Car import from Germany
Germany is our main market and by far the most important source country for vehicle imports into Switzerland: the largest selection in Europe, short transport distances, and 19% German VAT that can be reclaimed in full after the export.
Why Germany is the most important source country
No other country offers Swiss buyers a comparable choice. mobile.de and AutoScout24 list several hundred thousand vehicles at any time – from small cars to premium used cars. The dense dealer network and strong competition produce prices that are often well below Swiss levels. Proximity helps too: we collect vehicles all over Germany and bring them to Switzerland on a weekly collective transport, which keeps transport costs low and lead times short.
Standard-rated or margin scheme – the point that matters most
German VAT is 19%. You can only reclaim it if the vehicle is sold under standard VAT rules, i.e. with the VAT shown separately on the invoice. Many German used cars are instead sold under the margin scheme (§ 25a UStG). In that case no VAT is stated and there is nothing to reclaim. Ask the dealer explicitly whether the car is standard-rated before you sign – with a 19% price difference at stake, that single question pays for itself. We are happy to check this with you before the purchase contract.
The import process from Germany
1. You buy your chosen vehicle directly from the German dealer. 2. We obtain the necessary documents (CoC, certificate of origin) and handle the German export customs clearance – the basis for the 19% refund. 3. Our transport partner collects the vehicle and brings it insured to our collection point in Volketswil. 4. We handle the import customs clearance, the CO₂ levy, the MFK roadworthiness inspection and registration in your canton.
Costs of a German import
At the Swiss border you pay 8.1% VAT and 4% automobile tax on the vehicle value, plus the CO₂ levy depending on the vehicle. The German 19% comes back to you after the export if the purchase was standard-rated. Transport costs from Germany are usually the lowest of all source countries – the exact amount depends on the pick-up location. Our calculator shows every item up front in CHF.
Send us a message
Have a question about importing your car? Fill in the form and we'll get back to you as soon as possible.
Thank you!
Your message has been sent. We'll get back to you as soon as possible.