Malta - British Expat Forum

Hi everyone,

I am moving to Malta in April and am driving over.

I have owned my vehicle for 18 months and will be transferring my residency when I arrive.

Will I still be exempt from the import charges?

Thanks

Durbright

You need to own the car for 24 months to get exemption based on ownership

Thanks for the info.

So I would have to pay then?

Thanks

Durbs

see 5 below for the classes of exemption - they look for any reason not to get you an exemption

http://www.britishexpat.com/expatforum/malta/viewtopic.php?t=9355

1. What is the legislation covering the import of vehicles ?
2. Can I import a vehicle into Malta ?
3. How much does it cost to register an imported vehicle ?
4. What is the proceedure for registering a vehicle ?
5. Is anyone exempt from paying the registration tax ?
6. What documents are required to register a vehicle ?
7. Where can I get the registration forms ?
8. Do I need to convert my driving licence to a Maltese one ?
9. Where can the Registration Value (RV) of vehicles be obtained from?
10. Car Registration Process—Unofficial Users Manual
11. Is the registration tax for 2nd hand cars going to be replaced later this year with a higher road tax ?
12. How much is road tax ?
13. Odometer testing for used vehicles

"To qualify for an exemption the vehicle must have been registered in the name of the individual transferring his normal residence for a period of at least twenty four months immediately before the date of his transfer of residence to Malta and the vehicle is still so registered when the vehicle is imported or brought into Malta; "

so based on that, unless you delay your transfer of residence, you will need to pay

Thanks again for the information.

I could delay your right but does that mean without an I.D card I would not be able to work?

Thanks

Durbs

Yep, to work you need to be a resident. When I say delay, I mean actually delay your arrival, not that you arrive but then take your time in becoming resident. You say you are arriving in April, but currently have had the car for 18 months, so by April you will have owned it for 20 months - when do you start work ? If you intend on taking a few months holiday in Malta first, you could remain a tourist, and just about stretch it out to the 24 months, but you would need to make sure you follow the rules of ownership and residency.

In this situation I would have perhaps flown across, started work here and then brought the car over once the 24 months were up - could save you thousands potentially. However the best thing is to contact the 'authorities' and ask for their advice, they can be quite helpful sometimes

""To qualify for an exemption the vehicle must have been registered in the name of the individual transferring his normal residence for a period of at least twenty four months immediately before the date of his transfer of residence to Malta and the vehicle is still so registered when the vehicle is imported or brought into Malta; "

As soon as you start work you are resident, so AFAIK you cant "started work here and then brought the car over once the 24 months were up"

Ah, my bad - thanks for clearing that up Mark