Housing and Logistics
Register your vehicle
An imported vehicle must be registered with the road traffic office of your canton of residence within one year of import. You need the customs assessment decision form 13.20 A, the foreign registration document, proof of conformity with Swiss requirements, and confirmation of motor vehicle liability insurance, which the insurer transmits electronically. After registration the canton levies the annual vehicle tax; the licence plates remain the property of the canton.
Who this applies to. This guide applies if bringing a vehicle is yes.
Checklist
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Prepare the customs assessment decision
Form 13.20 A from the Federal Office for Customs and Border Security (federal); without it there is no registration.
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Take out motor vehicle liability insurance
The insurer reports the cover electronically to the cantonal road traffic office.
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Book the vehicle inspection at the road traffic office
The road traffic office of your canton of residence checks conformity with Swiss requirements.
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Collect the licence plates and registration document
The plates remain the property of the canton; the vehicle tax is levied annually from then on.
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Complete the registration within 12 months
The deadline runs from the import; afterwards the vehicle may no longer be used in Switzerland.
Costs
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Vehicle registration certificate, licence plates and inspection CHF 100–180 · one-time
The sum of three cantonal fees: registration certificate, pair of licence plates and vehicle inspection. An imported vehicle without Swiss type approval additionally needs an individual approval, which costs more.
No total: the items depend on conditions and on your situation. A total without your answers would be too high or too low depending on the case — the cost calculation in your plan uses them.
Frequently asked questions
Who does this guide apply to?
This guide applies if bringing a vehicle is yes.
What does it cost?
Vehicle registration certificate, licence plates and inspection: CHF 100–180 (one-time).
What do I need to do?
Prepare the customs assessment decision; Take out motor vehicle liability insurance; Book the vehicle inspection at the road traffic office; Collect the licence plates and registration document; Complete the registration within 12 months.
As of: 08.10.2026