Exchanging Your foreign Driving License in the Netherlands: Special Conditions for Georgian Licenses
Short guide
After getting a Georgian driving license you can use it outside the EU even if you are EU resident. But if you want to exchange it for an Dutch License and you are moving to the Netherlands soon or already moved there, here's some info for you.
If you hold a Georgian driving license and are moving to the Netherlands, it’s essential to understand the specific rules for exchanging your license.
Georgian licenses do not fall under the agreements for automatic exchange with the Netherlands.
This means that, unlike licenses from EU/EFTA countries or those with a bilateral agreement, you cannot exchange a Georgian driving license for a Dutch one without meeting special conditions, such as the 30% tax ruling.
General Rules for Exchanging a Foreign Driving License in the Netherlands
In the Netherlands, foreign driving licenses can only be used for a limited period after registering as a resident. After that, you must exchange your foreign license through your local municipality. The possibility of exchanging your driving license depends on the country that issued it.
30% Tax Ruling – A Special Exemption for Georgian License Holders
If you are in the Netherlands for work and benefit from the 30% tax ruling (a tax exemption available to highly skilled migrants), you can exchange your driving license from any country, including Georgia. However, there is a critical condition you must meet:
How the 30% Ruling Works
The 30% tax ruling is a tax benefit available to certain highly skilled expatriates who move to the Netherlands for work. Under this ruling, a portion of your income is tax-free, and you gain the right to exchange your driving license without taking additional tests. To benefit from this, you must meet the following criteria:
Once you qualify for this ruling, you can exchange your Georgian license without having to pass the Dutch driving exam. This is a significant advantage as it saves time and effort compared to the standard process.
How to Exchange Your License
If you meet the requirements under the 30% ruling, here’s how the process of exchanging your driving license works:
If you do not qualify for the 30% ruling and hold a Georgian driving license, you will not be able to exchange it directly. In this case, you will need to pass both the theory and practical driving tests in the Netherlands to obtain a Dutch driving license. This process can take several weeks or months, depending on your preparation and the availability of test slots.
Additional Requirements for Exchanging a Foreign Driving License
Regardless of your nationality or the country your license is from, to exchange a foreign driving license in the Netherlands, you must meet the following general conditions:
For Georgian driving license holders moving to the Netherlands, the ability to exchange your license depends heavily on whether you qualify for the 30% tax ruling. Without this exemption, a Georgian license cannot be exchanged, and you would need to go through the Dutch driving test process. If you do qualify for the 30% ruling and can prove residency in Georgia for 185 days prior to moving, you can smoothly exchange your license without further tests.
For more detailed information on the 30% tax ruling and whether you qualify, consult with the Dutch tax authorities or your employer's HR department.
If you hold a Georgian driving license and are moving to the Netherlands, it’s essential to understand the specific rules for exchanging your license.
Georgian licenses do not fall under the agreements for automatic exchange with the Netherlands.
This means that, unlike licenses from EU/EFTA countries or those with a bilateral agreement, you cannot exchange a Georgian driving license for a Dutch one without meeting special conditions, such as the 30% tax ruling.
General Rules for Exchanging a Foreign Driving License in the Netherlands
In the Netherlands, foreign driving licenses can only be used for a limited period after registering as a resident. After that, you must exchange your foreign license through your local municipality. The possibility of exchanging your driving license depends on the country that issued it.
- EU/EFTA Licenses: These can always be exchanged, even if expired.
- Licenses from Agreement Countries: Licenses from countries that have an agreement with the Netherlands can also be exchanged. These countries include Canada (certain provinces), Japan, Israel, and a few others.
- Non-agreement Countries: If your license is from a country that is not part of the EU/EFTA or on the approved list (e.g., Georgia), you usually cannot exchange it without taking the Dutch driving test – unless you qualify for the 30% tax ruling.
30% Tax Ruling – A Special Exemption for Georgian License Holders
If you are in the Netherlands for work and benefit from the 30% tax ruling (a tax exemption available to highly skilled migrants), you can exchange your driving license from any country, including Georgia. However, there is a critical condition you must meet:
- You must have lived in Georgia for at least 185 days in the year when you obtained your driving license. This rule is in place to ensure that the license was legitimately acquired while you were a resident of Georgia, rather than simply obtained for the purpose of exchanging it in another country.
How the 30% Ruling Works
The 30% tax ruling is a tax benefit available to certain highly skilled expatriates who move to the Netherlands for work. Under this ruling, a portion of your income is tax-free, and you gain the right to exchange your driving license without taking additional tests. To benefit from this, you must meet the following criteria:
- Be working in the Netherlands as a highly skilled migrant or specialist.
- Be approved for the 30% tax ruling by the Dutch tax authorities.
Once you qualify for this ruling, you can exchange your Georgian license without having to pass the Dutch driving exam. This is a significant advantage as it saves time and effort compared to the standard process.
How to Exchange Your License
If you meet the requirements under the 30% ruling, here’s how the process of exchanging your driving license works:
- Register in the Netherlands: You need to be registered in the Personal Records Database (BRP) of your municipality.
- Apply through Your Municipality: Submit your exchange request to the local municipal office. You will need your valid Georgian driving license, proof of identity, and proof of 185 days of residency in Georgia.
- Receive Your Dutch License: Once your request is approved, you will be issued a Dutch driving license. The categories listed on your Georgian license will be transferred.
If you do not qualify for the 30% ruling and hold a Georgian driving license, you will not be able to exchange it directly. In this case, you will need to pass both the theory and practical driving tests in the Netherlands to obtain a Dutch driving license. This process can take several weeks or months, depending on your preparation and the availability of test slots.
Additional Requirements for Exchanging a Foreign Driving License
Regardless of your nationality or the country your license is from, to exchange a foreign driving license in the Netherlands, you must meet the following general conditions:
- You must be registered in the Dutch Personal Records Database (BRP).
- You must have a valid residence permit or be an EU/EFTA citizen.
- You must hold a valid driving license (if expired, special rules apply for EU/EFTA licenses).
For Georgian driving license holders moving to the Netherlands, the ability to exchange your license depends heavily on whether you qualify for the 30% tax ruling. Without this exemption, a Georgian license cannot be exchanged, and you would need to go through the Dutch driving test process. If you do qualify for the 30% ruling and can prove residency in Georgia for 185 days prior to moving, you can smoothly exchange your license without further tests.
For more detailed information on the 30% tax ruling and whether you qualify, consult with the Dutch tax authorities or your employer's HR department.
Who is it for ideally?
- Generally, Georgia follows Geneva and Vienna conventions, meaning it's valid in all countries which also follow these conventions (all the official countries in the world actually). You can get Vienna and Geneva conventions IDP upon request in Georgia. You can check the list here.
But: validity is limited by your current residency and sometimes the nationality. Always ask local authorities about the validity in your case.
- For some countries, you will need the paperback IDP which you will also get from the traffic police in Georgia after succeeding in the last exam.
Who is this license useful for?
- Perpetual travelers/Digital Nomads = people without any residence who don't stay in one country for more than 185 days; They de-registered themselves from the EU or their country. In this case they can use Georgian DL everywhere in the world.
- Travelers: Many EU residents need a DL for their trips to the USA, Asia, Latin America, Africa or Australia etc. For that it's perfect.
- People moving to a new country: Get your DL fast in Georgia and swap it in the new country or use it there for 6 months at least.
- Lost their driving license: Lost it in your country? At least you'll be able to drive outside.
- Back-up: Many people just want to have a back-up license. Just in case they lose theirs.
- Collection: Some people collect passports and driving licenses. The more the marrier.
- Collect fines: Traveling abroad you can use this license. In case police takes it you will still have your original one.
- Urgency: You need it for a trip abroad super urgently.
- It takes too long in your country or you keep failing
- You need special categories (A, C, D, CE) for international travel
Who is this license NOT for?
- EU residents (more than 6 months) who want to use it all around the EU only (There are exceptions like Ireland)
- People who want to use it in their own country in general (except countries with easy exchange process and bilateral agreements with Georgia e.g. Ireland)
- People who just want to buy a license online without any exams and learning (no exceptions)
Fill out this form to get a customized offer.
"But I read it online that I can use it for 6 months in my country..."
The exchange process of the Georgian license is not guaranteed in your own country. You need to check with a driving school/local responsible authority in the area where you plan to exchange it.
Don't rely only on an online search, because it often does not show all the nuances and is mostly meant for foreigners.
Many people send us links saying "I read this online and I can use it for 6 months here in my country I lived my whole life in".
We read it for them and it (as always) means that a NEW PERSON who just arrived to the country can use their foreign driving license for 6 months and can exchange it in that time.
It doesn't apply to a person who is a resident for more than 6 months already.
Exceptions
There are some countries in the EU which have bilateral exchange agreements with Georgia. There will be more in the future and regulations often change.
We still suggest you to double-check with the relevant authority about your specific situation.
EU Countries where a swap without exams might be possible even if you were a resident in that country when you got the Georgian license:
Ireland:
For Ireland residents we recommend to inform yourself here
Georgia is one of the recognized states and their official Instagram account replied us that you can also do it while being a resident in Ireland.
We strongly recommend you to ask them about it here.
Below you can find screenshots or our communication with them on Instagram, which we base this information on.
IDP - International Driving Permit exceptions globally
Always inform yourself about driving license requirements when planning your trip abroad!
(Information was taken from this German website. It's a 100% quotation)
"Where else abroad are there additional exceptions to consider regarding the international driving license?
In most cases, you are on the safe side if you can present an international driving license during a traffic stop outside Europe. The responsible authority can thus verify your driving authorization, and you are allowed to continue driving legally.
However, there are also countries where additional laws and regulations apply to foreign drivers. Therefore, it is strongly recommended to inform yourself about these before your trip. Below are some important exceptions and additional regulations for driving abroad:
Quotation end.
Always inform yourself about driving license requirements when planning your trip abroad!
(Information was taken from this German website. It's a 100% quotation)
"Where else abroad are there additional exceptions to consider regarding the international driving license?
In most cases, you are on the safe side if you can present an international driving license during a traffic stop outside Europe. The responsible authority can thus verify your driving authorization, and you are allowed to continue driving legally.
However, there are also countries where additional laws and regulations apply to foreign drivers. Therefore, it is strongly recommended to inform yourself about these before your trip. Below are some important exceptions and additional regulations for driving abroad:
- Australia: In Australia, foreign drivers often encounter complications and misunderstandings during police checks and when renting cars. Therefore, it is strongly recommended to carry all necessary documents for driving abroad.
- Bolivia: You must have the international driving license stamped by a local authority before you can use it legally.
- Brazil: In some cases, a temporary national driving license document is issued, which should be used instead of the international driving license.
- China: In addition to the international driving license, you must take a driving test locally to be allowed to drive.
- Indonesia: You are only allowed to drive a rental car in Bali. It is not permitted in other regions, even with an international driving license.
- Japan: The Japanese authorities require a certified translation of your national driving license. The cost for this is about 20 Euros.
- Qatar: In Qatar, the international driving license is only valid for seven days. After that, a visitor driving permit must be obtained.
- Kenya: Here, an international driving license is only valid for three months.
- New Zealand: The validity of the international driving license here is limited to 12 months. Additionally, you should always carry your national driving license in New Zealand. Police checks often explicitly ask for it.
- Sri Lanka: It is also required here to apply for a temporary national driving permit. An international driving license is not sufficient.
- United Arab Emirates: In general, only the national driving license is required during checks. However, there is an exception in Abu Dhabi: an international driving license is mandatory for foreign drivers here.
- USA and Canada: Police checks are known to be very strict here. Particularly in the states of Kentucky, Georgia, and Florida, there are often issues with the authorization of foreign drivers. It is therefore strongly recommended to ensure you have all necessary documents with you on every drive and to keep them readily accessible to show immediately if needed.
- Vietnam: In Vietnam, you can only rent cars with a chauffeur; you are not allowed to drive yourself, even with an international driving license."
Quotation end.
Closing Disclaimer:
Every country has different regulations so it's impossible for us to keep up with all changes and all the updates, thus information provided here doesn't have a legally binding character.
Please inform yourself from your country of residence/destination about any regulations that might hinder you from using/exchanging the Georgian driving license in that country or abroad.
We hope now it became clearer for you!
if you still have questions, feel free to text us on Instagram.
IG: @driving_license_urgent
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