Welcome to Switzerland? Need a car?

• Buying: Only recommended if you plan to keep the car for at least 8 years. For a typical used car, this can be cost-effective, but you bear all the risks of repairs and a difficult resale later.
• Leasing: Often seems cheap at first glance, but the monthly rate only covers the "use" of the car. You must personally organize and pay for insurance, taxes, maintenance, and tyres.
• Car Subscription: The favorite for expats due to zero paperwork. It combines the flexibility of short terms with the cost-efficiency of a large fleet.

Most people only look at the leasing rate or fuel. According to TCS (Touring Club Switzerland) 2026 data, the average cost per kilometer is now CHF 0.75.

The Reality Check: For a standard car (new price approx. CHF 45,000) driven 15,000 km/year, the total monthly cost is roughly CHF 920. This includes depreciation, insurance, and maintenance.

Yes. We offer a Best Price Guarantee based on the Total Cost of Ownership.

How it works: If you have a leasing offer for an identical car, send it to us. We will calculate the total cost (Leasing + Insurance + Tires + Taxes + Service). If our subscription is more expensive than that total sum, we will adjust our price. Please note: This guarantee applies to the total package, not to individual insurance premiums alone.

With fuel prices fluctuating and the 2026 CO2 levy on petrol, electric vehicles (EVs) are often the more cost-efficient choice. Driving 100 km in an EV costs roughly CHF 5.10, compared to about CHF 11.00 for a petrol car. Maintenance is simpler too, with fewer moving parts, often resulting in 30–50% lower service costs.

Taxes can also favor EVs, with many cantons offering discounts or exemptions. And charging? Extremely convenient—Switzerland has one of the densest fast-charging networks in the world, so you’re rarely more than 10 minutes from a high-speed charger, even in alpine villages.

Pro Tip: If you live in a rented apartment, ask your landlord about installing a Wallbox—it’s the most cost-effective way to charge overnight.

While you can buy a car with any permit, registration and financing have different rules:

• C Permit: No restrictions.
• B Permit: Most banks require 6-12 months of Swiss credit history for a lease. At Carvolution, we only need your employment contract and payslips.
• L Permit: Traditional leasing is nearly impossible. With Carvolution, you can get a car; the contract length is simply aligned with your work contract or permit validity.

At Carvolution we have different options.

• With a B Permit: If you have your residence confirmation, we register the car in your name in your canton of residence.
• With an L Permit (or if documents are pending): We can provide a temporary registration on Carvolution plates (Canton of Bern) for up to 2 months.
• Note: There is a one-time fee of CHF 200 for this temporary registration service.

Using Your Foreign License in Switzerland
Yes, you can use your foreign license for private trips as long as it’s valid and in (or translated into) a Latin script. You must exchange it for a Swiss license within 12 months of your arrival—after that, you’re no longer legally allowed to drive.

Exchange requirements vary by country. For details specific to your country, check the full blog.

Having a foreign number plate while living in Switzerland can be financially appealing for several reasons. One of the biggest restrictions is the legal aspect. This is because Swiss law generally requires people registered in Switzerland to register their vehicles in Switzerland if they live there for more than 6 months. Using a car registered abroad beyond this period can lead to fines and other legal measures. Here's all you need to know.

If you stay in Switzerland for a short time (e.g., as a student or short-term worker) and don't want to import your car permanently, you can apply for a Customs Permit (Form 15.30).

• The Rule: This allows you to use your foreign-registered car duty-free for up to 2 years.

• Is it cantonal? No, the customs rules (Form 15.30) are federal (valid for all of Switzerland). However, the Road Traffic Office (Strassenverkehrsamt) in your specific canton decides if and when you must switch to Swiss license plates for safety/technical reasons.

• Where to double-check: Visit the official Federal Office for Customs and Border Security (BAZG) website or contact the specific Strassenverkehrsamt of your new canton.

While traffic laws are federal, the costs are not:

• Road Tax (Verkehrssteuer): Each canton has its own formula. A car in Canton Zurich might cost twice as much in annual taxes as the same car in Canton Schwyz or Appenzell.

• Administration: The Strassenverkehrsamt (Road Traffic Office) is cantonal. Processing times for your mandatory technical inspection (MFK) and the costs for registration and license plates vary from one canton to another.