If the hired highly skilled migrant is in possession of a valid foreign driving license, it can probably still be used in the Netherlands. In certain cases, it is even possible to exchange the foreign driving license for a Dutch driving license without taking the exam again.

Inside or outside EU, EEA, Switzerland
Was the driving license issued by a country that is a member of the European Union (EU), European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland? Then the foreign driving license may be used in the Netherlands for up to 15 years, provided the driving license is valid and issued after January 19, 2013.

Was the foreign driving license issued in a country that is not part of the EU, EEA or Switzerland? Then you may drive in the Netherlands for up to 185 days with the valid foreign license. After the 185 days, a Dutch driving license is required to continue driving here.

30% ruling grant
Is the highly skilled immigrant eligible for the 30% ruling? Then the valid foreign driver’s license can easily be exchanged for a Dutch driver’s license with the “30% grant”. The grant is a confirmation letter from the Dutch Tax Office with a positive decision on the application for the 30% ruling.

Conditions
To qualify for the Dutch driver’s license exchange, a few conditions will have to be met by the expat. Below a few examples:

  • Being registered in the municipal basic administration
  • In possession of a valid residence permit
  • Submission of a health declaration
  • Grant 30% ruling
  • Valid foreign driving license

Temporarily not welcome on public roads
The foreign driving license is handed in at the town hall and it takes about 2 weeks before the Dutch driving license is ready to be picked up. During this exchange period you are not allowed to drive on public roads, since you will no longer possess a valid driver’ license.

An international driving license cannot be exchanged for a Dutch driving license. This is because this international driving license is only a translation of a national driving license.
Is the highly skilled migrant going to leave the Netherlands? Then it is possible to exchange the Dutch driving license for a foreign one.

Global Relocation Compass can help you exchange the driving license to a Dutch. We will take care of the entire process for you, please contact us at 0031 6 823 80 801 or info@globalRcompass.nl