Sunday Shopping

Malta has always been known within the retail community to be generally closed for business on a Sunday, shops traditionally needed to apply for special permission to open on a Sunday and against a payment of €700.

2017 marks a year of change as market pressures and consumer trends have finally prevailed. Earlier this year it was announced that Maltese retail outlets are now permitted to open on a Sunday at no extra cost in exchange for an alternative close day.

The general rule is that all shops shall be allowed to open on a Sunday between 6:00 and 17:00 except for grocery stores that need to be closed by 13:00.

The same €700 levy would apply should an outlet wish to remain open 7 days a week.

In addition to this, outlets may also extend their opening hours to 22:00 on Thursday, Friday and Saturday without needing a permit.