Importing your car to Switzerland: step-by-step guide

Should you import or buy locally?

Do the math before deciding. Import costs (customs, VAT, technical adaptation, registration) can reach CHF 5,000 to 10,000. If your vehicle is old (more than 5 years old) or does not comply with Euro 6 standards, the technical adaptation costs may be disproportionate to the value of the vehicle.

For a recent vehicle (less than 3 years old) and compliant with European standards, importing is often advantageous because the prices of new cars are generally higher in Switzerland than in Europe. Luxury or collector's vehicles may also justify importation.

The moving effects duty exemption

If you move to Switzerland and your vehicle is part of your personal effects, you can benefit from an exemption from customs duties (4%). The conditions are strict: the vehicle must have been in your possession and used for at least 6 months, you must move permanently to Switzerland, and the request must be made with form 18.44.

Please note: VAT of 8.1% remains due even in the event of customs exemption. The exemption only applies to customs duties. You must present the completed form 18.44, the original registration document, proof of use for more than 6 months and your employment or lease contract in Switzerland.

• • Vehicle in possession for more than 6 months
• • Vehicle used personally (no company vehicle)
• • Permanent move to Switzerland
• • Form 18.44 completed and signed
• • Sales ban for 12 months after importation

Customs clearance

The vehicle must be declared to Swiss customs upon entering the territory. Go to a customs office with vehicle clearance capability (not all border crossings allow this). Customs duties are 4% of the value of the vehicle (exempt in the event of removal).

The 8.1% VAT is calculated on the value of the vehicle plus customs duties. The value used is the purchase price or the Eurotax/Schwacke estimate. You will receive a form 13.20A attesting to customs clearance, essential for the rest of the procedures.

Le technical inspection suisse (MFK)

The Swiss technical inspection (MFK in German, expertise in French) verifies the conformity of the vehicle with Swiss standards. The appointment is made with the automobile service of your canton and costs CHF 100 to 200.

Items checked include: headlights (setting for right-hand drive if the vehicle comes from a left-hand drive country), emissions, safety devices, speedometer (in km/h required), daytime running lights. Some vehicles require adaptations before passing the inspection.

• • Make an appointment at the cantonal automobile service
• • Check headlight adjustment (right-hand drive)
• • Mandatory speedometer in km/h
• • Recommended Euro 6d emission standard
• • Daytime running lights comply with Swiss regulations
• • Cost: CHF 100 to 200 depending on the canton

L'registration cantonale

After the technical inspection, you can request registration from the automobile service of your canton. The plates are cantonal (GE for Geneva, ZH for Zurich, VD for Vaud, etc.) and cost CHF 50 to 100.

Necessary documents: customs certificate (form 13.20A), technical inspection report, liability insurance certificate (civil liability), valid driving license (Swiss or foreign if less than 12 months of residence), completed registration application. The Swiss circulation permit is issued on site or by mail.

Le driving license in Switzerland

Your foreign driving license is valid for 12 months after you take up residence in Switzerland. After this period, you must obtain a Swiss license. For EU/EFTA permit holders, the exchange is done without examination (CHF 80-140 depending on the canton). For third country permits, a theoretical and/or practical exam may be required.

Don't wait until the last moment: start the process in the first few months. Some cantons have processing times of several weeks or even months.