If you wish to import your vehicle to Switzerland, there are a few steps you’ll need to follow, depending on how long you’ve owned the vehicle.

Did you purchase the vehicle more than six months ago?

Yes: complete the 18.44 form (available here), which must be approved by the customs office where your vehicle will enter Switzerland. If you have already moved to Geneva, you can present the form at the Bardonnex customs office. In most cases, a moving company or forward agent can assist with this formality.

No: you will need to pay the import duty (4%) as well as VAT (8.1%) based on the vehicle’s customs value. If you are relocating to Switzerland and wish to request a partial or full exemption from import taxes, for example under a change-of-residence exemption, you may be eligible to submit a 13.20a form (issued directly by the Swiss customs) with supporting documents. This is particularly relevant if you have owned the vehicle for less than six months.

Legitimation card holders: if you hold a legitimation card B or C issued by the Swiss authorities (e.g. as a staff member of an international organization), you are exempt from paying VAT and customs duties when importing a personal vehicle for your own use. If you have diplomatic status (legitimation cards types B or C), you benefit from the same exemptions and must register the vehicle with CD (Corps Diplomatique) plates.

Required documents:

Certificate of conformity
Registration document of your vehicle
Your legitimation card (if applicable)

Once the customs formalities are completed, make an appointment at the Cantonal Vehicles Office (OCV) or the corresponding office in your canton of residence for a vehicle inspection. After passing the inspection, you can immediately obtain a set of plates. If you have a legitimation card B or C, you must order CD plates in advance (typically two to three weeks before).

Important: to obtain the registration plates, you must have insurance coverage. For more information, refer to the page How to insure a vehicle.

Temporary import form 13.20 (not 13.20a)

If you plan to bring your vehicle to Switzerland temporarily without permanently importing it, you can use the 13.20 form (issued by the Swiss customs), which is a declaration for temporary admission. This form allows you to use your foreign-registered vehicle in Switzerland for a limited period, usually up to 12 months, without paying import tax or VAT, provided the vehicle remains registered abroad. It is commonly used by tourists (generally for stays longer than a month), temporary residents, or people on work assignments who do not intend to stay permanently. To apply, you must declare the vehicle at the Swiss customs office upon entry, and you will receive the 13.20 form as confirmation. During this period, the vehicle must not be sold or permanently registered in Switzerland, and you must comply with Swiss road regulations and insurance requirements.