Licensing

Chapter 644 of the Laws of Malta – Property Market Agency act stipulates that every individual with the intention to intermediate in any property transaction must obtain the relevant license/authorisation/registration.

A Property Market Intermediary includes an individual licensed as either a Branch Manager, a Property Broker, a Property Consultant or as a Real Estate Agent.

There are 4 types of Property Intermediary Licences:

  1. Property Broker;
  2. Real Estate Agent;
  3. Branch Manager;
  4. Property Consultant

N.B. Only one type of Licence can be held at the same time.

A “Property Broker” or an “Immovable Property Broker” means any natural person who has a licence to act as an intermediary in the process of negotiating and carrying out transactions involving the acquisition, transfer or lease of land in terms of this Act and neither employs nor engages, whether under a contract of service or a contract for services, any branch manager and, or any property consultant and includes an occasional broker and a specific property consultant.

A Real Estate Agent is any natural person who has a licence to act as an intermediary in the process of negotiating and carrying out transactions involving the acquisition, transfer or lease of land and employs and, or engages, whether under a contract of service or a contract for services, one (1) or more branch managers and, or one (1) or more property consultants.

A Branch Manager is any natural person who is a licence holder and who acts as an intermediary in the process of negotiating and carrying out transactions, involving the acquisition or transfer or lease of land in terms of this Act and who is also licenced and employed or engaged to supervise any property consultant.

A property consultant means any natural person who has a licence to act as an intermediary in the process of negotiating and carrying out transactions involving the acquisition, transfer or lease of land in terms of this Act and is employed or engaged, whether under a contract of service or a contract for services, by an estate agent and who acts under the directions of the same or those of a branch manager.

Yes, a license is mandatory for anyone who intends to conduct the activity of a Property Broker or a Real Estate Agent or employed/engaged as a Branch Manager and/or Property Consultant.

The Property Market Agency Act clearly states that any individual who operates as a property intermediary within the industry and does not possess a licence or is not adequately registered with the Property Market Agency, shall be liable to an administrative fine (multa) not exceeding twenty thousand Euro (€20,000).

Section A

Individuals applying for a Property Intermediary license must be at least eighteen (18) years of age and possess:

  • A Valid (not expired) Identification document. Maltese ID card for Maltese citizens and a Maltese Residential permit/card for foreign applicants or a valid biometric passport (where neither the ID card nor the residence permit/card is available).
  • A recent Certificate of Conduct (not older than one (1) month from date of application submission issued by the Department of Justice.)
  • A recent declaration of the financial standing signed by a Public Notary or a warranted Certified Public Accountant (CPA). – (not older than six (6) months from date of application submission). If the declaration is provided by a CPA, the warrant number must be provided on the document. Through the signed declaration the Notary or CPA must confirm that the applicant is NOT interdicted or incapacitated in terms of civil law, is of good financial standing, has never been declared bankrupt and is not currently involved in any bankruptcy or liquidation proceedings.
  • A valid (not expired) Health and Safety Certificate in Construction.
  • A recognised Certificate in Real Estate – MQF Level 4
    • 8 ECTS for Property Consultants
    • 12 ECTS for Property Brokers, Real Estate Agents, and Branch Managers
  • A recent certificate of conformity issued by the Commissioner for Tax and Customs (not older than one (1) month from date of application submission). This can be accessed electronically from here.
  • A current Curriculum Vitae (C.V) (Dated not older than one (1) month from date of application submission).
  • A digital copy of your Employment History (not older than one (1) month from date of application submission) issued by JobsPlus.

To apply for a Property Intermediary license as a Real Estate Agent, Property Broker, or a Branch Manager, one must possess a real estate certificate with a minimum of 12 ECTS at Level 4, recognised by either the Malta Qualifications Recognition Information Centre (MQRIC) or the Malta Further and Higher Education Authority (MFHEA). The structure of the courses can be found here.

To apply for a Property Intermediary license as a Property Consultant, one must possess a real estate certificate with a minimum of 8 ECTS at Level 4, recognised by either the Malta Qualifications Recognition Information Centre (MQRIC) or the Malta Further and Higher Education Authority (MFHEA). The structure of the courses can be found here.

There are no minimum ECTSs or a minimum level of Malta Qualification Framework (MQF) for the Health and Safety Certificate.  However, one must obtain such certificate from an educational institution that is accredited/recognised by the MFHEA, covering basic health and safety procedures in construction.

N.B. This certificate is a mandatory requirement and can be obtained separately if it is not part of the Real Estate course.

If you are asked to submit additional or amended documentation, you are to follow the instructions provided by the PMA Officer processing your application. 

Whether you are currently gaining work experience through an Apprenticeship, or you are a licence holder, you need to inform the Property Market Agency immediately of any changes in your place of activity. You may do so by sending an email at [email protected]

A licence is valid for not more than five (5) years from the date of issue. It is possible to renew a license following its expiration. Terms and conditions apply. 

Anyone intending to carry out the activity of a Real Estate Agent or Property Broker under a tradename must also submit an EA2 form (Application to register a Trade name with the Property Market Agency)

No licence holder shall carry out the activity of a Property Consultant, a Branch Manager, a Real Estate Agent or a Property Broker under any name unless approved by the Agency.

You may wish to apply from here.

Additionally, anyone with the intention of operating through a Private (LTD) or Public (PLC) Company holding a company registration number (C-number) or a Legally Recognised Partnership holding either a partnership registration number (P-number) or a Civil Partnership, must also submit an EA3 Form (Application to Register Partnership with the Property Market Agency).

By submitting an EA3 application, Real Estate Agents or Property Brokers who intend to carry out their activity through a Partnership, will be registering said Partnership with the Agency.

You may wish to apply from here.

A partnership includes a commercial partnership formed and registered under the Companies Act or a civil partnership as provided for in Title X of Part II of Book Second of the Civil Code.