Malta Gaming License Cost 2026: MGA Fees, Tax & Total Budget

How Much Does a Malta Gaming License Cost?

For a standard B2C licence, the basic MGA regulatory fees start with a €5,000 application fee and a €25,000 fixed annual licence fee.

This gives a basic regulatory starting point of €30,000.

However, a B2C operator will normally have other regulatory and operating costs. One of the most important is the Compliance Contribution, which is calculated according to the type of gaming service and gaming revenue.

MGA Application Fee

The application fee for a new MGA gaming licence is €5,000.

It is a one-time, non-refundable fee paid when applying for the licence. The same €5,000 fee applies to a licence renewal application.

Paying the application fee does not mean that a licence will automatically be granted. The MGA still reviews the applicant, owners, key persons, business model, funding and technical setup.

Malta B2C Gaming Licence Annual Fee

The standard fixed annual fee for an MGA B2C Gaming Service Licence is €25,000.

Operators that provide solely Type 4 gaming services pay a lower fixed annual licence fee of €10,000.

The annual licence fee is paid in advance and is non-refundable.

The B2C licence can cover different types of gaming services.

For more information about the licence structure, see our MGA gaming licence overview.

What Is the MGA Compliance Contribution?

The fixed annual licence fee is not the only regulatory charge for a B2C operator.

MGA B2C licensees also pay a Compliance Contribution. It is based on gaming revenue and the type of gaming service offered.

Different minimum and maximum amounts apply to different game types. For example, the current MGA fee schedule sets the following ranges:

The actual amount is calculated using the rates applicable to the operator's gaming revenue. This means two MGA operators can pay very different amounts even if they hold the same type of licence.

The Compliance Contribution should therefore be included in the financial model before applying for a Malta gaming licence.

Compliance Contribution for Startups

Malta has a specific concession for approved startups.

According to the MGA, an approved startup can receive a 12-month moratorium on Compliance Contribution from the date the licence is issued.

The fixed annual licence fee still has to be paid during this period. The startup must also continue to meet its reporting obligations.

Startup status is subject to MGA approval, so it should not be assumed automatically when preparing the budget.

Malta Gaming Tax

Malta gaming tax is often misunderstood.

The MGA states that gaming tax is 5% of gaming revenue generated from players located in Malta.

It should not simply be treated as a 5% tax on all international gaming revenue of an MGA operator.

The gaming tax is reported and paid monthly where applicable.

It is also separate from the fixed annual licence fee and the Compliance Contribution.

Malta B2B Gaming Licence Cost

Malta also licenses companies that supply critical gaming products and services to other gaming businesses.

The application fee for a new B2B licence is €5,000.

For critical gaming supply, the annual licence fee depends on annual revenue.

Different fee schedules can apply to specific B2B activities, so the exact licence category should be confirmed before the application is filed.

Malta Company and Corporate Costs

The licence fee is only one part of the project.

An operator also needs the correct corporate structure and enough resources to run the licensed business.

Typical additional costs can include:

• company incorporation;
• registered office;
• company secretary;
• directors and management;
• accounting;
• annual financial statements;
• audit;
• legal and corporate services.

These costs depend on the size and structure of the business.

You can read more about corporate structuring on our company incorporation page.

Key Functions and Compliance Staff

An MGA-licensed company needs people responsible for important areas of the business.

Key Functions are subject to MGA approval. The Authority checks whether the proposed person has the right experience, knowledge, integrity and ability to perform the role.

There is currently a €50 application fee per Key Function Certificate.

The larger cost, however, is usually the people themselves. Operators need to budget for qualified staff or service providers covering the required functions.

System Audit and Technical Costs

Technical preparation is another part of the MGA licensing budget.

The MGA requires detailed information about the gaming system and uses system audits and reviews as part of its supervisory process.

Costs may depend on:

• the gaming platform;
• games and RNGs;
• hosting setup;
• payment systems;
• player account management;
• security controls;
• existing certificates;
• the amount of proprietary technology used.

Operators using their own platform or games may have more testing work than operators using established third-party suppliers.

See our iGaming certification and testing services page for more information.

Banking and Payment Costs

Banking should be planned before the licence application is completed.

An MGA operator may need:

• corporate bank accounts;
• payment institution accounts;
• merchant accounts;
• payment gateways;
• alternative payment methods;
• player-fund arrangements.

Payment providers can charge setup fees, transaction fees and rolling reserves. The commercial terms depend on the markets, payment methods, business model and risk profile.

See our iGaming banking and payment solutions for more information.

Total First-Year Cost of a Malta Gaming Licence

There is no single fixed price for a complete MGA project.

For a standard B2C operator, the official fixed fees start with the €5,000 application fee and €25,000 annual licence fee. The final cost can be much higher once Compliance Contribution, corporate expenses, staff, audit and technical work are included.

This is why comparing Malta with another jurisdiction only by the annual licence fee can be misleading.

Is an MGA Licence Worth the Cost?

Malta is not normally chosen because it is the cheapest place to get a gaming licence.

It is more suitable for operators that want an established European licensing structure and are ready for the compliance, reporting and operational work that comes with it.

For a small startup, the total cost can be high. For an established operator, platform or gaming supplier, Malta may make more commercial sense.

The decision should be based on the target markets, products, expected revenue, payment setup and long-term plans.

You can see other licensing options on our iGaming licences page.