Malta

MOVING HOME TO OR FROM MALTA

All GB Liners’ branches have the facility to know how to quote for and arrange and operate, European move. We recognise, however, that not every branch can be expert for every European destination and so we have therefore chosen to designate our Shipping branch as our “centre of expertise” for Malta. You can contact them by phoning 01432 377477 or emailing shipping@gbliners.com if you require specialist advice. Alternatively, of course, you can contact your local branch if you don’t think you need specialist help.

Living in Malta

Advice on living in Malta can be obtained from:

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/living-in-malta

Customs Formalities for Moving To Malta

• People moving to an EU country on a transfer of residence basis (i.e. moving their main place of residence from the UK to that EU country for work or personal reasons) are generally permitted to import their household and personal belongings free of duty and tax.
• There is usually a requirement to prove that the person moving has previously resided in the UK for a specified qualifying period, by means of presenting documents such as Council Tax bills, bank statements, utility bills etc.
• There is usually a requirement to prove that permission for residency or employment in the destination country has been granted.
• There is usually a requirement to prove identity by providing a passport copy.
• New items (usually less than 6 months old) may be subject to tax.
• Certain item are usually prohibited e.g. guns, animal skins or products, etc.
• Certain items are usually restricted e.g. alcohol, tobacco etc.

You will need to be able to supply any required information or documentation before the move is packed, to allow us to have it checked by our agent in the destination country for confirmation that everything is in order. This is essential to ensure that there are no delays at the destination border due to missing or incorrect documentation.

For a move to an EU country being made for any reason other than a transfer of residence, then you should ask us to check the specific Customs requirements for your circumstances and this should be done as early in the process as possible. If, for example, your circumstances were such that carrying-out the move would incur a significant duty or tax liability then that may influence your decision to move altogether. It is essential therefore, that such issues are raised as early as possible.

If you are furnishing a holiday or secondary home in an EU country (that is a home other than your main place of residence), then usually you will have to pay duty or tax on the items that you are moving.

Malta Overview

The following information outlines the documentation required for importing household goods moves to Malta, to the best of current knowledge and belief. This is a summary of the documents required for household goods moves from the UK to Malta on a transfer of residence basis. It does not cover cars, secondary homes, inheritances, or any other exceptional circumstances and for any moves falling into these categories, it is essential that you advise us of your circumstances so that we can check requirements with a local agent in the destination country.

Customs regulations and document requirements for Malta

• Copy of the photo page of the passport for export from UK. Original passport needed for clearance in Malta. It must have been issued at least 1 year prior to arrival in Malta.
• A valued inventory signed and dated by client
• A completed authorisation letter allowing our agent to clear on behalf of client
• FS3 Tax Return (Only applies to a Returning Maltese citizen with Maltese Tax Number).
• Income Tax Number (This does not apply to Maltese citizens with a Tax Number or if the customer is an EU Citizen and has already applied for the Social Security Number https://finance.gov.mt/en/eForms/Pages/Expatriates-Taxpayer-Registration.aspx. A certification of registration is required
• Proof of residence in the country of origin for previous 12 months prior to arrival in Malta
• Client is required to lodge a refundable deposit with Customs of not less than €1,200 per 20-foot container and not less than €2400 per 40-foot container. This amount is calculated using the value of the consignment and the freight charges paid from port at country of origin up to port Malta. This deposit is refunded after one-year providing client has lived in Malta for 200 days within the first year.

Documents required for export clearance out of Malta (for UK bound moves)