Malta
Malta lets you sell images of buildings and 3D public sculpture, but not 2D works, and publishing identifiable people needs a GDPR basis.
Guidance, not legal advice
Permit
Conditional
Issuer: Malta Film Commission and Heritage Malta for commercial and heritage shoots; no permit for personal photography
Cost: No permit for personal photography; commercial shoots and Heritage Malta sites need permits (about 2 to 6 weeks lead time)
Personal photography needs no permit. Tripods, lighting, or crews at managed sites trigger a fee or permit.
Drone / airspace
Governed by EU EASA rules via Transport Malta; register (drones over 250g or any with a camera), carry insurance, respect no-fly zones
For category detail, see Drone Authority.
Street / public space
Yes to photograph; publishing an image that clearly identifies a person needs a GDPR basis, normally consent
A personal-use exemption covers private images but not publication; the regulator suggests blurring faces where consent is impractical.
Freedom of panorama
Full, with limits
Copyright Act Chapter 415 Art. 9 allows photographs of architecture and sculpture permanently in public places, including commercial sale. It covers 3D works only; 2D works like murals are excluded.
Practical notes
- The Valletta cityscape, fortifications, and freestanding monuments are safe to sell; a copyrighted 2D mural as the subject is not.
- For commercial shoots at Heritage Malta sites (the megalithic temples, Valletta), contact the Film Commission weeks ahead and budget fees.
Sources
Keep shooting
Knowing the rules is half the job. The craft side: