Moving abroad? You can take your car with you or sell it in Switzerland before you go. Exporting can make sense for a newer car and a nearby destination – but it means customs formalities in two countries and registering the car again. This guide compares both options and explains what exporting involves.
| Take your car abroad | Sell in Switzerland | |
|---|---|---|
| Formalities | Swiss export declaration, import in the new country, new registration and possibly a technical inspection there | A sales contract and handing in your plates |
| Costs | Possible import duties and taxes, inspection, adaptation and registration fees abroad | None with SellCar – free valuation, inspection and pick-up |
| Timing | You need the car until you leave and must re-register it after arriving | Keep driving until shortly before you leave, then hand it over |
| Insurance | Swiss insurance must stay valid until the car is registered abroad | Ends when you hand in your plates |
| Money | You keep the car | Paid in cash or by bank transfer before you leave |
Every country has its own rules. Many – including EU countries – let you import a car without duties or VAT as part of your household move, if you have owned and used it for a certain period before moving (in the EU usually at least six months). The car then usually needs to be registered within a set deadline, and some countries require a technical inspection or adaptations.
Ask the customs and registration authorities of your new country before you decide – they can tell you exactly what applies to you and your car.
Not sure? Get our free offer first and compare it with the cost of exporting. Our guide to selling your car when leaving Switzerland has a timeline and checklist.
Yes. According to the Swiss customs authority, a car that leaves Switzerland for good must be declared for export at a customs office that handles commercial goods. Bring the registration document and your ID.
For many countries, yes – as long as your Swiss insurance, MFK and vehicle tax remain valid until the car is registered in the new country. Some countries only admit cars with Swiss export plates, so check before you leave.
It depends on the country. Many countries, including EU countries, let you import a car tax-free as part of your household move if you have owned and used it for a certain period before moving. Ask the customs authority of your new country.
Not without the leasing company's approval – the car belongs to the leasing company. In most cases the lease has to be settled first.
Often, yes – especially for older cars or long-distance moves, where import costs, inspections and registration abroad add up. Compare our free offer with the cost of exporting before you decide.
A timeline and checklist for expats: when to start, plates, leasing and getting paid before you move.
Read the guide →GuideWhy your plates stay with you, how to hand them in, and how Geneva, Vaud and Zurich compare – plus insurance and tax refunds.
Read the guide →GuideWhat code 178 means, your options to end a lease early and how a buyer can pay the leasing company directly.
Read the guide →
