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Malta (Nationwide)

Republic of Malta · Malta
Active
Last updated: 2026-06-30  ·  Last verified: 2026-06-30  ·  Region: International

At a Glance — Malta (Nationwide) Airbnb & STR Rules

RuleDetails
Regulatory StatusPermitted with registration
Permit / License RequiredYes — MTA (Malta Tourism Authority) licence mandatory; Legal Notice 92 of 2026 eff. June 15, 2026
Tax RateEnvironmental contribution €1.50/person/night (18+), max €22.50/visit (updated July 1, 2026)
Night / Day CapNone; max 2 persons/bedroom, 10 persons/unit
Permit Fee~€100–€400/year (varies by property)
PenaltiesHeavy fines + 3-year ban from future licensing for unlicensed operation
Primary Residence RequiredNo
Occupancy LimitMax 10 persons/unit; no sofa bed capacity; basement bedrooms prohibited
Browse all 4 STR regulations in Malta →

Malta (Nationwide) Airbnb & Vacation Rental Regulation Overview

Malta (Nationwide) Short-Term Rental Regulations Overview

Short-term rental operations in Malta (Nationwide), Republic of Malta are permitted under an active regulatory framework as of 2026. Hosts operating on Airbnb, VRBO, or other vacation rental platforms must obtain proper licensing: Yes — MTA (Malta Tourism Authority) licence mandatory; Legal Notice 92 of 2026 eff. June 15, 2026. The associated permit fees are ~€100–€400/year (varies by property).

Tax Requirements for Airbnb Hosts in Malta (Nationwide)

Short-term rental operators in Malta (Nationwide) should be aware of these tax obligations: Environmental contribution €1.50/person/night (18+), max €22.50/visit (updated July 1, 2026).

Hosting Rules and Restrictions in Malta (Nationwide)

Key operational rules for vacation rental hosts in Malta (Nationwide) include: Primary residence requirement: No. Rental day cap: None; max 2 persons/bedroom, 10 persons/unit. Occupancy limit: Max 10 persons/unit; no sofa bed capacity; basement bedrooms prohibited.

Zoning and Location Requirements in Malta (Nationwide)

Zoning considerations for short-term rentals in Malta (Nationwide): MTA licence number required on all listings; visible sign at property entrance; waste management plan.

Penalties for Non-Compliance in Malta (Nationwide)

Hosts who fail to comply with Malta (Nationwide)'s short-term rental regulations may face enforcement action. Heavy fines + 3-year ban from future licensing for unlicensed operation.

Platform Obligations in Malta (Nationwide)

Platform obligations for services like Airbnb, VRBO, and Booking.com operating in Malta (Nationwide): Yes — MTA verification; platforms block unlicensed.

Full Regulatory Details

Regulatory Status
Active
License / Registration
Yes — MTA (Malta Tourism Authority) licence mandatory; Legal Notice 92 of 2026 eff. June 15, 2026
Tax Registration
Yes
Permit Fee
~€100–€400/year (varies by property)
Primary Residence Rule
No
Night / Day Cap
None; max 2 persons/bedroom, 10 persons/unit
Occupancy Limit
Max 10 persons/unit; no sofa bed capacity; basement bedrooms prohibited
Tax Rate
Environmental contribution €1.50/person/night (18+), max €22.50/visit (updated July 1, 2026)
Zoning Restrictions
MTA licence number required on all listings; visible sign at property entrance; waste management plan
Platform Obligations
Yes — MTA verification; platforms block unlicensed
Compliance Notes
MTA licence mandatory under Legal Notice 92 of 2026 (eff. June 15, 2026). Major overhaul of Malta's STR framework. Max 10 persons/unit; no sofa beds counted. €1.50/night tourist tax updated July 1, 2026.
Effective Date
2026-06-15
Key Notes
LN 92/2026 (June 15): MTA licence mandatory; max 10 persons; €1.50/night tourist tax; 3-year ban for unlicensed op.
Penalties
Heavy fines + 3-year ban from future licensing for unlicensed operation
Additional Context
Republic of Malta. Valletta UNESCO; Gozo; Mediterranean crossroads.
📋 Apply / Register with the Official Authority

Apply for your STR permit or registration directly through the official government portal.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Airbnb legal in Malta (Nationwide)?

Yes, Airbnb and short-term rentals are legal in Malta (Nationwide) with proper registration and permits. MTA licence mandatory under Legal Notice 92 of 2026 (eff. June 15, 2026). Major overhaul of Malta's STR framework. Max 10 persons/unit; no sofa beds counted. €1.50/night tourist tax updated July 1, 20

Do you need a permit for Airbnb in Malta (Nationwide)?

Yes. Malta (Nationwide) requires the following for short-term rental operation: Yes — MTA (Malta Tourism Authority) licence mandatory; Legal Notice 92 of 2026 eff. June 15, 2026.

What taxes apply to short-term rentals in Malta (Nationwide)?

Short-term rental hosts in Malta (Nationwide) are subject to the following tax obligations: Environmental contribution €1.50/person/night (18+), max €22.50/visit (updated July 1, 2026).

What are the penalties for illegal Airbnb hosting in Malta (Nationwide)?

Hosts who operate without proper permits in Malta (Nationwide) may face enforcement. Heavy fines + 3-year ban from future licensing for unlicensed operation.

What are the key STR compliance requirements in Malta (Nationwide)?

LN 92/2026 (June 15): MTA licence mandatory; max 10 persons; €1.50/night tourist tax; 3-year ban for unlicensed op.

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