Importing a car into Switzerland: FAQ
Costs, customs, CO2 and registration: answers to what we get asked most. Your question isn’t here? Write to us.
What does your service cost?
Customs clearance costs CHF 299, or CHF 190 if you’re moving to Switzerland with your car. Registration, including the inspection appointment, Swiss plates and insurance certificate, costs CHF 250. These are fixed prices. Our calculator prices transport by distance. Automobile tax, VAT and the canton’s fees come on top, and the calculator shows every line.
What does your customs clearance include?
We file the customs declaration, settle automobile tax and VAT with customs, get the clearance certificate (form 13.20 A) and record the car in the federal roads office’s CO2 import portal. If a CO2 penalty applies, the calculator shows you the amount beforehand.
Do I pay customs duty on a car?
No. Switzerland abolished duties on industrial goods, cars included, on 1 January 2024. You do pay 4 % automobile tax and 8.1 % import VAT.
Can I get the foreign VAT back?
Yes, if you buy from a dealer who shows the VAT separately on the invoice and the export is documented. There is no refund when you buy from a private seller.
What is the CO2 penalty?
Cars that count as new in Switzerland must not exceed a CO2 target. In 2026, every gram above it costs CHF 95. A car counts as new if it was registered abroad for less than 6 months, or for 6 to 12 months with under 5,000 km.
What does registration cost?
It depends on the canton: inspection, registration document and plates. Our canton comparison shows the published fees.
I’m moving to Switzerland. Do I pay tax on my car?
Not if you used it yourself abroad for at least 6 months before the move and keep using it here. It then counts as personal belongings and is exempt from automobile tax and VAT. Our moving calculator checks the conditions for you.
Which countries do you collect cars from?
Our transport partner collects cars in Germany, Austria, France and Italy and delivers them to your door. For other countries and very long trips, we’ll send you a quote.
Can you also arrange insurance, leasing and repairs?
Yes, through our partners: car insurance, leasing and financing, and servicing and repairs so the car passes inspection. Tell us what you need in your quote request. Lending is prohibited if it leads to over-indebtedness (Art. 3 of the Swiss Unfair Competition Act).
Ready to bring your car over?
Tell us what you’re planning. You’ll get a binding quote with a fixed price for our work.