Importing a car from Czechia into Switzerland
By Anna Katharina Finsler, Managing Director, Finsler Customs GmbH · Last updated:
In short: Importing a car from Czechia into Switzerland means 4 % automobile tax and 8.1 % import VAT. The CO₂ penalty applies on top for vehicles that count as new under customs law. Import duty has not applied since 1 January 2024. The 21 % Czech VAT is refunded after export on a purchase under the standard VAT scheme.
Why Czechia?
Czech prices sit below the Western European level, and the country is easy to reach by road. VAT is 21 %. The choice is particularly wide for Škoda and the group's other brands.
The price level is tempting — the vehicle history is the work
The Czech market is strongly shaped by re-imports from Western Europe. A car offered cheaply there was often registered in Germany or Austria first. That is no disadvantage in itself, but it lengthens the chain along which mileage and accident history have to remain traceable. Insist on the complete earlier paperwork, not only the Czech registration document, and have the origin confirmed in writing. With us, no vehicle goes onto the transporter if its documentation does not add up.
How much tax comes back from Czechia?
An offer of CZK 605,000 with DPH (Czech VAT) shown on the invoice contains 21 %, i.e. CZK 105,000; the net price is CZK 500,000. If the dealer sells under the special scheme for second-hand goods, he pays tax only on his margin and no DPH appears on the invoice. Then nothing comes back after export, however low the price looks.
On the Swiss side, origin makes no difference, not even for a car from Czechia: a zero duty rate, 4 % automobile tax, 8.1 % import VAT and, on cars that count as new under customs law, the CO₂ penalty. How the amounts are worked out is set out in the country comparison; motorcycles and caravans pay no automobile tax.
Which papers does export from Czechia need?
For export to a country outside the EU, the vehicle needs Czech export plates. Every municipality with extended powers (ORP) issues them, usually on the spot, against the registration certificate and all the existing plates. A pair costs CZK 450, or CZK 360 if applied for through the transport portal. The export plates are valid for three months at most.
What to watch when buying
The Czech registration is cancelled for export. Make sure the seller supplies the deregistration certificate.
How far is it from Czechia to Switzerland?
From Prague to Thayngen it is 637 km, from Plzeň 543 km. The route leaves Czechia at Rozvadov, follows the A6 to Heilbronn and the A81 to the Bietingen–Thayngen crossing.
We arrange transport from Czechia on request. From Prague and western Bohemia the distances are manageable.
As a rule, you buy the car in Czechia yourself. What stays with you after that and what we take on, up to MFK, the Swiss roadworthiness test, and registration, depends on the package (package overview). The import calculator works out the final price for a car from Czechia.
Frequently asked questions
Are Czech used cars really cheaper?
On the purchase price, usually yes. But factor in the longer transport distances and the extra work of checking the vehicle history — the market is heavily shaped by re-imports.
How high is Czech VAT?
21 % (DPH), reclaimable on a standard-taxed purchase once the export has been declared correctly.
Is import duty payable on a car imported from the Czech Republic?
No. Since industrial tariffs were abolished, the Swiss duty rate for vehicles has been CHF 0.00 since 1 January 2024 — regardless of the country of origin and without proof of origin. Automobile tax, import VAT and, on new vehicles, the CO₂ penalty remain payable. The customs declaration itself is still mandatory.
How long does an import from the Czech Republic take?
Allow two to four weeks from the purchase contract. We arrange transport from the Czech Republic on request; collection needs a little more lead time. Customs clearance we normally complete the same day at the Thayngen customs office.
Sources and legal basis
The statements on this page rest on the following official publications. The wording of the enactments in force is always decisive.
- FOCBS – Importing vehicles into Switzerland
- FOCBS – Customs declaration and taxes on a vehicle import
- Automobile Tax Act (AStG, SR 641.51) (German text)
- Federal Act on Value Added Tax (VAT Act, SR 641.20)
Company
Services
- All services
- Vehicle import DE→CH
- Customs clearance
- Vehicle sourcing
- Document service
- Import advice
- Vehicle detailing
Calculators and tools
- Import calculator
- Swiss customs fees
- CO₂ calculator
- CO₂ penalty
- Transport calculator
- Car transport to CH
- Check the Stammnummer
- FlexiMoto.ch
Location
Import by country of origin
- Importing a car from Germany into Switzerland
- Importing a car from Austria into Switzerland
- Import a car from France into Switzerland
- Import a car from Italy to Switzerland
- Import a car from the Netherlands into Switzerland
- Import a car from Belgium to Switzerland
- Importing a car from Luxembourg into Switzerland
- Importing a car from Poland into Switzerland
- Import a car from Sweden into Switzerland
- Import a car from Norway to Switzerland
Import by vehicle type
- Importing a passenger car into Switzerland
- Importing a motorcycle into Switzerland
- Importing a van up to 3.5 t into Switzerland
- Importing a motorhome into Switzerland
- Importing a caravan into Switzerland