What is Business 1st?
Business 1st is Malta’s one-stop shop for businesses, providing a wide range of services to support the establishment, operation, growth, and expansion of local enterprises. Our aim is to simplify administrative processes and offer coordinated support through various government entities, making it easier for entrepreneurs to start and grow their business in Malta.
How can I access Business 1st services?
Our services are available through multiple channels:
- In person – Visit Business 1st in Central Business District (Imrieħel)
- By phone – Contact our Live Call Centre on Freephone 144 (available daily).
- Online – Submit your queries through our Helpdesk via this website.
What are the opening hours?
Business 1st's opening hours can be viewed here: Opening Hours
How can I contact Business 1st? Is it against a payment?
Business 1st services are provided free of charge.
You may contact us through the following channels:
- Telephone: Call 144 for assistance and information. Calls are charged at standard telephony rates.
- In person: Visit Business 1st office in Central Business District (Mriehel)
- Online: Submit your query through our website Helpdesk.
Please note that while Business 1st services are free, any statutory fees payable to government entities for registrations, licences, or permits may still apply.
Who can use Business 1st services?
Business 1st services are available to all business owners and potential business owners including Maltese and EU citizens, foreign residents, Start ups and SME’s
Do I need an appointment to visit Business 1st?
No, clients can walk-in freely and are assisted on a first-come-first-served basis. It is important to have an active eID account when you visit Business 1st since most of the services are only accessible via eID. Information on how to activate eID can be found on Identity Portal - Help.
Can I apply for these services online?
Yes, many of our services are available online. Direct links to the relevant online services can be found on the respective pages within this website. Please note that for most services, an active e-ID is required — even when visiting our offices in person. You may also refer to the Business 1st website for detailed guidance on application procedures and required documentation.
What documents should I bring with me?
The documents required depend on the specific service you are applying for. We recommend that, before visiting Business 1st, you refer to the relevant service page on our website or contact us to confirm the documentation required.
Bringing the correct documents will help us assist you more efficiently and avoid unnecessary delays.
I would like to open up a new business. Can I register my business & obtain all the necessary licences from Business 1st?
Business 1st provides guidance and assistance to help you set up your business and submit the necessary applications to the relevant authorities. While Business 1st facilitates the submission of applications and supports you throughout the process, the applications themselves are processed and approved by the respective government entities.
Please note that Planning Authority (PA) permits cannot be obtained through Business 1st and must be applied for directly with the Planning Authority.For a list of the entities represented within Business 1st, please refer to the Our Services section.
Can I apply for incentives offered by other government entities?
One cannot apply for any incentives directly through Business 1st.
However, our team will guide you to the appropriate authority and provide you with the necessary information on how and where to apply for the relevant incentives.
How long will it take for an application to be processed?
Applications submitted through Business 1st are processed by the respective government entities. Processing times vary depending on the type of service requested and the completeness of the documentation provided. For more specific information on expected timeframes, we recommend contacting the relevant entity directly.
From where can I collect the final documentation? Can this documentation be mailed?
The final documentation or licence for a service will usually be issued directly by the relevant government entity to the applicant. In some cases, the entity may require you to collect the documentation in person from their offices. For guidance on how to receive your documents, we recommend checking with Business 1st before visiting, so you know the correct procedure for your specific service.
Business 1st will also NOT be receiving payments relating to:
• Income tax
• VAT
• Licence renewals and other.
Queries associated with refunds and collection of these such should be addressed directly to the government department/entity concerned. We can help you find the relevant links or forms.
Such services are not offered at Business 1st because one has to apply for these services in person at the government departments/entities concerned.
Business 1st will offer the necessary assistance, support and information for the setting up of a business in Malta together with the possibility to apply for a number of services under one roof. Business 1st will also provide the relevant information pertaining to the schemes and incentives offered by Malta Enterprise. Overall, therefore, Business 1st will enhance customer value.
Which government entities are represented at Business 1st?
A list of entities present at Business 1st is available on this website at https://www.businessfirst.com.mt/services-provided-at-business-1st/