How to change your driving licence once you have arrived in Switzerland

Arriving in Switzerland often marks the start of a new adventure, but it also involves a number of administrative formalities. These include converting your foreign licence to a Swiss licence. Whether you’re already a resident or have just moved to Switzerland, this guide details the essential steps you need to take to make this transition hassle-free.

Step 1: Prepare your required documents

Before taking any administrative steps, it is crucial to gather all the necessary documents. The Swiss authorities are strict when it comes to documentation. You will need the following items:

• Your original foreign driving licence
• Proof of residence, such as a residence permit
• An official identity document such as a national identity card or passport (identity card)
• wo recent passport photos that meet Swiss standards

These documents must be officially translated if they are not in German, French, Italian or Romansh. You should also check with the cantonal office where you live to find out about local conditions, as each canton may have its own requirements.

Step 2: Medical check-up and eye test

Medical checks

Depending on your nationality and the type of licence you wish to obtain, you may be required to undergo a medical examination. The purpose of this examination is to ensure that you are fit to drive without endangering yourself or other road users. It will be carried out by a doctor approved by the Swiss health authorities.

Eye Test

An optical test to obtain your driving licence in Switzerland is an essential step in the conversion process. All drivers must prove that they have adequate vision to drive safely. This test must be carried out by an optician or ophthalmologist recognised by the cantonal authorities. A certificate confirming your optimum visual acuity, or prescribing glasses/corrective lenses if necessary, must be provided with your application.

Step 3: Visit the cantonal vehicle office

Once you have prepared your documents and completed your medical examinations, go to the cantonal vehicle office in your place of residence. For example, if you live in Canton Zurich, this is the office that will process your application. Make an appointment to submit your application and bring all the required documents with you.

You will be asked to complete a specific application form to convert your permit. This form varies from canton to canton, although the information requested is generally similar and includes your full contact details, details of your foreign permit and your current residence.

Step 4: Pay the processing fee

To finalise your application, you will need to pay an administration fee. These fees vary from canton to canton and may depend on the type of vehicle you drive. As a guide, these fees generally start at around CHF 80.

Step 5: Wait for confirmation

Once your application has been submitted, it will take some time to process before you receive confirmation. During this period, your foreign licence will be checked and compared with Swiss standards. As a general rule, the waiting time can vary from a few days to several weeks, depending on your country of origin and the canton’s specific procedures.

Step 6: Receipt of your new Swiss licence

Once all your details have been validated and approved, you’ll receive your new Swiss driving licence straight to your home. With this precious document in hand, you can drive freely on Swiss roads and benefit from the rights and duties associated with national drivers.

Temporary residents vs. new permanent residents

The nature of your residence also has an impact on the process of converting your licence. If you are staying temporarily, for less than a year for example, you are not obliged to change your licence, but you must always travel with a valid, translated copy. If you have been in Switzerland for a longer period, you will need to apply for a new licence after twelve months of continuous residence.

New permanent residents

Individuals taking up permanent residence in Switzerland should ensure that they start the administrative formalities as soon as possible. An appropriate residence permit will facilitate your integration and avoid many administrative headaches in the future.

Continue the procedure to maintain Swiss number plates

Finally, when you get your new Swiss driving licence, don’t forget to deal with the issue of driver’s licence plates. Make sure that your car is registered in the national and cantonal databases so that it complies fully with current legislation. These procedures generally include the payment of certain fees and sometimes a thorough technical inspection of your vehicle.