Importing a Vehicle to Malta 2026
Complete guide to importing your car.
Importing from EU Countries
Importing a used vehicle from an EU country is straightforward:
- No import duty
- No VAT on used vehicles
- Only pay CO2-based registration tax
- VRT inspection required
Required Documents
- Original registration document
- De-registration certificate from origin country
- Purchase invoice or contract
- Valid insurance
- COC (Certificate of Conformity) if available
Importing from Non-EU Countries
Non-EU imports incur additional costs:
| Tax/Fee | Rate |
|---|---|
| Import Duty | 10% of CIF value |
| VAT | 18% of (CIF + duty) |
| Registration Tax | CO2-based |
CIF = Cost + Insurance + Freight (total landed cost)
Registration Process
- Clear customs (non-EU only)
- Apply for vehicle valuation
- Pay registration tax
- Book and pass VRT inspection
- Obtain number plates
- Register at Transport Malta
Fixed Fees
- VRT Inspection: €36
- Number Plates: €35
- Registration Fee: €50
Malta Calculator Editorial Team
Financial Content Specialists | Malta Tax & Employment Experts
Our team specializes in Maltese tax law, social security contributions, and employment regulations. All content is reviewed against official sources from the Malta Commissioner for Revenue and the Department of Social Security.
Official Sources
Data verified as of 1 January 2026. Rates and thresholds are subject to change based on Malta government budget announcements.
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brought my car from Germany. the registration tax was brutal but at least the process is explained well here. shipping + tax + registration ended up around €8k total 😬
For anyone importing from the UK post-Brexit - there are additional customs duties now. Make sure to factor that in. This guide covers the basics well but worth checking the latest customs regs too.
As someone in the trade, this is a good consumer guide. The calculator tool for registration tax is quite accurate too. Recommend using it before making any decisions on importing.
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