Commercial Property Classes and Permits

Commercial property in Malta and Gozo forms a very distinctive part of the real estate business. If you are looking to rent or invest in commercial premises, you should be fully aware of the very diverse classes under which specific types of such premises fall. 

Planning Authority Commercial Classes and Permits

According to the Subsidiary Legislation 552.15, Development Planning (Use Classes) Order, which was published on the 28^th of February 2014, there are a total of 8 types of commercial property classes. 

Each of the 8 different commercial classes listed in this legislation is dictated by a distinct permit. They indicate the parameters the propertier must adhere to in order to be able to operate according to law and to maintain a business licence. Thanks to this guide, here is a detailed breakdown of what each commercial property class and permit is about. 

Types of Commercial Classes

The types of commercial classes, available on the commercial market, as issued by the Planning Authority consist of the following: 

Category A – Residential Uses

The first category, Category A, is primarily concerned with development planning for residential dwellings, lodging or personal residence, part of which is also used for a commercial occupation or to render a service.

Category B – Social Uses

Category B is subdivided into three different classes, Class 2A – Residential Institutions, Class 2B – Non-Residential Institutions and Class 2C – Education. Residential institutions refer to residence permits for people in need of care on a temporary or permanent basis like hospitals, nursing homes, clinics and many more. 

On the other hand, Non-residential institutions (Class 2B) refer to permits given to museums, libraries, public halls and many more. Lastly, Class 2C relates to education institutions’ permits like kindergartens, daycare centres, schools, etc. 

Category C – Tourism and Leisure Uses  

The third Category C in the Subsidiary Legislation under Class 3A relates to commercial premises operating in the Malta tourism industry but excluding properties licenced for the sale of alcoholic beverages to people other than residents. These types of commercial properties include guesthouses, palazzinos, boutique hotels, hostels, etc. with residences for multiple people requiring generally temporary lodging. Meanwhile, Class 3B permits only apply to hotels in Malta and Gozo.  

The remaining two classes, Class 3C and Class 3D relate to Assembly and Leisure permits and Marine Leisure respectively. Commercial property in Malta and Gozo under Class 3C relates to cinemas or theatres, health clubs, etc. and commercial real estate under Class 3D consists of premises like mooring, sailing, diving or any other marine-based sport or recreation service. 

Category D – Commercial Uses

Category D in the Subsidiary Legislation is subdivided into four different classes all concerning commercial use types of premises. The first class, Class 4A details permits that fall under financial, professional and other offices like financial services, professional services (including doctors, lawyers, dentists) and any other offices in Malta or Gozo. 

Class 4B comprises commercial properties in Malta or Gozo which relate to retail outlets and displays for the sale of goods excluding motor vehicles. Additionally, Class 4C pertains to commercial real estate like food and drink establishments where cooking is not allowed. On the other hand, catering establishments which fall under Class 4D offering hot or cold food and drink services for consumption on the premises allow cooking. 

Category E – Industrial Uses

Category E relates to three types of industrial real estate in Malta or Gozo comprising Light Industry – Class 5A, General Industry – 5B and Specialised Industry – 5C respectively. Light Industry permits include product/process development, crafts etc., permits under General Industry comprise; industrial processes and Specialised Industry permits contain premises which process meat, minerals and many more. 

Category F – Storage and Distribution 

Category F covers commercial property classes and permits which make use for the storage and distribution of boats, servicing, repairs and buildings. This category is divided into Class 6A – Storage and Distribution of boats and Class 6B – Boatyards. 

Category G and Category H

The final two categories, Category G and Category H involve commercial property classes and permits for agriculture and aquaculture use. Class 7 under Category G comprises the carrying on of agriculture which involves the intensive raising of crops or animals. Furthermore, Class 8 under Category H entails commercial properties with permits for the use of the hatching or fattening of fish.  

How can RE/MAX help you? 

How can RE/MAX help you? RE/MAX Malta may provide you with the necessary guidance and advice to ensure that you are placing your money in the right direction. Real estate agents in Malta or Gozo under RE/MAX Commercial offer a comprehensive service ensuring that all paperwork, permits and documentation needed by the legal department for your investment is correct. 

However, it is advisable that prior to contacting a real estate agent in Malta, you should consult a professional architect. This is so that you ensure that your investment in the commercial property falls within the specifications, as listed above, as required by the pertained authorities. 

Having the largest database of commercial real estate for sale and to let in Malta & Gozo, we are sure that you will find the unique commercial premises you deserve for your business.

Contact one of our offices for more information about renting or buying commercial premises.