Executive Summary
- The Big Rule: The "6-Month Ownership" rule determines if you pay CHF 0 or CHF 5,000+ in taxes.
- The Trap: US/Non-EU cars often require expensive modifications to pass the Swiss MFK test.
- The Shortcut: Customs paperwork is unforgiving. For a seamless transfer, we recommend our vehicle logistics partner, PrimeRelocation.
Importing a car to Switzerland involves navigating three of the most notorious Swiss bureaucracies: Customs (Zoll), the DMV (Strassenverkehrsamt), and the Technical Inspectorate (MFK).
The 6-Month Rule: Do you pay tax?
Before you ship anything, check where you stand on the Import Matrix. This single criterion defines your entire cost structure.
Owned > 6 Months
Household Effects
(Umzugsgut)
0% Duty
0% VAT
0% CO2 Tax
Owned < 6 Months
New Import
(Neuimport)
4% Auto Duty
8.1% VAT
CO2 Sanction Tax
The CO2 Trap
Buying a new Porsche in Germany to save money? Beware. The Swiss CO2 penalty is calculated on weight and emissions targets. If you import a heavy polluter as a "New Import," you could face a sanction tax of CHF 2,000 - 10,000+. This often wipes out any savings.
Phase 1: The Customs Decision
When you cross the border (or when your mover does), you must declare the vehicle.
Scenario A: Household Effects (The Winner)
If you meet the 6-month rule, you file Form 18.44. Your car is treated like your sofa—tax-free personal property. You must agree not to sell it for 12 months after import.
Scenario B: New Import (The Costly Route)
If the car is new, you pay duty and VAT on the current market value. You will need a binding valuation or sales receipt. The CO2 tax must be paid or guaranteed before the car receives the "Form 13.20A" stamp, which is essential for registration.
Phase 2: The "Insurance Gap"
You strictly cannot register a car in Switzerland without proof of valid Swiss insurance. This document is called a Versicherungsnachweis.
Unlike other countries, you don't bring a piece of paper to the DMV. Your insurance company sends a digital confirmation directly to the Canton's system.
Don't wait until the last minute. Compare rates and request your proof instantly.
Phase 3: The MFK (Technical Inspection)
The Motorfahrzeugkontrolle (MFK) is the Swiss periodic vehicle inspection. It is rigorous.
- Cleanliness: The expert expects a clean engine bay (steam cleaned).
- Modifications: Any tuning, non-stock wheels, or exhaust changes need a "DTC Certificate." No certificate = No Pass.
- US Imports: US-spec headlights, speedometers (MPH), and emissions systems often fail EU/Swiss standards and need costly conversion.
Tip: If your car is heavily modified or purely for track use, consult a specialist. It might be cheaper to sell it abroad than to legalize it here.
The "Done-For-You" Solution
Navigating Form 13.20A, clearing customs at the commercial border, and booking an MFK appointment requires precise German/French and legal knowledge. A mistake here can ground your car for weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep my foreign plates?
Yes, but only for 12 months from your date of entry. After one year, driving on foreign plates is illegal and can result in heavy fines. You should start the import process in month 10 at the latest.
Do I need a Swiss Driving License?
Yes. You must swap your foreign license (Umschreibung) within 12 months. If you miss this deadline, you may have to retake the practical driving test (Kontrollfahrt)—which has a high failure rate for experienced drivers with bad habits.
How much is the Road Tax?
It varies by Canton. Some tax by horsepower (Zug), some by weight (Zurich), and some by emissions (Geneva). Electric vehicles often get a discount.