A guide to moving to Malta

Request a move quote

Important information you need to know when moving to Malta

Want to move to Valetta? Considering moving to Mosta? Here’s the moving advice you’ll need for any international removal to Malta…

To make navigation of this page easier for you, we have added the below clickable menu and return buttons throughout.

Tigne point, a residential area on a tip of Sliema peninsula, Malta
view-from-domes-churches-roofs-with-church-our-lady-mount-carmel-st-paul-s-anglican-pro-cathedral-valletta-capital-city-malta
St Augustine Feast of Valletta, Malta

Moving Household Goods And Personal Effects To Malta

Please note. That many of these things will not apply to you if you are moving from another EU (European Union) State and/or you are a citizen of the EU (European Union) due to the free movement of goods throughout the EU. Below is a list of the documents you will need when planning an international removal to Malta:
  • Original Passport (Of the individual moving/importing the goods)
  • Valued moving inventory for Maltese Customs
  • Removal packing list – We will complete this if you want us to undertake a full packing service for your removal
  • Original Bill of Lading (OBL) / Express Release / Air Waybill (AWB) – We will take care of this if completing the entire international removal to Malta for you.
  • Letter of Employment from origin
We recommend providing these as soon as possible to reduce delays with your removal to Malta. Late receipt of documentation can lead to missed shipments, additional charges and penalties at Maltese Customs. For your own protection, we will almost never ship your goods without the above in place.
Marxaslokk harbor with traditional maltese eyed boats - luzzu on the bright sunny day

Additional Removal Advice for Removals to Malta

  • Letter from the employer at origin must attest the following:
  • The owner of the goods has been employed outside the European Union (EU) for a period of at least 1 year.
  • It must show beginning and end dates of the employment period.
  • It must explain why the owner of the goods has been transferred to Malta.
  • Any other documents received from the embassy or the consulate at origin confirming that the shipper has lived outside the EU for the past 12 months will be accepted.
  • Should a deposit be required by Maltese Customs, it will be refunded directly to the owner of the goods by Customs after approximately one year of living in Malta.
  • All imported items must be used. If new items are found, Customs will assess duty and value added tax (VAT) charges, which must be paid prior to the release of the goods.
  • Shipment cannot be considered personal effects if goods are being returned back to Malta within 12 months of outbound date.
  • Customer must be present upon shipment arrival and register at the Inland Revenue Department prior to the start of the Customs clearance process.
  • Foreigners must register at the expatriates section in Block 3.
  • Returning immigrants must register at Tax Payer Services in Block 3.
  • For all shipments originating outside the EU, deposits must be paid prior to examination of the goods. Approximate deposit figures are paid to the Director General of Customs as follows:
  • € 600.00 for LCL or airfreight – deposit amount varies according to volume
  • € 1170.00 for 20ft container
  • € 2340.00 for 40ft container

Popular Destinations in Malta

Gerson Moving Services is vastly experienced in international removals to cities all over the globe. Their long history and detailed knowledge of different countries makes them the perfect choice for your move. Here are some of the most popular destinations we are asked to move people to in Malta:

Qormi, Żabbar, Żebbuġ, Żejtun, Siġġiewi, Rabat, Valletta, Birgu.

Gerson Moving Services Packing Boxes
Which countries have mandatory health insurance
Moving your finances overseas
International currency on a money transfer app
Business man calculate and analyzing graph document financial with laptop

Additional Services for your move to Malta

Moving Your Money

If you’re moving to Malta, it’s very likely you’ll need to exchange a significant amount of currency. Many people lose out by using their bank, assuming it’s the only option. However, there are specialist currency exchange providers that offer more competitive rates and can help you save thousands. To find out how to make your money go further during your move, speak to one of our move managers, click here, or give us a call: +44 20 7097 5335.

Get Move Liability Cover for your international removal to Malta

We always advise taking out move protection liability cover with us on every move. Although we like to think we’re the best in the industry, the odd accident can occasionally happen. For added peace of mind, make sure to speak to one of our move managers about this.

Discover Our GMS Xtra Value Services

Gerson Moving Services goes beyond standard removals, offering a full range of relocation solutions to make your move seamless. Our value-added services include international currency transfer, home and school search, visa and immigration support, health insurance, container tracking, car purchase and leasing, and temporary accommodation. We also provide expert packing, secure storage, customs clearance, and pet relocation, ensuring a smooth transition whether you’re moving locally or internationally. With our end-to-end relocation management, you can trust Gerson for a stress-free, efficient move.

Home
Search

School
Search

Visa &
Immigration

Baggage
Shipping

Home
Storage

Temporary
Living

Furniture
Rental

Pet
Moving

Language
Training

Currency
Exchange

Cultural
Training

Area
Orientation

Settling In
Services

PArtner
Support

Container
Tracking

Moving Your Car Or Motorcycle

Documents required

Below is a list of the documents you will need when planning to move your vehicle to Malta:

  • Original Express Release / OBL
  • Purchase Invoice showing purchase price
  • Original car log book
motorbike-crating for shipment

Additional Import Advice

  • The original car log book must be presented to the Customs officer when processing Customs documents.
  • Imported used vehicles are subject to Customs duty as per Customs tariff and import registration fee as established by the Malta Transport Authority.
  • Customs can opt to make valuation of vehicle and tax and duties will be applied on the value declared by them.

Relocating Your Pets to Malta

These documents will be required when planning to relocate your pet to Malta:

  • Vaccination Record
  • Import License issued by the Director of Veterinary Services
  • Pet Passport
  • Veterinary Health Record

Additional Import Advice

  • Cats and dogs are subject to quarantine at Luqa Airport.
  • The Pet Travel Scheme (PETS) allows some breeds of animals originating at qualifying countries to enter Malta without quarantine if all required criteria is met as follows:
  • Fitted with a microchip
  • Vaccinated against rabies
  • Blood tests showing adequate protection against rabies
  • Pets cannot enter Malta until at least 6 months from the date the blood test shows a successful result.
Dogs traveling by airplane. Boxes with live animals at the airport

Restricted & Dutiable / Taxable Items

Think very carefully before moving these items to Malta. Items on this list will be taxed and/or require specific permission to import. In all cases they must be declared prior to you relocating to Malta:

  • Alcoholic beverages (6 bottles)
  • Food

Prohibited / Banned Items

.

Do not move any of these items to Malta:

  • Weapons
  • Pornographic materials
  • Firearms

The following additional items are prohibited in GMS Baggage/Courier Consignments:

  • Aerosols (all kinds, Hairspray, Deodorant etc)
  • Aftershaves / Perfumes / Fragrances
  • Airbags
  • Alcoholic Drinks or Bottles
  • Ammunition of any kind
  • Animals of any kind (Dead or Alive)
  • Any items containing Petrol (Liquid, Gas or Fumes)
  • Biological Samples
  • Car Batteries
  • Cash & Cards (Credit / Debit)
  • Chainsaws
  • Cheques (Bank)
  • Christmas Crackers
  • Counterfeit Currency
  • Dangerous Goods
  • Driving Licence
  • Drugs (Including Prescription)
  • Engines
  • Excrement / Filth
  • Fire Extinguishers
  • Fish (Dead or Live)
  • Foodstuffs (all kinds)
  • Hazardous Goods
  • Human Remains (including ashes)
  • Infectious Substances
  • Knives
  • Laptop Computers, Mobile/Smart Phones or Tablets
  • Lighters
  • Lottery Tickets
  • Nail Varnish / Nail Varnish Remover
  • Oils
  • Paints
  • Passports
  • Perishable Goods (All)
  • Plants / Seeds etc
  • Printer Toner
  • Seatbelt Tensioners and Steering Wheels
  • Stamps
  • Tobacco
  • Water
  • Weapons (all kinds, including replicas)
  • Windscreens

Disclaimer: Customs regulations can change at any time with or without notice. This information is provided as a guide only. While Gerson Moving Services has exercised reasonable care in publishing this information, Gerson Moving Services makes no representation, either expressed or implied, as to its accuracy or applicability.

Trusted Global Moving Services –
Why Choose Us?

Real feedback from people who chose our international moving company.

Move from France to Australia

Rated 5 out of 5

“My move was way less stressful than expected! GMS packed everything, stored it for a week, and moved it all to my new home just as promised!”

Great Service!

Rated 5 out of 5

“GMS provided a very professional service when we moved to Spain last month. They were easy to work with and moved everything on time.”

Excellent service

Rated 5 out of 5

Best experience ever! I desperately needed a mover to help with a last minute relocation, and GMS were so helpful in making it a seamless process!”