EU/EFTA: Import and customs regulations

However, Switzerland is not an EU member state, so customs clearance procedures will vary from one country to another. If you're planning to emigrate to another country, you're strongly advised to familiarise yourself with the customs formalities well ahead of time. The FDFA can provide relevant information.

Importing household effects into an EU/EFTA state

National customs websites

A list of customs websites for EU member states is available on the European Commission's website.

Exports from Switzerland (FCA)

French Customs (French)

Information on import duties payable on household effects is available on the Directorate General of Customs and Excise portal.

Spanish Customs

The Ministry of Finance and Public Administration issues information on Spanish customs.

German Customs

Information on duties payable on importing household effects into Germany is available on the German Customs website.

Italian Excise, Customs and Monopolies Agency

The Excise, Customs and Monopolies Agency provides information on duties payable on importing goods into Italy.

Exporting and importing vehicles

Exporting road vehicles and watercraft from Switzerland

Further information is available from the Federal Office for Customs and Border Security (FOCBS).

Importing vehicles into Spain (Spanish)

Further information on importing vehicles into Spain is available from the Ministry of the Interior.

Requirements for importing vehicles into Italy (Italian)

Further information is available from the website of the Italian Automobile Association.

Rules on importing vehicles into Germany (German)

Further information is available from the General German Automobile Association.

Requirements for importing vehicles into France (French)

Comprehensive information is available on the French Customs website.

Driving licence and vehicle registration

Swiss nationals taking up residence in an EU/EFTA member state are normally required to exchange their Swiss driving licence for an equivalent one in their country of residence. They must also register their vehicle in their new country of residence. The deadlines for exchanging and registering driving licences are different in each EU/EFTA member state. Please contact the authorities in your country of residence for further information on exchange and registration procedures and the applicable deadlines. Information is also available on the websites of the Swiss representations.

Driving licence information (EU)

The EU website provides important information on the requirements for vehicles and driving licences.

Exchanging driving licences issued outside France (French)

Information on exchanging your driving licence in France is available on the official website of the French public administration.

Converting driving licences from third countries into German ones (German)

Information on exchanging driving licences in Germany is available on the General German Automobile Association's website.

Exchanging a driving licence from a non-EU member state for an Italian driving licence (Italian)

Information on exchanging driving licences in Italy is available from the Ministry of Sustainable Infrastructure and Mobility.

Exchanging a Swiss driving licence for a Spanish one (Spanish)

Information on exchanging driving licences in Spain is available from the Ministry of the Interior.

Importing pets

Rules on importing pets are standardised in EU/EFTA countries. As a minimum, the following are required for importing dogs, cats and ferrets into an EU/EFTA member state:

a valid pet passport
a valid anti-rabies vaccination
microchip ID

In any event, you should contact the authorities in the country to which you're emigrating in order to establish the import requirements (further requirements may apply in the country concerned).

Travelling with pets (FSVO)

Further information on travelling with pets is available on the website of the Federal Food Safety and Veterinary Office.

Swiss banking services for Swiss citizens abroad

Current situation

In view of stricter international regulatory requirements in recent years, financial institutions have become increasingly sensitive to potential legal and reputational risks, especially in relation to cross-border banking services. Swiss financial institutions therefore provide no or only limited access to certain financial services to individuals living outside Switzerland. Nevertheless, subject to local and Swiss legal provisions, many still offer current accounts to Swiss nationals living in various countries.

Talk with your bank as soon as possible about your options

The relationship between customers and their bank is governed by private law. If you are planning to relocate abroad or return to Switzerland, you are advised to talk with your bank to find out what regulations apply in your case and what options best meet your needs.

Organisation of the Swiss Abroad (OSA)

The website of the Organisation of the Swiss Abroad (OSA) provides useful information on banking services for the Swiss citizens living abroad.

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1 February 2026

EU/EFTA: Entry and stay

1 February 2026