Utilities, ARMS Tariffs and Resident Rates

For many expats in Malta, the first real “shock” is not the rent itself, but the electricity and water bill. Malta’s utility system is different to that of many other countries. The total you pay depends not only on how much you consume, but also on which tariff your home is on et how many people are officially registered there.

The good news is that once you understand how ARMS works and which forms to submit, you can usually avoid overpaying. This guide explains the basics of ARMS tariffs, eco-reduction, how to secure the correct resident rate, and what to do when you change address in Malta.

Why Utilities Matter So Much For Expats

Utility bills in Malta are calculated using:

A simple administrative detail, like a bill left on the landlord’s old tariff or failing to file the right form, can easily increase your monthly cost. Many expats only discover this after several billing cycles.

Residential vs Domestic: Two Tariffs, Big Difference

ARMS applies different tariffs depending on how a property is used. The two that matter most for expats are:

Residential Tariff

This is the correct tariff for your primary home à Malte.

Domestic Tariff

This is pas what you want as a long-term tenant.

If your bill says “Domestic” instead of “Residential”, there is a high chance you are overpaying.

Residential vs Domestic Utility Tariffs in Malta (Electricity & Water)

A clear comparison of Malta’s Residential and Domestic utility tariffs shows how much electricity and water prices can differ between the two. The Residential tariff offers lower rates and eco-reduction benefits for people living in the property, while the Domestic tariff applies higher charges when no residents are registered.

Eco-Reduction and Consumption Bands

On the Residential tariff, households can benefit from an eco-reduction – a discount on electricity if consumption stays below certain thresholds per person.

In simple terms:

• Use less electricity per person → get a discount (eco-reduction)
• Use more than the low-use band → lose the discount for that period
• Registre more residents correctly → you get a larger low-use allowance

This is why the number of people registered at an address is so important. A two-person household that is incorrectly registered as “one person” will hit higher-priced bands faster and may lose eco-reduction, even if their usage is reasonable.

Form H: Getting the Correct Resident Rates

To make sure you benefit from the Residential tariff and eco-reduction, you must update ARMS about who actually lives in the property.

This is done with Form H – Change in the Declaration of Number of Persons.

Form H is used to:

• declare how many people live in the property
• register a property as an inhabited domestic premises
• ensure the household benefits from lower tariffs and eco-reduction based on residents

According to servizz.gov, an inhabited premises on the correct tariff benefits from lower rates and eco-reduction depending on the number of persons registered, and utilities must be informed whenever the number of residents changes so bills reflect the correct information.

If renting a place with an real estate agent, most of them provide form H on the day on signing the contract. If that is not your case, ask.

What Happens When an Expat Changes Address

When you move to a new address in Malta, your utility registration does not follow you automatically. Until you update ARMS, you remain registered at your previous home, which can affect the tariff and eco-reduction applied at your new residence. Before leaving, it is important to close off arrangements at the old address, agree with the landlord whether the account will be transferred or terminated, and record a final meter reading to settle any outstanding balance. Once you relocate, you must submit a new Form H to register yourself at the new property; otherwise, the utilities may remain on an incorrect or Domestic tariff. After moving in, always check your first bill to ensure the tariff shows Residential and that the correct number of residents is listed.

Common Traps Expats Should Avoid

Common traps for expats usually involve billing arrangements that are not set up correctly. Some tenants discover that their property is still on the more expensive Domestic tariff, while others find that the wrong number of residents is registered, causing them to lose eco-reduction and fall into higher consumption bands. Another frequent issue arises when landlords keep the ARMS account in their own name and charge a fixed monthly amount, leaving tenants with no visibility of the actual bill or any tariff errors. Checking the tariff, confirming the number of registered residents and reviewing the real ARMS bill regularly are the simplest ways to avoid these problems.

Réflexions finales

Understanding how utilities work in Malta can make a real difference in your day-to-day comfort. Once your tariff and registration are set up correctly, everything becomes far more predictable and easier to manage. From our perspective, we often see newcomers overlook these small details, so taking the time to set things up properly helps you start your experience in Malta on the right footing.

If you are unsure whether you are on the right tariff or how to regularise your situation, our team at Expatax Malta can help you review your documents and understand your options.

Follow us across social media channels for more daily updates

• Facebook
• Instagram
• LinkedIn
• WhatsApp

Autres lectures