How long does a change of use to Class 4A take in Malta?

It varies. Simple applications in appropriate zones can be decided within a few weeks. More complex cases, or those requiring a full Planning Authority hearing, can take several months. A warranted architect will be able to advise based on the specific property and its location.

What is the difference between Class 4A and Class 4B in Malta?

Class 4A covers financial, professional and other offices. Class 4B covers retail use — shops and premises used for the display and sale of goods. The two classes are not interchangeable. If a property holds a Class 4B permit and you wish to use it as an office, a change of use application to Class 4A must be submitted to the Planning Authority before occupation.

How do I verify before renting office space in Malta?

Ask the landlord or agent to provide a copy of the PA development permit for the property. You can also independently verify any property's planning status using the Malta Planning Authority's online permit search at pa.org.mt. Check that the use class is listed as 4A, the permit is not time-limited, and the approved floor area matches the space you intend to occupy. OfficeSpace.Rent pre-verifies the planning status of all listed properties as part of their service.

Class 4A Office Permits in Malta: What You Need to Know Before Renting

Q: Do iGaming companies in Malta need a this for their office?

Yes. The Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) requires licensed operators to maintain a physical office presence in Malta. For licensing and compliance purposes, that office must hold a valid Class 4A permit from the Planning Authority.

Before signing a lease on any office space in Malta, one of the most important checks you can make is verifying that the property holds the correct Planning Authority (PA) permit for office use. In Malta, that permit is Class 4A — Financial, Professional and Other Offices.

This guide explains what Class 4A means, how to verify it, what to do if a property doesn't have it, and how it differs from other commercial use classes — so you can rent with confidence.

What is a Class 4A Permit in Malta?

Class 4A is a commercial use classification issued by the Malta Planning Authority (PA). It designates a premises as approved for use as a professional or financial office. Under the PA's Use Classes Order, Class 4A covers:

Financial services — banks, insurance companies, financial advisors, fund administrators
Professional services — lawyers, accountants, architects, doctors, dentists
Other offices of a comparable nature — iGaming companies, tech firms, corporate headquarters, and most standard business offices

If you intend to use a property as an office in Malta, it must hold a valid Class 4A permit. Operating from a premises without the correct use class is a planning infringement and can expose both tenant and landlord to enforcement action from the PA.

How to Verify Before You Sign

Always ask the landlord or agent to provide a copy of the PA development permit for the property before committing to a lease. You can also independently verify any property's planning status by searching the Malta Planning Authority's online permit search.

When reviewing the permit, check for the following:

The use class is explicitly listed as 4A or "Financial, Professional and Other Offices"
The permit is not time-limited or subject to conditions that restrict your specific type of business
The floor area approved matches the space you intend to occupy
Any change of use applications that may be in progress or pending

At OfficeSpace.Rent, our agents pre-verify the planning status of listed properties as part of our service. If you have any concerns about a specific property's permit, speak to one of our agents before proceeding.

What if the Property Doesn't Have a Permit?

Some properties in Malta — particularly older commercial buildings or converted spaces — may hold a different use class, or may have no permit at all. In these cases, a change of use application must be submitted to the Planning Authority before the premises can legally be used as an office.

Key points to know about the change of use process:

Applications are submitted by a warranted architect on behalf of the applicant or property owner
Processing times vary but typically range from a few weeks to several months depending on complexity and whether the application goes to a full hearing
Costs depend on the floor area, the nature of the change, and any PA application fees — your architect can provide an accurate estimate
Some areas have zoning restrictions that may prevent certain types of commercial use, regardless of the building's physical suitability
A site plan is usually required as part of the application

We strongly advise against signing a lease on a property that does not yet hold a Class 4A permit, unless the lease is conditional on successful approval of the change of use. This is a point our agents negotiate on behalf of tenants as a matter of course.

Class 4A vs Class 4B — What's the Difference?

Class 4B covers retail use — shops and premises used for the display and sale of goods. It is a separate and distinct use class from Class 4A and cannot be used for office purposes.

This is one of the most common permit-related queries we receive. If you have found a property with a Class 4B permit and wish to use it as an office, you will need to apply for a change of use to Class 4A. The two classes are not interchangeable.

OfficeSpace.Rent specialises exclusively in Class 4A office space. All properties listed on our platform are vetted for suitability as professional office premises. We do not list retail or Class 4B properties.

Class 4A and iGaming Companies in Malta

Malta is one of Europe's leading iGaming jurisdictions, and the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) requires licensed operators to maintain a physical office presence in Malta. For licensing and compliance purposes, that office must hold a valid Class 4A permit.

OfficeSpace.Rent has extensive experience helping iGaming companies, financial services firms, and other regulated businesses find compliant, PA-approved office space in Malta. Contact our team for a shortlist of suitable properties.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a landlord rent out a property as an office if it doesn't have a Class 4A permit?
Legally, no. Both the landlord and tenant could be subject to enforcement action by the Planning Authority if the premises is used in a way that is inconsistent with its approved use class.

Does every office in Malta need a Class 4A permit?
Yes. Any premises used as a professional or financial office in Malta must hold a valid Class 4A development permit from the Planning Authority.

How long does a change of use to Class 4A take?
It varies. Simple applications in appropriate zones can be decided within weeks. More complex cases, or those requiring a full PA hearing, can take several months. Your architect will be able to advise based on the specific property and location.

I'm relocating my business to Malta — do I need to worry about this?
Yes, but we handle it for you. When you search for office space through OfficeSpace.Rent, our agents confirm the planning status of every property before recommending it. Start your search here.

For technical queries specific to a property's permit history or a change of use application, consult a warranted architect in Malta. For help finding Class 4A approved office space, contact OfficeSpace.Rent.