Shipping a Car to Cyprus vs Malta from the UK: 2026 Comparison

Cyprus and Malta are two of the most popular Mediterranean destinations for British car owners because both drive on the left, so UK right-hand drive cars suit local roads. Our published RoRo rates are £870 for a saloon and £1,235 for an SUV to Limassol in Cyprus, and £1,085 for a saloon and £1,240 for an SUV to Malta (Valletta or Freeport).

In both countries you will pay local import taxes and registration fees, which depend on the car's age, emissions and value. Those charges are often larger than the shipping itself, so check them before you ship.

Cyprus (Limassol): saloon £870, SUV £1,235. Malta (Valletta, Freeport): saloon £1,085, SUV £1,240. Cyprus is cheaper for saloons, while SUV rates are almost the same. Both rates are port to port by RoRo. Add UK collection if you cannot deliver the car to the port, and optional marine insurance.

Since Brexit, UK cars imported into Cyprus are treated as coming from outside the EU, so customs duty and VAT can apply, plus Cyprus excise duty based on CO2 emissions. Residents transferring their normal residence may qualify for relief if they have owned and used the car for a minimum period, usually at least six months before moving. The car must pass a roadworthiness test (MOT equivalent) and be registered with the Road Transport Department. Northern Cyprus has separate rules and separate ports.

These figures and rules are guidance only; always confirm current rates with Cyprus customs or a local agent.

Malta charges a registration tax based on the car's value, CO2 emissions, length and age, plus an annual circulation licence. UK cars may also face customs duty and VAT after Brexit unless a transfer of residence relief applies. The car needs a VRT (vehicle roadworthiness test) and registration with Transport Malta. Older, high-emission cars can attract a significant registration tax, so compare with local prices first.

Both islands are well served by regular RoRo sailings and have experienced local agents. Cyprus is generally a slightly cheaper sailing for smaller cars, while Malta's smaller road network and value-based registration tax make low-emission cars especially attractive. Your decision usually comes down to where you are moving, not which is easier to ship to.

Ship if your car is right-hand drive, reasonably new, low emission and would cost more to buy locally. Sell in the UK if the car is old, high emission or low value, because island registration taxes can exceed its worth. Classic cars may qualify for special treatment in some cases — ask a local agent.

Transit to the Mediterranean is relatively short compared with long-haul routes, but allow time for booking, port cut-off and customs clearance. You will need the original V5C, passport, proof of residence at destination, purchase invoice where available and insurance. Tell DVLA the car has been exported once it has left the UK. Get a free quote for Cyprus or Malta and we will confirm the next sailing.

If you are moving to Cyprus, shipping is often a sensible choice for a newer right-hand drive car, and the lower saloon rate helps. If you are moving to Malta, work out the registration tax first; for low-emission cars shipping is usually worthwhile, but older, higher-emission cars may be cheaper to replace locally. In both cases, a free quote and a conversation with a local agent will give you a reliable answer within a day or two.

Low-emission cars often attract lower registration taxes in both Cyprus and Malta, which can make electric and hybrid cars especially good candidates for shipping. Electric cars must be shipped with a battery charge within the limits set by the shipping line, and the V5C should show the correct fuel type. Check charging infrastructure near your new home and confirm that the car's charging connector matches local public chargers. Our electric vehicle shipping page explains battery charge rules and dangerous goods paperwork in more detail.

Most UK expats settle around Paphos, Limassol, Larnaca and the Famagusta area. Limassol is the main port, so shipping there keeps inland travel short. Book a local agent to handle customs clearance and the roadworthiness test, and bring your residence documents (such as your yellow slip or MEU1) because transfer of residence relief depends on them. Keep proof that you owned and used the car in the UK, such as insurance history and the V5C issue date.

Malta is compact, with dense traffic and narrow streets, so smaller, low-emission cars are easier to live with and cost less to register. Prepare your e-residence card or other residency proof, insurance history and the V5C. A local agent can calculate the registration tax before you ship, which is the single best way to decide whether shipping makes financial sense.

Both islands are served by RoRo, which is the most affordable option for running cars. If you are moving house and want to send furniture and boxes, a container may suit better, although container rates for Cyprus and Malta are quoted on request. Ask us for both options when you request a quote.