Overview — Malta and UK Vehicle Imports
Malta joined the European Union in 2004, adopting EU trade regulations and customs rules. Like Cyprus, Malta drives on the left — a legacy of British colonial rule that ended in 1964. This means UK right-hand drive vehicles require no steering modification when imported to Malta, and drivers coming from the UK will find the road layout intuitive.
Since Brexit, UK vehicles are subject to EU customs duty when entering Malta. The standard EU customs tariff for passenger vehicles from the UK is 6.5% on the CIF value (cost + insurance + freight). This is applied on top of 18% Maltese VAT, and on top of both — Malta's own registration tax, which is based primarily on CO2 emissions and can be substantial for large luxury vehicles.
Malta's small physical size and high-income population create a healthy appetite for quality used vehicles from the UK. The Maltese prestige car market is active, and UK RHD vehicles circulate widely throughout the islands.
Post-Brexit Duty Position
| Tax | Rate | Basis |
|---|---|---|
| EU Customs Duty | 6.5% | Applied to CIF value (vehicle cost + freight + insurance) |
| Malta VAT | 18% | Applied to CIF value plus customs duty |
| Registration Tax | Variable | Based on CO2 emissions, vehicle age, and value |
Worked example — importing a Range Rover Autobiography at a CIF value of £125,000:
- Customs Duty at 6.5%: £8,125
- VAT Base: £125,000 + £8,125 = £133,125
- VAT at 18%: £23,963
- Registration Tax: variable, potentially €5,000–€20,000+ depending on CO2
- Total additional cost (before registration tax): approximately £32,088
Malta Registration Tax
Malta's registration tax is applied under the Vehicle Registration Tax (VRT) system and is based on two primary factors: the vehicle's CO2 emissions per kilometre, and the vehicle's age (with depreciation applied to used vehicles). The CO2-based element is designed to incentivise lower-emission vehicles and can be a significant cost for large-engine luxury imports.
As a rough guide:
- Vehicles emitting under 100g/km CO2: minimal or zero registration tax
- 100–150g/km CO2: moderate registration tax, typically €2,000–€5,000
- 150–200g/km CO2: €5,000–€12,000 range
- 200g/km+ CO2 (e.g. V8 Range Rover, Bentley W12, Rolls-Royce Cullinan): €12,000–€25,000+ depending on vehicle value and emissions
Used vehicles benefit from age-based depreciation within the VRT calculation, which reduces the registration tax compared to an equivalent new vehicle. An older, lower-CO2 used vehicle from the UK can be imported with very manageable total cost.
Plug-in hybrid (PHEV) and battery electric vehicles attract significantly lower registration tax. The Cayenne E-Hybrid, Range Rover PHEV, and Bentayga Hybrid are worth considering for Malta if minimising total cost is a priority.
RHD Advantage — Malta Drives on the Left
Just as in Cyprus, UK right-hand drive vehicles are fully compatible with Maltese roads. Malta drives on the left, so RHD vehicles offer full driver visibility and no safety compromise. There is no legal requirement to convert headlights (UK lights are calibrated for left-hand traffic, consistent with Malta), and no difficulty obtaining Maltese insurance for RHD vehicles.
The practical result is that the entire UK prestige car market — the full depth of RHD Range Rovers, Porsches, BMWs, Mercedes, and ultra-luxury Rolls-Royces and Bentleys — is directly eligible for import to Malta without modification.
Shipping from the UK to Malta Freeport
The main port for vehicle imports to Malta is Malta Freeport (Marsaxlokk), located on the south coast of Malta. Vehicles can also be delivered to the port of Valletta in some cases, but Marsaxlokk is the standard commercial vehicle entry point.
Shipping options from UK ports:
- RoRo service: Available via Grimaldi Lines and other carriers. Typical transit time from UK (Southampton or Grimsby) to Malta: 10–14 days, usually via intermediate ports (Barcelona, Naples).
- Container: Dedicated 20ft container recommended for high-value prestige vehicles. Same or similar transit time.
Shipping frequency to Malta is reasonable — there are typically 2–3 sailings per month. Your export agent will advise on current schedules and booking lead times.
Documentation Required
- UK V5C (vehicle registration document)
- Original purchase invoice showing vehicle value
- Bill of Lading
- Commercial invoice and packing list
- Marine insurance certificate
- EC Certificate of Conformity (CoC) — required for Malta registration
- Passport / ID of importer
Technical Inspection on Arrival
All imported vehicles must undergo a roadworthiness test (equivalent to an MOT) at an authorised inspection centre in Malta before they can be registered. UK vehicles in good condition should pass without difficulty — UK MOT standards are rigorous and broadly align with EU technical requirements. Ensure the vehicle has a current UK MOT certificate and no outstanding mechanical issues before shipping.
The registration process following inspection involves submission of all import and customs documents to Transport Malta (the national transport authority), payment of registration tax, and issue of Maltese number plates and vehicle registration document.
Common Pitfalls
- Underestimating registration tax: The VRT calculation for large luxury vehicles can significantly exceed the customs duty and VAT combined. Always get a VRT estimate from a Maltese customs broker before committing to a purchase.
- Missing the Certificate of Conformity: Transport Malta requires a CoC (or equivalent type-approval document) to register the vehicle. For most post-2005 vehicles, this can be obtained from the manufacturer. For older or lower-volume vehicles, this can sometimes be more complex to obtain — check in advance.
- Not allowing for transit time: With 10–14 day transit and port clearance time, allow 3–4 weeks from UK purchase to the vehicle being available for registration.
- Driving before registration: A vehicle cannot be driven on Maltese roads without Maltese registration and insurance, even if it has a UK MOT and UK insurance still in force.
How UK Car Source Helps
We source and export prestige vehicles from the UK to Malta regularly and are familiar with the documentation and shipping requirements. We handle the UK purchase, export documentation, container booking, and marine insurance, and can refer you to trusted Maltese customs brokers who manage the Malta Freeport clearance, VRT assessment, and Transport Malta registration. Contact us for a full landed cost estimate for any vehicle you are considering importing.