Import car Switzerland

Moving to Switzerland is a big step that involves a lot of organizational tasks – especially if you want to take your own car with you. Importing a vehicle is subject to certain regulations and can seem complicated. In this blog post, we explain the steps you need to take, the fees you will have to pay and the documents required so that you can use your car in Switzerland without any problems.

1. How does importing a car into Switzerland work?

The first step in importing your car into Switzerland is to declare it to customs. You must do this without being asked when you enter the country, regardless of whether you are importing the vehicle as removal goods or not. It is important to know how long you have owned the car:

• Have you owned the car for more than 6 months? Then you can declare it as household effects. The application form is crucial for this. If you enter the vehicle in the list of your removal goods, no customs duties or taxes will be incurred. Your vehicle will be considered part of your personal property.
• Have you owned the car for less than 6 months? In this case, the vehicle is classified as a new car and other regulations apply. Customs duties and additional fees are due.

2. What are the import fees?

If you need to import your vehicle as a new car, there are several costs involved, including:

• Import duty: This is between CHF 12.- and CHF 15.- per 100 kilograms unladen weight. For motorcycles it is CHF 37.- per 100 kilograms gross weight. Vehicles manufactured in the EU with a preference certificate are exempt from customs duty.
• Vehicle tax: A tax of 4 percent is levied on the current value of the vehicle.
• VAT: A rate of 8.1 percent calculated on the purchase or market value of the vehicle applies here.

In addition, you must have an inspection report drawn up, which serves as a customs clearance certificate. This report costs CHF 20.- and is essential for the subsequent registration of the vehicle in Switzerland.

CO₂ sanctions: Vehicles with high CO₂ emissions may be subject to additional penalties. The exact amount of the penalty is calculated by the Swiss Federal Office of Energy based on your vehicle’s emissions.

3. how do I register my car in Switzerland?

Once your vehicle has been successfully imported, you must register it in Switzerland. The deadlines vary:

• For vehicles imported as removal goods, you have 12 months to obtain Swiss license plates.

• For vehicles imported as new cars, the deadline is only 1 month.

An unregistered vehicle may not be driven on Swiss roads. Ignoring this regulation can lead to substantial fines.

4 What documents are required?

You will need the following documents to import and subsequently register your car in Switzerland:

• Vehicle registration document or registration certificate
• Application form 18.44 (for removal goods) or online customs declaration
• Official identification (passport or identity card)
• Purchase contract or invoice for the vehicle
• Proof of your activity in Switzerland (residence permit or employment contract)
• Proof of origin for vehicles manufactured outside the EU

5. Is it worth importing my car into Switzerland?

Whether it is worth importing your vehicle depends on various factors. For older cars with high CO₂ emissions and a low market value, the taxes and penalties could exceed the residual value. In this case, it might make more sense to sell the car before the move and buy a new vehicle in Switzerland.

Even if you have recently bought a new car, the import costs and taxes can be considerable. It is advisable to calculate all costs carefully before making a decision.

6. motor vehicle inspection (MFK) in Switzerland

After importing and registering your vehicle, you must subject it to a motor vehicle inspection (MFK). This technical inspection ensures that your vehicle complies with Swiss safety and environmental standards.

• Deadline for the MFK: You must have the MFK carried out before your vehicle can finally be put on the road. The exact deadlines may vary from canton to canton, so you should check with the relevant road traffic office in good time.