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Registering a foreign car in Switzerland: in what order?

Take out Swiss third-party liability insurance before you go to the cantonal road traffic office: without it, you get neither a vehicle registration document nor plates. The full order: customs clearance at the border, insurance, vehicle inspection, then Swiss plates, at the latest one year after you move.

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1. Clear the car through customs as household effects

When you cross the border, present form 18.44 at the customs office of entry. The car is imported duty-free if you have used it personally abroad for at least six months and keep using it after import. Keep the proof: plates are only issued for a vehicle that has been cleared or exempted.

2. Take out Swiss liability insurance

Do not swap this step: the registration document and plates are only issued once the required third-party liability insurance has been taken out. Get quotes from several insurers before choosing; CheckSwiss does not recommend any.

3. Have the vehicle inspected

Before a foreign vehicle is registered in Switzerland, it is inspected at the cantonal office. Waiting times for an appointment vary between cantons: book early.

4. Get the registration document and Swiss plates

Swiss plates become compulsory once you have lived in Switzerland for more than a year, without a break of more than three consecutive months, and have been using your vehicle here for more than a month. The competent office is the one in your canton of residence: see All 26 cantons.

Documents to prepare

  • Proof of liability insurance (electronic)
  • Foreign vehicle registration document
  • Proof of customs clearance (18.44)
  • Identity document and proof of address

And your driving licence?

That is a separate step with its own 12-month deadline: see Driving licence.

Check the formalities and deadlines that apply to you

CheckSwiss keeps only the formalities that apply to you, based on your canton, job, family and vehicle, and works out your deadlines.

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Frequently asked questions

How long can I drive with my foreign plates?

Swiss plates are compulsory once you have lived in Switzerland for more than a year, without a break of more than three consecutive months, and have been using your car here for more than a month.

Do I have to pay customs duty on my car?

No, if it is imported as household effects: you must have used it personally abroad for at least six months and keep using it. Present form 18.44 at customs.

Why take out insurance before going to the road traffic office?

Because the registration document and plates are only issued once liability insurance has been taken out. In the reverse order, the step is blocked.

Where do I register my car?

At the road traffic office of your canton of residence, which also carries out the inspection.

Sources

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