How do you import household goods to Malta in 2026?

Customs treats used personal effects differently from dutiable commercial imports. Forwarders commonly require ownership and use of the goods for a meaningful period before departure, a dated inventory with values, passport and Identità residence evidence, and a Maltese delivery address on a lease or employer letter. Your forwarder lodges the declaration forms Customs expects for sea or air arrival; keep invoices for high-value electronics.

Moves that start inside the EU usually avoid classic third-country duty bills on ordinary used household goods, but carriers still need accurate manifests and identity papers. Alcohol and tobacco outside traveller allowances, weapons and controlled goods sit outside casual household relief. Motor vehicles need separate Transport Malta and Customs paths: Convert a driving licence does not replace vehicle import approval. Pets use the Veterinary Regulation Directorate, not the furniture inventory: Bring pets.

Have a real Maltese delivery address before the container sails: How to rent a home. Align arrival with your eResidence or Single Permit evidence so Customs sees a residence transfer, not a tourist shopping run: Apply for a residence permit. Insure the shipment at replacement value and photograph serial numbers.

Keep Identità, bank and tax files moving in parallel: Paperwork after moving. Authenticate any foreign civil papers you need for schools or employers separately: Apostille documents.