Transferring a car to Switzerland
Home is, where the car is 🚗 Would you like to take your car with you from Germany to Switzerland? Then there are a few important points to consider when emigrating to Switzerland - from customs declaration and technical regulations to registration in Switzerland. Knowing the procedures will save you time, money and unnecessary effort. In this article, you will learn step by step how to transfer your vehicle correctly.
On the day of the move to Switzerland, you register your car as removal goods with Swiss customs.
Pay attention to the opening hours and bring your vehicle registration document, vehicle licence and ID with you.
You will receive a form from the customs office which contains the Master number contains.
Proof of insurance is required for authorisation.
Send us the customs form incl. master number by e-mail.
We will then send a Proof of insurance to the Road Traffic Licensing Office (transmitted electronically) and a motor vehicle insurance quote.
This is followed by a motor vehicle inspection, also known as the MFK (=TÜV).
The quickest way is to book an appointment online in your canton of residence.
After successfully passing your vehicle test, you can Swiss licence plates and pick up the new vehicle licence.
Register your car - Emigration Switzerland
Are you planning to import your car to Switzerland? We offer comprehensive advice and support for your move from Germany to Switzerland. Our experts are at your side and provide valuable tips to help you register your car in Switzerland quickly. Have a good journey!
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Register your car in Switzerland
Switzerland is known worldwide for its rail network and the high standard of its long-distance and local public transport.
However, the road network is also well developed and offers you the chance to explore every corner of the country on four wheels. If you want to take your car with you when you move to Switzerland, you need to bear the following things in mind.
Emigration Switzerland: If you want to import your own vehicle, you must declare it at customs without being asked and then register it with your local road traffic office within one year. If the car has been in your possession for more than six months, it is considered to be personal property and you do not have to pay customs duties.
You will later have to present the following documents to the Road Traffic Licensing Office:
- Certificate from Swiss customs for the import of your vehicle. It contains the so-called master number
- Proof of insurance: is sent electronically by the insurance company to the road traffic office
- Foreigner's identity card, e.g. the B permit
- German vehicle registration document
- EC Declaration of Conformity for your vehicle (from the vehicle manufacturer)
Motor vehicle inspection (TÜV test)
- Arrive with a clean vehicle, first impressions count
- Check the function of the lights and headlights
- Check steering, suspension and underbody
Swiss motorway vignette
If you drive your vehicle on Swiss motorways, a motorway toll sticker is mandatory. If you do not have one, you will be fined.
All motor vehicles, vans and trailers are subject to the vignette requirement. This must be affixed by 1 February of the current year at the latest. You can get the vignette at petrol stations and post office counters as well as at customs. The vignette costs CHF 40 and must be clearly visible on the inside of the windscreen.
Since 2024, an e-vignette can also be purchased. The e-vignette is linked to the licence plate and is stored digitally, meaning you no longer have to attach a vignette to the windscreen.
Would you like to find out more about the toll in Switzerland and where you can buy the vignette? You can find more information on the following page: www.bussgeldkatalog.org/maut-schweiz
No-claims class
Car insurance in Switzerland is similar to that in Germany. In Switzerland there is also a kind of no-claims bonus system. You must leave your no-claims bonus in Germany, i.e. you cannot take it with you to Switzerland.
Swiss driving licence - how to convert
Emigration Switzerland: With your German driving licence, you may drive on the roads in Switzerland for a maximum of one year. Your date of entry, which is noted on your foreigner's identity card, applies. You must transfer your driving licence within one year. You do this at the road traffic office in your canton of residence.
You must present the following documents in person at the Road Traffic Licensing Office:
- the application form, which you can download from the website of your local road traffic office
- Valid original driving licence
- Foreigner's identity card
- Passport photo in colour
- Eye test by an optician in your canton of residence
The infrastructure in Switzerland
Personal mobility is an important aspect and plays a key role in ensuring that your new life as a German in Switzerland gets off to the best possible start. Because although Switzerland has one of the best public transport networks in the world, exploring Switzerland on the roads away from the main traffic flows is one of the greatest pastimes of all. However, there are a few things you should be aware of when travelling on Swiss roads. Enclosed we have put together an emigration SwitzerlandChecklist for road traffic.
Without a speed limit? No chance
The maximum permitted speed on motorways is 120 kilometres per hour. Within built-up areas, the speed limit is usually 30 or 50 kilometres per hour, while on country roads outside built-up areas the limit is 60 or 80 kilometres per hour. It is advisable to adhere to these limits, as there are many speed cameras in Switzerland and the fines can quickly add up. When travelling to Switzerland, be aware that you should generally drive less quickly.
Patience is necessary
Transport infrastructure is heavily utilised, especially in urban areas. In and around urban centres, there are long traffic jams during rush hour. Depending on where you are coming from in Germany, you may be surprised by the gridlocked traffic.
Be nice to pedestrians
In Switzerland, a high degree of consideration is expected for pedestrians. It is therefore common for pedestrians to walk out into the street relatively confidently and unexpectedly. Be aware of this when you are travelling in Switzerland.
8 tips for emigrating to Switzerland - How to do it right!
- Customs declaration requiredDeclare the vehicle on entry (form 18.44).
- Check CO₂ outputApplies to new cars & imported used cars with high CO₂ emissions.
- MFK testVehicle must comply with Swiss regulations (motor vehicle inspection).
- Swiss insurance: Take out new car insurance after transfer.
- Deregister German licence plateDo not forget to avoid double taxation.
- Consider the car park situation: Mandatory in many cities for own car park.
- Vehicle leasing? Leased vehicles often cannot simply be imported.
- Alternative sale? Sometimes cheaper to sell car in Germany & buy new one in CH.
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Our advisory team and office staff specialise in emigrants from Germany and Austria, and we help people emigrate to Switzerland every day. If you would also like to emigrate to Switzerland, please get in touch using the contact form and get to know our team in Zurich - we look forward to hearing from you! 🤗
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