Driving your own car as an expat
The Best Car Solution for Expats in Switzerland
At CARIFY, we understand the unique needs of expats like you. Our mission is to make your Swiss journey seamless by providing hassle-free car subscriptions tailored to your needs.
Our offer
CARIFY car subscriptions for expats are the all-inclusive, flexible alternative to expat car lease or buying: One monthly subscription price includes all costs related to your car like repairs, servicing, motor vehicle tax, as well as registration in your residential canton.
Find out how the booking process works here.
Why choose the CARIFY expat auto solution?
Flexibility: Subscriptions between 1 and 48 month - monthly cancellation
Cost Transparency: One monthly subscription price includes all costs related to your expat auto like repairs, servicing, motor vehicle tax, as well as registration in your residential canton.
Convenience: We handle maintenance and more. No need to speak to a garage, insurance companies or the tax office!
Multilingual support: Count on us for assistance anytime, anywhere in English, German, French or Italian.
Sustainability: While the majority of subscription providers rely on brand-new cars produced exclusively for subscribers, we work closely with automotive garages that make their existing vehicles available for our service. This way, we give existing high-quality cars a second chance while simultaneously reducing the need to manufacture new vehicles. Additionally, we also offer new cars to provide a wide range of mobility solutions.
Who is eligible to book a CARIFY car?
To reserve a CARIFY vehicle, you must meet certain eligibility criteria. Here's what you need:
We appreciate your understanding of these requirements as they help us maintain a high standard of service and ensure the safety and legality of our car subscription offerings. If you have any questions or need assistance with your eligibility, please don't hesitate to contact our support team for further guidance.
What our happy customers say
"Great customer service (agents speak English!); intuitive website gives them a competitive edge; comparable prices and far more flexibility than competitors; on-time efficient handover at out home - detailed inspection had been done of the vehicle which was spotless."
Nicola
What is the difference between a car subscription and an expat car lease?
A car subscription is a more innovative and even more flexible approach than leasing a car as an expat. With a car subscription, your monthly fee covers all ancillary costs, providing you with a hassle-free, all-inclusive leasing experience.
Enjoy the freedom of shorter terms and flexible cancellation periods with a car subscription, allowing you to rent your dream expat auto on a monthly basis without being tied down to a long-term contract.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is permitted to drive?
chevron_rightThe person who books the car and fulfils the booking requirement has to be the main driver of the car. The main car driver is allowed to lend the car punctually to other drivers that also meet all the requirements - so there is no problem for you to lend the car to your friends & family (who are domiciled in Switzerland)!
If a third party driver is not domiciled in Switzerland and/or does not have a valid Swiss driving licence, the insurance cover may vary.
Additionally, someone who has a student driving license in Switzerland is allowed to drive under the general swiss road regulation (e.g. under the supervision of someone who is more than 23 years old and has had a valid driving license for more than 3 years)
Note that if you are older than 25 years old and someone who is younger than 25years old drives and damages your car, the insurance coverage might vary (higher deductibles). If you have questions about this, reach out to our team!
Can I book a car with a foreign driving license?
chevron_rightYes, it is possible! As long as the driving license is recognized by the Swiss authorities as a valid driving license. The rule in Switzerland is the following: You are allowed to drive in Switzerland with your foreign driving license up to 1year after you officially registered in Switzerland. After that you must have gone to the government and swapped your license for a swiss one.
Am I allowed to drive abroad?
chevron_rightYes, the vehicle may be driven in Europe and the countries bordering the Mediterranean Sea except for Egypt, Algeria, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Iran, Israel, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Lebanon, Libya, Russian Federation, Syria, Ukraine, Belarus.
If you lend the car to someone who is not a swiss resident, this person is not allowed to drive abroad. None-swiss residents are only allowed to drive in Switzerland.
How quickly is my car available?
chevron_rightYour car is usually available within 7-8 working days. This is the time we need to register the car at your canton’s car registration office and get it ready for you!
Some cars require more time to be prepared. You will immediately see in the booking calendar the possible wished delivery dates. You can use the filter Availability.
During the booking, you are able to choose at which date you would prefer to receive the car. We will anyway contact you after you booked to arrange everything.
Relocation to Switzerland - Car Subscription FAQs
Can I get a car subscription when relocating to Switzerland?
chevron_rightYes, CARIFY offers flexible car subscriptions designed for people moving to Switzerland. You can start driving right after arrival without the hassle of buying or leasing, giving you instant mobility for your relocation.
Why is a car subscription a good choice for relocation to Switzerland?
chevron_rightA car subscription includes registration, insurance, and maintenance in one monthly plan. It removes the stress of setup costs and paperwork, helping you stay mobile while you settle into your new home and routines.
How does car delivery work when relocating to Switzerland?
chevron_rightCARIFY delivers cars for people relocating to Switzerland, even before they have a permanent address. The car can be dropped off at temporary housing, giving you transport from the moment you arrive.
Is a car subscription better than renting a car while relocating to Switzerland?
chevron_rightYes. For anyone relocating to Switzerland, a car subscription is usually the smarter choice. It combines flexibility with predictable costs - insurance, registration, and maintenance are included, with no long-term commitments or hidden fees.
Unlock exclusive benefits for over 500,000 individuals across Switzerland through our extensive network of partner companies. Contact us today to discover if you qualify for valuable employee discounts of our partner companies like UBS, ZURICH Insurance or IBM. Book a call here to get your expat auto today!