"Is he licensed?" is the right question to ask about any electrician in Malta — but most people asking it could not say what the licence covers. Here is the practical version, without the legalese.
The two licence classes
Malta's electrical licensing regime, administered through the relevant national authorities, distinguishes broadly between two classes:
- Licence A covers a defined scope of installation work — the day-to-day domestic jobs: sockets, switches, lighting circuits, repairs to existing installations within set limits.
- Licence B covers a wider scope, including larger installations, three-phase work, and signing responsibility for more substantial projects — the level you want designing or certifying a full rewire, a new installation, or commercial work.
The exact boundaries are set out in the applicable regulations, and reputable electricians are upfront about which class they hold and what it lets them take on.
Why it matters for your job
For a light fitting, either licence class is more than adequate. For these, ask specifically:
- Full or partial rewires — you want the person signing off to be licensed for the design responsibility, not just the labour.
- New supplies, meter work and three-phase — interactions with the distribution network have formal requirements.
- Anything that will be inspected or certified — rentals, commercial premises, post-renovation compliance.
An unlicensed person's work can cost you twice: once to do, once to redo when a certified professional refuses to sign for it. Insurance claims after electrical fires also turn on who did the work.
How to check, politely
Reputable electricians expect the question. Ask which licence they hold and, for bigger jobs, who signs the certification. Vague answers on certification are the red flag — more of those in our guide to red flags when hiring tradespeople.
On Qabbad, providers are approved before their listings go public, and your job brief reaches electricians who cover your locality — from San Ġwann to Mellieħa. Describe what the job involves honestly and ask about licensing in the conversation; good providers answer directly.
What licensed work costs
Licensing is one reason electrical work costs what it does — the price includes someone taking legal responsibility for your safety. Typical 2026 rates are in our electrician price guide for Malta. If a quote is dramatically below every other, ask yourself what is being skipped.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between Licence A and Licence B in Malta?
Licence A covers a defined scope of standard installation work; Licence B covers a broader scope including larger and more complex installations and the responsibility that goes with certifying them. For routine domestic repairs either is fine; for rewires and new installations, ask who holds Licence B.
Does a small electrical job legally need a licensed electrician?
Electrical installation work in Malta is regulated, and the practical answer is that using licensed professionals is both the compliant and the safe route. It is also what your insurer will expect to see if anything ever goes wrong.
How do I verify an electrician's licence?
Ask directly which licence they hold and who certifies the work. For substantial projects, request that certification be part of the written quote. A professional who does this work every week will not be offended.