Navigating VAT in Malta

This guide provides an overview of VAT in Malta, including applicable rates, registration requirements, compliance obligations, and filing deadlines. It is designed for businesses engaging in transactions within Malta.

Last Updated: January 2026
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Malta’s VAT revenue is disproportionately high given its size, as it’s a hub for tourism and financial services.

Malta at a glance.

Standard rate

18% VAT

Digital services VAT

Yes, at 18%

Mandate e-invoicing

Yes

Currency

Euro (EUR)

Zero-rated items

Certain foodstuffs, prescribed medicines, intra-community supplies, and international passenger transport

VAT format

MT followed by 8 digits

Fiscal representation

Neither EU nor non-EU businesses selling in Malta are required to appoint a fiscal representative

Reclaiming VAT in Malta.

Foreign businesses that incur VAT on eligible expenses in Malta may be able to reclaim it.

Who can reclaim?
Claimable expenses:
Entertainment
Non-reclaimable
Accommodation
7%
Food, drink & restaurant services
18%
Entertainment 1 2
Hiring means of transport
Non-reclaimable
Fuel
Non-reclaimable
Public Transport
0%
Taxis
Non-reclaimable
Entertainment 2 1
Admission to fairs & exhibitions
18%
Training courses & seminars
18%
Goods
18%
Inter-company charges
18%
Office expenses
18%
Marketing costs
18%
Professional fees & AP invoices
18%
Entertainment 4
VAT compliance in Malta.

Doing business in Malta? You’ll need to play by the rules of the Value Added Tax Act (Act XXIII of 1998).

Who needs to register?

Businesses that exceed the registration threshold must register, while those below the threshold may choose to register voluntarily.

VAT registration in Malta
VAT filing deadlines in Malta

Quarterly

15th day of the month following the quarter

Annual

Not applicable

VAT payment deadlines in Malta

Quarterly

15th day of the month following the quarter

Annual

Not applicable

Digital services in scope
Things to note

Malta applies VAT on digital services based on the consumer’s location, generally utilizing the OSS system for EU cross-border services.

e-invoicing in Malta.
Summary of the mandate in this country

B2G mandate in place

Yes

B2B mandate in place

No

B2C mandate in place

No

Obligation status: B2B e-Invoicing

From 1 July 2030

B2B e-Invoicing model

N/A

Name of exchange infrastructure

Peppol

Format(s) used

EN16931 and Peppol BIS Billing 3.0

FAQs

Processing times for a refund of VAT in Malta can vary. Businesses reclaiming a VAT in Malta can expect it to take anywhere from a few months to a year, depending on the claim complexity and submission accuracy.

For refund claims of VAT in Malta under the 8th Directive: claims should be submitted by 30 September of the year following the year in which the VAT in Malta was incurred. Quarterly and annual claims can be made. For refund claims of VAT in Malta under the 13th Directive: claims should be submitted by 30 June of the year following the year in which the VAT in Malta was incurred. Quarterly and annual claims can be made.

Quarterly refund claims of VAT in Malta under the 8th Directive must exceed EUR 400.00.
Quarterly refund claims of VAT in Malta under the 13th Directive must exceed EUR 200.00.
Annual refund claims of VAT in Malta under the 8th Directive must exceed EUR 50.00.
Annual refund claims of VAT in Malta under the 13th Directive must exceed EUR 25.00.
Nearby countries.

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