Converting Your Foreign Driving License in Switzerland

You can drive with your foreign license for 12 months after arriving in Switzerland. After that, you MUST convert it to a Swiss license or stop driving.

Don't wait until month 11 — the process takes time. Start in month 3-6.

Citizens of EU/EFTA countries and countries with bilateral agreements can exchange their license directly:

1. Go to your cantonal Strassenverkehrsamt (road traffic office) 2. Bring: foreign license, passport, residence permit, passport photo, eye test certificate 3. Pay: CHF 80-140 depending on canton 4. Receive Swiss license in 2-4 weeks

Countries with direct exchange: all EU/EFTA, plus USA, Canada, Australia, Japan, and others.

If your country doesn't have a direct exchange agreement (e.g., Kosovo, Albania, Turkey, most African/Asian countries):

1. Register at your cantonal road traffic office 2. Pass theory test (in DE/FR/IT/EN) 3. Pass practical driving test 4. Cost: CHF 600-1,200 total (including mandatory lessons)

Tip: Book a few driving lessons with a local instructor — Swiss driving standards differ from many countries. Roundabouts, right-of-way rules, and speed limits are strictly enforced.