Importing Premium Cars For Expats in Switzerland: What You Need to Know

If you are moving to Switzerland and already own a car, importing the car can be a  a better alternative than buying a new one if you are attached to your car. Most cars are importable to Switzerland, provided they successfully undergo inspection. However, the situation may vary depending on how long you are staying in the country and for how long you have been the car owner. Importing your car, particularly from outside of Europe, can be complicated and expensive. This is where Autociel comes comes in.

Since 2002, we have been assisting expats in importing cars, both within and outside of Europe. Our expertise extends beyond mere logistics; Autociel also helps you decide if importing your car from overseas is right for you. Besides importing, we help with car buying, selling, leasing, renting, or insuring. We have helped more than 5000 expats get their first car in Switzerland.

Read on to know about importing premium cars for expats in Switzerland.

Why Choose Autociel to Import Your Car?

We are the leading car company for expats in Switzerland today. So, if you are looking to import your car, contact us today. We provide a quote that includes the cost of import and car registration under Swiss license plates. Here are some reasons why you should choose Autociel to import your car:

• Autociel’s expert knowledge on import practices: We are backed by a team of experts who have years of experience in the car industry. They have in-depth knowledge of the import practices, which helps the expats get the right guidance. That saves their time and makes the entire process hassle-free.

• Impeccable service: You can have various reasons to import your car. But irrespective of your reason, we will make sure that you successfully import the car to Switzerland at a reasonable cost and in around 2–3 weeks (depending on when we receive the car and all essential documents). We do not only sell expats a car or a service; we try to find the right solutions that fulfill your specific requirements.

• All-inclusive service: We are a one-stop shop when it comes to importing your car. From exploring if your car is eligible for tax-free import and arranging reduced CO2 fees to keeping paperwork in order and getting an advantageous insurance quote, you will get end-to-end  solution. We also arrange compulsory car testing by the government. 

Key Things to Consider When Importing a Car to Switzerland

Here are a few important things that you must keep in mind when planning to import your car within and outside of Europe.

Car Import Fees:

The existing Swiss VAT rate for car imports stands at 8.1% as of 1.1.2024 and customs duties amounting to 4% of the current car value. Beyond these taxes, you need to deal with numerous bureaucratic challenges. Autociel, as your trusted expert in car imports, offers a valuable solution to save you time and money. Our proficiency in dealing with the complexity of importing vehicles allows us to extend comprehensive support, help you in the import process, register under Swiss license plates, and fulfill your auto insurance needs.

If you have been owning the car for more than 6 months prior to your arrival to Switzerland, you qualify for tax free import. Please add some nice words…

Right Hand Drive (RHD):

If you are importing a car from the UK, your car is likely a Right Hand Drive (RHD). You must know that driving an RHD vehicle in Switzerland can be challenging, and expats often struggle to adapt. So, there is minimal demand for RHD cars in Switzerland, making them challenging to sell. In many cases, individuals are forced to re-import the vehicle to the UK for resale, a process that comes with its own set of complexities. So, it is advisable not to import an RHD car to Switzerland to avoid potential difficulties associated with resale and driving preferences in the country.

Compulsory Car Testing & Vehicle Registration:

The Swiss car registration authorities can test your car, but that depends on your car and whether or not it meets the standards of the Swiss road. Every Canton run its own road vehicle authority, adhering to a common standard. After the testing, you may have to make some modifications to continue with the import of the car. However, any car with a European Certificate of Conformity doesn’t need to undergo any tests or modifications

Autociel: Import Your Car in a Hassle-Free Way

Navigating the process of importing premium cars to Switzerland demands careful consideration of regulations, potential modifications, and associated costs. Autociel emerges as a reliable ally for expats, offering expertise to streamline the complex journey of importing a car.