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UK resident driving Swiss company in to UK

Last activity 19 April 2024 by Cynic

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edv8

Hi,


I'm a uk resident working for Swiss company. I have a swiss company car, can i drive it in UK ? Should i do something ?


Thanks !

Cynic

Hi and welcome to the Forum.


I think there is a 6-month limit before you have to register it and get UK plates etc, so if you're bringing it over for a short-time, and it is properly registered and insured for you to drive it in the UK, it should be OK.  If it's a lease car, then speak to the lease company and see if they have any comments/suggestions and make sure your companies contract with them includes operating vehicles in another country and how you are covered for things like servicing and break-down.


If your company expects you to insure the car, I don't think you'll be able to insure a foreign plate with a UK insurer, best you check this before you set out.


The other issue you should consider is that if you are UK resident, you will be assessed for taxes in the UK, this includes benefit in kind taxes on a company car and fuel provided.  Read more about this at the following link.


I hope this helps.


Cynic

Expat Team

SimCityAT


    Hi and welcome to the Forum.
I think there is a 6-month limit before you have to register it and get UK plates etc, so if you're bringing it over for a short-time, and it is properly registered and insured for you to drive it in the UK, it should be OK.  If it's a lease car, then speak to the lease company and see if they have any comments/suggestions and make sure your companies contract with them includes operating vehicles in another country and how you are covered for things like servicing and break-down.

If your company expects you to insure the car, I don't think you'll be able to insure a foreign plate with a UK insurer, best you check this before you set out.

The other issue you should consider is that if you are UK resident, you will be assessed for taxes in the UK, this includes benefit in kind taxes on a company car and fuel provided.  Read more about this at the following link.

I hope this helps.

Cynic
Expat Team
   

    -@Cynic


If its for a holiday, then nothing much, as you say make sure the insurance covers the UK.

edv8

Hi,

thank you for your answer.

Its a lease company car and i will be more than 6 months in the Uk. I called HMRC but no one knows.. dont know what to do !

Cynic


    Hi,
thank you for your answer.
Its a lease company car and i will be more than 6 months in the Uk. I called HMRC but no one knows.. dont know what to do !
   

    -@edv8

Hi again.


Then you definitely need to speak to the lease company who own the car and tell them so they can make the necessary arrangements for servicing and breakdown cover; your employer will also have to notify their insurer of these changes in circumstances (operating a Swiss registered company vehicle in the UK). 


HMRC, I'm assuming you are a UK resident (live in UK for more than 183 days in the tax year) as far as tax assessments are concerned, I strongly recommend you go and speak to a UK tax specialist.  The declaration form you submit for "benefit in kind" matters is a P11D, this link will take you to the UK Gov website where it tells you how to do it, I believe it's all done online these days.


I hope this helps.


Cynic

Expat Team

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