Shipping a Car to Malta from the UK: Complete 2026 Guide

Malta is one of the few EU countries that drives on the left, which makes it a natural home for UK right-hand-drive vehicles. The island has a long-standing British connection, a large expat community in Sliema, St Julian's, Mellieħa and Gozo, and a steady flow of returning Maltese nationals bringing UK-purchased cars home. Most vehicle imports arrive through the Valletta Grand Harbour and the Malta Freeport in Birżebbuġa.

The UK to Malta corridor is short by international shipping standards but unusually paperwork-heavy because Malta combines EU rules with strict national registration tax that can dramatically change the total cost. Done right, shipping a UK car to Malta can be a great move; done badly, it can leave you with a vehicle you cannot afford to register.

The Ship Cars operates regular shared container and RORO sailings from Southampton and Tilbury to Valletta via Genoa or Salerno. For comparable Mediterranean destinations see our UK to Cyprus guide.

Since Brexit, vehicles imported from the UK to Malta are treated as third-country imports. The administering bodies are the Maltese Customs Department and Transport Malta.

Customs duty — Standard 10% on most passenger cars, or 0% for UK-built vehicles with a valid Statement on Origin under the UK-EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement.

VAT — Maltese VAT is 18%, calculated on the customs value plus duty plus shipping.

Registration tax — Malta operates one of the most distinctive registration tax systems in the EU. The tax is calculated on a combination of vehicle value, CO2 emissions, age and length. For older or higher-emission vehicles the registration tax can exceed €5,000, while for new electric or low-emission cars it can be heavily reduced.

Personal import scheme — A returning resident or a person moving permanently to Malta who has owned and used the vehicle for at least 24 months can import it free of customs duty and VAT, provided they bring it within 12 months of taking up residence.

RORO from Southampton or Tilbury to Valletta
• Indicative cost: £1,200 to £1,800
• Transit time: 16 to 24 days via Genoa
• The most cost-effective option for road cars

Shared container to Valletta
• Indicative cost: £1,400 to £2,300
• Transit time: 20 to 28 days
• Recommended for classics and low-clearance cars

Dedicated 20ft container to Valletta
• Indicative cost: £2,700 to £4,000
• Transit time: 20 to 28 days
• Best for high-value vehicles or shipments with personal effects

Maltese landed cost components on a typical £20,000 used car
• Customs duty: 10% (or 0% with valid UK Statement on Origin)
• VAT: 18% on (customs value + duty + shipping)
• Registration tax: variable, often €1,500 to €5,500
• VRT inspection by Transport Malta: €70 to €120
• Customs clearance and broker fees: €150 to €350
• Number plates and registration: €200 to €350

Use our cost calculator for a tailored estimate.

When the vehicle arrives at the Valletta Freeport, the Ship Cars partners with a local broker to complete clearance.

1. Customs entry (SAD) is filed declaring the customs value and any preferential origin claim.
2. Duty, VAT and registration tax are calculated and paid via the Transport Malta portal.
3. VRT inspection is booked at a Transport Malta test centre to confirm roadworthiness, lights and emissions.
4. Vehicle classification is carried out to confirm the registration tax band based on emissions and length.
5. Number plates are issued and the vehicle is added to the Maltese register.
6. Insurance and Vehicle Roadworthiness Test (VRT) is renewed annually thereafter.

The full process from UK collection to Maltese plates typically takes 4 to 7 weeks.

- Run the registration tax calculation first — Maltese registration tax is the single biggest variable. Use Transport Malta's online calculator before you commit, especially for older or higher-emission cars.
• Use the personal import scheme if eligible — Owning the car for 24 months can waive both duty and VAT. Document everything with insurance certificates, V5C and MOT history.
• Choose UK-built cars for 0% duty — A Mini, Jaguar or Land Rover with a valid Statement on Origin clears at 0% rather than 10%.
• Avoid pre-2005 diesels — Maltese registration tax loads heavily on older diesel emissions and the total cost can become prohibitive.
• Insure end to end — A 3-week sea voyage warrants proper marine transit insurance.
• Use experienced agents — Maltese customs is small, but the registration tax process is unique. Use a broker who handles UK-Malta imports every week.

Ready to ship to Malta? Request a free quote or contact our team to talk through your registration tax and personal import options.