Hi EF!

By the way of introduction: I'm IT from Belarus (non-EU), just got my initial L-permit on a permanent contract. Target destination - Winterthur. Many thanks to this brilliant forum answered to all my previous question without even having to ask them

Now packing my stuff and considering what to do with my car. It's hyundai tucson '09 with 36K kms. From one side this one seems to be not popular in Switzerland and I might be in trouble in a couple of years when decide to sell it there, from the other - for some reasons I might get back home in 1-2 years and the mileage of the car is low so I would like to keep it registered as it is now for the next year and then take decision and sell it in Belarus. But during this year I'd like to drive it in Switzerland. I can buy international Green Card insurance for this year and I also have kasko (hull insurance).

Here below 2 options I have found regarding vehicles import. I would consider to use form 15.30 and if possible to stay with my home car plates. Will it work? I have read on another forum that it requires then get special swiss plates and pay double insurance, is that right?
Another question: may I import the car with 18.44 but still stay with my plates and insurance?

And the last question here: I'm going also bring with me some of my household effects (actually as many as feet in the car). And I'm a bit worrying what custom officers would say on that when I cross the border with EU (in Poland). Not sure they recognize 18.44. Any comment/recommendation on that?

4.2 Vehicles imported for the personal use of foreign workers and foreign students
Foreign workers (holders of annual permits or short-term permits and trainees) are permitted to use a foreign vehicle in the customs area duty-free for a period of two years from the date of first entry (for example upon taking up employment) (form 15.30) even if they transfer their domicile under civil law to the customs area. The charge is CH F25.

4.3 Vehicles of immigrants as household effects or wedding trousseaux Migrants’ household effects are assessed as duty-free.
The vehicles of immigrants are considered household effects if they were used for their own personal use or for their job or for the pursuit of a trade for at least six months abroad and are destined for their own use in the customs area.
The following documents are to be submitted to the customs office: the vehicle registration document, Swiss residence permit, and declaration/application for clearance of household effects (form 18.44).

Thank you in advance for advices.
Nick

You may live in Switzerland and drive the vehicle on foreign plates for up to 1 year from date of vehicle import.

After 1 year from date of import is up, and you continue to live in Switzerland, you MUST put Swiss registration plates on your vehicle.

Do not leave it until day 364!
Research what changes must be made to your vehicle (if any) to get it registered here.

But be sure to import it, just not drive it over the border, if you own the vehicle for more then 6 months you will not pay import duties.

If you fail to import it and decide after one year you want to get Swiss plates and keep it you will have to pay import duties regardless of how long you owned it.

Thanks for your answers, but how should I import it for temporary use? Using form 15.30 or 18.44 or no need to fill in any form at all?

I will definitely sell it in Belarus or Russia (the price is the same or even a bit higher comparing to Switzerland). And would choose something less fuel consuming in Switzerland. Well, I don't mind about that while 1L of petrol is 0.5 EUR, but nearly 1.5 EUR per liter sounds like the good time for a change.

Looks like nobody knows/cares... Please help newbie with this simple question!