Hey there! So you’re thinking about importing a BMW from Germany to Switzerland? Good choice! BMWs are a wondrous dream to drive. But the price gap between Germany and Switzerland may make the paperwork worth it. But wait! Before you jump into that shiny new car, let’s walk through what you need to know about the auto import process. Trust me, I have gone through this journey myself, and there are a few speed bumps you will want to avoid!
Ready to dive in? Let’s make importing your BMW as smooth as driving it on the Autobahn. 🚗💨
Why import a BMW from Germany?
Did you know: On average, new cars in Germany cost 10-20% less than in Switzerland? Savings can be much higher for luxury brands like BMW. This is due to market differences, taxes, and import fees. Plus, Germany has a huge car market, so you’re likely to find a better selection of models, options, and colours!
But before you get too excited, let’s break down what importing a car really involves.
What’s the Process of Importing a Car from Germany to Switzerland?
1. Purchase Your BMW in Germany
First things first—you’ll need to buy the car. This can be done through a BMW dealership or a private seller. Just make sure you get all the necessary documentation (we’ll come to that).
Here’s what you’ll need:
- Vehicle registration document (Zulassungsbescheinigung Teil I and II in German)
- Purchase invoice or contract of sale
- Certificate of Conformity (COC)—it proves the car meets EU standards. It helps with customs.
Tip: Make sure the seller provides a VAT invoice. In most cases, you’ll pay German VAT (19%) if you’re purchasing from a dealer, which can be reimbursed later.
2. Temporary Licence Plates and Insurance
Once you’ve bought the car, you will need temporary license plates to drive BMW to Switzerland. These are called “Ausfuhrkennzeichen” (export plates), and they include insurance for the journey. You can get them at the German vehicle registration office (Zulassungsstelle). Typically, they’re valid for 5 to 30 days.
Want to know a secret? Getting these plates can take longer than expected, so budget at least half a day for this.
3. Crossing the Border: Customs Clearance
Here’s the exciting part—getting your new BMW across the border! But before you celebrate, there are a few things to consider about it.
At the Swiss border, you’ll need to declare your car and pay Swiss customs duty. Sounds scary? It’s really not that bad. Let’s break it down.
- Swiss customs duty: This is 4% of the car’s value.
- Import VAT: You’ll pay 7.7% Swiss VAT based on the purchase price.
- CO2 tax: If your BMW emits over the allowed CO2 emissions, you may have to pay an additional tax.
Oh, and don’t forget—you’ll need to show the following documents:
- Invoice showing the purchase price
- Export licence plates and insurance
- Certificate of Conformity (COC)
- Customs clearance form (this can be done at the border)
Pro Tip: To avoid delays, complete the customs clearance online in advance. You won’t believe how much time it saves!
4. Get Your BMW Through Swiss Hospitality
After clearing customs, your next stop is Swiss homologation. This step ensures your BMW meets Swiss road safety and emissions rules.
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?
Absolutely! Importing a BMW from Germany to Switzerland can save you a lot. This is true if you want a luxury model with all the features. Yes, there are steps involved, but once you know what to expect, the process isn’t as daunting as it might seem.
Trust me, I’ve been through this, and the thrill of driving your dream car is totally worth the paperwork. If you follow the steps we covered, you’ll be cruising in style through Swiss mountain roads before you know it.