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Malta Tourism Authority Licences & Applications
Accommodation

Short-Let Rented Accommodation

Short-Let Rented Accommodation (Apartment, Studio, Villa, Farmhouse, Terraced House, Maisonette)

"Holiday premises" means any building, howsoever described, but not being a hotel, guest house, hostel or the ordinary residence of the owner or tenant thereof, as the case may be, in which accommodation, ancillary services, including self-catering services, and amenities are provided for tourists; and includes any number of such buildings which are grouped together.

An application can be filed online on this link.

Applicable Laws (Rights and Obligations)

Under the 2026 Regulations

Short-let / self-catering premises are now firmly brought within the licensing regime, with stricter conditions on both entry and ongoing operation.

What changes for this application

  • Operating a short-let without prior MTA authorisation is expressly prohibited.
  • Applications must include accurate operator information, proof of valid development permission, certification that the premises meet approved planning standards, valid insurance (extending to common parts where relevant) and a waste management plan.
  • A named natural person must be available on a 24-hour basis to handle complaints, with up-to-date contact details maintained at all times.
  • A notice must be displayed outside the property showing the licence number and 24/7 contact details; where the unit forms part of an apartment block, the building administrator must be notified once the licence is issued.
  • Occupancy is capped at two persons per bedroom and ten persons per unit (unless the property has independent access from a public road); using basement areas as bedrooms is prohibited.
  • Bookings are capped at a maximum of 90 consecutive days, distinguishing short-lets from long-term residential letting.
  • Operating without a valid licence carries a three-year disqualification that also attaches to the property; licences may be suspended or revoked for confirmed breaches relating to noise, waste or public health.

Across all accommodation

  • A single, harmonised licensing framework now covers all categories of tourist accommodation; operating without MTA authorisation is expressly prohibited.
  • A Tourism Policy Compliance Certificate is required, where applicable, as a prerequisite for development and licensing.
  • Licences are issued only to the “proprietor in title” — owners, authorised agents, lessees or other lawful holders of rights over the property.
  • The reform signals a clear shift from volume-driven growth towards a more sustainable, higher-value tourism model.

Source: S.L. 409.24 — Tourism Accommodation Regulations, 2026, in force after a transitional period.

Documents needed with application

Applicant Licensee

  • Scanned copy of ID Card of Applicant;
  • Copy of Full Memorandum & Articles of Association (if Applicant/Operator is a Body Corporate) or Deed of Partnership (if Applicant/Operator is a Partnership)
  • Company Board Resolution appointing an Official Representative of the Company (if Applicant/Operator is a Body Corporate) or Partnership Resolution appointing an Official Representative of the Partnership (if Applicant/Operator is a Partnership)
  • Scanned copy of ID Card of Operator (if applicable);
  • Copy of Full Memorandum & Articles of Association (if Operator is a Company)
  • Company Board Resolution appointing an Official Representative of the Company (if Operator is a Company)
  • Copy of Contract of Purchase (non-Maltese national only)
  • Third-party Liability Insurance for a minimum of €250,000
  • Copy of Approved PA Development Permit including Site Plan and Drawings showing establishment in RED;

OR

  • If the premise was built pre-1967 Architect’s Declaration and Architect’s Layout Plans. (Note: The architect's declaration should specify that the property was constructed prior to 1967, that no planning documents could be located, and that no applications or other permits were submitted to the PAPB or P.A., and that the property was constructed in accordance with sanitary regulations and is suitable for habitation.

Fees

See Subsidiary Legislation 409.05

Method of Payment

Online payment is available via the Licensing Management System (LMS).

Timeframes

  • Submission of application: 0
  • Vetting of application: 5 days: The applicant will need to submit documents based on the specific application following the initial vetting process. The amount of time in this period depends on the applicant and the time taken by the applicant to provide such docs.
  • Inspection/Assessment: In such step, once again, the timeline is dependent on the applicant whether the standards are provided or not at the establishment. In the case that standards are not met then the applicant is asked to rectify, and process is paused.
  • Approval: 10 Days

Incomplete Application Forms

In the case of an incomplete application form, the Authority shall, without delay, inform the applicant of the need to supply any additional information or documentation, or of the need to conduct any interviews or inspection.

Nonetheless, when the Authority has not determined whether to issue a licence to an applicant, within the periods mentioned above, such applicant shall not be deemed, for all intents and purposes of law, to be licensed.

Means of Redress or Appeal

Any person who feels aggrieved by a decision of the Authority, as provided in article 14(1) of Chapter 409 – Travel and Tourism Services Act, may appeal to the Tourism Appeals Board, on payment of the prescribed fee (applicable fees as per Legal Notice 409.05), within fifteen (15) days from the date the decision on which the appeal is entered is communicated to the person concerned.

All information related to the Tourism Appeals Board can be found here.