Malta – Landlines and Mobile Phones

What are the international dialling codes for Malta, and what are the area codes for the most popular expat destinations?

Malta’s international dialling code is +356. Between 2001 and 2002, the country introduced a revised telephone numbering scheme that expanded all fixed-line and mobile numbers to eight digits. This applies universally — whether you are dialling a home telephone or a mobile, the number you enter will always be eight digits, with no shorter or longer exceptions to keep track of.

Malta operates without area codes. The 2001–2002 numbering reform created a unified eight-digit structure throughout the country. While certain two-digit prefixes (such as 21, 27, or 55) once corresponded loosely to geographic regions, they now form part of the subscriber number itself rather than functioning as standalone area codes. The result is that placing a call anywhere in Malta is simple: just dial the eight-digit number directly.

Fixed-line numbers in Malta use prefixes in the 2x range. The prefix 21, for instance, is associated with GO’s fixed-line network and covers Valletta and central Malta, while 23 is linked to Gozo. None of these prefixes begin with a zero. Mobile numbers in Malta characteristically start with 79 or 99.

When dialling Malta from overseas, enter your country’s international exit code (usually 00 or the + symbol), followed by 356 and the complete eight-digit Maltese number. There is no leading zero to drop, as Malta does not use one. As a practical example, to reach a Valletta landline from Germany you would dial: 00 356 21 123456.

When dialling internationally from a Maltese landline, the exit code is 00. From a mobile phone, the + symbol can be used instead. The single emergency number throughout Malta is 112.

Malta’s telephone numbering system is overseen by the Malta Communications Authority (MCA), the statutory body responsible for regulating the country’s telecommunications sector. The official numbering plan and any updates to it are published at mca.org.mt.

Who are the major landline providers in Malta, and how can you contact them?

Fixed-line telephone services in Malta are provided chiefly by GO and Melita, both of which package their landline products alongside broadband and television. Epic has expanded into the broadband space but remains primarily a mobile operator. Business customers seeking VoIP-based telephony solutions can also find smaller specialist providers on the market.

GO is Malta’s original incumbent telecoms operator and holds the leading position in fixed-line telephony. It delivers nationwide fibre internet, landline services, mobile plans, and television — offering itself as a fully integrated quadruple-play provider. Landline packages can be taken independently or as part of a multi-service bundle. Up-to-date tariffs and plan details are available at go.com.mt. GO maintains retail stores in Valletta, Sliema, Qormi, Birkirkara, and several other locations. Customers can reach its support team by dialling 146 from a GO line, or through the MyGO app and online account portal.

Melita is the other significant full-service provider with a landline offering. It gives customers considerable flexibility in choosing which services to combine — whether that is fast internet, unlimited landline calling, premium HD television channels, or mobile — making for a highly customisable package. Melita has advertised installation within as little as two days for new connections in many areas. Current plans and pricing (as of 2025) can be found at melita.com. Melita’s customer care line is 2727 0000, and its stores serve customers across both Malta and Gozo.

Epic concentrates mainly on mobile and fibre broadband but does include home telephone functionality within its fibre bundle packages. Details of current offerings are available at epic.com.mt, and customer care can be reached on 99000000. Epic has retail locations in several commercial centres, including Sliema, Mosta, and Paola.

For VoIP and business telephony, operators such as Vanilla Telecoms also serve the Maltese market. Tariffs across all providers change regularly, so it is always worth verifying prices directly with each company. The Malta Communications Authority publishes a complete list of licensed operators for those who want to explore the full spectrum of available options.

Who are the major mobile phone providers in Malta, and how can you contact them?

Mobile connectivity across the Maltese islands of Malta and Gozo is delivered by three network operators: GO, Epic, and Melita. The market also includes mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs) such as YOM and Smarty, which use capacity leased from the main networks. All three principal operators offer both prepaid (pay-as-you-go) and postpaid (contract) arrangements.

Epic holds the largest share of the mobile market, with approximately 42% of customers. Originally operating as Vodafone Malta, the company rebranded as Epic following its acquisition by Monaco Telecom. It has been recognised as Malta’s highest-performing mobile network in an official nationwide quality-of-service assessment carried out by the Malta Communications Authority (MCA). More information is available at epic.com.mt, or by calling 99000000. Stores are located in Sliema, Mosta, Paola, and in the arrivals hall at Malta International Airport.

GO Mobile is a long-established provider with broad island-wide coverage. It offers strong mobile network performance, fast fibre optic connectivity in major towns, and competitive multi-service bundles. Visit go.com.mt, call 146 from a GO line, or contact the team on 2124 6400. GO retail stores are distributed throughout Malta, with branches in Valletta, Sliema, Birkirkara, and elsewhere.

Melita Mobile delivers competitive mobile plans that include 5G access. Its offering encompasses VoLTE and StellarVoice — Voice over WiFi — for improved indoor call quality. Visit melita.com or reach Melita’s customer team on 2727 0000. Stores are found in Valletta, Sliema, St Julian’s, Gozo, and other locations.

Mobile coverage across Malta is highly reliable, the result of sustained investment by all three major network operators. 4G LTE networks from GO, Epic, and Melita collectively reach more than 95% of the population. The main urban centres and popular tourist areas benefit from 5G coverage from Epic and GO, while 4G continues to deliver solid speeds for the rest of the country. Reception in more rural parts of Malta and some areas of Gozo may be slightly less consistent depending on the operator, so it is worth checking each provider’s online coverage map before committing to a plan. Promotional offers and pricing change frequently, so always confirm current plan details on each provider’s official website (as of 2026).

How do I get a landline connected in Malta?

Arranging a new landline connection in Malta is a fairly uncomplicated process. All providers ask for the same core documentation, and the whole procedure can typically be completed within a few days. The step-by-step guide below outlines what to expect.

1. Choose your provider. Review plans from GO and Melita, Malta’s two principal fixed-line operators. Since many contracts are available as part of wider bundles that combine landline, internet, mobile, and television, it is worth considering whether a multi-service package might represent better overall value for your household.
2. Gather your documents. You will generally need a valid government-issued photo ID (a passport or national identity card), evidence of your address in Malta (such as a tenancy agreement, utility bill, or property deed), and your Maltese tax identification number if you are registered locally. Tenants are typically asked to provide a copy of their lease in addition to the standard documents.
3. Visit a provider’s store or apply online. Many providers now allow applications to be started online or by telephone, though for first-time account creation you may still be required to attend a branch in person to present original documents and complete identity verification. Check the provider’s website for their preferred current procedure.
4. Complete the contract forms. At the branch or through the online portal, select your chosen plan, sign the service agreement, and supply your payment information. Read the terms and conditions carefully, paying attention to any administrative or installation charges and the duration of the minimum contract period.
5. Schedule installation. In most cases your landline will be active within a few days of completing your application. Melita has advertised same-day or next-day installation for certain areas, while GO’s timescales depend on engineer availability and your location. Ask your provider for an estimated installation date when you apply.
6. Set up payment. Establish a payment method — direct debit, bank transfer, or online payment — via the provider’s app or customer portal. Bills are generated on a monthly basis.

Ending a landline contract before the minimum term has elapsed may result in an early termination charge, so it is important to review the contract thoroughly before signing. For the most current application requirements, contact your chosen provider directly or refer to the Malta Communications Authority, which regulates consumer agreements and can advise on your rights as a customer.

How do I get a mobile phone SIM card or contract in Malta?

Malta’s mobile market accommodates both short-term visitors and long-term residents, with straightforward routes to either prepaid or postpaid access. The process broadly mirrors SIM acquisition in other EU countries, though there are a few Malta-specific points worth knowing in advance.

Prepaid options are freely available throughout the country. SIM cards and eSIMs can be purchased at provider shops or ordered online ahead of your arrival. Travellers landing at Malta International Airport will find at least one of the major operators represented in the arrivals hall. Regardless of where you purchase, you will be required to present a valid photo ID when registering your SIM — this is a legal obligation across the EU, and Malta applies the same rules.

Taking out a postpaid (contract) plan involves a more detailed documentation process. You will need to bring identity documents and proof of address to a provider branch, and it is essential to read the terms and conditions carefully to avoid unexpected charges. Newcomers who have not yet secured a permanent Maltese address often find it convenient to begin with a prepaid SIM, then switch to a contract once their residency paperwork is in order. All three main operators make this transition straightforward.

Topping up a prepaid balance is simple — credit can be added via each provider’s mobile app using a card, or through physical top-up vouchers sold at convenience stores, petrol stations, and supermarkets across the island. Malta’s operators generally apply reasonable validity periods to prepaid credit, though it is advisable to check the specific terms of your chosen plan before purchasing.

For visitors, both local physical SIMs and eSIMs are practical options. eSIMs in particular offer the advantage of immediate activation without the need to wait for a physical card. GO, Epic, and Melita all support eSIM activation, which can often be completed entirely online or in-store using a QR code — particularly convenient for those arriving with a compatible device.

How do I pay my telephone bill in Malta?

Telecoms billing in Malta is flexible, with providers offering a variety of payment methods to suit different preferences. Both landline and postpaid mobile bills are issued on a monthly cycle.

Payment options available to customers include direct debit, bank transfer, cash payments at provider stores or authorised payment outlets, and online payment via each operator’s customer portal or app. Digital payment through the GO, Epic, and Melita apps is the preferred method for most residents, as these platforms allow you to view your bill, track usage, manage your account, and settle payments quickly and conveniently.

Setting up a direct debit from a Maltese bank account is the most reliable option for regular subscribers, as it ensures bills are settled automatically without any risk of oversight. Customers who have not yet opened a local bank account — a common situation for new arrivals — can typically use an international credit or debit card for online payments in the interim. Cheques are rarely used in this sector and some providers may decline them, so it is worth confirming acceptable payment methods with your operator before relying on this approach.

Prepaid mobile customers can add credit directly through the provider’s app using a payment card. Physical top-up vouchers remain readily available at retail outlets throughout Malta for those who prefer a non-digital approach.

Late payment procedures vary between providers, though industry-wide practice in Malta involves issuing a reminder notification before any service suspension takes place. Prolonged non-payment may lead to suspension of services and the application of a reconnection fee when the account is brought back into good standing — an approach broadly consistent with European telecoms norms. Review your specific contract for the precise late payment terms that apply. If a billing dispute arises that cannot be resolved with your provider directly, the Malta Communications Authority operates a formal consumer complaints and mediation process.

Are there any practical tips for using phones in Malta as a newcomer?

Malta’s telecoms infrastructure is modern and dependable, which makes the transition for new arrivals relatively straightforward. The following points are worth keeping in mind before you arrive or as you settle into life on the island.

EU roaming rules apply. Since June 2017, additional roaming charges for European mobile users travelling within the EU have been abolished. As a full EU member state, Malta is covered by these rules in both directions — meaning that if your existing SIM is from another EU country, you can generally use your current plan in Malta without incurring surcharges, subject to your provider’s fair use policy. Melita, for example, includes roaming across the EU, UK, Ukraine, and Moldova within its plans. Always verify your specific plan’s roaming allowance before travelling.

eSIM availability. All three main operators in Malta support eSIM, making it an excellent choice for newcomers who want to activate a local number immediately upon arrival without queuing at a store. Activation is usually handled via a QR code provided either in-store or online. If you are arriving with a dual-SIM-capable device, you can run your existing foreign SIM alongside a new Maltese eSIM simultaneously during the transition.

Number porting. If you already hold a Maltese mobile number and wish to move to a different provider, number porting is fully supported and regulated by the MCA. The transfer is typically completed within one to three working days once your new provider submits the request. Malta’s porting system is well-established, and operators are legally obliged to facilitate it. Importantly, you must not cancel your existing contract before the port has been finalised, as doing so will result in the permanent loss of your number.

Keeping a foreign number. It is not possible to port a number from another country into Malta’s domestic numbering system — porting operates strictly within the national numbering plan. The most practical approach is to keep your overseas SIM active on a low-cost plan in parallel with your new Maltese number, using either a dual-SIM handset or an eSIM. Unlocked dual-SIM smartphones are widely available from mobile retailers in Malta.

Network quality in popular expat areas. Epic has been officially recognised as Malta’s best-performing mobile network in a comprehensive nationwide quality-of-service review conducted by the MCA, covering more than 1,500km of testing routes across both Malta and Gozo. That said, all three operators provide a good standard of service, and GO, Epic, and Melita outlets can be found in Valletta, Sliema, St Julian’s, Birkirkara, and many other towns — so sourcing a replacement device or switching plans is rarely a difficult task.

Scam call protections. From 1 November 2024, Maltese telecoms providers — including smaller operators — have been implementing call-blocking measures designed to shield subscribers from fraudulent calls using Maltese numbers. This is a welcome safeguard for newcomers who may be less familiar with local scam patterns and harder to detect fraudulent activity.

WhatsApp and internet calls. WhatsApp is deeply embedded in everyday life in Malta and serves as the default communication channel for a wide range of personal and professional interactions — including landlords, service providers, and local businesses. Registering a WhatsApp account linked to your new Maltese number as soon as possible will help you connect with the people and services around you far more quickly and easily.

Frequently asked questions about telephone services in Malta

Can I keep my foreign number when I move to Malta?

Porting a number from another country into Malta’s telephone system is not possible — the number porting process functions only within Malta’s own national numbering plan. The most workable solution is to keep your foreign SIM running on a low-cost plan alongside a new Maltese number, either by using a dual-SIM phone or by activating one of the numbers as an eSIM. This allows you to remain contactable on both numbers throughout your transition period.

Do I need a local address to get a SIM card in Malta?

For a prepaid SIM, a valid photo ID such as a passport is generally all that is required, in line with EU SIM registration obligations. A postpaid contract, however, will require proof of a Maltese address — typically a tenancy agreement or utility bill. It is very common for new arrivals who have not yet obtained permanent accommodation to start out with a prepaid SIM and upgrade to a contract once their residency documents are in place.

Which mobile network has the best coverage in Malta?

Epic has been officially designated Malta’s top-performing mobile network following a nationwide quality-of-service assessment conducted by the Malta Communications Authority (MCA). Nevertheless, all three principal operators — GO, Epic, and Melita — provide strong 4G coverage across the vast majority of the island, and the practical differences between them in day-to-day use tend to be marginal. It is advisable to consult each provider’s online coverage map before making a decision, especially if you are based in rural parts of Gozo or the less densely populated western areas of Malta.

Are there eSIMs available in Malta?

Yes. GO, Epic, and Melita all offer eSIM services, which can be activated either in-store or fully online via a QR code. For tourists and new arrivals alike, eSIMs offer a convenient and flexible alternative to waiting for a physical SIM card to be issued. Before visiting a store, confirm that your handset supports eSIM functionality.

How long does it take to get a landline installed in Malta?

Once you have completed the sign-up process, your landline is typically operational within a few days. Melita advertises same-day installation for certain areas, while lead times with GO depend on engineer availability and your specific location. Ask your provider for an estimated installation window at the point of application, as timescales can differ.

What is the national telecoms regulator in Malta, and what can it help me with?

Telecommunications in Malta fall under the jurisdiction of the Malta Communications Authority (MCA), the statutory regulator for the sector. The MCA handles consumer complaints, publishes and maintains the national numbering plan, monitors quality-of-service standards, and enforces consumer protection rules. If a dispute with your provider cannot be resolved through the operator’s own complaints process, you can contact the MCA for assistance at mca.org.mt.

Can I bundle my landline with broadband and TV in Malta?

Yes — bundled service packages are popular and widely available in Malta. Both GO and Melita offer triple-play and quadruple-play combinations that can include landline telephone, broadband internet, mobile, and cable or satellite television. Bundling services is frequently more cost-effective than subscribing to each separately. Take time to compare the total monthly cost and the length of any minimum contract term before signing up.

How does number porting work in Malta?

If you want to change mobile provider while retaining your existing Maltese number, you can request a port through your new operator, who will manage the process on your behalf. Number porting is regulated by the MCA and the transfer is generally completed within one to three working days. It is critical that you do not cancel your current contract before the port has been successfully completed — cancelling early will result in the permanent loss of your number. Contact your new provider for a full explanation of the steps involved and any documentation you may need to supply.