Vehicle import into Switzerland

Importing your vehicle into Switzerland involves several administrative steps: customs clearance, payment of VAT and possibly customs duties, Swiss technical inspection (MFK/expertise), exchange of driving licenses and cantonal registration. The procedure can be simplified if you import your vehicle as a moving document (limited franchise conditions).

Each stage has its own requirements and deadlines. We coordinate everything so that your vehicle is on the Swiss roads quickly.

Conditions for importing a vehicle into Switzerland

Importing a vehicle into Switzerland is subject to customs, technical and administrative formalities. As a new arrival, you can benefit from exemption from customs duties if your vehicle is part of your moving effects and meets certain conditions.

The vehicle must have been in your possession and used abroad for at least 6 months before your arrival in Switzerland. It must be for your personal use and cannot be sold within 12 months of importation without payment of customs duties. These conditions are checked by the OFDF during customs clearance.

Customs procedure and taxes

Importation takes place at the Swiss customs office. You must present form 18.44 (moving effects) accompanied by the vehicle documents. If the exemption conditions are not met, customs duties of 4% of the value of the vehicle and VAT of 8.1% apply.

Since January 1, 2024, Swiss VAT is 8.1%. It applies to the value of the vehicle plus customs duties. Electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles can benefit from advantageous tax treatment in certain cantons (reduction in road tax).

Technical expertise and compliance

Any imported vehicle must pass a technical assessment (technical inspection) with the Automobile Service of the canton of residence. This check verifies the vehicle's compliance with Swiss safety and emissions standards. Some adaptations may be necessary, particularly for vehicles from countries with different standards.

American or Asian vehicles often require modifications: side marker lights, headlight adjustment (right-hand drive), speedometer in km/h, and sometimes a particulate filter or catalyst that complies with European standards.

• • Mandatory appointment with the cantonal automobile service
• • The vehicle can circulate with temporary (daily) plates to go to the expertise
• • Daily plates cost around CHF 15 – 20 per day (available from your insurance)
• • In the event of non-compliance, a compliance period is granted (generally 30 days)
• • A European Conformity Report (COC) simplifies the procedure for European vehicles

Foreign driving license exchange

You can drive in Switzerland with your foreign driving license for 12 months from your arrival. Beyond this period, you must obtain a Swiss driving license. The procedure depends on your country of origin: holders of an EU/EFTA permit benefit from a simplified exchange, without examination.

For driving licenses from countries with which Switzerland has concluded a mutual recognition agreement (United States, Canada, Japan, etc.), the exchange is possible without a practical exam but after an eyesight test. For other countries, a practical and sometimes theoretical exam is required.

Our support for vehicle import

We manage all the procedures related to the importation of your vehicle: preparation of the customs file, making an appointment for technical expertise, requesting registration plates and taking out compulsory vehicle insurance (RC auto).

We also advise you on whether to import your vehicle or acquire one in Switzerland, taking into account the discount, compliance costs and price differences between markets. In certain cases, purchasing a vehicle in Switzerland may prove more advantageous.

Steps and Timeline

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