Expat Driving License Exchange with the 30% Tax Advantage

Right to Exchange a License and the 30% Tax Advantage


One of the most significant advantages of exchanging your license as an expat in the Netherlands is the eligibility for the 30% tax advantage. This benefit is available only to those who hold a valid Foreign driver’s license and meet specific criteria. However, the right to exchange your license is not directly tied to being a “Highly Skilled Migrant.” The key requirement is benefiting from the 30% tax ruling. As long as you have this tax benefit, both you and your partner can easily exchange your license for a Dutch one. Without this advantage, you may not be eligible to exchange your license and may need to enroll in standard Dutch driving courses.

Validity of a Foreign License and Time Limits

The validity of your Foreign driver’s license in the Netherlands is contingent upon the license not having expired. It is not possible to exchange an expired license. Additionally, individuals holding a Foreign license can drive in the Netherlands for 185 days from the date of entry into the country. After this period, if you do not exchange your license for a Dutch one, you will no longer be legally allowed to drive, and you may face administrative fines during traffic controls. Keeping track of this limited driving period and initiating the exchange process before it expires is the most effective way to avoid penalties.

185-Day Driving Right in the Netherlands

Foreign license holders in the Netherlands are allowed to drive with their existing license for 185 days from the date they entered the country. This period is a crucial transition phase for drivers from non-EU countries such as Turkey. After the 185-day period, if you do not exchange your Foreign license for a Dutch one, driving becomes illegal, and you may face penalties. Furthermore, there may be ambiguity regarding the start date of the 185-day period; it is generally recommended to use the date of your most recent entry into the Netherlands as shown in your passport, although the final decision lies with the authorities.

RDW Website: https://www.rdw.nl/en/driving-licence/foreign-driving-license/driving-with-a-foreign-driving-licence

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License Exchange Application Process and Required Documents

The process for exchanging your Foreign license in the Netherlands follows a set procedure. First, you need to schedule an appointment with the municipality where you reside. During the appointment, you will be required to submit your Foreign driver’s license, which will be sent to the RDW (Rijksdienst voor het Wegverkeer). After submitting your license, you will not be able to retrieve it, and you will not have the right to drive until your new Dutch license is issued. The necessary documents include:

  • A valid Foreign driver’s license
  • Biometric photograph
  • Proof of eligibility for the 30% tax advantage
  • A medical report obtained from the CBR (Centraal Bureau Rijvaardigheidsbewijzen)

Some municipalities may request additional documents, so it is essential to check the specific requirements on your municipality’s website before applying.

Process and Details of Obtaining a Medical Report

Obtaining a medical report is mandatory in the license exchange process, and this is done through the CBR (Centraal Bureau Rijvaardigheidsbewijzen). To apply for the medical report, you must log in to the CBR website using your Digid ID and complete the necessary form. After answering the health-related questions, the report is usually approved on the same day and sent to you via email. The cost of the report is €44.50, and you will need to submit it to the municipality. While some municipalities accept the digital version of the report, others may require a printed copy. The process is generally swift unless your health condition requires further examination.

You can follow CBR link to get the Medical Report: https://www.cbr.nl/nl/rijbewijs-houden/nl/gezondheidsverklaring/uw-gezondheidsverklaring/questions-on-the-drivers-health-certificate

Key Considerations When Applying for a License at the Municipality

When applying for a license exchange at the municipality, there are several critical factors to keep in mind. Firstly, ensure that all your documents are complete and accurate. This includes your Foreign driver’s license, biometric photo, proof of the 30% tax advantage, and the medical report. Some municipalities may require additional health checks or documentation, so it is crucial to verify the latest requirements on the municipality’s website before applying. Additionally, during the application process, you may be offered the option to forfeit the D and D1 categories of your license. If you choose not to forfeit these categories, further medical checks might be necessary, potentially delaying the process. Since municipal staff may occasionally provide incorrect information, it is advisable to ask questions and clarify any doubts during your application.

Options for Waiving D and D1 License Classes

During the license exchange process in the Netherlands, drivers holding D and D1 license classes may be required to undergo additional medical examinations. These classes are for large passenger vehicles, such as buses, and to be licensed to operate these vehicles in the Netherlands, you must pass detailed medical checks. However, you have the option to waive the D and D1 license classes. If you do not need these categories, you can choose to waive them during your application, allowing the process to proceed more quickly. This waiver option may be presented during your application at the municipality or can be requested by you. If you choose not to waive these classes, you may receive a notice from RDW requiring additional medical checks, which could delay the process. Waiving these categories is often an advantageous option to expedite the process and avoid extra costs.

You can follow this link for more details: https://www.rdw.nl/en/driving-licence/foreign-driving-license/exchanging-a-foreign-driving-licence

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Risks of Driving After the License Exchange Application

After submitting your license exchange application, you will temporarily lose the right to drive since your Foreign license will be sent to RDW, and you will not have your Dutch license until it arrives. During this period, if you are stopped during a traffic control, you will be considered driving without a valid license, which can lead to severe penalties. RDW’s temporary documents do not grant you the right to drive, so showing any such papers will not mitigate the risk. Additionally, if you are involved in a traffic accident while driving without a license, insurance companies may reject any claims for compensation. Therefore, it is crucial to refrain from driving until you receive your new license to avoid these legal and financial risks.

Waiting Period Until Receiving Your New License

Once you have submitted your license exchange application at the municipality, it usually takes about 2 to 3 weeks for your new Dutch license to be delivered to your address. During this waiting period, you will not have either your Foreign or Dutch license, meaning you are not allowed to drive. It is essential to remember that neither the municipality nor RDW grants temporary driving rights during this period. If you drive during this time, you may face penalties if stopped by traffic authorities. Additionally, if you are involved in an accident, insurance companies can refuse claims on the grounds that you were driving without a valid license. Therefore, adhering to traffic laws and avoiding driving during this waiting period is the safest course of action.

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License Exchange Fees and Total Costs

The process of exchanging your driver’s license in the Netherlands comes with several costs. First, there is a municipal application fee of €48.15 (this fee may vary between municipalities). Additionally, the required medical report from the CBR costs €44.50. Apart from these two primary costs, other expenses, such as biometric photos, may apply. In total, the license exchange process costs around €100 per person. Additional fees may also arise if further medical examinations are required or if you request to expedite the process. Understanding these costs beforehand can help you plan your budget accordingly.

Legal and Insurance Risks of Driving Without a License

Driving without a valid license in the Netherlands poses serious legal and financial risks. If you are caught driving without a license, you may face administrative fines, and your license may be confiscated. This penalty applies not only if you are stopped during a traffic control but also if you are involved in an accident. From an insurance perspective, the risks are significant. In the event of an accident, your insurance company may refuse to cover claims for damages because you were driving without a valid license. Additionally, you could be held personally responsible for compensating any damages to the other party involved. These risks apply even during the period before you receive your new license, so refraining from driving until then is the safest option.

Learning and Adapting to Dutch Traffic Rules

Traffic rules in the Netherlands can differ significantly from those who are not from Netherlands. For example, cyclists have special rights and dedicated lanes, and right-of-way rules require careful attention. Therefore, it is highly recommended to familiarize yourself with Dutch traffic regulations after receiving your new license. Taking a few driving lessons or reviewing online resources about Dutch traffic rules can help expedite the learning process. Additionally, familiarizing yourself with key rules such as right-of-way, speed limits, and bicycle lanes can ensure a safer driving experience. Adapting to local traffic laws is crucial for a smooth and hassle-free experience on Dutch roads.

netherlands expat driving license

Is License Exchange Possible Without the 30% Tax Advantage?

In the Netherlands, the right to exchange a foreign driver’s license is conditional on eligibility for the 30% tax advantage. This tax benefit is generally offered to expats from non-EU countries such as Turkey, and only those who are eligible for this advantage can exchange their license for a Dutch one without taking a driving test. If you do not qualify for the 30% tax advantage, you must enroll in standard Dutch driving courses, take the written and practical exams in Dutch, and successfully pass both. This process can be both costly and time-consuming, with total costs for the exams and courses amounting to around €2000.

Additional Information and Resources for License Exchangers in the Netherlands

For those seeking more information about the license exchange process in the Netherlands, it is important to consult official resources and expat communities. RDW’s official website provides comprehensive information on how foreign licenses can be converted to Dutch licenses. Similarly, details about medical report requirements are readily available on the CBR’s website. Expat communities and online forums are also valuable resources, offering practical advice from people who have already been through the process. Furthermore, the websites of individual municipalities provide up-to-date information on local application procedures and requirements. Utilizing these resources can help streamline the license exchange process and avoid potential issues.

Frequently Asked Questions

I don’t have a Foreign driver’s license; can I get one from Foreign Country after qualifying for the 30% tax ruling and exchange it in the Netherlands?

The answer to this question is no. You must have a valid Foreign driver’s license at the time you qualify for the 30% tax ruling.

Will I lose my right to exchange my license if I don’t do it within 185 days of arriving in the Netherlands?

As long as you are subject to the 30% tax ruling, you maintain the right to exchange your license. For example, you can exchange your license even in your second year after arriving.

What are the requirements to exchange my Foreign license in the Netherlands?

To exchange your Foreign license in the Netherlands, your license must be valid and not expired. Additionally, if you benefit from the 30% tax ruling, you can exchange your license without taking any exams.

What is the 30% tax ruling and how can I benefit from it when exchanging my license?

The 30% tax ruling is a tax incentive provided to expats working in the Netherlands. If you qualify for this ruling, you can directly exchange your license for a Dutch one. If you do not qualify for the 30% tax ruling, you will need to attend Dutch driving courses and pass the required exams.

How long can I drive in the Netherlands with a Foreign license?

You can drive in the Netherlands with your Foreign license for 185 days from the date of your entry into the country. After this period, if you do not exchange your license, you will no longer be legally allowed to drive.

What documents are required to exchange my Foreign license for a Dutch one?

The required documents are: a valid Foreign driver’s license, biometric photo, proof of the 30% tax ruling, a medical report from the CBR, and in some cases, additional documents that may be requested by the municipality.

How can I waive the D and D1 license categories?

Waiving the D and D1 license categories allows you to avoid additional medical checks for large vehicles, such as buses. You can choose to waive these categories during your application process at the municipality.

How long does the license exchange process take?

After submitting your application, your new Dutch license will usually be delivered to your address within 3 weeks. During this period, you do not have the right to drive.

What are the costs involved in the license exchange process?

The application fee is approximately €48.15, and the medical report from the CBR costs €44.50. The total cost, including additional documents and expenses, is around €100 per person.

Can I drive during the waiting period?

No, after you submit your application, you will not have your Foreign or Dutch license, meaning you are not allowed to drive. Driving during this period could result in legal penalties and insurance issues.

What are the legal consequences of driving without a license?

Driving without a valid license can result in administrative fines and having your license confiscated if caught. Additionally, in the event of an accident, your insurance claims may be denied.

Other Links: Netherlands’ Thirty Percent 30% Ruling New Regulation for Expats – 2024/2025