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The car leasing process in Switzerland may seem intimidating to foreigners. However, as with everything in life, preparation is the key to success!
By following our 5-Step process, the car leasing process will be much easier to navigate
1. Have Your Documents Ready!
The good news is that there are leasing companies in Switzerland who are specialized in assisting foreign professionals with financing their vehicles. To move forward, you will need to provide them with the following documents:
2. Driver’s License Rules in Switzerland
Driving in Switzerland with a Foreign Driver’s License
In Switzerland, you can use your foreign driver’s license for up to 12 months if you are over 18. After this period, you must exchange it for a Swiss driver’s license.
How to Exchange Your Foreign Driver’s License to a Swiss Driver’s License
For those from the European Economic Area (EU, Iceland, Norway, and Liechtenstein), exchanging a foreign license for a Swiss one is equivalent and does not require a test, provided it is done within 12 months of moving to Switzerland.
In contrast, individuals from outside the EEA need to pass a practical driving test in Switzerland after 12 months to exchange their license. Some non-EU nationals must also pass a driving theory test.
If your license is issued in a language that Swiss authorities do not recognize (such as English, French, German, or Italian), you will need to carry an International Driving Permit, which provides a translation of your license.
Besides having a valid driver’s license, it is important to ensure you have a good understanding of local regulations and that you have the right vehicle for driving in Switzerland.
Note: Information may not be up-to-date. Please check official government information for latest laws and regulations.
3. Know What You Want and Your Budget
How long do you need the car?
Car leasing in Switzerland typically starts at 24 months. Usually, the longer the lease term, the lower the monthly payments
What is your budget?
The first thing any car leasing specialist will ask you is “what is your budget?” For this reason, it’s good to have an idea of what you are willing to spend on your monthly car payments.
When do you need the car?
Usually, the more flexible you are with your car selection, the faster you can obtain your lease. Many times, vehicle providers have popular cars in stock that could be available on short notice. On the other hand, if you opt for a factory-ordered vehicle of a make not common in Switzerland, you could be in for a long wait.
Delivery times vary considerably on new cars, and you want to be out in good time to ensure that you can get the car you want at your desired time. The usual process time is one to two weeks if the car is available in stock.
4. The Terms and Conditions
Usually, there is no down payment at the start of the lease. Maintenance, service, sales tax, and tires may be included.
Auto Insurance
Insurance is usually not included in Switzerland. Make sure to read the print in small to make sure you and the passengers are covered in case of an accident. Also, find out how much you’re expected to pay in the event of an accident or damage to the car.
Terminating the lease early
If you have to return your vehicle earlier than expected, the lease agreement will state exactly how any remaining payments or penalties are calculated. So be sure to consider the termination terms when comparing offers.
Vehicle registration
The leasing company will handle the vehicle registration as part of their service.
5. Expat Specialized Car Leasing Company
A company that can assist is ExpatRide International. They have experience with assisting expats across the globe and service many Fortune 1000 companies’ employees in Switzerland
ExpatRide can assist with most vehicle makes and models available in Switzerland, such as: Audi, Toyota, Peugeot, Nissan, Mazda, Jeep, Ford, Fiat, Jaguar, BMW, Volkswagen
They service all areas of Switzerland such as: Bern, Lucerne, Geneva, Interlaken, Zürich, Lugano, Zermatt, Basel, St. Gallen, Montreux, Saint Moritz, Lausanne, Locarno, Thun, Winterthur, Chur, Fribourg, Schaffhausen, Biel/Bienne, Bellinzona, La Chaux-de-Fonds, Neuchâtel, Baden, Zug, Vevey, Frauenfeld, Kreuzlingen, Uster, Yverdon-les-Bains, Nyon and the list goes on…
Please visit our Switzerland page for more information on how the local expat car leasing process works and local practical information. Learn more about our services in Switzerland…
Need assistance with leasing a car? Let ExpatRide lead the way
Contact us at CARS@ExpatRide.com for more information or visit www.expatride.com/blog/8434/how-to-lease-a-car-in-switzerland
All major cities and all smaller cities, we’ll be there for you:
Bern, Lucerne, Geneva, Interlaken, Zürich, Lugano, Zermatt, Basel, St. Gallen, Montreux, Saint Moritz, Lausanne, Locarno, Thun, Winterthur, Chur, Fribourg, Schaffhausen, Biel/Bienne, Bellinzona, La Chaux-de-Fonds, Neuchâtel, Baden, Zug, Vevey, Frauenfeld, Kreuzlingen, Uster, Yverdon-les-Bains, Nyon and the list goes on…
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