Administrative hurdles are unfortunately inevitable as an expat in Switzerland. To ensure you are well-prepared for your stay, find out here about essential topics like mobility and costs, regulations in various cantons, and more.
Bringing My Car from a Neighboring Country - What Do I Need to Know?
Bringing your own car to Switzerland has certain advantages, primarily financial, and it can spare you from tedious paperwork. Benefits may include lower insurance premiums for your car, road taxes, and initial costs compared to buying and registering a car in Switzerland.
However, you should be aware that Switzerland has specific laws in this regard. These laws stipulate that anyone registered in Switzerland must register their vehicles if they stay longer than six months in the country. Not adhering to this rule may lead to costly fines and other legal measures.
Staying for More Than Six Months - What Now?
If you plan to keep your car in Switzerland for an extended period, be prepared for considerable paperwork and additional costs. Especially legal aspects, import regulations, tax situations, and insurance need to be considered.
Important Considerations for Different Cantons
Switzerland is divided into 26 cantons. The regulations and specific procedures for registering a car brought in from abroad can vary depending on the canton. It is highly recommended to research the exact procedures on the website of the traffic office of your future canton of residence before arriving in Switzerland.
What Other Options Do I Have?
Bringing your car from abroad is possible, but it can be quite complicated. If you want to avoid the hassle, obtaining a car in Switzerland may be a better choice. There are several options.
Apart from exploring Switzerland by public transport, you have four additional options to stay flexible and mobile. While we can’t make the decision for you, we’re happy to present your options.
Leasing, Renting, Buying, or a Subscription?
Buying: Buying a car entails high purchase costs and ongoing costs for insurance and maintenance. It’s suitable for long-term ownership but less ideal for expats on a short stay.
Leasing: Leasing may have lower monthly payments than a car subscription. However, additional costs for insurance, maintenance, and possible down payments are added. Leasing suits longer stays in Switzerland but often requires long contract durations.
Renting: Renting a car is ideal for short-term mobility but very costly in the long run. High daily or weekly rates make it unattractive for extended periods.
Car Subscription: With Carvolution’s all-inclusive subscription, you stay flexible and cost-effective. The monthly fixed price covers essential costs like insurance, maintenance, taxes, tires, and more. Only fuel/charging is extra, and Carvolution offers a free membership card at AVIA and evpass, giving you a 5-cent discount per liter/kWh. The all-inclusive subscription provides you with a new or very new car without paperwork and a simple process. Explore the wide vehicle selection today and book your free consultation!
You can learn more about why the car subscription is particularly attractive for expats in this blog article.
Foreign Driver's License - Is It Valid?
Not all driver’s licenses worldwide are recognized in Switzerland. If your license is not from the EU or EFTA, it is not valid in Switzerland!
Even EU and EFTA licenses are not permanently valid. They only serve as a transition to a Swiss license. You should apply for this within the first 12 months if you stay longer than a year.
Here, too, there may be differences between cantons, especially regarding fees.
In Brief
Staying in Switzerland for more than six months? Plan for additional costs and paperwork.
Each canton has different registration and licensing procedures; inform yourself in advance.
Check the validity of your driver’s license before arriving.
Make an individual cost comparison.
Reminder: Carvolution’s all-inclusive car subscription provides you with a new or almost-new car, plus tires, service, insurance, taxes, and more—all for a monthly fixed price. Carvolution takes care of all the paperwork.
For questions about the car subscription or to create a cost comparison, the team is happy to provide a non-binding consultation.
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