Guide · Liechtenstein

Driving a UK-registered car in Liechtenstein: the one-year plate deadline, what registering it costs, and when selling makes sense

A UK car in Liechtenstein: the one-year plate deadline, the MFK in Vaduz, headlight work, and why right-hand drive is hard to resell.

Last reviewed October 2026

How long can I keep it on UK plates?

If you move to Liechtenstein, the car needs Liechtenstein plates, issued by the Amt für Strassenverkehr in Vaduz, at the latest one year after you move. People who live abroad, for example with a holiday home here, may use the car for up to 6 months in total within 12 months, for private use only.

Can a right-hand-drive car be registered?

Yes. Right-hand-drive cars can be registered in Liechtenstein. Expect the inspection to require headlights set for right-hand traffic and a speedometer that shows km/h; a UK MOT doesn't replace it. Ask the Amt für Strassenverkehr which technical documents it needs for your car, such as a certificate of conformity or a data sheet, before you spend money. Once it is on FL plates, a right-hand-drive car is hard to resell locally.

What registering it involves

Ask the Amt für Strassenverkehr which technical documents it needs, such as a certificate of conformity or a data sheet.
Have the headlights converted or set for right-hand traffic, and make sure the speedometer shows km/h.
Pass the inspection (MFK) at the Amt für Strassenverkehr in Vaduz.
Take out Liechtenstein motor insurance (the electronic proof, eVN, goes to the office), then register the car and collect FL plates.

What it costs

Technical documents, if the Amt für Strassenverkehr asks for them, such as a certificate of conformity or a data sheet.
Inspection, plates and registration: fees set by the Amt für Strassenverkehr.
Headlights and km/h display: from nothing up to about CHF 300 for adjustable halogen headlights, or about CHF 500–2,500 for LED or matrix units.
Liechtenstein motor insurance and the annual vehicle tax on top.

The alternative: sell it back to the UK

The usual alternative is to drive the car back to the UK and sell it there. Vaduz to Calais is about 900 km: two days at the wheel, fuel, French tolls, the Channel crossing and a flight back, and the car still has to be sold when you arrive. It is only an option while the MOT and UK insurance are valid. Selling to us skips all of that: we buy the car as it stands, collect it free from your address, handle the export paperwork and pay in pounds sterling (£) on collection day.

Get a free valuation for your car in Liechtenstein

Free collection anywhere in Liechtenstein, all export paperwork handled, paid in pounds sterling (£) on the day.

Value my UK car

Common questions

Is it worth putting my UK car on Liechtenstein plates?

It can be, if you plan to keep it for years and its headlights only need adjusting: what it takes is the inspection, the paperwork and any headlight work. It is less worth it for a car with LED or matrix headlights, a car that fails the inspection, or one you would want to sell locally later.

I'm a Liechtenstein citizen moving home from the UK. What does the car need?

The same as anyone else's: Liechtenstein plates at the latest one year after you move, after any technical documents the Amt für Strassenverkehr asks for, the inspection, any conversion work and insurance. Nationality makes no difference.

What if the MOT has expired?

It makes no difference to us. We buy cars with or without a valid MOT and collect them by transporter.

Rules, rates and thresholds change. This guide is a general summary as of October 2026, not legal or tax advice — check the current position with the registration authority before relying on it.

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