So, you’ve decided to import a BMW from Germany to Switzerland. Great choice! BMWs are known for their precision engineering and driving fun. However, there’s more to it than simply driving off in your dream car. Importing a car between two countries involves paperwork, fees, and a few important steps to ensure the process goes smoothly.
But don’t worry! I’ve gone through this journey myself, and I’m here to guide you through each step. If you want a high-performance BMW M Series, a stylish BMW X5, or a classic BMW 3 Series, you can save money by importing from Germany to Switzerland. New cars can cost up to 20% less in Germany than in Switzerland. This makes the paperwork and cost involved well worth the effort.
Get ready for an exciting ride through the import process! We’ll share real-time examples, fun facts, and helpful tips along the way. Ready? Let’s go! 🚗💨
Why Import a BMW from Germany?
You might ask, why bother importing a BMW from Germany to Switzerland? Let’s explore that.
It’s not just the allure of driving one of the finest cars on the planet; the main reason is savings. Here’s a fun fact: New cars in Germany usually cost 10-20% less than in Switzerland. For luxury brands like BMW, this price gap can be even bigger. This price difference is mainly due to different market conditions, taxes, and import fees. The German market is big. It has more models, options, and colors than you can find in Switzerland.
A real-life example? I recently helped a friend import a BMW X6 from Germany. He saved CHF 8,000 compared to the local Swiss price. Plus, he found the exact color and features he wanted. That was tough to find in Swiss dealerships. So, yes, importing a BMW from Germany can indeed offer significant financial and personal satisfaction.
Now that you know about the financial incentive, let’s go through how to import your BMW from Germany to Switzerland.
What’s the Process of Importing a Car from Germany to Switzerland?
Step 1: Purchase Your BMW in Germany
The journey begins by choosing the right BMW and finalizing the purchase. Here’s how to do it:
- Buy from a Dealership or Private Seller: BMWs are sold by official dealerships, but many people also buy through private sellers. The main thing is to ensure you get all the necessary paperwork for a smooth transaction.
- Required Documents:
- Vehicle Registration Document (Zulassungsbescheinigung Teil I and II): These documents show that the car is registered in Germany.
- Purchase Invoice or Contract of Sale: This document serves as proof that you purchased the car.
- Certificate of Conformity (COC): This is essential for customs and ensures the vehicle meets EU standards.
Fun Fact: If you’re purchasing the BMW from a dealership, make sure to ask for a VAT invoice. The 19% VAT that you pay in Germany can often be reimbursed once you export the vehicle!
Pro Tip: Always check the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number). This ensures the car is registered correctly. It also helps you see if it’s been in an accident or tampered with. You can do this by visiting the German motor vehicle registration database.
Step 2: Temporary License Plates and Insurance
After buying the car, you need temporary license plates, known as “Ausfuhrkennzeichen” or export plates. These let you drive it from Germany to Switzerland. These plates come with temporary insurance for the duration of your journey.
Extra Tip: This may seem simple, but getting these plates can take time. Sometimes, it takes longer than you think. So, budget at least half a day at the registration office. You don’t want to be rushing around last minute!
How to Get Temporary Plates: You can get these at the Zulassungsstelle (vehicle registration office) in Germany. The process usually involves showing your ID, proof of purchase, and insurance.
Tip: These plates are valid for 5 to 30 days, so make sure you plan your trip accordingly.
3.Step 3: Customs Clearance at the Swiss Border
The moment you drive your BMW across the Swiss border, you’ll need to go through customs. Here’s what to expect:
- Swiss Customs Duty: You will have to pay a 4% customs duty on the car’s value.
- Import VAT: The Swiss import VAT is 7.7%, and it’s calculated based on the purchase price of the car.
- CO2 Tax: If your BMW emits too much CO2, especially older or powerful models, you may face an extra CO2 tax.
Example: A 2018 BMW 5 Series with a price of €35,000 would incur the following fees:
- Customs Duty: 4% of €35,000 = €1,400
- Swiss VAT: 7.7% of €35,000 = €2,695
- Total Customs and VAT Fees = €4,095
Documents to Bring:
- Invoice showing the purchase price.
- Export license plates and insurance.
- Certificate of Conformity (COC).
- Customs declaration form.
Pro Tip: To save time at the border, it’s a good idea to complete your customs clearance online before arriving at the border. It’s possible to submit the paperwork electronically, which can drastically cut down on wait time.
4.Step 4: Swiss Homologation Process
Now that your car has passed through customs, it’s time for the Swiss homologation process. This step ensures that your BMW meets Swiss road safety and environmental standards.
- What’s Required:
- The Certificate of Conformity (COC), proving the car meets EU standards.
- You may need to make adjustments to the car to meet Swiss standards (e.g., lighting, emissions).
- Costs: Homologation fees in Switzerland usually range from CHF 300 to CHF 1,000. This depends on the modifications needed for your BMW.
- If your BMW has standard EU lighting, you may need to adjust it. This ensures it meets Swiss road rules, like changing the headlight beam direction. This modification can cost around CHF 150.
Fun Fact: The Swiss emission standards are stricter than in many other countries. Make sure your BMW’s emissions level is compliant, especially for older models or high-performance versions.
You’ll need the Certificate of Conformity (COC) again. It proves your BMW is EU-compliant. If it doesn’t meet Swiss standards, you may need to modify it. For example, emissions.
5. Register Your BMW in Switzerland
Once your BMW is deemed roadworthy, the final step is registering it in Switzerland. You need this for registration at the Strassenverkehrsamt (Swiss Road Traffic Office):
- Customs clearance documents
- Certificate of Conformity (COC)
- Proof of identity and residency
- Proof of Swiss insurance (you’ll need this to drive your car legally)
- The vehicle’s inspection certificate from the homologation process
How Much Will It Cost to Import a BMW from Germany to Switzerland?
Now, let’s talk about what everyone really wants to know—costs. Here’s a breakdown of the major expenses:
| Cost Element | Estimated Price |
|---|---|
| Purchase Price | Varies based on model |
| VAT (7.7% Swiss import tax) | €2,000–€5,000 (average) |
| Swiss Customs Duty (4%) | €1,000–€3,000 |
| Temporary Licence Plates | €100–€300 |
| CO2 Emissions Tax (if applicable) | €500–€1,500 |
| Homologation Fees | CHF 300–CHF 1,000 |
| Registration Fees | CHF 100–CHF 300 |
As you can see, costs can vary significantly depending on the model of the BMW and its specifications. But in most cases, you’ll still come out ahead compared to buying the same car directly in Switzerland.
What Documents Do I Need to Import a BMW to Switzerland?
To make sure everything runs smoothly, here’s a checklist of documents you’ll need:
- Vehicle Purchase Invoice: Proof of sale
- Certificate of Conformity (COC)—EU compliance proof
- Temporary Licence Plates and Insurance—For driving from Germany
- Swiss Customs Declaration: Proof you’ve paid customs duty
- Import VAT Invoice: Documentation of your VAT payment
- Vehicle Inspection Report: From the homologation process
- Swiss Vehicle Registration Documents: Once registered
Common Mistakes When Importing a BMW from Germany (And How to Avoid Them!)
Want to avoid rookie mistakes? Here are a few common pitfalls:
- Forgetting to declare the car at customs: Skipping this can lead to heavy fines. Always stop at the customs office when crossing the border.
- Not having a COC: Without this document, your BMW may not pass Swiss homologation.
- Underestimating VAT: The VAT alone can be thousands of euros, so make sure you budget for it.
- Skipping insurance: For any drive, even short, insure from Germany to Switzerland.
FAQs About Importing Cars from Germany to Switzerland
No, after crossing the border, you’ll need to register your car and get Swiss plates. Temporary German plates only last for the trip.
No, you can usually reclaim the German VAT if you’re exporting the car. You’ll only need to pay Swiss VAT at the border.
It can take a few days to a couple of weeks. It depends on how fast you get through customs, homologation, and registration.
You may need to make modifications to the car, which can be costly. Always check the emissions before purchasing.
In most cases, yes. Even with import fees and taxes, cars are cheaper in Germany than in Switzerland. This is especially true for luxury ones like BMWs.
Conclusion: Is It Worth to Import a BMW?
Conclusion: Is It Worth It to Import a BMW?
Without a doubt—yes! Importing a BMW from Germany to Switzerland is worth it, especially if you’re looking for savings, a specific model, or unique features. The process might seem scary at first. But once you know the steps and have the right documents, you’ll be driving your dream car through the Swiss Alps in no time.
Remember, the thrill of driving your own BMW through the scenic Swiss roads is a feeling that far outweighs any paperwork headaches. Stick to the guide, avoid common mistakes, and enjoy the ride!
Happy importing! 🚗💨