Malta – Buying or Importing a Car

How do I buy a new car in Malta as a foreigner?

Purchasing a vehicle in Malta is open to foreign nationals in much the same way as it is to anyone else. There is, however, one non-negotiable condition: to register and hold a vehicle in your name, you must possess a valid residency permit. Short-term visitors and tourists are not permitted to register cars, which means obtaining at least provisional residency is effectively a first step before a vehicle can be titled in your name.

EU citizens can satisfy the identity requirement with a national identity card; citizens of non-EU countries will generally need a visa or a residence permit. Before visiting any dealership, it is sensible to gather the following: a valid passport or national ID, your residency permit or documented evidence of a pending residency application, proof of a Maltese address (for example, a utility bill or a tenancy agreement), and your driving licence. A Maltese tax identification number — issued by the Commissioner for Revenue — will also typically be needed for purchase contracts and any financing arrangements.

New car dealerships in Malta carry a reasonable range of vehicles, though prices can be elevated due to import levies. Most dealers offer manufacturer warranties and financing packages, which can be attractive for those new to the market. That said, expats who have only recently arrived may find that securing financing is more complicated, since lenders often assess residency duration, contract type, and local credit history. A straightforward cash purchase may be the more practical route for newcomers. It is always advisable to confirm what documentation is currently needed both with the dealership and with Transport Malta, the authority responsible for vehicle licensing and road transport regulation.

How do I buy a used car in Malta?

There is a lively second-hand car market in Malta. Franchised and independent dealerships offer used vehicles with some degree of buyer protection, while private listings on platforms such as CarsMT tend to offer lower prices at the cost of fewer guarantees. Whichever route you take, thorough due diligence is essential before any money changes hands.

Always examine a vehicle carefully in person — engaging an independent mechanic to carry out a pre-purchase inspection is highly recommended, particularly given the corrosive effects of Malta’s salt-laden sea air on bodywork and undercarriage. Beyond the physical condition, you should establish the vehicle’s legal standing. Verify that there is no outstanding finance secured against it, that road tax is paid up, that there are no unpaid fines, and that it has not been recorded as stolen. Transport Malta maintains official vehicle records, and a history check can be requested through the Transport Malta portal. The VIN (chassis number) must match across all paperwork.

A written agreement is strongly advisable for any private transaction. It is standard practice to pay an initial deposit — usually in the region of 10–20% — with the remaining balance settled at the point of transfer. At completion, the seller should hand over the original vehicle registration certificate (logbook), signed by both parties, along with any available service history, roadworthiness certificates, and a receipt confirming the sale. Once you have taken ownership, the change of registered keeper must be recorded with Transport Malta without delay. To complete the re-registration, you will need proof of ownership, valid insurance in your own name, and your residency documentation.

Can I import a vehicle into Malta, and how does the process work?

Bringing a car into Malta from abroad is feasible, though it demands careful organisation and a good understanding of the relevant rules. The procedure varies according to whether the vehicle is coming from within the EU or from a third country. One consideration worth flagging immediately: because Malta inherited left-hand traffic from its time as a British territory, right-hand drive vehicles are the standard. Left-hand drive cars can technically be imported, but they are ill-suited to Malta’s road layout — especially the many narrow streets — and are generally considered impractical for everyday use.

Any vehicle intended for registration in Malta must conform to EU safety and emissions standards. It is important to establish this eligibility before beginning the import process, as vehicles that fall short of the required safety or environmental benchmarks may be refused registration. For cars arriving from outside the EU, a Single Vehicle Approval (SVA) test certificate confirming both EU registration eligibility and CO2 emissions figures is a prerequisite.

One of the most valuable provisions for people relocating to Malta is the transfer-of-residence exemption from registration tax. To qualify, you must have owned the vehicle and had it registered in your name for a minimum of 24 months before the import date; you must also have been resident outside Malta for at least 24 continuous months before transferring your residency. The vehicle must be declared to Transport Malta within 30 days of arrival and within 12 months of your residency transfer (and no earlier than 2 months before you move). This exemption can represent a significant saving, but the conditions are strictly applied — always check current eligibility requirements with the Malta Customs Department (MTCA) before making any decisions.

The step-by-step import process is as follows:

1. Check eligibility: Confirm the vehicle meets EU safety and emissions standards. For non-EU vehicles, obtain an SVA certificate. Check whether the transfer-of-residence exemption applies to your situation by contacting Malta Customs.
2. Ship the vehicle: Arrange shipping to Malta. Obtain a Notice of Arrival (such as a ferry ticket or shipper’s stamp) — this is a required document for registration.
3. Customs clearance: When a used vehicle is imported from a non-EU country, it is held at customs upon arrival until Transport Malta issues a release order for the Customs Division. For EU imports, the customs process is simpler but customs entry forms showing “Goods Released” status are still required.
4. Police inspection (non-EU imports): Once the vehicle is released from Customs, an inspection by the Malta Police must be carried out before the owner can begin the registration process.
5. Technical inspection at Transport Malta: Once the vehicle arrives in Malta from an EU country, it must be taken to the Transport Malta Technical Unit in Paola for an inspection. For non-EU imports, this follows the police inspection.
6. Obtain valuation: Registration tax is assessed based on the valuation from Transport Malta’s technical unit, which can be estimated using the online tool at www.valuation.vehicleregistration.gov.mt. If your vehicle is not listed, submit form VEH14 for a manual assessment.
7. Register and licence the vehicle: For non-EU vehicles, the owner must sign in to the portal at https://ereg.gov.mt/ using their eID and proceed to the Register Vehicle section. Submit all required documents and pay all applicable fees and taxes.
8. Meet the deadline: The entire process — including inspection and registration — must be completed within 30 days from the date the vehicle is brought into Malta. Failure to comply without justification may result in an administrative fine of €30 for each day the vehicle remains unregistered after that period.

The two principal official bodies involved in vehicle imports are Transport Malta (handling registration, technical inspections, and licensing) and the Malta Customs Department (MTCA) (handling import duties and customs clearance). It is worth contacting both directly to verify the latest procedures, as these are periodically updated — notably, from December 2024, the assessment of imported second-hand vehicles shifted to a risk-based and random-selection model, reducing the frequency of physical inspections while preserving compliance oversight.

What are the costs involved in importing a car to Malta?

Bringing a vehicle into Malta involves several overlapping layers of expense, which can make the total outlay substantially higher than purchasing a car locally. The principal cost categories are set out below:

Vehicles arriving from outside the EU are liable for both customs duty and VAT on the dutiable amount, so it is important to contact the Customs Department for precise figures applicable to your vehicle type. Registration tax is not a flat charge — it is determined by Transport Malta’s Technical Unit on the basis of the vehicle’s assessed value and technical characteristics and can differ considerably from one vehicle to another. Electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids with a declared electric range exceeding 50 km are exempt from the minimum registration tax threshold.

It is also worth noting that Malta’s registration tax has historically been viewed as comparatively high within the EU. Some member states impose no equivalent charge at all — Germany being one example — while island jurisdictions with similar tariff structures, such as Cyprus, apply broadly comparable levies. The key takeaway is to calculate the full landed cost of an import before deciding whether it is more economical than sourcing a vehicle within Malta. Always confirm current duty rates and fee schedules with Malta Customs and Transport Malta before committing to any transaction.

How do I register a vehicle in Malta?

Every vehicle brought into Malta by a resident — whether newly acquired or imported — must be registered and licensed with the Authority for Transport in Malta, and all applicable registration tax must be settled. Transport Malta is the competent authority for all registration and licensing matters relating to vehicles.

The exact procedure differs slightly depending on whether the car was sourced locally or brought in from abroad. When purchasing a brand-new vehicle from a local dealership, the dealer will generally take care of much of the administrative work. For an imported vehicle, the process is more demanding and must be completed within the 30-day window outlined in the import section above.

The key documents required for registering an imported vehicle include:

• An original insurance certificate, completed Transport Malta forms (VEH 01, VEH 02, VEH 03, VEH 004, VEH 005), the original foreign registration certificate (logbook) signed by seller and buyer, a notice of arrival (e.g., ferry ticket or shipper’s stamp), a copy of ID or residence document, customs entry forms showing “Goods Released” status with chassis number and paid duties/VAT, and — where applicable — a VRT certificate and an Odometer Certificate of Authenticity.

To submit the online application, you will need to have the original Certificate of Conformity (COC) for new vehicles, or the registration certificate for used vehicles, in your possession. Completing the online form generally takes around 20 minutes, and once submitted the system will automatically generate an acknowledgement email as confirmation.

A technical inspection at Transport Malta’s facility in Paola is mandatory for used imported vehicles. Inspections are conducted at the Land Transport Directorate, A3 Towers, Arcade Street, Paola, between 07:30 and 13:00. No advance booking is needed for standard private vehicles, though heavy goods vehicles, coaches, and minibuses must arrange an appointment. Following a successful inspection, the registration can be finalised at any Land Transport Directorate office. Note that Transport Malta does not accept cash payments — check the official website for permitted payment methods before attending.

What insurance do I need to drive legally in Malta?

Third-party liability cover is a legal requirement for any vehicle used on Maltese roads. This obligation mirrors the minimum insurance requirements found across the EU — comparable, for instance, to the compulsory third-party frameworks in place in Germany and France — though the specific policy products and providers operating in the Maltese market are local. A valid insurance certificate in the registered owner’s name is a prerequisite for both vehicle registration and licensing.

Malta’s car insurance market is privately operated rather than administered by the state. A directory of approved insurers is accessible through the official government portal at gov.mt. Seeking quotes from multiple authorised providers is strongly advisable, as premiums can vary substantially between companies. The Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA) is the regulatory body responsible for overseeing insurance providers, and its website at mfsa.mt hosts a register of authorised insurers.

One area worth investigating early is the portability of a no-claims discount (NCD) earned abroad. A number of Maltese insurers will acknowledge a clean claims history built up in another country, but you will normally need to furnish written confirmation from your previous insurer — typically a letter on headed paper specifying the number of consecutive claim-free years. How readily this is accepted varies from one insurer to another, so it is worth raising the question with each provider when gathering quotes. Drivers who arrive with no local insurance history may initially face higher premiums, especially if they are younger or newly settled in Malta.

What driving licence do I need in Malta as an expat?

Anyone holding a driving licence issued outside Malta and the European Union is permitted to drive in Malta for a period not exceeding twelve months from the date of their most recent entry into the country. Once that period elapses, you are required to exchange your licence for a Maltese one or, if exchange is not available to you, to complete the full Maltese licensing process from the beginning.

If you relocate to Malta from an EU or EEA country, Switzerland, or Australia, you may continue driving on your existing licence until it expires. You also have the option of voluntarily exchanging it for a Maltese licence valid for ten years. The exchange procedure for eligible holders is relatively uncomplicated: attend a Transport Malta office with your foreign licence, identification, and proof of address in Malta.

Transport Malta publishes comprehensive guidance covering all aspects of foreign licence exchange. If your licence is not eligible for exchange, acquiring a Maltese licence through the standard route is a more involved undertaking. The process requires you to be at least 16 years old and to pass both a theory test and a practical driving examination, in addition to submitting the required documentation. The first step is applying for a Learner’s Permit.

Full details — including the list of countries whose licences qualify for exchange, the required documents, and the applicable fees — are published by Transport Malta’s Driving Licence section. Always consult this official source for up-to-date information, as bilateral arrangements and eligibility criteria are subject to change. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is not required if your existing licence is already recognised in Malta, but may serve as a useful supplement if your licence is not written in Roman script.

How do I sell a car in Malta?

When disposing of a vehicle in Malta, you are responsible for furnishing the buyer with the necessary documentation and for notifying Transport Malta of the ownership change once the sale is concluded. This notification can be submitted online via the Transport Malta e-registration system or handled in person at a Transport Malta office.

Prior to completing the sale, the seller should have ready: the original vehicle registration certificate (logbook), endorsed by both parties; a bill of sale or written private agreement; and confirmation that the vehicle’s road licence (annual circulation fee) is current. Any outstanding fines linked to the vehicle should either be paid before the sale is finalised or clearly disclosed to the buyer so that the question of liability is unambiguous from the outset.

It is equally important to cancel your insurance policy once the sale is done and to inform Transport Malta promptly, so that you are not held liable for any subsequent fines or infractions incurred by the new owner. Until Transport Malta officially records the change of registered keeper, legal responsibility for the vehicle remains with whoever is currently listed. Do not allow notification of the sale to lapse.

From a taxation standpoint, Malta does not currently apply a specific capital gains tax to the private sale of a personally used vehicle (in contrast to property disposals or share transactions, which are subject to their own distinct tax treatment). However, if an individual is regularly buying and selling vehicles in a manner that resembles a commercial trading operation, the activity may be assessed differently by the revenue authority. If your circumstances are anything other than a straightforward private sale, it is prudent to seek guidance from a Maltese tax adviser or directly from the Commissioner for Revenue (CFR).

Are there any ongoing costs or obligations for vehicle ownership in Malta?

Running a vehicle in Malta carries a number of recurring financial obligations and legal requirements that all owners should plan for in advance.

Annual Circulation Fee (Road Licence): This fee is levied every year and is calculated according to the vehicle’s technical specifications and age. For vehicles first registered before 2009, the charge is generally determined by engine displacement; for those registered from 2009 onwards, CO2 emissions form the basis of the calculation. This structure means that newer vehicles with lower emissions tend to attract a smaller annual road tax liability. The approach is broadly comparable to annual vehicle excise duty systems used in several other European countries. You can estimate your liability using the Malta Road Tax Calculator or by consulting the official fee schedule on the Transport Malta website. Always verify the current rates directly with Transport Malta, as these are reviewed as part of the annual budget process.

Vehicle Roadworthiness Test (VRT): The Vehicle Roadworthiness Test is a mandatory annual inspection for vehicles that have passed a certain age, designed to confirm that they remain in a safe and roadworthy condition. Inspections are carried out at VRT stations authorised by Transport Malta using purpose-built equipment; tests conducted anywhere other than a licensed VRT station are not valid. Any vehicle over four years old must undergo this annual check — an arrangement broadly equivalent to the MOT in the United Kingdom or the Contrôle Technique in France.

After an inspection is completed, the VRT station transmits the result directly to Transport Malta’s Vehicle Licences Online portal within 24 hours. Provided the vehicle has passed, the owner may then proceed to pay any road licence tax due. If the vehicle fails the test, the owner has 16 days to carry out the necessary repairs and present the vehicle for re-examination. Completing repairs and the re-test within this window means the re-test is carried out free of charge.

Insurance: As described above, third-party liability cover must be kept active and renewed each year as a minimum legal requirement. Insurers submit confirmation of cover directly to Transport Malta’s licensing portal, which helps streamline the annual road licence renewal.

Other costs to factor in: Fuel, parking (which is scarce and can be expensive in built-up areas), and ongoing maintenance should all be budgeted for. Given Malta’s coastal environment, vehicles are continually exposed to salt-laden air, which can hasten rust and corrosion — an important consideration when planning your maintenance spend. For the most current fee schedules, consult Transport Malta and monitor annual budget announcements from the Maltese government, since circulation fees and VRT charges can be revised from one year to the next.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to be a resident to buy a car in Malta?

You can purchase a vehicle without residency, but you must hold an appropriate residency permit in order to register it in your name. Tourists and short-stay visitors cannot register a car. If you are in the process of applying for residency, check with Transport Malta whether this is sufficient to proceed with registration. Always verify current requirements at transport.gov.mt.

Can I import a left-hand drive car into Malta?

Malta drives on the left, and right-hand drive vehicles are the norm. A left-hand drive vehicle can technically be imported and registered if it meets all other requirements, but it is poorly suited to Maltese roads — particularly the many narrow, winding streets — and is not recommended for daily use. Most experienced expats advise selling a left-hand drive car before relocating and buying locally instead.

Is there a duty exemption if I’m relocating to Malta with my car?

Yes. A transfer-of-residence exemption from registration tax may apply if the vehicle has been owned and registered in your name for at least 24 months, and you have lived outside Malta for at least 24 months before transferring residency. The vehicle must be declared within 30 days of arrival and within 12 months of your residency transfer. Confirm all eligibility conditions with Malta Customs (MTCA), as the criteria are strict and conditions can change.

How long do I have to register an imported vehicle?

The entire process — including technical inspection and formal registration — must be completed within 30 days of the vehicle’s arrival or release from customs. Missing this deadline, without an accepted justification, results in a fine of €30 per day until registration is completed (as of 2025). Do not delay; book your technical inspection at Transport Malta’s facility in Paola as soon as the vehicle arrives.

What is the VRT and how often do I need it?

The Vehicle Roadworthiness Test (VRT) is Malta’s mandatory annual roadworthiness inspection for vehicles over four years old. It is broadly equivalent to the MOT in the UK or the Contrôle Technique in France. It must be carried out at a Transport Malta-licensed VRT station. If your vehicle fails, you have 16 days to carry out repairs and re-test for free. The VRT result is sent directly to Transport Malta and must be valid before you can renew your road licence. Check current fees and VRT station locations on the Transport Malta website.

Can I use my foreign driving licence in Malta?

Yes, temporarily. A non-EU foreign licence is valid for driving in Malta for up to 12 months from your last date of entry. EU, EEA, Swiss, and Australian licence holders may drive on their existing licence until it expires. After the 12-month period, non-EU licence holders must exchange their licence or go through the full Maltese licensing process. Check current eligibility for licence exchange at Transport Malta.

What checks should I carry out before buying a used car in Malta?

Before completing a used car purchase, verify the vehicle’s identity (VIN/chassis number matches all documents), check for outstanding finance or debts, confirm the road licence and VRT are current, and check for any unpaid fines. A physical inspection by an independent mechanic is strongly recommended, particularly to identify rust from sea air exposure. Request the full service history and confirm with Transport Malta that the seller is the registered owner.

What are the VAT and duty rates on vehicle imports to Malta?

As of 2025, VAT is charged at 18% of the CIF (cost, insurance and freight) value of the vehicle. For vehicles imported from outside the EU, customs duty also applies at a rate that varies by vehicle category. Registration tax is calculated separately by Transport Malta’s Technical Unit based on the vehicle’s assessed value. All rates are subject to change — always confirm current figures with Malta Customs and Transport Malta before importing.