Budget 2027AnnouncedBudget measure
Free public transport eligibility 2027
From 2027 free public transport is restricted to Maltese and Gozitan residents, resident EU nationals and long-term residents.
Speech printed p. 30 · PDF p. 34
Living in Malta · Transport & Gozo
Budget 2027 for transport and Gozo
Changes to who travels free, what non-residents pay to reach Gozo, and how long foreign licences remain valid.
Key points
- Free public transport is limited to citizens, resident EU nationals and long-term residents from January 2027.
- Non-resident Gozo ferry fares rise; residents are not affected.
- Tourist fast ferry fares rise by €3 a trip.
- Pleasure boats from 10 to 24 metres pay additional annual registration fees.
Measures that affect you
Budget 2027AnnouncedBudget measure
Non-EU driving licences
Holders of non-EU licences can drive for 12 months from entry; after that they need a Maltese or EU licence.
€83 per month fee
Speech printed p. 30 · PDF p. 34
Budget 2027AnnouncedBudget measure
Fast ferry fares for tourists
Tourist fast ferry fares rise by €3 a trip.
+€3 per trip
Speech printed p. 31 · PDF p. 35
Budget 2027AnnouncedBudget measure
Gozo Channel fares for non-residents
Non-resident adults pay €11 (was €4.65), children €7 (was €1.15) and a car with driver €22 (was €15.70).
Adult €11; child €7; car + driver €22
Speech printed p. 31 · PDF p. 35
Budget 2027AnnouncedBudget measure
Annual registration fees for pleasure craft
Additional annual registration fees from €300 to €2,600 apply to boats between 10 and 24 metres.
€300 to €2,600 per year
Speech printed p. 33 · PDF p. 37
Budget 2027Rules pendingContinuing scheme
Renewal of existing schemes in 2027
The speech announces renewal of existing schemes, including housing, home buying and restoration, NGOs, sport, electric vehicles and renewable energy.
Renewal announcement; scheme-specific terms need verification.
Speech printed p. 56 · PDF p. 60
Budget 2027AnnouncedInvestment project
Msida Creek infrastructure project
The Msida Creek project is among the major infrastructure projects continuing in 2027.
Infrastructure / capacity—not a cash benefit.
Speech printed p. 59 · PDF p. 63
Budget 2027AnnouncedInvestment project
Pinto 4/5 and Lascaris extensions
Extensions at Pinto 4 and 5 and Lascaris are named among infrastructure projects continuing in 2027.
Infrastructure / capacity—not a cash benefit.
Speech printed p. 59 · PDF p. 63
Budget 2027AnnouncedInvestment project
Grand Harbour south and Lascaris shore supply
Shore supply in the southern Grand Harbour and Lascaris is planned for completion by the end of 2028.
Planned completion by end 2028
Infrastructure / capacity—not a cash benefit.
Speech printed p. 59 · PDF p. 63
Budget 2027AnnouncedInvestment project
Birżebbuġa slipway and berm
Work continues on the Birżebbuġa boat slipway and berm project.
Infrastructure / capacity—not a cash benefit.
Speech printed p. 59 · PDF p. 63
Related tools
Common questions
- Who keeps free bus travel from 2027?
- Maltese and Gozitans, resident EU citizens and long-term residents.
- How much will a non-resident pay for the Gozo ferry?
- €11 per adult, €7 per child and €22 for a car with driver. A car with driver and one adult passenger costs €33.
- How long can I drive on a non-EU licence?
- Twelve months from entry into Malta. After that you need a Maltese or EU licence, unless your residence permit is for specific driving work.
Independent editorial note: figures are taken from Budget announcements. Announcements are not law until enacted. Check the source library and official guidance before acting.