Car Shipping to Malta from the UK: The Complete Guide

Why Ship a Car from the UK to Malta?

Malta occupies a unique position among international car shipping destinations from the UK. As an EU member state, it sits within the EU’s common customs framework — meaning standard EU duty rules apply. Yet as a country that inherited British legal and road conventions, Malta drives on the left side of the road, accepting UK right-hand drive vehicles without modification, conversion, or beam deflectors.

For the significant and growing British expat community in Malta, for property owners, returning residents, and for professionals on long-term postings, these facts combine to make Malta one of the more accessible car shipping routes from the UK. The key advantages:

• 0% customs duty for UK-origin vehicles under the UK-EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA)
• RHD vehicles fully road-legal — no steering conversion, no headlight adjustment
• Transfer of Residence (ToR) relief eliminates duty and VAT for qualifying permanent relocations
• Established route with sailings operating twice monthly from UK ports
• English widely spoken — Transport Malta and customs procedures are navigable in English

For current sailings and pricing, visit the car shipping to Malta service page.

Shipping Methods: RoRo vs Container

Two primary methods serve the UK–Malta route. The choice depends on vehicle type, condition, and whether you need to include personal effects.

Which method suits your vehicle?

Choose RoRo if your car is fully driveable, holds a valid UK MOT, and you want the most straightforward and cost-effective method. The Malta route has a transit of approximately 28–33 days — the vehicle is properly secured on the car deck but is exposed to sea air during transit.

Choose shared container if you have an electric vehicle, plug-in hybrid, non-running car, or want the additional protection of an enclosed steel container without paying for sole use.

Choose dedicated container if you are shipping a classic, irreplaceable, or high-value vehicle, a non-runner, or if you need to include personal effects with the shipment. A sole-use container is sealed at the UK port and opened only at the destination.

Malta Arrival Ports: Valletta and Marsaxlokk

Vehicles shipping from the UK to Malta arrive at one of two ports, depending on the sailing schedule:

Port of Valletta — Grand Harbour

Valletta’s Grand Harbour is Malta’s historic deep-water port and the primary arrival hub for RoRo vehicle shipments. Situated on the north-eastern coast of Malta, it is close to the capital and most convenient for vehicle collection after customs clearance.

Port of Marsaxlokk — Malta Freeport

Marsaxlokk, on Malta’s southern coast, is the island’s dominant container terminal and handles the majority of Malta’s inbound container freight. Container shipments — including those carrying electric vehicles or personal effects — typically arrive here.

How Much Does It Cost to Ship a Car from the UK to Malta?

The ShipCars quote covers sea freight from UK port to Maltese port. Permanently registering a UK vehicle in Malta involves additional costs payable in Malta, many of which depend on whether Transfer of Residence relief applies.

For a broader comparison across international routes, see the international car shipping costs guide.

Customs Duty, VAT, and Registration Tax in Malta

Malta is an EU member state and applies the EU’s Common External Tariff to imports from non-EU countries. Understanding each tax component is essential before shipping.

Customs duty — 0% for most UK vehicles

Since the UK-EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA) came into force, most UK-registered vehicles attract 0% customs duty when imported into Malta. The TCA grants zero tariffs on goods of UK or EU origin. The V5C logbook serves as the primary document to demonstrate UK origin at Maltese customs.

Vehicles that cannot demonstrate UK or EU origin — for example, a Japanese-imported vehicle registered in the UK without a certificate of UK origin — may be subject to the standard EU customs duty rate. Confirm origin status with your Maltese customs agent before shipping.

Maltese VAT — 18%

Maltese VAT at 18% is charged on the customs value of the vehicle (CIF — cost, insurance, freight) at the point of permanent import. This is one of the lower EU VAT rates, but remains a meaningful cost on a mid-range vehicle. Transfer of Residence (ToR) relief eliminates this charge for qualifying relocators.

Registration tax

A one-time registration tax is assessed by Transport Malta based on:

• The vehicle’s CO₂ emissions (g/km)
• Engine displacement (cc)
• Vehicle age and condition

No single published rate applies — the tax is calculated individually per vehicle. Importantly, registration tax is payable even when ToR relief is granted (ToR only exempts duty and VAT). Budget for this separately and request an indicative figure from your Maltese customs agent before shipping.

Transfer of Residence (ToR) Relief: Importing Your Car Tax-Free

Transfer of Residence relief is the most significant financial benefit available to UK residents permanently relocating to Malta. When granted, it eliminates customs duty (already 0% for UK-origin vehicles under the TCA) and — more critically — eliminates Maltese VAT at 18%, potentially saving thousands of pounds depending on the vehicle’s value.

ToR eligibility criteria for Malta

• ✅ You are permanently relocating your main residence to Malta
• ✅ You have been resident outside Malta continuously for a qualifying period before your move (typically 12+ months — verify current requirements with Malta Customs)
• ✅ You have owned and regularly used the vehicle for at least 6 months prior to relocation
• ✅ The vehicle arrives within 12 months of establishing Maltese residency
• ✅ The vehicle is for personal use only and may not be sold or transferred for a defined period after registration

ToR relief applies to one vehicle per qualifying person. Registration tax remains payable. A licensed Maltese customs agent can assist with the ToR application — verify current eligibility rules directly with Malta Customs before shipping.

Vehicle Registration in Malta: What UK Cars Need

Permanently importing a UK vehicle into Malta involves three main post-customs steps before the vehicle can be driven on Maltese roads with local plates.

The RHD advantage in Malta

Transport Malta roadworthiness inspection

After customs clearance, your vehicle must pass a roadworthiness inspection conducted by Transport Malta. This covers:

• Brakes and steering
• Lights (headlights correctly aimed — no adjustment needed for RHD)
• Emissions and exhaust system
• Tyres and bodywork integrity
• General roadworthiness

Most well-maintained UK cars with a current MOT pass the Transport Malta inspection without modification. Upon passing, a Vehicle Registration Certificate (VRC) is issued.

Maltese motor insurance — arrange before vessel arrival

Valid Maltese motor insurance must be in place before you drive the vehicle from the port. Your UK insurer’s European cover may not extend to Malta post-Brexit — arrange a local Maltese policy in advance of the vessel’s arrival date.

Registration and number plates

After the Transport Malta inspection and with the VRC in hand, take the following to Transport Malta to complete registration and obtain Maltese number plates:

• Vehicle Registration Certificate (from the Transport Malta inspection)
• Customs clearance documentation
• Original V5C logbook
• Proof of ownership (purchase invoice or bill of sale)
• Passport and Maltese residency documentation
• Valid Maltese motor insurance certificate
• Payment of registration tax (assessed by Transport Malta)

Documents Required to Ship a Car to Malta

UK export documents — prepare before shipping

• Original V5C logbook — keep with you at all times; never place inside the vehicle
• Proof of ownership — purchase invoice, bill of sale, or equivalent
• Passport copy (photo page)
• Proof of UK address dated within 3 months (bank statement or utility bill)
• ToR authorisation — if applicable; must be obtained before vessel departure
• Pre-shipment condition report — free if ShipCars collects; £35 if self-delivered to port; required for comprehensive marine insurance

Documents Ship Cars prepares on your behalf

• UK Export Customs Declaration
• Bill of Lading (required at the Maltese port for vehicle release)
• Cargo manifest / packing list

Maltese customs documents — at port of arrival

• Original Bill of Lading
• Customs declaration (Single Administrative Document — SAD), prepared by your Maltese customs agent
• Original V5C and proof of ownership
• Passport
• Malta-valid motor insurance certificate
• ToR authorisation (if applicable)
• Maltese residency documentation (if claiming ToR)

Step-by-Step: How to Ship a Car from the UK to Malta

1. Apply for Transfer of Residence (ToR) relief — if permanently relocatingSubmit your ToR application to Malta Customs and obtain written approval before your vehicle’s booking date. Approval must precede the vessel’s departure from the UK — not just its arrival at Valletta or Marsaxlokk. Allow 4–6 weeks minimum.
2. Arrange Malta-valid motor insuranceYou must hold valid Maltese motor insurance for port collection. Your UK insurer’s European extension may not cover Malta post-Brexit. Arrange a local policy in advance of the vessel’s arrival date.
3. Gather your UK export documentsCollect your original V5C, proof of ownership, passport copy, and proof of UK address (within 3 months). Reduce fuel to below a quarter tank. ShipCars handles the UK export customs declaration and produces the Bill of Lading.
4. Book your shipment and arrange UK collectionShipCars collects your vehicle by trade plate driver (driveable vehicles with a valid UK MOT) or enclosed transporter (non-runners, classics, EVs). Sailings operate from UK ports approximately twice a month.
5. Sea transit to Malta — approximately 28–33 daysYour vehicle is professionally secured and monitored during the voyage. RoRo sailings operate to Valletta; container shipments typically arrive at Marsaxlokk. Exact schedules are confirmed at booking.
6. Customs clearance at the Maltese portYour licensed Maltese customs agent presents the Bill of Lading, customs declaration (SAD), V5C, and ToR authorisation (if applicable). Maltese VAT (18%) is paid at this stage unless ToR exemption applies. Allow 3–7 working days for customs processing and vehicle release.
7. Transport Malta roadworthiness inspection and registrationPresent the vehicle to Transport Malta for the roadworthiness inspection. No headlight adjustment is needed — Malta drives on the left. Upon passing, collect the VRC, complete registration, pay the registration tax, and obtain your Maltese number plates.

Classic Cars, EVs, Non-Runners, and Motorcycles

Classic and high-value cars

A dedicated sole-use container is strongly recommended for irreplaceable or high-value vehicles on the Malta route. An FCL container seals the vehicle from UK loading to Maltese destination, eliminating exposure to sea air, salt spray, and the minor contact risks present on open RoRo car decks during a month-long voyage. For specialist handling, see the classic car shipping service.

Electric vehicles (BEV) and plug-in hybrids

EVs and plug-in hybrid vehicles cannot travel by RoRo to Malta. They must ship in a shared or dedicated container, with a £295 hazardous goods surcharge. Battery state-of-charge rules apply — ShipCars advises on the required level at the time of booking. Non-plug-in mild hybrids may be eligible for RoRo; confirm at enquiry stage.

Non-running vehicles

A non-running vehicle must ship by container. A low-loader transporter handles UK collection. Declare the vehicle’s non-running status at booking — this affects pricing, loading logistics, and Maltese port handling requirements.

Motorcycles

Motorcycles ship in a shared or dedicated container. RoRo is generally not available for motorcycles as a standalone shipment. For details, visit the motorcycle shipping page.

Marine Insurance for Car Shipping to Malta

ShipCars’ standard carrier liability has a capped maximum — it does not cover the full market value of most vehicles. Two additional cover options are available for the Malta route:

The condition report is a photographic record of the vehicle before loading. It is free when ShipCars collects the vehicle; £35 if you self-deliver to the UK port. It is the basis of any insurance claim and strongly recommended regardless of cover level. For a dedicated container carrying a classic or high-value vehicle, specialist marine cover is available — ask ShipCars at the time of booking.

Pre-Shipment Checklist

• ToR application submitted and approved (if applicable) — before booking vessel sailing date
• Malta-valid motor insurance arranged for port collection
• Marine transit insurance confirmed with ShipCars
• Original V5C and all documents kept with you — never inside the vehicle
• Fuel level reduced to a quarter tank or below (vessel safety requirement)
• All personal items, valuables, and removable accessories removed from the vehicle
• Photographic condition record taken (all angles and close-ups of any existing marks)
• Vehicle alarm deactivated or dealer-coded to prevent triggering during shipping
• Valid UK MOT confirmed (required for trade plate collection)
• Electric vehicle battery charged to manufacturer’s recommended shipping level (confirm with ShipCars)
• Licensed Maltese customs agent engaged for permanent imports

Published: 21 October 2026  |  Last updated: 21 October 2026  |  Reviewed by: Navdeep Singh, Director, ShipCars Ltd

Frequently Asked Question

Published: 21 October 2026  |  Last updated: 21 October 2026  |  Reviewed by: Navdeep Singh, Director, Ship Cars Ltd