Housing and Logistics

Clear your vehicle through customs

A vehicle you used abroad for at least six months before the move can be imported free of charges as removal goods; a customs declaration to the Federal Office for Customs and Border Security (federal) at a staffed customs office is still required. Without that prerequisite, customs duty, 4 per cent automobile tax and VAT apply. You receive assessment decision form 13.20 A; without that document the road traffic office will not register the vehicle. The vehicle must then be registered in Switzerland within one year.

Who this applies to. This guide applies if bringing a vehicle is yes.

Checklist

Have the vehicle papers and purchase receipt ready

Foreign vehicle registration document plus purchase contract or invoice; they document value and prior use.
Prove at least 6 months of prior use

If the vehicle meets this condition it is free of charges as removal goods; otherwise 4 per cent automobile tax and VAT apply.
Declare the vehicle at a staffed customs office

Federal Office for Customs and Border Security (federal); check the opening hours of the customs office beforehand.
Collect assessment decision form 13.20 A

Without this document registration is impossible; keep it safe.

Costs

Customs duty, automobile tax and VAT not quantified

Vehicles imported as removal goods are exempt from customs duty, automobile tax and VAT — provided they were used for at least six months before the move, subject to a one-year lock-up period afterwards.

No total: the items depend on conditions and on your situation. A total without your answers would be too high or too low depending on the case — the cost calculation in your plan uses them.

Frequently asked questions

Who does this guide apply to?

This guide applies if bringing a vehicle is yes.

What does it cost?

Customs duty, automobile tax and VAT: not quantified.

What do I need to do?

Have the vehicle papers and purchase receipt ready; Prove at least 6 months of prior use; Declare the vehicle at a staffed customs office; Collect assessment decision form 13.20 A.

As of: 08.10.2026