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Malta property owners face a fundamental choice: list on Airbnb and Booking.com for short-term visitors, or rent long-term to a tenant on a 12-month lease. The right answer depends on your location, property type, risk tolerance, and management preference. This guide compares both strategies using real 2026 Malta data.

The Numbers: Short-Let vs. Long-Term in Malta

Using a concrete example: a well-presented 1-bedroom apartment in Sliema.

Long-Term Rental Income

• Market rent: approximately €950–€1,100 per month
• Annual gross income: €11,400–€13,200
• Vacancy risk: 1–2 months between tenants
• Realistic annual net after vacancy and minor maintenance: €9,500–€11,000

Short-Let (Airbnb) Income

• Average daily rate: €130–€160
• Occupancy: 75–80% annually (274–292 nights)
• Gross annual revenue: €35,620–€46,720
• Platform commissions (~15%): −€5,343–€7,008
• Management fee (30%): −€9,083–€11,916
• 15% Malta withholding tax: −€3,179–€4,169
• Estimated net income: €18,015–€23,627

Short-let advantage: 64–115% more net income than long-term renting for the same Sliema property.

Why the Gap Is So Large

Malta’s long-term rental market is capped by what local residents and long-term expats can afford to pay. The short-let market is priced to what tourists — who have budgeted specifically for a holiday — are willing to spend. In prime tourism locations, that willingness is significantly higher than local rental capacity.

Professional management narrows the gap (30% fee is significant) but still leaves short-let substantially ahead in net income terms for most prime Malta locations.

When Long-Term Renting Wins

Short-let is not the right strategy for every property or every owner. Long-term renting makes more sense when:

• Location is off the tourist trail. A property in Żebbug or Qormi will not achieve the occupancy rates needed to justify short-let management costs. Long-term renting delivers more stable returns.
• You cannot obtain an MTA licence. Without a licence, you cannot legally short-let. If your property faces licensing obstacles, long-term is the only legal path.
• You want zero management involvement. A good long-term tenant requires minimal ongoing management. Even with professional short-let management, more active oversight is involved than with a long-term lease.
• You plan to occupy or sell in the near term. A long-term tenant offers more predictable vacancy on departure than an active short-let calendar.

The Risk Profile Comparison

Short-Let Risks

• Seasonality: Even prime Malta areas see lower demand in November–February. Dynamic pricing and multi-platform distribution minimise this.
• Regulatory risk: Legal Notice 92 of 2026 increased compliance requirements. Operating without a licence is increasingly risky.
• Property wear: Higher guest turnover creates more wear than a single long-term tenant, but platform protections and professional inspection protocols mitigate this.
• Income variability: Monthly income varies. Professional dynamic pricing smooths this significantly.

Long-Term Rental Risks

• Difficult tenant removal: Malta’s rental law provides significant tenant protections. Removing a non-paying or problematic tenant is a lengthy legal process.
• Slow property degradation: Long-term tenants may cause damage that is only discovered at departure, sometimes years later.
• Rent review limitations: Fixed lease rates mean income does not adjust for inflation or rising market rents during the lease term.
• Void periods: Tenant transitions create 4–8 week void periods with no income but ongoing costs.

The Hybrid Strategy

Some Malta property owners adopt a mixed approach — short-letting during peak season (April–October) and taking a medium-term tenant (2–6 months) during the quieter winter months. This strategy:

• Captures peak-season premium rates on Airbnb
• Reduces winter vacancy with a winter tenant paying €700–€900 per month
• Avoids the risk of a locked-in long-term lease restricting peak availability

Eleva manages hybrid strategies for owners who want to optimise across seasons.

Our Recommendation

For properties in Valletta, Sliema, St. Julian’s, Gozo, or any area with proven tourist demand and an MTA licence: short-let with professional management delivers substantially higher net income than long-term renting in virtually every scenario we have modelled.

For properties in non-tourist areas or where licensing is not achievable, long-term renting remains the right choice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I switch from long-term to short-let at any time?

You must wait until the existing lease expires or negotiate an early termination with your tenant. Malta rental law does not allow you to force a tenant to leave before the lease end date to switch to short-let.

Does short-let income affect my tax position differently from long-term rental income?

In Malta, both long-term and short-term rental income can be subject to the 15% final withholding tax option for individuals. However, the structures differ in practice. Consult a Malta-based tax adviser for your specific situation.

How do I know if my property is in a short-let viable location?

Contact Eleva for a free revenue estimate. We assess your specific property’s location, size, and condition against current market data and give you a realistic annual income projection before you commit to anything.

Malta’s short-term rental market entered a new regulatory era in May 2026. Legal Notice 92 of 2026 — the most comprehensive overhaul of short-let rules in the country’s history — introduced mandatory platform verification, stricter penalty enforcement, and new operator obligations that affect every property owner renting on Airbnb, Booking.com, or any other platform.

What Is Legal Notice 92 of 2026?

Published by the Maltese Government in May 2026, Legal Notice 92 introduced a package of regulatory changes targeting the short-term rental sector. The core changes are:

• Platform verification mandate: Booking platforms including Airbnb and Booking.com are legally required to verify the MTA licence number for every Malta listing before it can remain active.
• Mandatory data sharing: Platforms must share monthly activity data — nights booked, revenue generated, property details — with Maltese authorities.
• 3-year disqualification: Operating without a valid MTA licence can result in a 3-year ban from obtaining one, in addition to financial penalties.
• Stricter on-property signage enforcement: Physical notice displaying the MTA licence number and a 24/7 emergency contact is now actively enforced.

Who Is Affected?

Every property owner in Malta renting accommodation to tourists is subject to MTA licensing requirements. This includes:

• Apartments, studios, and townhouses listed on Airbnb or Booking.com
• Gozo farmhouses and villas
• Properties rented directly to tourists without a platform
• Properties managed by a third-party company

There are no exemptions based on the number of nights rented per year, property size, or whether the owner occupies the property part-time.

What Changed Under Legal Notice 92?

The MTA Holiday Furnished Premises Licence has been required since the introduction of short-let regulations. What Legal Notice 92 changed is enforcement:

• Previously, platforms were not required to verify licence numbers — an unlicensed property could remain listed.
• From May 2026, platforms must actively verify licence numbers and can delist properties that fail to provide one.
• The penalty for operating without a licence escalated from financial fines to a 3-year disqualification from obtaining a licence.

A 3-year disqualification is effectively a death sentence for a short-let income strategy. Your property cannot legally generate tourist rental income for three years, and any income earned during that period remains at legal risk.

What You Must Do Immediately

If your property is currently listed on Airbnb or Booking.com, you must:

1. Add your MTA licence number to your listing. On Airbnb, this is in Listing Settings under Regulations. On Booking.com, it is in Property Policies.
2. Ensure your licence is current and not expired. Licences require periodic renewal — check your MTA correspondence for renewal dates.
3. Display the licence number at the property on a visible physical notice, along with a 24/7 emergency contact number.

If you do not yet have an MTA licence, you must suspend bookings until the licence is obtained. Continuing to accept bookings without a licence now carries significantly higher risk than before Legal Notice 92.

Eco-Tax: What Is Required

The Malta Eco-Contribution is a separate requirement from the MTA licence. Hosts must collect €0.50 per adult per night from guests and remit it to the Malta Tourism Authority. This applies to all nights booked regardless of the booking platform.

Failure to collect and remit Eco-Tax is a separate compliance violation. Eleva collects and remits Eco-Tax on behalf of all managed properties as part of the standard service.

Tax Obligations for Short-Let Income

Short-let income earned by individual property owners in Malta is subject to a 15% final withholding tax. This flat rate is applied to gross rental income before management fees. It is final — no additional income tax is due on this income if the withholding is applied correctly.

Companies and non-resident owners may be subject to different tax treatment. Consult a Malta-based tax adviser for your specific situation.

Condominium Rules

Legal Notice 92 reinforced the requirement for operators in blocks of flats or condominiums to notify the building administrator. Some condominium rules may restrict or prohibit short-let activity — owners must check their deed of acquisition and building regulations before listing.

How Eleva Ensures Full Compliance

Eleva manages regulatory compliance for all properties in its portfolio. This includes MTA licence application and renewal, licence number display on all platform listings, on-property notice installation, Eco-Tax collection and remittance, VAT and fiscal receipt compliance, and monitoring of regulatory changes as they are published.

No Eleva-managed property has faced a compliance action. All managed properties held valid MTA licences before the Legal Notice 92 enforcement deadline.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if Airbnb removes my listing for not having an MTA licence?

You would need to obtain the MTA licence before relisting. The timeline is 4–6 weeks assuming documents are in order. During this period, you cannot accept bookings on the platform. Eleva can manage the application process urgently for affected owners.

I have a property in Gozo — do the same rules apply?

Yes. Legal Notice 92 applies to all short-let properties across Malta and Gozo. The MTA licence fee for Gozo properties is €104 per unit versus €130 in Malta, but the requirements are identical.

Can I rent my property on a private website without an MTA licence?

No. The MTA licence requirement applies regardless of the booking method. Direct bookings, private websites, and social media lettings are all subject to the same licensing requirements.

What is the Eco-Tax and who pays it?

The Eco-Tax is €0.50 per adult per night, charged to the guest rather than the owner. It must be collected on every stay and remitted to the MTA. Eleva handles this automatically for all managed properties.

On Airbnb and Booking.com, your review score is your ranking algorithm. Properties with 4.8+ ratings consistently appear higher in search results and command 15–20% higher nightly rates than comparable properties with lower scores. A 4.6 versus a 4.9 is not a marginal difference — it can mean tens of thousands of euros in annual revenue.

1. Professional Photography That Sets Accurate Expectations

Professional photography does two things: it attracts more bookings, and — more importantly for reviews — it sets expectations the property can meet. Guests who feel a property matches its photos rarely leave negative reviews about the space itself.

Properties with professional photography receive 40% more bookings than those with amateur photos. Misleading hero shots that make a small apartment look enormous generate disappointed guests. Accurate, beautifully lit photography attracts guests who are a genuine fit for the property.

Minimum standard: Shoot during golden hour or with controlled interior lighting. Show every room including bathrooms and storage. Include at least one contextual location shot.

2. Hotel-Standard Linen and Consumables

Cleanliness and value for money are the two review categories with the highest correlation to overall scores. Linen quality directly affects both.

Egyptian cotton sheets (300+ thread count), white duvet covers, and plush towels immediately elevate the perceived value of any property regardless of its size or price point. Guests compare their Airbnb experience to hotels — your linen should match or exceed a 3-star hotel minimum.

Consumables checklist: Hand soap, body wash, shampoo, conditioner, kitchen washing-up liquid, sponge, toilet paper (minimum 2 rolls per bathroom per night booked), bin bags, dishwasher tablets where applicable. Running out of any of these generates a negative review.

3. A Welcome Pack That Creates an Emotional Connection

The moment a guest walks through the door sets the emotional tone for the entire stay. A curated welcome pack — local wine, Maltese snacks (bigilla, ftira crackers, nougat), a handwritten note — costs approximately €15–20 and generates a disproportionate review response.

Guests who feel personally welcomed are dramatically less likely to mention minor property imperfections in their reviews. The €20 welcome pack is the highest-ROI hospitality investment available to short-let owners in Malta. Eleva includes a branded welcome pack for all properties in its portfolio.

4. Response Time and Communication Quality

Airbnb’s algorithm directly measures response time — hosts who respond within 1 hour receive better search visibility. But the impact on reviews is equally significant: guests who receive slow or unclear responses are more likely to leave critical feedback.

Key communication moments that affect reviews:

• Pre-arrival: confirmation message with check-in instructions within 24 hours of booking
• Day of arrival: check-in reminder with access codes or meeting time
• First night: message confirming arrival and offering assistance
• Day before departure: checkout reminder and instructions
• Post-departure: thank-you message and review request

Eleva manages 24/7 guest communication for all managed properties, maintaining sub-1-hour response times across all platforms.

5. Eliminating Friction at Check-In and Checkout

Check-in is the second highest-risk review moment after the first impression of the property. Key box malfunctions, unclear instructions, or late host arrivals create anxiety and set a negative tone for the stay.

Smart lock systems (Nuki, Yale, or similar) eliminate key-handover dependency entirely and allow guests to arrive at any time without coordination. Combined with a detailed digital property guide — appliance instructions, WiFi details, local recommendations, emergency contacts — they remove the most common sources of check-in friction.

Checkout friction from unclear instructions also generates negative reviews. A simple, friendly checkout card or WhatsApp message resolves this completely.

The Compounding Effect

These five changes work together. A property that scores 4.6 and implements all five — professional photography, premium linen, welcome pack, fast communication, and seamless check-in — typically reaches 4.8–4.9 within 10–15 reviews. At that level, platform algorithms begin preferring the property in search results, generating more bookings and improving review velocity further.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I ask guests to change a negative review?

Airbnb allows review change requests through its Resolution Centre, but only where the review violates content policies. The better strategy is preventing negative reviews through the five practices above, and responding professionally to any that do appear — responses are public and visible to future guests.

How many reviews does it take to establish a strong score?

Properties begin appearing in more competitive search results after 10+ reviews with a score above 4.8. The first 5 reviews are the most critical — a single 3-star review at this stage can significantly drag the average.

Does a high review score allow me to charge more?

Yes. Properties with 4.8+ scores command 15–20% higher rates than equivalent properties scoring below 4.7. The review score directly justifies higher pricing in the algorithm and in guest psychology.

Location is the single most important variable in Malta short-let investment success. The difference between the best and worst-performing areas can be as large as 40% in annual revenue — even for identical property types. This analysis draws on real market data to help you make an informed decision.

How We Evaluate Malta’s Short-Let Areas

We assess each area across four dimensions: average daily rate (ADR), occupancy rate, annual gross revenue potential, and market competition. No single metric tells the full story — a high ADR area with low occupancy can underperform a moderate ADR area with consistent year-round demand.

Valletta — Highest ADR, Cultural Tourism Engine

Occupancy: 85% average | ADR: €132–€195 | Annual gross (1-bed): €35,000–€45,000

Malta’s UNESCO World Heritage capital generates the strongest average daily rates on the island. The combination of cultural tourism, limited short-let supply (633 active listings), and international visitor demand drives consistently high performance.

Best property types: Character apartments, converted palazzo flats, and townhouses. Properties with rooftop terraces or harbour views command a significant premium.

Key consideration: Entry prices in Valletta are the highest in Malta. Typical 1-bedroom apartments sell for €250,000–€400,000+, which affects the yield calculation.

Sliema — Volume, Stability, and Urban Convenience

Occupancy: 78–82% | ADR: €120–€175 | Annual gross (2-bed): €28,000–€42,000

Sliema is Malta’s most liquid short-let market with 1,161 active listings and strong year-round demand from business travellers, returning tourists, and digital nomads. It offers the best balance of consistent occupancy and competitive ADR.

The top quartile of Sliema hosts earns €194+ per night — demonstrating that premium positioning within a competitive market is achievable. Properties with sea views, pools, or premium interior design consistently outperform the area average.

St. Julian’s — Year-Round Occupancy Leader

Occupancy: 80–87% | ADR: €120–€145 | Annual gross (1-bed): €30,000–€38,000

St. Julian’s delivers the most consistent occupancy of any area in Malta — often above 80% year-round. This is driven by its position as Malta’s entertainment hub, proximity to the gaming industry, and strong demand from younger travellers.

Key consideration: Properties slightly removed from Paceville tend to score better on guest noise reviews.

Gozo — High Peaks, Seasonal Risk

Occupancy: 55–75% (highly seasonal) | ADR: €150–€400+ | Annual gross (farmhouse): €20,000–€60,000+

Gozo is a completely different investment thesis. Summer (June–September) delivers exceptional performance — farmhouses and character villas regularly command €300–€500 per night. But November to February sees sharp occupancy drops, requiring a different pricing and marketing strategy.

Best property types: Traditional farmhouses, character villas with pools, rural retreats. Modern apartments perform significantly below the Gozo average.

Emerging Market: Gzira

Gzira, immediately adjacent to Sliema, is attracting growing attention from digital nomads and remote workers. Lower property prices than Sliema — often 20–30% cheaper per square metre — combined with a walkable waterfront make it a compelling buy-to-let opportunity for investors with a 3–5 year horizon.

Areas to Approach with Caution

• Bugibba and Qawra: High supply, budget-market demand, low ADR. Difficult to achieve premium positioning.
• Marsaskala and surrounding areas: Limited tourist infrastructure. Works for longer-stay domestic demand but not typical holiday rental profiles.
• Remote rural areas: Without exceptional architecture or amenities, rural Malta properties struggle on short-let platforms.

Key Investment Metrics at a Glance

• Highest ADR: Valletta (€195+ for premium units)
• Highest occupancy: St. Julian’s (80–87%)
• Best year-round stability: Sliema
• Highest seasonal peak potential: Gozo (farmhouses in summer)
• Best entry price vs. yield ratio: Gzira and St. Julian’s

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to be based in Malta to invest in short-let property?

No. Eleva manages properties entirely on behalf of overseas owners. From MTA licence application to monthly payout reports, the entire operation runs without owner involvement. Many of our clients have never visited Malta.

What are the upfront costs beyond the property purchase?

Beyond the purchase price and stamp duty (5% in Malta), you need to budget for furnishing, MTA licence (€130 per unit in Malta, €104 in Gozo), professional photography, and any compliance works identified during the MTA inspection.

How quickly can a new property start generating revenue?

With the MTA licence in place, Eleva can have a new property listed and generating bookings within 7–14 days of being furnished and photographed.

Every short-let property in Malta must hold a valid MTA Holiday Furnished Premises Licence before accepting a single booking. This applies regardless of the platform — Airbnb, Booking.com, or direct — and regardless of how many nights per year you rent. There are no exemptions for occasional or seasonal rentals.

What Is an MTA Holiday Furnished Premises Licence?

The MTA Holiday Furnished Premises Licence is issued by the Malta Tourism Authority and certifies that a property meets minimum standards for short-term tourist accommodation. Standards cover fire safety, electrical installation, furnishing quality, emergency signage, and habitability.

The licence is property-specific — not owner-specific or agency-specific. Each individual unit requires its own application, inspection, and fee. If you own three apartments and wish to rent all three, you need three separate licences.

Who Applies for the Licence?

The licence is held by the property owner. If a management company handles the property, the owner remains the licence holder. Eleva prepares and manages the full application as a service — owners simply provide the required documents and sign where needed.

Documents Required

The following documents are required for a standard application:

• Valid ID of the applicant (ID card or passport)
• Proof of ownership (deed of sale or title document) or a signed lease contract
• Written owner consent if the applicant is not the registered property owner
• Third-party liability insurance with a minimum coverage of €250,000
• Building permits and compliance evidence
• Perit (architect) declaration confirming the property’s structural conformity and habitability
• If applying as a company: Memorandum and Articles of Association plus a board resolution

Missing documents pause the vetting clock. Eleva coordinates with a certified Perit and prepares the full application package to avoid delays.

The Application Process Step by Step

1. Online application submitted via the MTA portal with all supporting documents.
2. Initial vetting — 5 working days: The MTA reviews documents. If anything is incomplete, the clock pauses until resolved.
3. Property inspection: An MTA inspector visits the property to assess compliance. The property must be fully furnished and ready for guests.
4. Final approval — 10 working days after a positive inspection.

Realistic total timeline: 4–6 weeks from initial submission to licence in hand, assuming documents are complete and the property passes inspection first time.

How Much Does an MTA Licence Cost?

The current MTA licence fee is approximately:

• €130 per unit for properties in Malta
• €104 per unit for properties in Gozo

These fees are paid directly to the MTA and are separate from any management company charges.

Post-Licence Obligations

Receiving your MTA licence is not the end. Licensed operators have ongoing obligations:

• Display the licence number on all listings — Airbnb, Booking.com, and every other platform. From May 2026, platforms are legally required to verify registration numbers.
• Physical notice at the property showing the MTA licence number and a 24/7 emergency contact.
• Notify the building administrator if the property is in a condominium.
• Maintain a waste collection management plan.
• VAT and fiscal receipt compliance for all rental income.
• Eco-Tax collection — €0.50 per adult per night collected from guests and remitted to authorities.

The 2026 Regulatory Changes

Legal Notice 92 of 2026 introduced the most significant overhaul of Malta’s short-let regulations in recent years:

• Booking platforms must now verify MTA licence numbers for all Malta listings and share monthly activity data with Maltese authorities.
• Unlicensed operators face 3-year disqualification from obtaining an MTA licence, plus financial penalties.
• Stricter enforcement of the physical notice requirement at properties.

How Eleva Manages Licensing for Property Owners

Eleva handles the entire MTA licence process: document preparation, Perit coordination, MTA portal submission, inspection management, and approval tracking. Ongoing compliance — licence number display, Eco-Tax remittance, and renewal management — is included in the standard service. No Eleva-managed property has ever faced a compliance action.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I rent my property while the licence application is pending?

No. You must hold a valid licence before accepting any bookings. Platforms now verify licence numbers, so unlicensed properties are at risk of removal.

Does the MTA licence need to be renewed?

Yes, the licence requires periodic renewal. Eleva manages renewal processes for all properties in its portfolio.

What if my property fails the MTA inspection?

The MTA issues a list of required remediation works. Once completed, a re-inspection is scheduled. Eleva prepares properties thoroughly before the initial inspection to minimise failure risk.

Malta’s Short-Let Market at a Glance

Malta’s short-term rental market generates an estimated €47 million in annual revenue. Properties managed professionally outperform self-managed properties by 30–50% in annual revenue. If you own a property in a prime location — Valletta, Sliema, or St. Julian’s — the numbers are compelling.

But earnings vary significantly by location, property type, and management quality. This guide breaks down real performance data so you can set realistic expectations before you list.

Airbnb Earnings by Location in Malta (2026 Data)

Valletta

Malta’s capital is the highest-earning area per booking. With 633 active listings and strong demand from cultural tourism, Valletta achieves 85% average occupancy and an average daily rate (ADR) of €132–€195. A well-managed 1-bedroom apartment in Valletta generates approximately €35,000–€45,000 per year in gross revenue.

Sliema

Sliema is Malta’s most supply-dense market with over 1,161 active listings, but premium properties still perform strongly. The top 25% of Sliema hosts earn €194+ per night. Annual gross revenue for a professionally managed 2-bedroom property ranges from €28,000 to €42,000. Occupancy sits at 78–82%, driven by leisure and longer-stay guests.

St. Julian’s

St. Julian’s delivers the most consistent year-round occupancy of any area — often above 80% — with an ADR of €120–€145. Annual gross revenue for a 1-bedroom apartment typically falls between €30,000 and €38,000. The area attracts younger travellers, digital nomads, and guests linked to Malta’s gaming and hospitality industry.

Gozo

Gozo performs differently from mainland Malta. Farmhouses and character properties dominate, with stronger summer peaks and quieter winters. Average ADRs for Gozo farmhouses reach €200–€400+ per night in peak season (June–September). Annual gross revenue for a well-positioned Gozo farmhouse ranges from €20,000 to €60,000+, depending on property size and marketing quality.

St. Paul’s Bay and Melliħa

These northern areas attract a primarily family market with strong peaks in July and August. A well-managed 2-bedroom apartment in St. Paul’s Bay averages €70–€110 per night with occupancy around 65–75% annually. Melliħa luxury villas command €300–€600+ per night during peak weeks.

How Property Type Affects Earnings

• Studios and 1-bed apartments: Highest occupancy, lower ADR. Best for year-round income strategy.
• 2–3 bed apartments: Best balance of ADR and occupancy. Strong demand from couples, small families, and group travellers.
• Townhouses and character properties: Command a premium ADR but require more maintenance investment.
• Villas with pools: Extreme seasonal variation — very high ADR in summer, low demand in winter. Require active pricing management.

The Professional Management Difference

Professional management delivers 30–50% higher annual revenue than self-management. The gap comes from three sources:

1. AI dynamic pricing: Static pricing leaves money on the table. Dynamic pricing adjusts rates based on local events, competitor availability, and booking lead time.
2. Multi-platform distribution: Listing on Airbnb alone captures roughly 60–65% of available demand. Professional managers distribute across Booking.com, Expedia, VRBO, and direct channels.
3. Review scores: Properties with 4.8+ ratings appear higher in search results and command 15–20% higher rates than equivalent lower-rated properties.

What Does Net Income Actually Look Like?

Gross revenue is not what lands in your bank account. Here is a realistic net income calculation for a 1-bedroom Sliema apartment generating €30,000 gross per year:

• Gross revenue: €30,000
• OTA platform commissions (~15%): −€4,500
• Management fee (30% of net): −€7,650
• 15% Malta withholding tax: −€2,678
• Estimated net income: ~€15,172

Compare this to a long-term let at €950 per month (€11,400 per year gross before tax) — the short-let advantage is clear, even after professional management fees.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an MTA licence to earn on Airbnb in Malta?

Yes. Every short-let property in Malta must hold a valid MTA Holiday Furnished Premises Licence before accepting bookings. Operating without one risks a 3-year disqualification under Malta’s 2026 regulations. Eleva manages the full application process for all managed properties.

How long does it take to start earning?

With the MTA licence in place, Eleva can have your property listed and generating bookings within 7–14 days of onboarding — including professional photography, listing creation, and platform setup.

Is short-let income taxable in Malta?

Yes. Individual property owners pay a 15% final withholding tax on short-let rental income. There is also a €0.50 per adult per night Eco-Tax, which Eleva collects from guests and remits on your behalf.