Exchange your driving license
12 months after arrival. Missing this deadline can lead to fines or delays in your permit.
You can drive on a foreign license for up to 12 months. After that, you must hold a Swiss license — exchanged or earned via test.
Step by step
- 1
Check if your country exchanges easily
EU/EFTA, USA, Canada, Australia, NZ, Japan and many others exchange without a practical test. Others require it.
- 2
Pass the eye test
Quick test at any optician for CHF 20–30. Get the official certificate.
- 3
Take the first-aid course
10-hour course (Nothelferkurs) costs CHF 100–150. Required only for first-time license holders, not exchanges.
- 4
Submit the application
At your canton's Strassenverkehrsamt: foreign license, eye test, ID photo, residence permit, fee.
- 5
Receive your Swiss license
Arrives by post in 2–4 weeks. Your foreign license is kept by the canton (returned if you leave).
Get this as a personalised checklist
Build your free Swiss relocation checklist — tailored to your canton, with deadlines and links. No signup.
Build my free checklistDriving on a foreign license after the 12-month deadline = driving without a license. Heavy fines and possible permit issues.
People also asked
Official sources for this guide
Was this information helpful and accurate?
Related guides
Register at your Gemeinde
Every person living in Switzerland must register with their local municipality (Gemeinde / Commune / Comune) within 14 days of arrival.
Read guideHow to get a B permit
The B permit is the standard residence permit for foreigners staying longer than one year. It is tied to a job, family, or studies.
Read guideDone with this? Next:
Understand your tax situation