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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

  • Copy of both sides of Identity Card (for Applicant, Designated Person, and Operator if applicable);
  • Valid Police Conduct (for both Applicant and Operator if applicable);
  • Copy of Full Memorandum and 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);
  • Copy of the latest approved development permission issued by the Planning Authority related to the premises, including a copy of the approved drawings (site plan/plans/sections/elevations). The unit subject of this application needs to be clearly outlined on all the relevant drawings (in RED): Provided that if the premises subject of this application was constructed prior to 1968, the Applicant must submit a Pre-1968 Compliance Certificate issued by the Planning Authority confirming that the said premises and its use are compliant;
  • Certification by an Architect that the premises conform with the approved Planning Authority development permission or Pre-1968 Compliance Certificate from the Planning Authority, and additionally, confirming that the premises are fit for habitation;
  • Adequate Third-Party Liability insurance, covering both property and common parts, if applicable;
  • Waste Collection Management Plan.

Fees

See Subsidiary Legislation 409.05

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.

a) Complete Applications: Once the application is complete and accepted, an acknowledgment will be issued, and an inspection will be conducted in line with the requirements of Subsidiary Legislation 409.24. A license will be issued should all requisites be met.

Upon issuance of the license, the licensee shall notify the residential block administrator in writing if the property forms part of a condominium. The licensee shall submit a copy of such notification to the Malta Tourism Authority.

b) Pending Applications: At any time, whether before or after validation, if the Applicant fails to respond to a request for missing documentation, clarifications, or information within ninety (90) days from the date of the last communication issued by the Authority, the application shall be deemed tacitly withdrawn by the Applicant without entitlement to a refund. During such period of non-compliance, the sixty (60) day timeframe stipulated in sub-regulation (4) shall be suspended and shall resume only upon submission of the requested documentation, clarifications, and information to the Authority.

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.