Private investigator licensing in Malta

Yes. Private investigators need a licence in Malta. Malta has no separate private investigator statute: 'private investigative services' are part of the private guard services defined in Cap. 389, so investigators and agencies must be licensed by the Commissioner of Police as private guard agencies or private guards. Applications are published so the public can object, and the Commissioner must refuse applicants with serious convictions, precarious finances or a disciplinary discharge from the police, armed forces or prison service. Licences last one year, and every licensee must hold indemnity insurance.

Commissioner of Police (Police Licences Office), under Private Guards and Community Officers Act (Cap. 389); Private Guards Regulations (S.L. 389.01).

Licence valid 1 year, renewed annually

Agency licence for an individual offering own services: EUR 58.23 application and EUR 58.23 a year to renew; other agencies: EUR 232.94 application, renewal EUR 11.65 per guard a year (min EUR 232.94, max EUR 1,164.69); individual private guard licence EUR 23.29, renewal EUR 11.65 a year

Statutory timetable of about 2.5 months: Gazette notice within 15 days, one month for objections, then a decision within four weeks (Cap. 389 arts 7-9)

1. Complete an approved private guard training course, unless exempt through police, armed forces or prison service 2. Apply to the Commissioner of Police on the prescribed form with ID, work history, a no-conflict-of-interest declaration and qualifications (agencies also give owner, director and financial details) 3. The Commissioner publishes the application in the Government Gazette within 15 days, and anyone may object within one month 4. The Commissioner decides within four weeks after the objection period ends 5. Take out the required indemnity insurance and renew the licence every year