Commercial Use Classes in Malta: 4A, 4B, 4C and 4D
Malta’s commercial properties fall under four use classes in Category D of the Development Planning (Use Classes) Order (Legal Notice 74 of 2014, S.L. 552.15): Class 4A for offices, Class 4B for retail, Class 4C for food and drink where no cooking is allowed, and Class 4D for food and drink where cooking is allowed. The class on a property’s permit decides what it can legally be used for, so check it before you lease or buy. Some changes between classes only need a notification to the Planning Authority rather than a full permit, as explained below.
Class 4A: Financial, Professional and Other Offices
Use for any of the following:
- financial services;
- professional services (including doctors, lawyers, dentists);
- any other offices of a comparable nature.
This is the class an office needs. More in our Class 4A permit guide.
CLASS 4B – Retail
Use for any of the following:
- retail outlets;
- display for sale of goods excluding motor vehicles.
CLASS 4C – Food and Drink Establishments where no cooking is allowed
Use for establishments catering for the preparation and sale of hot or cold food or drink for consumption on the premises where no cooking is allowed.
CLASS 4D – Food and Drink Establishments where cooking is allowed
Use for establishments catering for the preparation and sale of hot or cold food or drink for consumption on the premises where cooking is allowed.
Changing from one class to another
A change of use within the same class is not considered development. Some changes between classes are allowed without a full development permit, subject to a development notification to the Planning Authority before the change:
- Class 4B (retail) to Class 4A (offices)
- Class 4C to Class 4A or 4B
- Class 4D to Class 4A, 4B or 4C
The notification carries a fee of €250. The change is treated as permitted if the Authority confirms it, or does not object in writing within 30 days of validating the notification, and the confirmation is valid for one calendar year. Some of these changes also need an engineer’s report on noise, smell and vibration.
Any other change, for example from residential use, or from offices (4A) to retail (4B), needs a full planning application. Food take-aways (including pastizzeriji), bakeries and supermarkets fall outside these classes altogether.
What this means when you rent or buy
- For an office, look for a Class 4A permit. A shop with a Class 4B permit can usually be switched to offices by notification, which is quicker than a full application.
- For a shop, café or restaurant, check whether the permit is 4B, 4C or 4D. A 4C permit does not allow cooking.
- For storage or warehousing, the relevant class is 6A (storage and distribution) in Category F. See Category F uses.
We check the planning permit on every property we put forward. See all offices for rent in Malta or the full list of commercial property categories.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Class 4B permit in Malta?
Class 4B covers retail: shops and the display of goods for sale, excluding motor vehicles. A 4B property can usually be changed to offices (4A) through a development notification rather than a full planning application.
What is the difference between Class 4C and Class 4D?
Both cover establishments selling food and drink for consumption on the premises. Cooking is not allowed under 4C and is allowed under 4D.
Can I use a shop as an office in Malta?
Usually yes. A change from Class 4B to Class 4A is a permitted change subject to a development notification to the Planning Authority, with a €250 fee.
Can I change an office into a shop or café?
Not by notification. A change from 4A to 4B, 4C or 4D needs a full planning application.
Which law sets out the use classes?
The Development Planning (Use Classes) Order, Legal Notice 74 of 2014 (Subsidiary Legislation 552.15).
This page is general information, not legal or planning advice. Check the permit for a specific property, and take advice from a warranted architect or lawyer before you sign.
Written by Etienne Licari, commercial real estate advisor licensed by the Property Market Agency (licence PB-00144-23). Source: Development Planning (Use Classes) Order, L.N. 74 of 2014. Checked 15 October 2026.
