Malta - British Expat Forum

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

1. What is the legislation covering the import of vehicles ?

THE REGISTRATION AND LICENSING OF NEW AND USED VEHICLES PROCEDURES & DOCUMENTATION - 2009
http://www.transport.gov.mt/mediacenter/PDFs/2_reg2009.pdf
[edit - link dead, and can't find new link]

2. Can I import a vehicle into Malta ?

Yes you can, but whether you can then use it depends on your residency status.

a. If you are a tourist, your vehicle can remain in Malta for 6 out of 12 months, and keeps its foreign number plates. (5a below actually mentions 7 months). Maltese residents (ie not just Maltese citizens, but anyone who has declared Malta to be their residence) cannot drive any vehicle displaying foreign number plates.

b. If you are resident in Malta, you cannot drive your imported vehicle until you have registered your car in Malta. By applying for an ID card, you have declared that you are resident in Malta. The legislation gives you 7 days to apply and fines of € 30 per day afterwards (see 1. above) In reality, it seems you are given 15 days to start the registration process
http://www.britishexpat.com/expatforum/malta/viewtopic.php?p=48987#48987

3. How much does it cost to register an imported car ?

In the case of private vehicles, registration tax is calculated upon the CO2, Particulate Matter (Diesel engines only) and Length. There is also a minimum tax on used vehicles (including electric and hybrid electric motor vehicles) imported from third countries (non EU) which were manufactured more than 4 years ago. The minimum tax was abolished on 1/1/09 for M1 vehicles less than 4 years old, or of any age if imported from an EU country.

http://www.valuation.vehicleregistration.gov.mt/motorVehicle.aspx

4. What is the procedure for registering a vehicle ?
http://www.transport.gov.mt/admin/uploads/media-library/files/C%205%202%203.pdf

5. Is anyone exempt from paying the registration tax ?

Exemptions and Relief from Vehicle Registration Tax
http://www.transport.gov.mt/land-transport/vehicle-registration-and-licensing/registering-and-licensing-a-motor-vehicle/exemption-from-registration-tax-annual-license
covers the following categories, and explains the eligibility criteria in each case.

a. Motor Vehicle brought temporarily into Malta
b. Motor Vehicle brought over by a person under a works contract
http://www.britishexpat.com/expatforum/malta/viewtopic.php?p=50006#50006
c. Motor Vehicle brought over by a person pursuing his studies in Malta
d. Motor Vehicle brought over for demonstration purposes
e. Motor Vehicle brought over on transfer of residence
http://www.britishexpat.com/expatforum/malta/viewtopic.php?p=50005#50005

6. What documents are required to register a vehicle ?

http://www.transport.gov.mt/admin/uploads/media-library/files/C%205%202%203.pdf
This link covers
new and used vehicles, coming from either EU or non-EU. There are separate requirements for
private class vehicles
goods carrying vehicles
ATVs and quad bikes
Motorcycles

7. Where can I get the registration forms ?
http://www.transport.gov.mt/admin/uploads/media-library/files/C%205%202%203.pdf
covers
VEH 01 Registration Declaration form in terms of MVR Chap 368 - New & Used Vehicles
VEH 02 Licensing Declaration form - New & Used Vehicles
VEH 03 Registration and Licensing deposit form
VEH 04 Inspection form - New Non-EU Vehciles
VEH 05 Inspection form - Used Non-EU Vehicles
VEH 09 Registration form - Mini Motos / Light Quadricycles
VEH 15 Application for Vintage
VEH 25 Registration & licensing form - Online

8. Do I need to convert my driving licence to a Maltese one ?

http://www.britishexpat.com/expatforum/malta/viewtopic.php?t=8892
covers
Can I drive in Malta on a non-Maltese driving licence ?
How do I exchange a non-Maltese EU driving licence for a Maltese EU driving licence ?

9. Where can the Registration Value (RV) of vehicles be obtained from?

For new vehicles, the registration value is the cost including insurance and freight (if applicable) as shown on the invoice when the vehicle is brought into Malta. Therefore the registration value is available at the vehicle importer or dealer. A new motor vehicle means a motor vehicle which has never been registered in any country.

For old vehicles (more than 12 months old), the valuation system is available online from the Vehicle Valuations page on the site www.vehicleregistration.gov.mt

The RV of vehicles not new, but less than 12 months after date of 1st Registration will be subject to a % increase for every remaining month till the 12 month period lapse.

10. Car Registration Process—Unofficial Users Manual
http://grtu.net/data/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=761&Itemid=5
This article is also copied into the OP of the following thread on BE, with a discussion.
http://www.britishexpat.com/expatforum/malta/viewtopic.php?t=8763
Please bear in mind the maual is from Feb 09, only a few weeks after the new process was put in place, so some aspects may have changed.

11. Is the registration tax for 2nd hand cars going to be replaced later this year with a higher road tax ?
No idea, but some members of the forum have heard rumours that will happen in June [edit - nothing changed in June...][edit...
registration tax on 2nd hand cars imported into Malta from other EU countries declared legal]
http://www.britishexpat.com/expatforum/malta/viewtopic.php?p=63274#63274

12. How much is road tax ?
http://www.transport.gov.mt/land-transport/vehicle-registration-and-licensing/renewal-of-road-licence/licence-fees


13. Odometer testing for used vehicles
As from 1/4/2011, some used cars will need their odometers tested
http://britishexpat.com/expatforum/malta/viewtopic.php?t=10415
[/b]

May i question point 2 regarding i.d. cards, i am as you know living in Malta and have myself posted a year ago that an i.d. card to a.d.t. meant you are a resident, however i now know three British people who have registered their cars tax free despite having held Malta i.d. cards for more than two years and using them as part of their application, the onus is of course on the applicant to prove they resided out of the country for the previous two years.

It could well be the crucial part is "despite having held Malta i.d. cards for more than two years " - ie the declaration of residency was more than two years ago.

ID card application form
http://www.electoral.gov.mt/getresource.aspx?id=65

SIGNED DECLARATION BY APPLICANT
I, the undersigned, do hereby declare that to the best of my knowledge all of the above information is true and correct. I do further declare
that:
(a) I am resident in Malta and have been residing in Malta or in ( _______________________________________) since ___________;

Given that wording, ADT could easily refuse an application based on the date written on the form, but presumably not if the card is more than 2 years old.

Now, they could say if you are no longer resident, why haven't you handed in your ID card ? If ADT wanted to be awkward, this is a prime area for them to do so on.

5. Is anyone exempt from paying the registration tax ?
e. Motor Vehicle brought over on transfer of residence

I've copied the text below from the links given in the OP

A motor vehicle which is the personal property of a private individual and is being brought permanently into Malta by the individual when he is transferring his residence from a place outside Malta to a place in Malta

Eligibility criteria

To qualify for relief the applicant must:

have had his/her residence outside Malta for a continuous period of at least 24 months;
have transferred his/her residence permanently to Malta;
be the registered owner of the vehicle at the time of transfer;
have had possession of and actually used the vehicle abroad for at least 24 months before the date on which he ceased to have his residence outside Malta;
not be a student returning to Malta having attended a school, university or other educational or vocational establishment abroad for a period of less than five years or a person who had been serving in Malta's diplomatic corps outside Malta;
holds a valid driving licence.

To qualify for relief the vehicle must:

have been in the possession of the applicant and used by him for a continuous period of least 24 months prior to the vehicle's arrival in Malta; be registered in applicant's name.


Proof of eligibility

The onus of proof is always on the applicant claiming the exemption. Such proof must be of a written/documentary and original nature and must be supplied with the application. Where considered necessary, additional documentation/evidence may be requested.

Where documents provided are in a language other than Maltese or English, applicant shall provide a translation in English.



Evidence of transfer of residence

Documents concerning the following may be accepted as evidence of living abroad for the required length of time and transfer of residence:

sale/acquisition of property abroad and in Malta;
a rent agreement covering a period of no less than one year if no property has been acquired in Malta;
evidence of payment of income tax or social benefits abroad;
cessation of employment abroad;
day-to-day transaction receipts/utility bills (electricity/gas/water/telephone bills or receipts, bank statements and other day to day living expenses);
travel records connected with trips into or out of Malta


Evidence of vehicle ownership and usage

Documents concerning the following may be accepted as evidence of possession and/or actual usage:

vehicle registration certificate;
insurance certificate;
the sales invoice, receipt of purchase or other similar document
vehicle servicing/fuelling
shipping/transportation/carriage etc.


Definition of Transfer of Residence

"Transfer of Residence" means the actual transfer of a person's habitual residence to the new place indicated as being that of resettlement; and

"Habitual Residence" means the place where the person concerned has established, and intends to maintain, the permanent or habitual centre of his or her interests. The renting of an apartment for a period of not less then one year is not sufficient evidence of the actual transfer of the habitual residence.



Application procedure

The application for exemption (Form VEH 07) together with all possible documentary evidence, should be presented by hand or mailed to: Licensing and Testing Directorate, Malta Transport Authority, Hornsworks Ditch, Floriana, before or immediately upon the arrival of the vehicle in Malta.

The application will then be forwarded to the Ministry responsible for finance for it's consideration and decision. No communication between applicant and the Ministry responsible for finance willl be allowed throughout the whole process.



Refusal of exemption

Where the Ministry responsible for finance decides that an applicant is not entitled to an exemption, either because the eligibility criteria are not met, or because there is insufficient, satisfactory documentary evidence to support the application, the application will be refused.

A decision to refuse exemption will be made only when all the facts have been established and all available evidence submitted and assessed.

The applicant will be informed of such decision in writing and he may appeal from such a decision within 21 days from the date of the decision before the Administrative Review Tribunal in accordance with the provisions of the Administrative Justice Act (Cap. 490) and regulations made thereunder. (For appeal procedure click here)



Approval of exemption

Where an application for exemption is upheld, the applicant shall immediately be notified by letter. Applicant shall apply for the vehicle's registration at least within seven days from the vehicle's arrival in Malta, or within seven days from receiving the letter of acceptance if the vehicle is already in Malta.

A processing fee of €300, payable to the Malta Transport Authority on account of Government, shall be paid by an applicant whose application is upheld.



Restrictions

The motor vehicle may not be sold, given away, disposed of, hired out or lent following its importation or its bringing into Malta unless the vehicle registration tax to which the exemption relates is paid thereon in accordance with the provisions of the First or Second Schedule to the Motor Vehicles Registration and Licensing Act (Cap 368).

Last updated 31.08.2009

5. Is anyone exempt from paying the registration tax ?
b. Motor Vehicle brought over by a person under a works contract

This is another way that you can apply for an exemption, and is valid for up to 1 year

below is copied from link given in theOP

Any motor vehicle registered in another country which is brought into Malta by a person who has his normal residence outside Malta and who comes to Malta under a works contract, in which case the exemption shall be for a period of twelve months from the date of the vehicle’s arrival in Malta

foreign registered motor vehicle brought into Malta by a person who comes to Malta under a work contract, may be used in Malta for a period not exceeding twelve months without being charged any registration tax.

Such exemption shall be granted on application made to the Malta Transport Authority (Licensing and Testing Directorate, Malta Transport Authority, Hornworks Ditch, Floriana) on the prescribed form which shall be presented within fifteen days from the vehicle's arrival in Malta together with:

a copy of the contract of employment,
evidence of the vehicle's arrival in Malta,
a copy of the vehicle's registration certificate, and
an administrative fee of €35.
Where such exemption is granted, the motor vehicle will provisionally be licensed for use on the road for a period which expires upon the expiration of the exemption. A circulation licence fee shall be payable to the Authority in respect of twelve months where the vehicle is not covered by a valid road licence issued in the country of registration and, where it is covered by such licence in respect of the remaining months or part thereof immediately following the expiry of that licence.

The documents relating to the registration and insurance of the vehicle and to the exemption granted shall be kept with the vehicle when it is in use and shall be produced at the request of an authorised inspecting officer.

This exemption will cease to have effect upon the expiration of the 12 month period or before the expiration of that period if the vehicle is found to being used in breach of the conditions under which the exemption was granted.

The motor vehicle shall not be sold, given away, disposed of, hired out or lent unless the vehicle registration tax is paid thereon.

Last updated: 15.05.2009

I've started two new threads, the first for discussions on the transfer of residence criteria, the second for discussions on the works contract criteria. I suggest this is the best place to continue any discussions or question on these two areas. I'll then copy over to the OP in this thread any pertinent points.

http://www.britishexpat.com/expatforum/malta/viewtopic.php?p=50005#50005

http://www.britishexpat.com/expatforum/malta/viewtopic.php?p=50006#50006

A number of the links above are dead as the Malta Transport has moved to a new website, and haven't moved all the pages over. I've emailed them asking them whats going on, and I've updated the links where I can.

I've received the following from Malta Transport



thank you for contacting the Authority for Transport in Malta.

We are aware of this problem currently being encountered with a number of downloads from our website, and are working on the issue so that it is resolved as soon as possible.

In the meantime, should you require any specific forms please advise so that we may send them by email.

We apologise for any inconvenience caused.

Re: Motor Vehicle brought temporarily into Malta - I believe the text has changed on the link - in particular, see 3.

Motor Vehicle brought temporarily into Malta

Any private motor vehicle, including a caravan or motor home, registered in another country, which satisfies all the following conditions:

1.is brought temporarily into Malta for a period, consecutive or otherwise, not exceeding 7 months in any 12 month period;.
2.by a person who has his normal residence outside Malta;.
3.that the person does not have an identity card issued in terms of the Identity Card Act or is, under this Act, obliged to be in possession of an identity card;.
4.the vehicle is used for personal or business purpose.

can someone help read all the info about importing new car im moving to gozo june do you think it better and easier to buy new in malta say a citreon c1 something small like this or buy in england thanks again folks

Its obviously easier to buy in Malta - whether its better (by which I presume you mean cheaper), I'm not sure - you should check out the new cost in Malta by calling a dealer, and do the same in the UK. I suspect for new its cheaper to buy in Malta once reg tax and shipping are taken into account.

thanks again mark thought it would be easier and cheaper to buy in malta by the time you take out traveling expenses and taxes also can you drive english car to malta and part exchange for malta plated car

In theory yes, just a matter of finding a dealer prepared to register it in Malta.

thanks again

The links for 4. and 6. have finally appeared on the new website