2024 Guide – VAT in Malta

Appoint a fiscal representative in Maltaand make sure to be 100% VAT compliant

VAT in Malta

Whether you’re a European or non-European company, establishing certain activities in Malta may mean you need to register for VAT. You can use a fiscal representative or tax advisor to draw up your VAT, Intrastat and ESL returns with total peace of mind in Malta.

If you deal with companies in Malta, you may be able to claim a maltese VAT refund.

In this VAT guide, we have brought together the specific features of the maltese regulations, which interact with the harmonized framework within the European Union.presented in our guide to intra-Community VAT obligations.

With EASYTAX, be 100% VAT compliant, always.

Basic information

EU membership 2004
ISO code MT
VAT introduced in Malta 1999
VAT name in Malta It-taxxa fuq il-valur mizjud
VAT ID format in Malta MT99999999
Territories with special status in Malta n/a

VAT rates in Malta

Standard VAT rate 18 %
Reduced VAT rate (1) 7 %
Reduced VAT rate (2) 5 %
Super reduced VAT rate n/a
VAT parking rate n/a
Zero VAT rate yes

Thresholds triggering VAT reporting obligations in Malta

Intrastat threshold at introduction 700 EUR
Intrastat threshold on dispatch 700 EUR
Distance selling threshold As of 1st July 2021, the threshold is EUR 10,000 for all intra-Community distance sales.

Reporting frequency in Malta

Intrastat return monthly depending on threshold
EC Sales List (ESL) return
VAT returns quarterly
Reporting currency EUR

VAT-related penalties in Malta

Failure to file a VAT return A fine between 1 and 250 euros per declaration. A fine between 10% and 20% of the undeclared VAT due.
Late payment of VAT Interest on arrears of 0.33% of the amount of VAT due per month of delay.
Failure to report ESL/DEB A fine of 10 euros per month of delay, with a maximum of 120 euros.

Useful links on VAT in Malta

Tax Administration in Malta Tax authorities
Ministry of Finance in Malta Ministry of Finance
Check a VAT number in Malta Check a VAT number
EU VAT Guide EU VAT Guide
Need VAT assistance in Malta? Contact us now.

Appointing a tax representative or agent is sometimes an obligation, always a convenience.

A foreign company carrying out transactions in Malta subject to maltese VAT, may be required to appoint a tax representative. Established in Malta, the fiscal representative will fulfill the company’s VAT obligations to the maltese tax authorities on its behalf: filing VAT returns, paying VAT, claiming VAT refunds and carrying out tax audits.

Even when the appointment of a tax representative is not mandatory, a company may entrust the management of its VAT obligations to a tax agent. The difference between an agent and a tax representative essentially concerns the operator’s degree of responsibility. At EASYTAX, we will in any case use the term “tax representation”.

Why entrust your VAT obligations in Malta to a tax representative?

To secure your operations, lighten your company’s administrative burden, and control tax risks in Malta.
Intra-Community and maltese VAT regulations are complex and subject to frequent changes. Declaratory obligations are recurrent and vary in frequency. Penalties for default or delay, as well as errors in flow assessment, can quickly prove financially onerous.

Don’t take risks, don’t pull your hair out: leave the management of your VAT obligations to specialists.

For VAT compliance in Malta, choose EASYTAX

Discover a simple, reliable and efficient tax representation service. EASYTAX handles all your VAT obligations, Intrastat, ESL, and your VAT recovery claims in Malta, in all European Union countries and certain non-EU countries. You have access to a dedicated consultant, who monitors your file and answers any questions you may have.

Need a tax representative in Malta? Contact us now.

Malta has been a member of the European Union since 1st May 2004 and is its smallest country. Malta is also a member of the 2008 Eurozone.

The Maltese economy is dependent on foreign trade (particularly as a transshipment point for sea freight), tourism and the electronics and textile industries.
Because of the difficulty of competing with the economy of neighbouring Sicily, the island has developed an attractive tax system for foreign companies, which has supported the development of its banking services. In 2006, Malta reached an agreement with the European Commission, which in effect allows Malta to maintain a highly competitive corporate tax regime.

Malta introduced VAT in 1969. The legislation is based on the Community Directives, as well as the Value Added Tax Act (Chapter 406).
All non-established traders must be registered for VAT if they carry out VAT transactions in Malta for which they are entitled to deduct input VAT and for which they are liable for VAT. We recommend appointing a Maltese tax representative to assist with all your returns.

The VAT rates currently in force in Malta are as follows:

  • Standard VAT rate: 18 %
  • Reduced VAT rate (1): 7 %
  • Reduced VAT rate (2): 5 %
  • Super reduced VAT rate: n/a
  • VAT parking rate: n/a
  • Zero VAT rate yes

Need a tax representative in Malta? Contact us now.

Do you need a VAT fiscal representative in Malta? Certain operations may require VAT registration and the filing of VAT returns in Malta:

To check whether your activities give rise to VAT obligations in Malta, use our VAT simulator .

Need a VAT tax representative in Malta? Contact us now.

When do e-sellers need to register for a VAT number in Malta?

In Malta , as in other European Union countries, e-sellers must register for VAT:

  • when the overall threshold for intra-Community distance selling of 10,000 euros is exceeded, and they have not opted to pay VAT in Malta via the One Stop Shop.
  • or when they hold a stock of goods in Malta and must report the stock supply transactions.

What are the VAT obligations for e-traders in Malta ?

In addition to VAT registration, e-traders must:

  • Apply the defined VAT rates in Malta: standard rate (18 %), reduced rates 1 and 2 (7 % and 5 %).
  • Declare stock transfers between marketplaces‘ storage platforms, as well as the supply translactions for these stocks.
  • File periodic returns (VAT returns, intrastat, ESL), to ensure their VAT compliance in Malta.

Find out more:

Need a VAT tax representative in Malta? Contact us now.

Why identify yourself to VAT in Malta?

You may need a VAT number in Malta to fulfil your tax obligations in this country. Indeed, certain activities such as sales, purchases and subcontracting operations may require VAT identification.

maltese VAT is named It-taxxa fuq il-valur mizjudand the VAT numbers in Malta have the following structure: MT99999999.

How do I get a VAT number in Malta?

The administrations in charge of VAT in Malta are the following: Tax authorities, Ministry of Finance.

VAT identification is a relatively simpler formality than setting up a company, but beyond obtaining a VAT number in Malta, you’ll need to complete and submit periodic declarations to ensure your VAT compliance. Which is why we recommend foreign companies use a fiscal representative or tax advisor.

To check if your activities require VAT identification in Malta, use our VAT simulator or contact us.

Companies with a VAT number in Maltamust complete and file dVAT decl arations in Malta detailing all taxable income (sales) and expenses (costs), at regular intervals:quarterly .

Failure to comply with the deadlines imposed by the maltese authorities for the deposit and payment of VAT will result in the payment of penalties . For this reason, it is recommended that foreign companies use the services of an agent or a tax representative.

These penalties are defined as follows in Malta:

  • Penalties for failure to file a VAT return in Malta: A fine between 1 and 250 euros per declaration. A fine between 10% and 20% of the undeclared VAT due.
  • Penalties for late payment of VAT in Malta: Interest on arrears of 0.33% of the amount of VAT due per month of delay.

Need VAT assistance in Malta? Contact us now.

In addition to VAT returns, companies may be required to provide the maltese authorities with Intrastat & EC Sales List returns:

  • Intrastat returns enable the maltese authorities to compile foreign trade statistics.
    Companies must file these Intrastat returns as soon their turnover reaches the threshold.
    Intrastat threshold at introduction in Malta (700 EUR excl.VAT per annum)
    – Intrastat threshold on dispatch in Malta (700 EUR excl.VAT per annum).
    Failure to comply with the deadlines imposed by the maltese authorities for the filing of these Intrastat returns wil incur a penalty payment for the company.
  • The sales summary returns (EC Sales List or ESL) or purchases (EC Purchases List or EPL) in Malta are for tax purposes.
    Failure to comply with the deadlines imposed by the maltese authorities for the filing of these ESL returns wil incur a penalty payment for the company.

Our tax representation services enable you to fulfill all your VAT obligations in all countries of the European Union and beyond. Contact us today.

In principle, a non-resident company in Malta can recover all or part of the VAT incurred on its expenses.

There are three possible scenarios:

  • The company is established within the European Union or not, is already registered for VAT in Malta, or is obliged to register for VAT in Malta. In this case, it must apply for a VAT refund via the periodic VAT return filed in Malta, according to a periodicity: quarterly .
  • The company is established within the European Union, is not registered for VAT in Malta and is not required to do so. In this case, a VAT refund should be requested via the electronic portal of the tax authorities in the country where the company is established.
  • The company is not established within the European Union and is not required to register for VAT in Malta. In this case, they must use the services of a fiscal representative to carry out what is required by the maltese authorities on their behalf.
    > Learn more about our VAT recovery services.

Rely on our VAT recovery services in Europe. Contact us today.


*This information is subject to change without notice.

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