Moving abroad means a long to-do list, and your car is often one of the last things to sort out. This guide explains how to sell your car in Switzerland before you leave – when to start, what to do with your plates, leasing and insurance, and how to get paid on time.
You have two options when you leave Switzerland: sell your car here, or export it and register it in your new country. Exporting can make sense if you are moving nearby and your car is new or valuable. But it involves an export declaration at Swiss customs, the import rules and taxes of your new country, and registering the car again abroad – which can take time and money.
For most people, selling in Switzerland before they move is simpler. You leave with the money instead of a car to re-register, and you don't have to worry about a foreign inspection or conversion work.
An early offer gives you a clear figure for your moving budget and time to compare. Request your free SellCar offer – it takes about two minutes and you hear from us within 24 hours.
A leased car usually shows the code 178 on its registration document. This means it cannot change owner until the leasing company agrees. Ask the leasing company for a buyout figure as early as possible. We can help you settle the balance and pay you the difference.
You will need the vehicle registration document (Fahrzeugausweis / permis de circulation), all keys, the service book and, if you have it, your latest MFK report. See the full list on our Sell My Car in Switzerland page.
Our inspector checks the car at your home, your office or our Geneva office and confirms the final price. You choose the handover date, so you can plan it around your move.
Sign the sales contract and hand over the car with its documents and keys. You can be paid in cash on the spot or by bank transfer.
In Switzerland, number plates belong to the holder, not to the car. After the sale, you keep the plates and return them to your cantonal road traffic office – for example the Office cantonal des véhicules (OCV) in Geneva, the Service des automobiles et de la navigation (SAN) in Vaud or the Strassenverkehrsamt in Zurich. Many offices also accept plates by post; check your canton's website for the current process.
Your insurance and vehicle tax continue until the plates are returned. Once the car is deregistered, insurers usually refund the unused part of the premium and the canton adjusts the vehicle tax. Send your insurer a copy of the deregistration confirmation, and keep it for your records.
Request an offer 4–8 weeks before you leave so you know what your car is worth and can plan. You can usually keep driving it until the last days before you move – we agree a collection date that suits you.
It depends on your destination. Exporting a car means customs formalities and registering it again abroad, which can be costly and slow. For many people, selling in Switzerland before they leave is simpler. Check the import rules of your new country before deciding.
Yes, but the leasing company has to agree, because a leased car carries the code 178 on its registration document. Ask your leasing company for a buyout figure early. We can help you settle the lease and pay you any difference.
Return them to your cantonal road traffic office (for example the OCV in Geneva) before you leave. This officially deregisters the car in your name and stops your insurance and vehicle tax.
Usually yes. Once the plates are returned, insurers normally refund the unused part of the premium and the canton adjusts the vehicle tax for the rest of the period. Ask your insurer and your canton for the exact rules.
Yes. You can be paid in cash on the spot when you sell. If you prefer a bank transfer, tell us where you would like the money sent and we will confirm what is possible.
Ready to sell? Get your free offer or read more about how to sell your car in Switzerland.