Although Switzerland is not in the European Union, it does afford special treatment to drivers from EU member states.
If you're a cross-border worker who lives in a neighbouring country, different rules will apply. Our sister sites in Germany, France and Italy have discussed how this can be done in each respective country.
Official information in English is available here.
How do I exchange my licence?
Changing your licence over within a year of moving to Switzerland is relatively easy and does not require any additional tests.
You’ll however need to bring the following: a completed application form, original driving licence (with a translation if applicable), residence permit (and residence certificate if you have one), two colour passport photos and a certificate from a qualified ophthalmologist.
You’ll need to exchange the licence at your cantonal authority and the cost for doing so varies from canton to canton.
Holiday travellers
For holiday travellers in Switzerland, things will pretty much stay the same. You’re permitted to drive on your UK licence when on holiday in Switzerland.
Unlike several other European countries, Switzerland does not require you to purchase an International Driving Permit if you hold a UK licence.
Switzerland only requires International Driving Permits when the language of the licence isn’t one of the officially recognised Swiss languages (which are English, French, German and Italian).
So if you’re UK licence is in English - which around 100 percent of them are - you’ll be all good.
You will however have to carry a Green Card as proof of third party insurance cover when driving in Switzerland, as with all other EU countries.
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