Governmental Regulatory Departments - Info & Links

Recently I had a lot of people asking me about Maltese rules and regulations for running a handmade business in Malta. So today I want to share with you this practical piece of information - so here is a list of the concerned Governmental Regulatory Departments and their links. I suggest you always make contact with them to know more. 

Self-Employment

If you are making a profit from your handmade business then you need to register as self-employed. You can be full time or part time self-employed. 

To register yourself as Self-Employed - and for more details - go here: https://jobsplus.gov.mt

VAT

You need to write a VAT receipt for every sale you make. You will also need a VAT number in order to participate at markets. Obtaining a VAT number is quite easy, but you may need to wait a month or two. You can apply for VAT exemption if your turnover is less than 20K (as from 2018). You won't need to fill any VAT returns if your turnover is less than 7K - but if it is between 7K and 20K there will be a yearly form to fill in with your VAT returns. 18% VAT applies to those who make a minimum turnover of 20K. For these the VAT return form is sent quarterly.

For more information and to register for VAT go here: https://vat.gov.mt

To order your Fiscal Receipt Books go here: https://vat.gov.mt – Order Fiscal Receipts Books

Social Security Contributions

If you are self-employed you will need to pay Social Security Contributions, which are usually due every 4 months.

For more information go here: https://socialsecuity.gov.mt

Income Tax

The Income Tax Return is sent yearly, usually around April. 

For more information go here: https://financemalta.org

Street or Market Hawkers Licenses

Unfortunately, no permits for Handmade Artists are being given out anymore. The Commerce Department is refusing new applications as they claim there are too many. It is therefore illegal to sell your craft on the streets unless you have the street hawker license. In Gozo it may be possible to obtain the license though.

(To avoid confusion) The term market hawkers refers to those re-sellers (not artists) who take part in weekly town markets. 

For more information go here: https://commerce.gov.mt