Importing a Car to Malta

Why Malta Relies on Imports

Malta has no domestic car manufacturing. Every vehicle on the island was imported — either new through an authorised dealer, or used from abroad. The two dominant sources are the United Kingdom and Japan, both right-hand-drive markets like Malta.

Importing privately (rather than buying a locally registered car) can save thousands of euros on the right model, but it comes with registration costs, VRT, and inspection requirements that must be factored into the budget.

UK Imports

UK imports are the most common source of used cars in Malta. The shared right-hand-drive layout, similar road culture, and the volume of cars available make the UK an attractive market.

Advantages

• Wide selection of makes and models at competitive prices
• Full-service histories are common and verifiable via DVLA
• Right-hand drive — no conversion needed
• Known provenance with HPI check available (for UK registered cars)

What to check before buying from the UK

• Run an HPI check — confirms no outstanding finance, no write-off history, no stolen marker.
• MOT history — check the DVLA MOT history online for free to see mileage at each test and any advisories.
• Post-Brexit paperwork — since 2021, importing from the UK may involve customs declarations. Work with a licensed Maltese shipping agent who handles this regularly.
• Shipping cost — RoRo (roll-on/roll-off) from UK ports to Malta typically costs €400–€900 depending on route and season.

Japan Imports

Japan is Malta's other major source of used cars. Japanese auction-grade cars are often in exceptional condition with genuine low mileage, since Japan's strict Shaken (roadworthiness) system incentivises owners to sell cars early.

Advantages

• Often significantly lower mileage than equivalent UK cars
• Auction grades (4, 4.5, 5) provide a standardised condition rating
• Some models are cheaper than UK equivalents
• Right-hand drive

Risks to be aware of

• Odometer verification — there is no independent mileage database in Japan equivalent to the UK DVLA MOT history. Rely on the auction sheet grade and condition report, not just the odometer reading.
• Specifications — some Japanese-market cars have different specs to European models (different airbag configurations, navigation systems in Japanese, etc.).
• Shipping time — typically 6–10 weeks from Japan to Malta via container or RoRo, longer than UK.
• VRT can be higher — newer Japanese imports may attract more VRT if CO₂ figures are higher than expected or unavailable, requiring a type approval test.

The Registration Process in Malta

Once the car arrives in Malta, the following steps apply before it can be driven legally:

1. Customs clearance — handled by your shipping agent or a licensed customs broker. VAT and any applicable duties are settled here.
2. VRT assessment — submit the car's details and documentation to Transport Malta. They calculate the VRT due based on CO₂ emissions (post-2009) or engine CC (pre-2009), with age-based depreciation. See our VRT guide for details.
3. Technical inspection (roadworthiness) — Transport Malta requires an inspection to confirm the vehicle meets Maltese and EU standards before issuing plates. This is separate from VRT.
4. Pay VRT and registration fees — once the VRT amount is confirmed and the inspection passes, pay and receive your Maltese registration plates.
5. Insure the vehicle — minimum third-party insurance must be in place before driving on public roads.

Using an Import Agent

Many buyers use a Maltese import agent or dealer to handle the entire process — sourcing, shipping, customs, VRT, and registration. This adds a margin but removes the complexity and risk of doing it independently.

If using an agent, ask them explicitly to confirm:

• The total price including VRT, shipping, customs, and their fee
• Whether VRT is included in the quoted price or billed separately
• The auction grade and sheet (for Japan imports)
• Expected delivery timeframe

Buying an Already-Imported Car

The majority of used cars listed on OnlyCarsMalta are already registered in Malta — VRT is paid, plates are issued. When buying one of these, you simply pay the seller's price and transfer ownership at Transport Malta. See our ownership guide for how the transfer works.

For listings showing "UK Import" or "Japan Import" status — this describes the car's origin, not an unregistered vehicle. These cars are fully registered in Malta.