How to Find Government Tenders in Malta
Malta's public procurement market is worth approximately €1 billion annually, representing around 6% of GDP. Despite its small size, Malta offers an active procurement market with strong English language support. This guide covers the ePPS portal, Public Procurement Regulations (SL 601.03), and practical strategies for winning Maltese government contracts.
By TenderRadar Team
Procurement Landscape
Malta's public procurement market is valued at approximately €1 billion annually, accounting for roughly 6% of GDP. As the EU's smallest member state by area, Malta nevertheless maintains an active and well-organized procurement system. The country joined the EU in 2004 and adopted the Euro in 2008, fully transposing EU procurement directives into national law. A distinctive advantage of the Maltese market is its bilingual nature — both English and Maltese are official languages, and many tenders are published in English, making Malta one of the most linguistically accessible procurement markets in Southern Europe. The Department of Contracts within the Ministry for Finance serves as the central procurement authority, managing tendering for government departments and providing oversight of the procurement system. Malta's strategic location in the central Mediterranean, its growing economy driven by iGaming, financial services, and tourism, and its EU membership create a dynamic procurement environment.
Legal Framework
Official Procurement Portals
ePPS (Electronic Public Procurement System)
Malta's official electronic procurement platform, managed by the Department of Contracts. All government tenders are published here, and the system supports electronic bid submission. The portal provides search functionality, document downloads, and email alerts for registered users. Registration is free and straightforward. The interface is available in English, making it accessible to international suppliers.
Visit portalDepartment of Contracts Website
The Department of Contracts' website provides procurement policies, guidelines, standard tender documents, thresholds, and general information about the procurement system. It also publishes the government's annual departmental procurement plans, giving suppliers advance visibility of upcoming tenders.
Visit portalTED (Tenders Electronic Daily)
EU-wide tender publication platform where Maltese tenders above EU thresholds are published. Notices appear in all EU languages. Given the relatively small number of Maltese tenders on TED, monitoring is manageable and ensures you don't miss above-threshold opportunities.
Visit portalGovernment Gazette
The official Government Gazette publishes certain procurement notices and award decisions. While the ePPS portal is the primary channel, the Gazette provides supplementary notification for specific types of procurement.
Visit portalProcurement Thresholds
| Category | Threshold (EUR) |
|---|---|
| Supplies | €143,000 |
| Services | €143,000 |
| Works | €5,538,000 |
Malta applies standard EU thresholds as set by the European Commission. Below EU thresholds, national regulations establish tiered procedures. Direct orders are permitted for very small purchases. Departmental tenders are managed by individual ministries within set limits. Above certain national thresholds, the General Contracts Committee provides additional oversight.
Key Sectors & Opportunities
IT, iGaming & Digital Services
Malta is one of Europe's leading iGaming jurisdictions and has a thriving tech sector. Government procurement includes IT infrastructure, cybersecurity, digital identity systems, e-government platforms, and data center services. The Malta Digital Innovation Authority and Malta Information Technology Agency (MITA) are major procurers of IT services. The sector's English-language orientation makes it particularly accessible to international IT suppliers.
Healthcare & Medical Services
Malta's public healthcare system, centered on Mater Dei Hospital and community health centers, generates consistent procurement for medical equipment, pharmaceuticals, laboratory supplies, and healthcare IT systems. The aging population and increasing healthcare expectations drive ongoing investment. Recent years have seen significant procurement for healthcare facility upgrades and expansion.
Construction & Property Development
As one of the most densely populated countries in the world, Malta faces constant pressure on its built environment. Government procurement covers road infrastructure, public buildings, social housing, heritage restoration, and environmental infrastructure. Major projects include the hospital expansion, school modernization, and coastal protection works. The construction sector is highly active year-round.
Maritime & Port Services
Malta's maritime sector is a cornerstone of the economy, with one of the world's largest ship registries. Procurement opportunities include port infrastructure at Valletta and Marsaxlokk, maritime safety equipment, vessel maintenance, ship repair yard services, and coastal environmental protection. Transport Malta and Malta Freeport are significant procurers in this sector.
Tourism & Cultural Heritage
Tourism accounts for a substantial share of Malta's GDP, and the government invests in tourism-supporting infrastructure. Procurement includes heritage site restoration (Valletta, Mdina, the Hypogeum), museum modernization, public space improvements, event infrastructure, and sustainable tourism initiatives. The Malta Tourism Authority and Heritage Malta are regular procurers.
Tips for Suppliers
Take Advantage of English Accessibility
Register on ePPS and Set Up Alerts
Understand the Tiered Procurement System
Build Relationships in a Small Market
Know the Public Contracts Review Board Process
See how TenderRadar covers Malta: Maltacoverage details, portals & sources →
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I submit tenders in English in Malta?
Yes, in many cases. Both English and Maltese are official languages of Malta, and many government tenders are published in English or accept English-language submissions. The ePPS portal at etenders.gov.mt is available in English. However, some tenders — particularly at the local council level — may require Maltese. Always check the language requirements in the specific tender notice.
How do I find public tenders in Malta?
The primary platform is the Electronic Public Procurement System (ePPS) at etenders.gov.mt. Register for free, set up search alerts, and browse current opportunities. For above-threshold tenders, also monitor TED (ted.europa.eu). The Department of Contracts website at contracts.gov.mt provides additional information including annual procurement plans and policy guidelines.
What is the Department of Contracts and what role does it play?
The Department of Contracts, within the Ministry for Finance and Employment, is Malta's central procurement authority. It manages the ePPS platform, oversees procurement procedures for government departments, publishes procurement guidelines, and ensures compliance with procurement regulations. For larger contracts above certain thresholds, the Department coordinates with the General Contracts Committee for additional oversight.
How do I challenge a procurement decision in Malta?
File an objection with the Public Contracts Review Board within 10 calendar days of the contested decision. A deposit proportional to the contract value is required. The Board conducts a hearing where both parties present their case, and issues a binding decision. The Board's decisions can be appealed to the Court of Appeal on points of law. The process is relatively accessible and faster than full court proceedings.
Is Malta's procurement market worth pursuing given its small size?
Yes, for the right suppliers. While Malta's €1 billion annual procurement market is smaller than larger EU countries, it offers several advantages: English accessibility lowers the entry barrier, competition is less intense than in larger markets, the centralized system is easy to navigate, and winning contracts in Malta provides EU procurement experience and references. Malta is particularly attractive for IT/digital, healthcare, and construction suppliers. The iGaming sector also creates unique technology procurement opportunities not found in most other EU countries.
Automate your tender search in Malta
TenderRadar monitors Malta's procurement portals and matches opportunities to your company profile using AI. No more manual searching.
Related Guides
Ready to find tenders automatically?
Paste your company website and let AI match you with relevant government contracts across 27+ countries.