Short-term rental in Malta: rules and advice for owners

One licence, one authority

Malta treats every short let as tourism accommodation licensed by the Malta Tourism Authority (MTA). The Tourism Accommodation Regulations (S.L. 409.24), in force since 15 June 2026, make it expressly unlawful to operate a short let without MTA authorisation. The licence is held by the proprietor in title, whether owner, lessee or mandated agent, who must declare whether the property is run directly, under a sub-contract or by a third-party operator. We have found no numerical cap on the number of licences.

What the file must contain

The MTA asks for the Planning Authority permission covering the unit, a pre-1968 compliance certificate for older buildings, an architect's certificate on planning compliance and fitness for habitation, police conduct certificates, third-party liability insurance extending to the common parts, and a waste management plan. The 2026 rules also cap occupancy at two guests per approved bedroom and ten per unit, limit any single booking to 90 consecutive days, require a complaints contact reachable around the clock and ask for the licence number to be displayed outside the property. Once licensed, the proprietor must notify the block administrator in writing.

Valletta, Sliema and St Julian's

The same national licence applies in all three towns on our list; there is no separate municipal permit. What makes the difference is the building itself: the approved planning layout, the state of the common parts and the relationship with the condominium determine whether a unit can be licensed smoothly.

Levies and income

Guests pay an eco-contribution per night, which the operator collects and passes on; the MTA published revised guidelines for 2026. Rental income from the let is taxable in Malta, and non-resident owners should take local tax advice before the first season.

Our view for owners

In Malta the paperwork, not a quota, is the bottleneck. Start by pulling the planning file and checking that the flat as built matches the approved drawings, then line up insurance and the architect's visit. Tell the block administrator early: neighbours will see the licence number at the door. Send us the property details; we study every request and tell you honestly whether and how we can help.