Shipping Your Belongings to Malta

Key facts

Options: Groupage (shared) or a full container
From the EU: Generally no customs duties within the EU
From outside the EU: Relief may be available for a transfer of residence
Plan: Book early, especially for summer moves

Choosing how to ship

Groupage — your goods share a container; cheaper for smaller moves, usually slower.
Full container — faster and more secure for a whole household.
Air freight — for a few urgent boxes.

Ask removal firms for door-to-door quotes, including delivery in Malta’s narrow streets and lifts.

Customs

From the EU — personal belongings move freely in general.
From outside the EU — relief from duties may be available for a transfer of residence, subject to conditions such as prior ownership and use. Check with Maltese customs before you ship.

Cars

Importing a car involves registration and taxes in Malta; compare the cost with buying locally. See driving in Malta.

Pets

See bringing pets to Malta.

Timing

Book early for summer, and check that your new home is ready — or arrange storage. See the moving checklist.

Questions & answers

How long does shipping to Malta take?

It depends on the origin and method — groupage can take longer than a full container because loads are consolidated. Ask removal companies for door-to-door estimates.

Do I pay customs duty when moving to Malta?

Moving within the EU, personal belongings are generally not subject to customs duty. From outside the EU, relief from duties may be available for a genuine transfer of residence; check the conditions with Maltese customs before shipping.

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