Foreign driving licences in Switzerland (2026)

Last reviewed: 30 October 2026

In short: A valid foreign national licence entitles visitors to drive in Switzerland, with an international permit only needed alongside a national licence under the listed conventions. After twelve months of residence a Swiss licence is required.

RuleWhat applies
Licence from another EU/EEA state valid for a visitorUsing a foreign driving licenceYes [1]
EU/EEA licence after becoming a residentUsing a foreign driving licenceDrivers from abroad need a Swiss licence once they have lived in Switzerland for twelve months and have not spent more than three months continuously abroad in that time. Foreign licences obtained by circumventing the rules on acquiring a Swiss licence or the competence rules of the state of residence may not be used. [1]
Licence from outside the EU/EEA for a visitorUsing a foreign driving licenceA valid national licence, or a valid international licence under the 1926, 1949 or 1968 conventions shown together with the national licence, entitles the holder to the categories documented on it expressly, comprehensibly and in Latin script. [1]
Licence from outside the EU/EEA after becoming a residentUsing a foreign driving licenceDrivers from abroad need a Swiss licence once they have lived in Switzerland for twelve months and have not spent more than three months continuously abroad in that time. Foreign licences obtained by circumventing the rules on acquiring a Swiss licence or the competence rules of the state of residence may not be used. Holders of a licence not issued by an EU or EFTA state who drive Swiss-registered category C, D, C1 or D1 vehicles professionally also need a Swiss licence. [1]
International Driving Permit needed with an EU/EEA licenceUsing a foreign driving licenceNo [1]

Notes

  • Article 42 does not distinguish EU licences from other national licences. The licence entitles the holder to the categories shown on it expressly, comprehensibly and in Latin script.
  • ASTRA states that holders of licences from EU/EFTA states and several other listed countries are exempt from the control drive and the additional theory test when exchanging; the list is on its blog page, which is not the legal text.
  • A valid national licence is enough. An international licence is accepted only together with the national licence.

Sources

  1. Fedlex (Swiss federal law): Verordnung über die Zulassung von Personen und Fahrzeugen zum Strassenverkehr (Verkehrszulassungsverordnung, VZV), SR 741.51 (Stand am 1. Januar 2026) (consulted 30 October 2026) · all sources

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General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.