Does Malta allow right-hand-drive cars from Japan?

Yes — Malta accepts both right-hand-drive and left-hand-drive vehicles, so the full range of Japanese domestic and export stock is available to Maltese buyers.

Is there an age limit for cars imported to Malta?

There is no fixed age cap. However, older vehicles may be subject to additional roadworthiness checks at Transport Malta registration, and higher-emission older cars can attract higher registration tax.

Cost to import a car from Japan to Malta

Rates & rules last reviewed 1 July 2026

Malta is a compact EU island nation with no domestic car production and a healthy appetite for well-maintained used vehicles — and Japan's auction system consistently delivers both. Unlike Cyprus, Malta accepts both right-hand-drive and left-hand-drive imports, giving buyers the widest possible choice from Japan's domestic and export stock. There is no maximum vehicle age cap, and the island's short driving distances mean condition and fuel economy matter more than mileage. The cost structure at the import stage is 10% duty and 18% VAT; a registration tax based on CO2 emissions and vehicle length is assessed separately at Transport Malta registration. Cars arrive at the Port of Valletta, and the island is so small that delivery anywhere — Birkirkara, Sliema, Marsaxlokk — adds only a nominal amount over the port-arrival cost. Our licensed team manages sourcing, shipping and the full Maltese import and registration process.

Main ports: Valletta
Import age rule: Malta drives on the LEFT — RHD Japanese stock fits and is genuinely registrable, with NO used-import age limit (all ages may be registered). A car built to a lower Euro standard just pays a higher registration-tax rate.
Steering: RHD
Duties & taxes: Beyond the 18% VAT (0% EU–Japan EPA duty with origin proof, 10% MFN fallback), Malta charges a one-off REGISTRATION TAX based on CO2 emissions, vehicle length and age. With engine cc as a proxy (no CO2 input), it is ~40% of value for a small petrol car, ~70% for a mid car, ~125% for a large SUV — so total landed tax is ~58% of CIF (Fit) to ~145% (Prado). A declared CO2 figure is required at registration or Malta applies the punitive >250 g/km rate; newer Euro-6 cars pay roughly half.

Loading calculator…

Estimate only — duties, freight and last-mile delivery vary and policies change. Our team confirms exact, current figures on WhatsApp before any bid.

How to import a car from Japan to Malta

Choose your car
Malta accepts both RHD and LHD, so we can source from the full range of Japanese domestic and export-spec cars. Tell us your budget and requirements and we shortlist the best options.
We source it at USS auction
Our licensed team reads the auction sheet, verifies the grade and condition, and bids in Japan on your behalf. You review the car before any payment is made.
Pre-shipment documentation
We prepare the Maltese customs import declaration, invoice and bill of lading, and verify the car meets basic roadworthiness criteria before it is loaded onto the vessel.
Ocean freight to Valletta
The car sails to the Port of Valletta. Because Malta is a small island with a single main port, all imports land here. We send you the sailing schedule and tracking.

Import duties & taxes in Malta explained

Malta charges approximately 10% import duty on passenger cars from Japan (as an EU member, outside any preferential agreement for Japan-origin goods) and 18% VAT on the imported value. These are the customs-stage charges. Transport Malta then assesses a registration tax based on CO2 emissions and vehicle length — this varies by the specific car and is a separate one-off charge at registration. Because registration tax can be significant depending on your car's emissions profile, our team confirms the exact, current figure for your car before you commit.

Popular Japanese cars for Malta

Honda Fit
Compact and fuel-efficient — ideal for Malta's short urban routes. The Fit's low CO2 output keeps registration tax in the lower bands, and petrol or hybrid options are both well suited to the island.
See prices
Suzuki Swift
A low-emission hatchback that minimises registration tax and runs cheaply around Malta's cities and towns. Easy to park, easy to sell.
See prices
Mazda Demio
A well-finished small car at an accessible price, with a modest CO2 rating that helps keep the registration tax bill down on this EU island.
See prices
Toyota Corolla Axio
Reliable, practical and with a comprehensive parts network — the Axio is a solid family choice for Malta and holds its value well on the local used-car market.
See prices

Shipping cost to major cities in Malta

Valletta — You are at the port — delivery across Malta for a sedan runs only about $150.
Birkirkara — Delivery from Valletta to Birkirkara adds roughly $150 for a sedan.
Sliema — Delivery from Valletta to Sliema adds roughly $150 for a sedan.
Marsaxlokk — Delivery from Valletta to Marsaxlokk adds roughly $150 for a sedan.

Frequently asked questions

Does Malta allow right-hand-drive cars from Japan?: Yes — Malta accepts both right-hand-drive and left-hand-drive vehicles, so the full range of Japanese domestic and export stock is available to Maltese buyers.
What are the import charges at the Port of Valletta?: Malta charges approximately 10% import duty and 18% VAT on the imported value at the customs stage. A separate registration tax based on CO2 emissions and vehicle length is then assessed by Transport Malta at registration — our team confirms this figure for your specific car.
Is there an age limit for cars imported to Malta?: There is no fixed age cap. However, older vehicles may be subject to additional roadworthiness checks at Transport Malta registration, and higher-emission older cars can attract higher registration tax.