Commercial Classes & Permits
There are 18 commercial classes in all and each class is dictated by a distinct permit with which parameters the proprietor must adhere, in order to be able to operate according to law and in order to maintain a business license. Here in a nutshell, is a breakdown of what each Class of Commercial is all about.
Types of Commercial Classes
- Category A
- Class 1 – Dwelling for residential accommodation, lodging or personal residence, part of which is also used for a commercial occupation or to render a service.
- Category B
- Class 2A – Residential Institution – Residence for people in need of care on a temporary or permanent basis, such as a hospital or nursing home.
- Class 2B – Non residential institution, such as a museum, library or public hall.
- Class 2C – Educational institution – school, nursery, day centre, etc.
- Category C
- Class 3A – Guesthouse, Palazzino, Boutique Hotel, hostel etc – a residence for multiple people requiring generally temporary lodging.
- Class 3B – Hotel.
- Class 3C – Assembly & Leisure premises such as cinema or theatre, health club etc.
- Class 3D – Marine Leisure premises for mooring, sailing, diving, or any marine-based sport or recreation.
- Category D
- Class 4A – Offices
- Class 4B – Retail premises of all retail goods and their display except motor vehicles.
- Class 4C – Food & Drink Establishment wherein no cooking is allowed.
- Class 4D – Food & Drink Establishment wherein cooking is allowed.
- Category E
- Class 5A – Light Industry including product/process development, crafts etc.
- Class 5B – General Industry as in industrial process.
- Class 5C – Specialised Industry as in the processing of metals, minerals etc.
- Category F
- Class 6A – Storage & Distribution.
- Class 6B – Boatyards
- Category G
- Class 7 – Agriculture – crops or animals
- Category H
- Class 8 – Aquaculture
MEPA, the Malta Environment & Planning Authority has issued specific categories under which these Classes fall, with categories delineating residential use, social use, tourism and leisure use, commercial use, industrial use, storage, etc. Each category subdivides the above classes in very specific purposes and goes into much detail as to the character of individual permits and planning restraints in order to ensure conformity with regards to various aspects such as health & safety, traffic congestion, noise pollution, air pollution, etc.
It is advisable to consult a professional architect in order to ensure the remits within which the specific commercial property you would like to invest in or rent falls and to obtain related information from the pertinent authorities.
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. Our service do not end there in that we are offer a comprehensive and will ensure that all paper work, permits and follow are professionally correct and proper through the RE/MAX Commercial and Legal department.
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 a commercial premises or send us a request through the form on this page for immediate attention.
You may also want to look at our Commercial Real Estate page