Malta, a gem in the Mediterranean, offers a unique opportunity for property owners to tap into the thriving Airbnb market. With its rich history, stunning landscapes, and vibrant culture, listing your property on Airbnb in Malta can be lucrative. This article guides you through the process, ensuring you navigate the legalities and maximize your rental’s potential.
List your property on Airbnb in Malta in 8 steps
To successfully list your property on Airbnb in Malta, follow these steps, including the necessary legal procedures:
- Create an Airbnb account: Sign up on Airbnb in Malta and set up your host profile.
- Property preparation: Ensure your property meets Airbnb’s cleanliness, amenities, and safety standards.
- List your property: Provide detailed information about your property, including location, features, and photos.
- Set pricing and availability: Decide on your rental rates and availability calendar.
- Legal registration: Register your property with the Malta Tourism Authority (MTA). This is a crucial legal step to comply with local regulations.
- Obtain necessary licenses: Apply for the required licenses, including a license for Airbnb in Malta, especially if you’re catering to short-term rentals.
- Understand and comply with local laws: Familiarize yourself with local laws and regulations regarding rental properties.
- Insurance: Consider getting insurance coverage for your property to protect against potential damages or liabilities.
Is starting an Airbnb in Malta legal?
Starting an Airbnb in Malta is legal, but it comes with specific rules and regulations that hosts must follow. The Maltese government requires all property owners to register their rental properties with the Malta Tourism Authority. Obtaining a license for Airbnb in Malta is crucial to ensure compliance with local tourism standards and regulations.
Additionally, property owners must adhere to health and safety norms, which include maintaining structural stability, fire safety, hygiene, and waste management. It’s also essential to meet property amenity standards, such as adequate heating, ventilation, and furniture maintenance. Non-compliance can lead to penalties, so seeking legal advice or industry expertise is advisable to ensure full alignment with local laws.
Airbnb taxes in Malta
In Malta, rental income through Airbnb is subject to taxation. Hosts must declare their earnings and comply with the Maltese tax laws. The specific tax rate can vary, so it’s recommended to consult with a tax advisor for accurate information. Additionally, guests might be liable to pay a tourism tax in rentals rated four stars and above, which could be up to €2 ($2.15) per person, per night. Understanding and adhering to these tax obligations is essential for running a successful Airbnb business in Malta.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can foreigners start Airbnb in Malta?
Yes, foreigners can start an Airbnb in Malta. However, they must comply with local regulations, including registering the property with the Malta Tourism Authority and obtaining the necessary licenses. Foreign hosts need to understand and adhere to Maltese laws governing short-term rentals.
What is the Malta Tourism Authority?
The Malta Tourism Authority (MTA) is a governmental organization responsible for promoting and advancing tourism in Malta. It regulates tourism services, including short-term rental properties like Airbnb. The MTA ensures that these properties meet specific standards for safety, quality, and compliance with local laws.
How to apply for an Airbnb license in Malta?
To apply for an Airbnb license in Malta, property owners must register their property with the Malta Tourism Authority. This involves submitting an application that includes details about the property, ensuring compliance with health and safety standards, and paying any applicable fees. Once approved, the property is licensed for short-term rentals.
Is starting an Airbnb in Malta profitable?
Starting an Airbnb in Malta can be profitable, mainly due to the island’s popularity as a tourist destination. The profitability depends on factors like property location, quality, and management. Peak tourist seasons offer higher earning potential. However, hosts should consider costs such as property maintenance, taxes, and utilities.
Where are the best locations to run an Airbnb in Malta?
The best locations to run an Airbnb in Malta include Valletta, Saint Julian’s, Sliema, and Mdina for their historical and cultural appeal. Coastal areas like Gozo and Buġibba are also popular for their beaches and scenic beauty. These locations attract tourists year-round, enhancing the potential for rental income.
4 Responses
My daughter, her 2 sons and I will visit Malta in May. What confuses me is all the properties I looked at through airBnB gives a total „before tax“. I can’t find out what the tax is. Please help, I don’t want to book and get a shock later.
Thanks for your help and kind regards
Doris from Cape Town
Hi Doris,
Once you click further, Airbnb will show the price with taxes. Airbnb will always show the full price before you pay anything.
Im a EU foreigner. Can i buy property in Valetta and rent it on airbnb?
Good day Tom. As an EU foreigner, you are allowed to buy property in Valletta, Malta, and rent it out on Airbnb. Ensure compliance with local property laws and possibly specific regulations regarding short-term rentals.