You can drive a foreign registered car in Switzerland but only in certain circumstances. It depends primarily on how long you have been resident in Switzerland.
If you have been in Switzerland for less than 12 months…
You can drive a foreign registered car either belonging to you or to someone else during the first 12 months. For example if you are on holiday in Switzerland or here on a short term stay. Note: if this is the beginning of a stay that might last longer than 12 months, you should register your vehicle on initial entry with the customs post to avoid problems later.
If you have been in Switzerland for longer than 12 months.
Either
- you must have the car registered in Switzerland, or
- you have to obtain a special use permit from the customs (usually available for a period of a few days, several times a year) and check in and out at the Swiss border.
This applies to your own vehicle or someone else’s vehicle, for example a foreign rental vehicle.
There are a few exceptions, for example for diplomatic service, or for using certain company cars. If you are using a foreign rental car the foreign rental company will usually advise you on the paperwork. Be aware that even if you are just temporarily trying someone’s foreign registered car with them in the car there is a risk if you are pulled over. If there is suspicion that you are making use of a vehicle to get around Swiss registration law, expect trouble.
Registering the car in Switzerland usually involves paying Swiss VAT on the current value of the vehicle, plus import duty, and the car has to undergo a Swiss vehicle test (MFK in German) to ensure it complies with Swiss vehicle standards. The latter is normally not a big problem for modern vehicles of EU/UK origin but the car must be spotless and this usally requires the assistance of a garage. Right hand drive vehicles are permitted.
What about your driver’s license?
You must obtain a Swiss driver’s license within 12 months of residency. Failure to do this is an offence and will result in you having to take a Swiss driving test.
Conclusion
You can drive a foreign registered vehicle in Switzerland but it depends on circumstances, especially if you are resident for longer than 12 months.
Of course, it goes without saying, to drive any car in Switzerland, the car must be roadworthy, the car must be insured against third party accident damages in Switzerland, and you must have a legally accepted driving license in the a Swiss language or english. (An international driver’s license in english will also suffice). You should have all the supporting documents with you in the car.
There are a number of important items to consider BEFORE bringing a foreign car into Switzerland. These are explained in the FAQ of the Swiss Federal Office. If in doubt, check with the customs on or before entry.
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Stephen Clothier has a background as a space physicist and military pilot. As a Charted Computer Science Engineer, he has four decades experience in developing solutions for financial institutions and Swiss banks, and in many other areas of aviation, medicine and defence.
His last 20 years has seen him specialising in financial, operational and legal aspects Swiss employment. Stephen is a director, and Head of IT and Business services for Accurity Group in Switzerland.
