½ûÂþÌìÌÃ

Menu
½ûÂþÌìÌÃ

Importing campervan

Post new topic

Lozza8080

I have searched the previous messages, and there’s a lot of information in those that is very useful. Thank you!

I am moving to Malta in the autumn. I have secured a job and my employer is sorting out work permit/relocation etc.

One of my favourite pastimes is road trips, and I am looking into the feasibility of buying a camper (NOT a motor home - just a small one like a Bongo or similar) in the UK and driving down over 2-3 weeks. I would then keep the camper for weekend trips to Sicilian, breaks to Italy etc. Obviously I don’t own the camper yet, so I will need to pay a fee when I arrive. 

I have looked at the Vehicle Valuation tool on the gov.mt website () and can’t quite work it all out. It seems the registration tax is much higher for older vehicles, which is not what I was expecting. Is it based on emissions?

It also seems to count as a commercial vehicle, even though it won’t be. Is this correct, or am I misunderstanding the form? I have emailed them, but no response in a week. Previous comments on this forum make me wonder how trustworthy a phone conversation will be, depending on who is at the end of the line!

Also, am I bonkers? I don’t actually need the vehicle, but I figure it will save on hotel fees or renting a vehicle when I go to the continent for holidays. It will also be a much more fun way of getting down there.

hanselmar
@Lozza8080

Welcome to the forum. I live in Malta for 9 years and I was driving many times from Malta to Italy and beyond. I like driving, but do not save money. Petrol in Italy is at least as expensive as in the  UK

and you have to pay toll fees on most of the motorways. Another adventure is bringing a vehicle into Malta. The Maltese like to tax vehicles, especially those coming from outside the EU.

Vehicle taxation is much higher over here in Malta than in the UK. My car tax in the UK would have been £ 220.00 whilst over here it is € 738.00

I would advise you try to buy a suitable vehicle over here. After that, you can travel with Virtu ferries to Sicily and beyond.
antz1626

@Lizza8080   Hi , if this is only going to be a get away vehicle  and not your everyday driver , you need to think about where you are going to park it ! . Remember that unless you have a designated parking spot or garage , it will be a bit problematic. Also it will be out in the sun most of the time. Here in Malta smaller is better when it comes to cars as the roads and parking bays are tight.

volcane
It's only in very few cases that bringing a car here make sense, maybe contact a company called ventur in malta who specialise in importing stuff they can probably tell you all about it.


Almost impossible to bring a old car here though it's just too expensive. That said the EU is currently dragging malta to the ECJ about these taxes so might go away in time - mainly the giant one-off registration tax you pay on import.

Articles to help you in your expat project in Malta

  • How to drive in Malta
    How to drive in Malta

    Malta is a relatively small island measuring only 27km long and 14,5km wide, so it seems on paper to be very ...

  • Finding work in Gozo
    Finding work in Gozo

    If you are planning to live in Malta, why not settle and work in Gozo? Although it is quieter than the main island ...

  • Resident and work permit for Malta
    Resident and work permit for Malta

    Getting a resident card and a work permit in Malta is an essential step for any expat. Living in Malta does ...

  • Accidents and emergencies in Malta
    Accidents and emergencies in Malta

    A stay abroad is usually associated with great memories. However, it could happen that an accident or emergency ...

  • Accommodation in Malta
    Accommodation in Malta

    As an expat in Malta, one of the first steps is to find accommodation. Malta has a quickly and continuously ...

  • Phones and internet in Malta
    Phones and internet in Malta

    Despite being a small archipelago, Malta hosts a very advanced telecommunications network. If you are ...

  • Finding work in Malta
    Finding work in Malta

    Malta is world famous for its postcard-worthy beaches and beautiful landscapes. Indeed, this tiny island nation ...

  • Pregnancy in Malta
    Pregnancy in Malta

    As an expat in Malta, you will experience some important life events, such as pregnancy. As an expectant mother, ...

All of Malta's guide articles