Car Import & Licence
A car brought into Switzerland and a foreign driving licence being converted both run on clocks that start the moment you register with the commune, and both involve technical inspection that catches out anyone who assumes this works like a normal used-car purchase back home. A specialist worth using knows which foreign licences convert without a retest and which don't, what condition a car needs to pass Swiss roadworthiness inspection, and how import duty and tax on a vehicle get calculated for a relocating resident rather than a commercial import. Ask whether they handle the cantonal vehicle registration and plates directly or only the import step, what typically gets flagged on cars from your home market, and how long the process realistically takes.
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Switzerland's largest car dealer with 90 locations, offering motor vehicle inspection preparation and a full range of automotive services.
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Expat car specialist with 24 years in Switzerland, handling buying, leasing, selling, renting, and importing vehicles; offices in Zurich, Geneva, Basel.
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All-in-one car import service from Germany to Switzerland since 2012, handling valuation, transport, customs, taxes, and registration with transparent CHF pricing up front
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Swiss car leasing and sales company publishing a comprehensive expat guide to vehicle costs, import rules, and the 12-month driving license exchange.
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Online practice platform for Swiss driving theory tests in English, helping expats pass cantonal exams in German, French, or Italian.
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Customs clearance specialist with offices at Zurich, Basel, and Geneva airports handling vehicle imports and border crossing documentation.
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Online platform for vehicle import and CO2 levy handling, serving Swiss car dealers and private importers since 2012.
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Online official European Certificate of Conformity documents for vehicles, 2000+ delivered, processing times from 2 to 15 business days by brand
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Border customs agency at Swiss-German crossing points handling vehicle import clearance, registration documentation, and CO2 levy processing.
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Thayngen-based vehicle import specialist handling German-to-Swiss car purchases, customs, and cantonal registration with transparent all-in pricing.
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REYER
NewInternational vehicle logistics company offering worldwide transport, customs, and relocation services with express air freight and container shipping to Switzerland.
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Zurich-based luxury car import and registration service handling customs clearance and cantonal licensing for exclusive vehicles and relocation goods.
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Zurich-based freight forwarder and logistics provider handling car import, customs clearance, and European transport for arriving residents.
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Customs broker and freight forwarder specializing in vehicle transport and customs clearance for imports to Switzerland from Germany and across Europe.
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Münchenstein-based freight and logistics firm handling vehicle transport, customs clearance, and CO2 levy optimization for European and US imports to Switzerland.
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Geneva customs agency handling vehicle import, pet relocation, international moving documentation, and cross-border formalities for individuals and businesses.
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Zurich-based auto school with 8 instructors, 85 percent first-attempt pass rate, and intensive course options for relocators in a hurry
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Driving school in Geneva offering driver's license exchange services for foreign residents and driving lessons in French and English.
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Geneva driving school offering intensive courses and foreign driving license exchange, bilingual instruction in English and French, proven fast-pass rates
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Geneva driving school with 95% first-attempt pass rate, courses from CHF 50, instructors certified by Brevet Fédéral.
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Zug-based driving school offering theory, practical driving lessons, first aid courses, and license exchange support over 50 years of operation.
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Bern driving school offering car and motorcycle license training for over 10 years with high customer ratings.
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Individual Swiss driving instruction since 2005, with protocols after each lesson and flexible pacing for newcomers
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Online platform connecting relocating individuals with vetted moving companies across Switzerland, offering cost comparison and booking for moves and cleaning services.
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A two-person relocation firm near Zurich, handling work permits, home searches, school placement, car import, and concierge services for arriving and departing expats.
Frequently asked questions
How can I import a car from another country into Switzerland?
You can use specialized import services that manage customs clearance, CO2 exchange, and Swiss registration. Some providers also handle insured transport from countries like Germany or Benelux and assist with VAT reclaim.
What do I need to do to exchange my foreign driving licence?
You should check the official government portal to see if your country has a mutual recognition agreement with Switzerland. If it doesn't, you can use driving school platforms or specialized instructors to prepare for the required theory tests, practical lessons, and control drives.
Can a service help me with the Swiss motor vehicle inspection?
Yes, certain large car dealers and specialized services can assist with MFK preparation and scheduling your inspection. This ensures your vehicle meets the necessary standards for cantonal registration.
Is it possible to have the entire car import process handled by one company?
Several relocation and import specialists offer end-to-end support. These services cover everything from customs duty calculations and tax-free import eligibility to transport and final cantonal registration.