Bringing or Registering a Car in Malta

• Malta drives on the LEFT, like the UK and Ireland. Cars have the steering wheel on the right.
• Overtake on the right. At roundabouts, go clockwise and give way to traffic coming from the right.
• Speed limits: usually 50 km/h in towns and 60–80 km/h on main roads. There are no motorways.
• Traffic is heavy at rush hour (about 7:30–9:00 and 16:30–18:30), especially around Msida, Sliema and St Julian's.
• Parking can be hard in busy areas. White lines are free, blue lines are paid, yellow lines mean no parking, and green lines are for residents with a permit.

If you come from a country that drives on the right, take it slowly at first, especially at roundabouts and when turning.

Many expats in central areas live without a car. Buses are free for many residents, and Bolt, Uber and eCabs are cheap. See Public Transport.

A car is more useful if you live in a village, in the north or south, or in Gozo, or if you have children. Compare the total cost below with taxis and buses before you decide. Our Cost of Living Calculator can help.

If you move to Malta with a car registered abroad, you must register it in Malta within 30 days of arriving. Late registration can cost €30 for each day late.

Registration is done with Transport Malta. You usually pay:

• Registration tax: a one-time tax based on the car's value, its CO2 emissions and its length. Cleaner and smaller cars pay less. Old and high-emission cars (especially older diesels) pay much more.
• Small fees: about €15 for registration and €70 for number plates.
• VAT or customs duty, in some cases (see below).

Electric cars and plug-in hybrids (with at least 50 km of electric range) pay no registration tax.

Tip: use the Transport Malta valuation tool or an online import calculator before you ship your car, to see how much tax you will pay.

Cars from outside the EU also need a customs declaration (usually done by a customs broker) and a €55 inspection.

Moving your home to Malta? You may pay no registration tax. With a Transfer of Residence application, you can bring one car without registration tax if you owned it for at least 24 months and lived abroad for at least 24 months before moving. Apply within 30 days. If you sell the car in Malta later, the tax becomes due.

1. Check the costs with an import calculator or Transport Malta, before you decide.
2. Get your documents: registration certificate, purchase invoice, Certificate of Conformity (CoC), proof of insurance and your ID or e-Residence card. From outside the EU, also the export or de-registration certificate.
3. Ship the car. Most cars come by ro-ro ferry from Italy (for example Genoa or Salerno). Shipping and port costs are often €200–600 or more.
4. Clear customs (non-EU cars only), with a customs broker.
5. Get a roadworthiness test (VRT) if needed.
6. Register the car with Transport Malta, pay the registration tax and get Maltese number plates.
7. Insure the car and pay the road licence.

Often the easier choice is to buy a car in Malta. The registration tax is already paid.

• Used cars: look on Maltapark, local dealers and Facebook groups. Dealers are often more expensive but may give a warranty.
• Check before you buy: ask for the VRT certificate and service history, and think about a check by a mechanic.
• Transfer of ownership: the buyer and seller complete the transfer at Transport Malta (or online), so the car is in your name.
• New electric cars: there are government grants for new electric cars. Check the current scheme on the Transport Malta website.

Remember that cars in Malta are often more expensive than in many other EU countries, because of the registration tax.

Read more about insurance in Car Insurance. For your licence, see Driving License.

Car taxes can change with each national budget. The Budget for 2027 may bring changes, so always check the latest rates with Transport Malta before you import or buy.