Table of Contents VAT Malta: What You Need to Know as an International Entrepreneur VAT Registration in Malta: Step-by-Step Guide Malta VAT Forms: Which Documents You Really Need VAT Filing Malta: Deadlines, Processes and Common Pitfalls Malta VAT for EU Expatriates: Specifics and Advantages VAT Malta Costs: What Tax Advice and Registration Actually Cost Common Mistakes with Malta VAT: What I Learned in Two Years Frequently Asked Questions VAT Malta: What You Need to Know as an International Entrepreneur I still remember my first day at the Malta Business Registry in vivid detail. 9:15 am, armed with a stack of documents and the naïve hope that my VAT registration would be just a quick one. Spoiler alert: it wasn’t. But that’s Malta for you—which is exactly why I’m writing this article. The VAT (Value Added Tax) in Malta—impuesto sobre el valor añadido in German—is both a curse and a blessing for international entrepreneurs. A curse because the bureaucracy can sometimes feel Kafkaesque. A blessing because Malta’s 18% VAT rate is among the lowest in the EU, and registering as an EU entrepreneur brings you significant benefits. Malta VAT Basics: The Key Facts Here are the facts you need to know straight away: Standard VAT Rate: 18% (lower than Germany’s 19%) Reduced Rate: 5% for certain goods and services Registration Threshold: €14,000 annual turnover in Malta EU Threshold: €35,000 for EU-wide services Filing Deadlines: Quarterly or monthly (depending on your turnover) What does this mean for you? If you move to Malta as a German, Austrian, or Swiss entrepreneur and do business here, you can’t get around VAT registration. But—and this is crucial—you’ll benefit from EU-wide simplifications that are denied to entrepreneurs from outside the EU. When Must You Register for Malta VAT? You are required to register when: You are resident in Malta and have annual turnover exceeding €14,000 You provide services EU-wide and exceed the €35,000 threshold You import goods into Malta or export from Malta You wish to register voluntarily (often makes sense to claim input tax credit) A practical example: My acquaintance Sarah, a UX designer from Munich, moved to Sliema in 2023. Her online business was already running well, but in Germany. When she moved her residency to Malta and continued working for EU clients, she had to register with the Malta VAT Department within 30 days. It was stressful but paid off—in the end, she saves around €2,800 a year through smart VAT planning. Malta VAT vs. German VAT: A Direct Comparison Aspect Malta VAT German VAT Standard Rate 18% 19% Filing Frequency Quarterly by default Monthly from €7,500 Small Business Regime Up to €14,000 Up to €22,000 EU Threshold €35,000 €10,000 Processing Time 4-8 weeks 2-4 weeks The big advantage in Malta: Higher EU thresholds mean easier OSS (One Stop Shop) procedures for smaller businesses. And communication is in English—a blessing for anyone who’s filled out German tax forms. VAT Registration in Malta: Step-by-Step Guide After successfully registering VAT for myself and about a dozen friends, I can promise you: It’s doable. Exhausting, yes. But doable. Here’s my tried-and-tested step-by-step guide to save you weeks of frustration. Step 1: Gather Documents (2-3 Weeks Ahead) Before you even approach the VAT Department, you’ll need these documents: Company Registration Certificate: Your company must first be registered in Malta Memorandum & Articles of Association: Company incorporation documents Form A (Annual Return): If your company is older than a year Bank Account Confirmation: Must be Maltese or have an EU-wide IBAN Lease Agreement or Proof of Ownership: For your business address ID Card for all Directors: EU IDs are sufficient Business Plan: One page is enough, but be detailed Pro Tip: The bank account is often the bottleneck. HSBC Malta takes at least 3-4 weeks to open an account, BOV is faster but pickier with international clients. Step 2: Fill in the VAT1 Form The VAT1 Form is your main application. Eight pages, expect to spend 2-3 hours on it. The most important points: Section A: Company details (copy directly from the Company Certificate) Section B: Business activities (be specific, not generic) Section C: Revenue estimates (be realistic, but don’t undervalue) Section D: Filing frequency (quarterly recommended for beginners) Common mistake: Many only state Consulting for business activities—this isn’t enough. Instead, write: Digital Marketing Consulting for EU companies, specialized in social media strategy and campaign management. Step 3: Submit the Application The VAT Department is in Floriana, Evans Building, Merchant Street. Opening hours: 8:00-12:30 and 13:15-17:00. Yes, they really do take a 45-minute lunch break. Insider Tip: Go before 10:00 or after 15:00. Lunchtime and early afternoon are chaotic. And bring a pen—they never seem to have any for some reason. You’ll get a receipt with a reference number. Guard it—it’s essential to track your application status. Step 4: Processing Time and Follow-ups Official processing time is 4-6 weeks. In reality: – Straightforward cases: 4-5 weeks – Complex structures: 6-10 weeks – Problematic applications: 12+ weeks You can check the status online at taxservices.gov.mt or visit in person. Emails are often ignored—welcome to Malta. Step 5: Receive Your VAT Number If everything works out, you’ll receive: – VAT Certificate: Official document with your MT number – VAT Number: Format MT12345678 (MT + 8 digits) – Login Credentials: For the online portal Your VAT number must appear on all invoices, websites, and business documents. Don’t forget—the fines are steep. Speeding Up VAT Registration: What Truly Helps After two years in Malta, I can tell you: These things actually speed up the process: Complete Documentation: One missing stamp costs you another 2-3 weeks English-Language Documents: German/Italian papers must be translated Local Business Address: PO boxes or co-working spaces are scrutinized more closely Hire a Tax Advisor: Costs €800-1,200 but saves nerves and time What does this mean for you? Realistically plan for 6-8 weeks and start early. Nothing’s more frustrating than not issuing invoices because you’re still waiting for your VAT number. Malta VAT Forms: Which Documents You Really Need I admit: The first time, I almost gave up. Not because of the complexity, but because of the sheer amount of paperwork. Malta is a fan of paper trails—but don’t worry, I’ll guide you through the jungle. VAT1: The Core Registration Form The VAT1 Form is your main application and by far the most important document. Eight pages that determine your VAT future. Section by Section Breakdown: Section A (Pages 1-2): Company info, address, contact persons Section B (Pages 3-4): Business activities and product categories Section C (Pages 5-6): Revenue forecasts and EU trading Section D (Pages 7-8): Filing period and signatures Critical Point: In Section B, you must list NACE codes. These are EU-wide industry classifications. Consulting is too vague—you need specific codes such as 62.02.0 Computer consultancy activities. VAT7: Change Notifications You need the VAT7 Form whenever something changes: – Company address – Business activity – Shareholders – Bank account – Filing period Important: Changes must be reported within 30 days. Failure leads to fines between €125 and €1,165. VAT Return Forms: Your Monthly/Quarterly Companions Depending on your chosen filing frequency, youll use: Form Purpose Deadline VAT Return (Quarterly) Quarterly filing up to €700,000 annual turnover 21st of the following month VAT Return (Monthly) Monthly filing from €700,000 annual turnover 21st of the following month VAT Return (Annual) For small businesses under €14,000 31 January Supporting Forms: The Administrative Overhead In addition to the main forms, you often need: POA (Power of Attorney): If a tax advisor represents you Bank Verification Letter: Proof of your business bank account Lease Agreement/Property Title: Proof of your business address VIES Declaration: For EU-wide trade Intrastat Forms: For goods trading over €50,000 per year Filling Forms Correctly: My Checklist After countless correction rounds, Ive developed a checklist to save you trips to the VAT Department: Fill in all fields: Even those that seem optional Consistent data: Company names exactly as in the registry IBAN complete: MT84 MALT 0110 0000 0000 0000 0123 456 British date format: DD/MM/YYYY, not German Original signatures: Copies are often rejected Company stamp: Always use if available Pro Tip: Make copies of everything. The VAT Department is notorious for misplacing documents, and then you’re left in the lurch. Digital vs. Paper Submission Malta is slowly modernizing. Some forms can now be submitted online: Possible Online: – VAT Returns (Monthly/Quarterly) – VAT7 Change Notifications – Minor administrative changes Paper Only: – VAT1 Initial registration – Complex company structure changes – Objections and appeals The online portal is… functional. Not elegant, but it works. Login details are sent by post—yes, really by post, not email. Form Pitfalls: What Can Go Wrong The most common mistakes I’ve seen among acquaintances: Incorrect NACE Codes: Leads to queries and delays Unrealistic turnover forecasts: Too low = audit, too high = higher guarantees Missing signatures: Must be signed by all directors Outdated company address: Registry and VAT info must match Currency errors: All values in Euro, even if your home country uses something else What does this mean for you? Take your time with the forms. A faulty application costs more time than careful completion from day one. VAT Filing Malta: Deadlines, Processes and Common Pitfalls The first VAT filing in Malta is like the first day at a new school—you know what youre supposed to do in theory, but in practice, everything turns out differently. After two years and many learning moments, I’ll show you how VAT returns really work in Malta. VAT Filing Deadlines: No Compromises Malta doesn’t joke around with VAT deadlines. The dates are set in stone: Type of Return Reporting Period Filing Deadline Payment Deadline Quarterly Jan–Mar, Apr–Jun, Jul–Sep, Oct–Dec 21st of the following month Same as filing Monthly Each calendar month 21st of the following month Same as filing Annually Calendar year 31 January 31 January Reality Check: The 21st is strict. If it falls on a Sunday, the deadline does NOT move to Monday—you must file by Friday. I learned the hard way when I was hit with a €465 late penalty. Filling Out the VAT Return: Step-by-Step The VAT Return form is less complex than the German version, but it has its pitfalls: Box 1 – Output (Standard Rate 18%): All sales and services in Malta or to Maltese customers. Note: Net amounts, not gross. Box 2 – Output (Reduced Rate 5%): Only certain goods like books, medicines, electricity. Usually blank for service providers. Box 3 – EU Supplies: Sales to other EU countries. Important: Customer’s VAT ID must be present. Box 4 – Exports Outside EU: Exports to non-EU countries. Usually 0% VAT, but evidence required. Box 5 – Total VAT Charged: Automatically calculated: (Box 1 × 18%) + (Box 2 × 5%) Boxes 6-8 – Input VAT: Your paid VAT on purchases, separated by 18%, 5%, and EU acquisitions. Common Pitfalls in VAT Filing From my experience and that of colleagues—these mistakes happen all the time: Forgetting Reverse Charge: B2B services to other EU countries go in Box 3, not Box 1 Overlooking private withdrawals: Private use of company car/phone is subject to VAT Ignoring EU thresholds: Over €35,000 in EU turnover gets complicated Incorrect currency conversion: Use ECB rate on the date of service, not payment date Incomplete documentation: Malta checks rigorously—without supplier’s VAT number, input VAT is denied Online vs. Paper: Where to File Your VAT Return Malta offers both, with various pros and cons: Online Filing (recommended): – Portal: taxservices.gov.mt – Instant confirmation – Automatic calculations – Electronic payment options – Possible until 23:59 Paper Filing: – Submit in person at the VAT Department – Opening hours: 8:00–12:30 and 13:15–17:00 – Receipt as proof – Sometimes required for complex cases My Tip: Use the online portal. Not the prettiest system, but it works and spares you a trip to Floriana. Paying VAT: Bank Transfer vs. Online Payment Malta accepts various payment methods: Online payment via portal: Direct debit from a Maltese bank account Bank transfer: To VAT Department’s account Cheque: Possible, but outdated Cash: Up to €500 only, in person at VAT Department Important: The payment reference must include your VAT number, or your payment won’t be attributed. Late Filing: Penalties and Interest Malta isn’t lenient with delays: Delay Penalty Additional Interest 1–30 days €125 8% p.a. 31–60 days €250 8% p.a. 61–90 days €465 8% p.a. Over 90 days €750 8% p.a. Additionally, they can freeze your bank account or revoke business licenses. I know a German entrepreneur who had to practically start over after six months of overdue returns. VAT Audits: What to Expect Malta conducts audits more systematically than German tax inspections. Triggers: – Random selection – Unusually large refund claims – Complaints or whistleblowing – Implausible turnover swings – New businesses (higher likelihood) What auditors want to see: – Complete accounts (at least 6 years) – Original invoices for all VAT claims – Bank statements – Contracts and correspondence – For EU trade: proof of delivery and shipping documents What does this mean for you? Keep meticulous records from day one. A messy Excel sheet isn’t enough—invest in proper accounting software or a local tax advisor. Malta VAT for EU Expatriates: Specifics and Advantages As an EU expatriate in Malta, you get a huge advantage over non-EU entrepreneurs—but only if you know the rules. After two years of internal EU business with a Maltese VAT number, I can assure you: It’s a game changer, but not a no-brainer. EU Single Market Advantages: What Malta Offers You With a Maltese VAT number, you’re part of the EU single market. In practice, this means: Reverse Charge: B2B sales to other EU countries without Maltese VAT Input Tax Deduction: EU-wide business purchases eligible for deduction VIES Access: Real-time verification of EU VAT numbers OSS Eligibility: Simplified reporting for B2C sales Intrastat Reliefs: Only applies from €50,000 of traded goods Reverse Charge Mechanism: Your Best Friend The Reverse Charge mechanism is the crown jewel of the EU VAT system. When you sell services from Malta to businesses in other EU countries, you invoice at 0% Maltese VAT. Practical example: You consult for a German business for €10,000. Instead of charging €1,800 Maltese VAT, you invoice €10,000 net with the note Reverse Charge – VAT payable by recipient. The German client pays the German VAT (19%) to their tax office, but can claim it back as input VAT. Win-win for both sides. Checking EU VAT Numbers: Using VIES Properly The VIES system (VAT Information Exchange System) is your shield against fraud. You can check every EU VAT number for free: Go to ec.europa.eu/taxation_customs/vies Enter the country and VAT number Get instant confirmation of validity Save the result as proof Important: A valid VIES confirmation is required for reverse charge. Without it, you must charge Maltese VAT, even for EU B2B deals. OSS Scheme: Simplified B2C Sales in the EU The One-Stop Shop (OSS) scheme was introduced in 2021 and is a blessing for anyone selling to EU consumers. Without OSS (the nightmare): – VAT registration in every EU country with B2C sales – 27 different VAT returns – 27 different payment deadlines – Local accounting in every country With OSS (the solution): – Single registration via Malta – Single quarterly form – One payment to Malta – Malta forwards the funds to other countries The OSS threshold is €10,000 in B2C turnover for all EU countries combined. Exceed this, and you must charge the local VAT of the customer country—but pay it via the Maltese OSS system. Input VAT Deduction: EU-wide Refunds As a Maltese company, you can reclaim VAT paid anywhere in the EU, via two ways: Electronic procedure (recommended): – Apply online via the Maltese VAT portal – Max. processing time: 4 months – Refund directly to your Maltese account Paper procedure (old-fashioned): – 8th Directive Claim form – Processing: 6–12 months – Often follow-up queries Documenting EU Trade Properly For smooth EU dealings, keep meticulous records: Type of Business Required Documents Retention Period B2B services VIES confirmation, contract, invoice 6 years B2C sales (OSS) Proof of delivery, customer data, invoices 6 years Goods deliveries Delivery note, shipping documents, CMR 6 years EU input VAT Original invoices with VAT shown 6 years EU Thresholds: When Things Get Complicated Malta has generous EU thresholds, but be careful—once you exceed them, things get tricky: B2C distance sales: – €35,000 for all EU countries combined – Above this: OSS or local registration required B2B services: – No threshold—reverse charge from the first euro Intrastat reporting: – €50,000 in traded goods per year – Then monthly statistical reporting Brexit Consequences: UK Is Now a Third Country Since Brexit, the UK is a third country for tax purposes. This means: No Reverse Charge: UK sales subject to Maltese VAT or UK import VAT No VIES check: UK VAT numbers are no longer valid in the system Customs formalities: Full customs clearance for goods Separate OSS: The UK has its own system for B2C sales Practically, UK business has become much more complex. I know several entrepreneurs who stopped their UK operations because of this. What does this mean for you? Malta’s EU integration is a huge advantage—but only if implemented correctly. Invest in proper bookkeeping and don’t hesitate to get professional help if your EU structure gets complicated. VAT Malta Costs: What Tax Advice and Registration Actually Cost I admit, I was a bit shocked by my first tax advisory quotes for VAT in Malta. But after two years, I can say—yes, it costs, but it’s worth it. Here are the real numbers from practice. VAT Registration Cost: DIY vs. Using an Advisor Do-It-Yourself Version: Government fees: €0 (Malta charges no registration fee) Translations: €50–150 (if you need to translate German documents) Travel/parking: €20–40 (several agency visits) Time investment: 15–25 hours Total cost: €70–190 With a Tax Advisor: Advisor fee: €800–1,200 Government fees: €0 Translations: Included in the fee Time investment: 2–3 hours (just to sign paperwork) Total cost: €800–1,200 Ongoing VAT Advisory Costs Most tax advisors in Malta work on monthly retainers or quarterly billing: Type of Company Quarterly VAT Monthly VAT Additional Services Small business €150–250 €100–150/month €50–80/hour Medium business €300–500 €200–350/month €80–120/hour Groups €500–1,000 €400–700/month €120–200/hour Normally Included: – VAT return preparation and submission – Basic VAT advice – Communication with the VAT Department – Standard correspondence Extra Charges: – VAT audits (€150–300/hour) – Complex EU structures – OSS registration and management – Litigation with authorities – Ad-hoc advice outside retainer Software Costs: Bookkeeping and VAT Management In Malta, you can use both local and international solutions: International Software: – Xero: €25–50/month, good Malta integration – QuickBooks: €15–35/month, limited local features – Sage: €30–80/month, very Malta-specific – FreshBooks: €15–30/month, suitable for freelancers Local Maltese Software: – WinTax: €40–60/month, perfect Malta integration – Flexibee Malta: €35–55/month, good for EU trade – AccountsIQ: €45–75/month, for larger companies My tip: Xero is the best compromise between features and price. Its Malta integration is solid and you’ll easily find advisors accustomed to it. Hidden Costs: What You Might Not Expect From experience, there are always extra expenses that catch you out: EU VAT refunds: €50–150 per claim (via an advisor) OSS registration: €200–400 one-off Intrastat reports: €100–200/quarter VAT number changes: €150–300 (for company structure changes) Penalty prevention: €200–500 (if you miss a deadline) Ongoing translations: €30–50 per document Picking a Tax Advisor: What Makes a Good One? Malta has about 200 licensed tax advisors—not all are the same. Here’s my checklist: Must-Have Qualifications: – ACCA or MIA membership: Official Maltese license – VAT Agent status: Authorised for VAT representation – EU expertise: Cross-border experience – English/German: Communication without misunderstandings Positive Signs: – Fixed prices for standard services – Clear SLAs (Service Level Agreements) – Proactive deadline communication – References from similar businesses Red Flags: – No transparent pricing – Promises of tax loopholes – Very low prices (under €600 for VAT registration) – Not officially licensed DIY vs. Outsourcing: When Does It Make Sense? After two years in Malta, heres how I’d decide: Do it yourself if: – Simple business structure (1–2 shareholders) – Little EU trade (under €100,000/year) – Ample time availability – Strong English and form skills Hire an advisor if: – Complex group structures – Intense EU trade or OSS needs – Little time for admin tasks – Uncertainty with tax matters Hybrid model (my recommendation): – Register with advisor (€800–1,200) – Handle regular VAT returns yourself (software: €30–50/month) – Ad-hoc advice for complex questions (€80–120/hour) – Annual review with advisor (€300–500) ROI Analysis: When Does Advice Pay Off? A practical example from my contacts: Sarah, UX designer: – Annual turnover: €180,000 – VAT advisor: €2,400/year – Fines saved by timely filing: €1,200 – Optimized EU VAT refunds: €800 – Time saved: 60 hours × €75 = €4,500 – Net gain: €4,100/year What does this mean for you? From around €150,000 annual turnover, professional VAT advice is almost always worth it. Below that, it depends on your own time and risk profile. Common Mistakes with Malta VAT: What I Learned in Two Years I could write a whole book about Malta VAT mistakes—but I’ll spare you. Instead, here are the top ten fails I’ve experienced or witnessed. Some only cost nerves, others cost real money. Mistake #1: Unrealistic Turnover Estimates During Registration The mistake: Many declare turnover much too low to fly under the radar. The consequences: – The VAT Department gets suspicious of sudden spikes – May require security payments of €2,000–5,000 – Early audit risks What I learned: Be realistically optimistic. Plan for some growth, but don’t exaggerate. A 50% margin for upside is normal and accepted. Mistake #2: Not Checking EU VAT Numbers or Checking Incorrectly The mistake: Using reverse charge without a valid VIES confirmation. What happened: An acquaintance sold €45,000 to a supposed German client with an invalid VAT number. On audit, he had to pay €8,100 Maltese VAT plus €2,400 in fines. The solution: Check EVERY EU VAT number via VIES Save screenshots of confirmation If in doubt: charge Maltese VAT, just to be safe Mistake #3: Not Taxing Private Withdrawals The mistake: Privately using company car, phone, internet without adjusting VAT. The reality: Malta considers private use of company assets a taxable supply to yourself. Enter the amount in the VAT return and tax it at 18%. Sample calculation: – Company car private use: €300/month – Private phone: €50/month – Home internet: €40/month – Monthly extra VAT: €70.20 That’s €842 extra VAT per year—not insignificant. Mistake #4: Wrong OSS Application for B2C Sales The mistake: Applying Maltese VAT to all EU B2C sales instead of the country-specific rates. What went wrong: An e-commerce entrepreneur sold digital products for €80,000 to Germany and charged 18% Maltese VAT instead of 19% German VAT via OSS. The back payment: €800 extra VAT plus €1,200 in German penalties. Correct approach: – B2C sales: Apply the customer country’s VAT – Over €10,000 per country: OSS registration required – Quarterly filing via the Maltese portal Mistake #5: Late Submission of Change Notifications (VAT7) The mistake: Changing company address, bank, or shareholders without filing a VAT7. The penalty: €125–750 depending on how late. I know of one case where an address change was reported 4 months late—cost: €465 for a forgotten form. The 30-day rule: ALL changes must be reported within 30 days with VAT7. Use calendar reminders. Mistake #6: Incomplete Bookkeeping The mistake: Excel sheet is enough—spoiler: it isn’t. What Malta expects: – Chronological record of all business transactions – Original proof for all VAT claims – Separate documentation of input and output VAT – Monthly reconciliation with bank accounts Required for audits: – Detailed revenue listing – All incoming invoices with VAT shown – Proof of business activity (contracts, emails) – For EU trade: shipping evidence My tip: Invest in solid bookkeeping software from day one. €50/month is cheaper than €5,000 in audit costs. Mistake #7: Misunderstanding Brexit Transition The mistake: Applying reverse charge to UK deals in 2021. Since January 1, 2021, the UK is a third country for tax. Sales there are subject to Maltese VAT or UK-import rules. Correct post-Brexit treatment: – UK sales: 18% Maltese VAT or – Customer pays UK import VAT (for goods) – No VIES checks anymore – Separate documentation required Mistake #8: Currency Conversion at the Wrong Rate The mistake: Converting foreign currency at the payment date instead of the service date. Malta rule: Use ECB rate at service date, not payment date. Example: – Invoice $10,000 on March 15 (ECB rate: 0.85) – Payment on April 15 (ECB rate: 0.90) – Relevant for VAT: €8,500 (March rate) For volatile currencies, this can make a big difference. Mistake #9: Claiming Input VAT on Invalid Invoices The mistake: Claiming private or incomplete receipts as input tax. Malta’s requirements: – Complete invoice with VAT – Supplier’s VAT number (for EU purchases) – Business relevance proven – Payment evidenced (bank statement) Common rejections: – Restaurant receipts without business purpose – Fuel receipts with no company car proof – Amazon purchases without business link – EU invoices without a VAT number Mistake #10: Late VAT Return When Owed a Refund The mistake: Thinking that refund claims allow later submission. The reality: Even with a refund due, you must file by the 21st of the following month. Late filing means fines—even if you’re owed money. Especially annoying: The refund is also delayed by 4–8 weeks due to lateness. Prevention Checklist: How to Avoid These Mistakes Calendar reminders: 21st of every month = VAT deadline VIES routine: Check and screenshot every EU VAT number Monthly bookkeeping: Don’t leave it until the last minute quarterly Report changes right away: File VAT7 within 30 days Document private use: Correctly tax company car, phone, etc. Convert foreign currency daily: ECB rate at service date Complete receipts: Only use full invoices for input VAT Treat UK separately: Follow Brexit rules since 2021 Monitor OSS thresholds: Keep track of €10,000 per EU country Professional help: When unsure, ask for advice—even if it’s one time too many What does this mean for you? Malta VAT isn’t rocket science, but the details determine success or costly lessons. Invest in proper systems and don’t shy away from professional advice for complex matters. Frequently Asked Questions About Malta VAT Do I need to register for VAT in Malta if I only sell services EU-wide? Yes, if you’re resident in Malta and earn over €35,000 in EU-wide service turnover per year, registration is mandatory. Even with less turnover, voluntary registration can be worthwhile to reclaim input VAT. How long does VAT registration in Malta actually take? Officially 4–6 weeks; in practice, 6–8 weeks with complete documents. More complex cases or missing papers can extend processing to 10–12 weeks. Can I apply for Malta VAT online as a German entrepreneur? No, the initial registration (VAT1) must be filed in person or via a local representative. Ongoing VAT returns can be submitted online later. What does a late VAT return cost in Malta? Penalties are staggered: €125 (1–30 days), €250 (31–60 days), €465 (61–90 days), and €750 (over 90 days), plus 8% annual interest on outstanding amounts. Do I need a Maltese tax advisor for VAT registration? Not mandatory, but recommended. With an advisor, registration costs €800–1,200 but prevents costly mistakes and delays. For complex EU structures, professional help is almost essential. How does the reverse charge mechanism work with other EU countries? For B2B sales to other EU countries, you charge 0% Maltese VAT if the client has a valid EU VAT number. The customer pays VAT in their country. Important: VIES check is required as evidence. When must I register for the OSS scheme? The OSS scheme is relevant for B2C sales if you exceed the €10,000 overall threshold. You then have to charge the local VAT of the customer’s country, but pay it via Malta. Can I reclaim VAT paid across the EU in Malta? Yes, via the electronic refund process. Apply via the Maltese VAT portal; processing takes up to 4 months. Conditions: business use and complete supporting documents. What changes with Malta VAT because of Brexit? Since 2021, the UK is a third country. No reverse charge, no VIES check possible. UK sales are subject to Maltese VAT or UK import procedures. OSS registration is separate for UK B2C business. Which bookkeeping software is recommended for Malta VAT? Xero (€25–50/month) offers the best Malta integration and international compatibility. Local alternatives include WinTax (€40–60/month) or Sage Malta (€30–80/month) for purely Maltese business.
