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Weddings are expensive. It’s a fact of life. Thankfully, the Government has come to understand that and as a result set up the official Notice #965 that allows married Maltese couples to claim back on some of the VAT collected off of vendors and services.
The scheme applies to any and all expenditure incurred on the supply of good and/or services supplied on the terms of marriage on the condition of at least one half of the couple being a registered citizen on the island. It allows any couples getting married to reclaim VAT on services rendered.
Eligible applicants who get married or enter a civil union are able to apply for the grant payable under the scheme on a valid application form (e-id card holders can apply online here).
The amount of VAT to be claimed back is based on a 13.04% of the total expenditure reported, however the amount will never exceed €1,747. The payment is made by cheque, which is addressed to both spouses and delivered to the address used on the application form.
In any case, whereby one of the spouses have already made use of the scheme (through a previous marriage or union that has been legally dissolved or annulled), the entitlement to the grant is reduced by 50%. If both spouses have already been of benefit to the scheme, no application will be processed.
The acknowledgement on the online forms are to be printed and signed, and delivered either in person or by post to the VAT Department.
If submitting online, you will need to print off an acknowledgement and sign it for submission to the VAT Department within 15 days of the date signed.
In order to ensure a speedy application process, we’ve listed everything you’ll need to know before filling out the form as well as a full list of all services eligible.
What Do I Need?
Documents needing to be attached to initial application submission:
Fiscal receipts of relevance (VAT exempt receipts are ineligible for consideration)
The marriage certificate (supplied by the Public Registry)
Front and back copies of both applicants’ ID cards
All receipts must be in their original print, but we would also suggest making copies of everything.
The average processing time is around 4 months for the approval, however you will be informed within 3 weeks of submission as to whether or not the application was successful or not.
Below, is a list of all the information you will need to know before filling in your application:
The names of both spouses as well as their ID numbers
The matrimonial residence address
The date of the wedding/union
You may also be required to provide the following information:
Full amounts paid in accordance to each category of service
The VAT numbers of each respective vendor
The full list of all services covered by the scheme are as follows:
Grooming: covering hairdressers, beauticians and make-up artists
Bridal-wear: covering the clothing of bridesmaids and/or pageboys
Suit hire: covering suits of the bridegroom, witnesses, best man and ushers
Transport: covering the bridal car and other chauffeur services
Floristry: covering any floral pieces purchased solely for the wedding
Audiovisual: covering any professional video recordings and photography
Venue hire: covering the reception venue
Catering services: covering any catering, beverage and service amenities
Other: covering the service of singers/choirs/musicians/bands/DJs, etc at both the ceremony and reception
For more information on the Wedding/Civil Union VAT Expense Grant, contact either the Minister of Finance or the VAT Department at:
Minister of Finance, the Economy & Investment
Maison Demandols
South Street
Valletta VLT 1102
Tel: 2599 82 44 / 2599 82 02
Email: info.mfin@gov.mt
or
VAT Department
16 Centre Point Building
Ta’ Paris
Birkirkara BKR 4633
Tel: 2149 93 30
Email: vat@gov.mt
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