timing apply, while the official eligibility wording is not entirely unambiguous. 9 14
VAT uses a different test: VAT-new means the vehicle has been in use for no more than six months or has covered no more than 6,000 km. VAT-used requires more than six months since first registration and more than 6,000 km. For a VAT-new vehicle, a private buyer pays Dutch VAT through the special return for a new means of transport from another EU country. For a VAT-used vehicle, the transfer itself does not create additional Dutch acquisition VAT, but invoice and margin-scheme treatment may differ. No customs duty is payable between Slovakia and the Netherlands; BPM remains a separate assessment. 6 7 8 15
Build a budget without a misleading total
The amounts below are separate items, not a universal total. Choose only one alternative within the same set of options and fill in every vehicle-specific amount before deciding. The known rates were checked on 13 September 2026; the remaining costs require a current quote or calculation. 3 11 4
| Cost item | Amount | Condition |
|---|---|---|
| ODO-Pass: one record | €0.24 | Selected report 4 |
| ODO-Pass: multiple records | €7.90 | Alternative report 4 |
| AUTO-Pass: level one | €5.90 | Selected level 4 |
| AUTO-Pass: level two | €9.90 | Alternative level 4 |
| AUTO-Pass: level three | €16.90 | Alternative level 4 |
| Export, deregistration and V plates | To be determined | No reliable current total; confirm the appointment, payment and payer 1, 2 |
| Route insurance | Request a quote | Written confirmation of cover for every transit country 1, 2 |
| Fuel, tolls and travel | To be determined | Only when driving the car yourself 1, 2 |
| Vehicle transporter | Request a quote | Alternative to driving the car yourself 3, 2 |
| Slovak tax or refund | To be determined | Assume nothing; confirm the treatment and payer 1, 2 |
| RDW vehicle identification | €58.50 | Up to 3,500 kg 3 |
| RDW vehicle identification | €120.00 | Alternative at 3,501 kg or more 3 |
| Dutch registration certificate | €50.00 | RDW fee 3 |
| Registration in the holder's name through RDW | €13.10 | RDW fee 3 |
| Recycling contribution | €22.50 | Applicable imported car up to 3,500 kg 3 |
| RDW reinspection | €42.00 | Only if required 3 |
| RDW one-day registration | €0.00 | The registration itself only 11 |
| White plates and Dutch insurance | To be determined | With a one-day registration 11 |
| BPM and any diesel surcharge | To be determined | The vehicle, date, CO2 and depreciation determine this 13, 9, 14 |
| Dutch VAT or invoice treatment | To be determined | The age, mileage and invoice determine this 6, 7, 8 |
| Replacement CvO/CoC or translation | Request a quote | Only if a document is missing 3 |
| Dutch periodic roadworthiness inspection (APK) | To be determined | If APK is required and the foreign inspection evidence is not carried over 3 |
| Repairs, modifications or exceptional approval | Request a quote | If required 3 |
| Trade price list or appraisal evidence | To be determined | Only for a permitted BPM method 9, 14 |
| Dutch number plates | To be determined | After receipt of the registration certificate 3 |
| Third-party liability insurance (WA insurance) | Request a quote | From registration in the holder's name, if compulsory 3 |
| Motor vehicle tax (mrb) | To be determined | The vehicle, fuel and province determine this 3, 16 |
Complete the import in chronological order
Keep the original evidence and a copy for every step. The checklist deliberately starts entirely open.
| Action | Evidence | Timing |
|---|---|---|
| Check the VIN, seller and restrictions | Car, register, originals | Before payment 1, 10 |
| Validate the report; inspect separately | Number, date, findings | Before payment 10, 4, 5 |
| Record the purchase and costs | Purchase document, ID, registration certificate parts, plates | At purchase 1 |
| Complete the absent-buyer procedure | Certified power of attorney or purchase document, unless a proven exception applies | Before the register change 1 |
| Arrange the check or evidence of an exception | No more than 15 days; same holder or first registration within 60 days | Before export 1 |
| Register the buyer and the export | V plates and export documents | Before departure 1 |
| Confirm the route/transport | Insurance confirmation or transport order | Before moving the vehicle 1, 2, 3 |
| Copy the foreign registration certificate | Copy and originals | Before RDW 3 |
| Attend the RDW import inspection | ID, original registration certificate, car, and CvO/inspection evidence if applicable | By appointment 3 |
| File the BPM return and, if required, the VAT return | RDW approval and tax documents | BPM after RDW transfer; VAT separately using the special return 13, 7 |
| Check the registration certificate/registration code | Registration certificate and full code | After approval 3 |
| Have the plates made and activate WA insurance | Plates, policy, last four VIN digits | From registration in the holder's name 3 |
| Arrange an APK immediately if required | Valid APK result | After the registration certificate 3 |
| Check the mrb bill | Tax assessment or contact note | Call after one month 3, 16 |
Frequently asked questions
Can I drive to the Netherlands on V plates?
Only with a V plate and export documents and compulsory cover. The 30-day period does not prove cover along the route. Have the insurer confirm in writing that the policy covers the V plate in every transit country; otherwise choose vehicle transport. 1, 2
Is Kontrola originality a pre-purchase inspection?
No. It examines identity, alterations and wanted-vehicle indicators, not mechanical condition or accident repairs. ODO-Pass and AUTO-Pass are also limited. Have the car assessed separately. 10, 4, 5
Will RDW carry over the Slovak inspection?
It may, but not automatically. Request an assessment with the original report, registration entry or sticker. If it is not accepted, arrange an APK immediately after receiving the registration certificate for a car subject to APK; delay may result in a fine. 3
Does the one-day registration apply from Slovakia?
No. It is valid only in the Netherlands on the inspection date and on the shortest route to RDW and home. You need an appointment, printed proof, legible white plates, Dutch insurance and a safe car. The registration was free on 13 September 2026; the other requirements may entail costs. 11
When do I file the BPM return?
After RDW approval and data transfer. For BPM, new means not or hardly used; at 3,000 km or more, the car is considered used. Compare permitted current and historic tariffs and choose a Dutch trade price list, appraisal report or the statutory table. Check the appraisal and roadworthiness conditions and the one-month timing condition before RDW. 13, 9, 14
When is Dutch VAT due?
VAT-new means no more than six months in use or no more than 6,000 km; the special return then applies. VAT-used requires more than six months and more than 6,000 km. The transfer then causes no additional Dutch acquisition VAT; invoice treatment may differ. 6, 7, 8
What happens after approval?
After approval by both RDW and the Dutch Tax Administration, RDW states five working days for the registration certificate and a further two working days for the full registration code, depending on postal delivery. Have the number plates made by an RDW-recognised manufacturer. If insurance is compulsory, WA insurance applies from registration in the holder's name; the notification code uses the last four VIN digits. 3
How does mrb work?
If mrb applies, registration in the holder's name counts as the return; the bill follows automatically. Call if no bill arrives within one month. The determining factors are vehicle type, weight, fuel, environmental characteristics and province. 3, 16
Conditional next step
Consider CarAudit only once availability at the vehicle's location in Slovakia has been confirmed. The Dutch site lists Slovakia as a service country and Carvago Deutschland GmbH as the provider; the terms apply from 1 August 2026. ‘Within 48 hours after the inspection’, excluding weekends and public holidays, is indicative. Timing depends on availability and circumstances; access to the seller and vehicle, time, weather and the ability to conduct a test drive limit the inspection. The inspection is not a guarantee that hidden or unobservable defects will be found and does not include import administration. 17, 18
Sources
- Zákon č. 8/2009 Z. z. — consolidated version effective 1–30 September 2026
- Dočasné alebo trvalé prevezenie vozidla do cudziny
- Voertuig invoeren vanuit een Europees land
- Časté otázky
- Prečo overovať vozidlo
- Wat zijn nieuwe of bijna nieuwe vervoermiddelen?
- Aankoop van nieuwe en bijna nieuwe vervoermiddelen uit EU-landen
- Auto kopen of verkopen: btw
- Hoe bereken ik de bpm voor een personenauto?
- Kontrola originality
- Eendagskenteken aanvragen
- Vrijstelling bpm en mrb bij kortstondig gebruik
- Ik koop een motorrijtuig in het buitenland - hoe zit het met de bpm-aangifte?
- Bpm afschrijving gebruikte motorrijtuigen
- Belasting van personenauto's en motorrijwielen (bpm)
- Motorrijtuigenbelasting
- CarAudit: koop een tweedehands auto nooit blind
- CarAudit-voorwaarden
