Importing cars to sell as a tourist

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Member since 02 August 2019

Jb1128Member02 August 2019 15:54:53

Hi, I'm new to the forum

I have searched high and low for all the details regarding this subject but there are still things that I feel I am missing.

A few months ago I visited Malta for the first time with my Uncle who used to have a holiday home in Malta. I am a self employed car trader in England and couldn't help but notice the extremely high prices of cars in Malta. Having thought this is too good to be true I did some research and found out about the registration fees and a few other details and realised there is still a big difference in price between UK and Maltese cars. Well some anyway.

As the title suggests I am interested in bringing some cars over, as I mentioned my uncle used to have a holiday home in Malta and is interested in moving on a permanent basis, at least splitting his time between UK and Malta. So I would drive a car over and fly back when I visit. Obviously leaving the car to be sold. As a way of paying for my trips mostly.

So to my question, is it possible for a tourist to drive a car from the UK, register and then sell the car in Malta for a profit?

Thank you in advance

GozoMo Malta Expert

Member since 29 September 2015

GozoMoMalta Expert02 August 2019 16:37:04

2173

As far as I understand you would need to be a resident here and you would have to pay to import the cars here as you would not have owned them for two years.

Jb1128 Member

Member since 02 August 2019

Jb1128Member02 August 2019 16:48:14

Thanks for your reply, I understand that I would have to pay for the registration of the cars I'm just wondering if there is any kind of law that would stop me from doing this? Do I have to be a Malta resident to register a car?

F0xgl0ve Malta Expert

Member since 11 November 2013

F0xgl0veMalta Expert02 August 2019 17:18:53

1974

Jb1128 wrote:
Do I have to be a Malta resident to register a car?

I think the short answer is yes! Also you would need to be here long enough each time to see the process through. I also believe you would have to spend a minimum of 183 days a year here to be a resident.
There are businesses here who do just that and I know an individual resident who tried bringing a couple of vehicles across and he did not make enough to make it worth while.
Also there are companies who will simply transport a car across that you have bought and register it for you, all for a fee, but probably less than you would need yourself to make it worth while.

Good Luck.

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