Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, alphanumeric sender IDs are fully supported in Malta without pre-registration. They are dynamically allocated and preserved as sent, allowing for brand recognition.
Use a reputable SMS API provider like Twilio, Sinch, MessageBird, or Plivo. Ensure the recipient's number is in E.164 format (+356) and comply with local regulations like GDPR and MCA guidelines.
Malta has a well-developed mobile market with high SMS usage. Although OTT apps are popular, SMS remains vital for business communication and authentication, with a balanced Android/iOS user base.
Major SMS providers in Malta do not support two-way SMS communication. Businesses should focus on one-way SMS strategies for effective communication.
The recommended sending window is 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM local time, avoiding Sundays and public holidays. Emergency messages can be sent outside these hours if necessary.
Standard SMS messages are limited to 160 characters for GSM-7 encoding or 70 characters for Unicode (UCS-2). Concatenated messages are supported for longer content.
Obtain explicit consent before sending marketing messages, honor opt-out requests within 24 hours, maintain detailed consent records, and comply with GDPR and MCA guidelines.
Restricted content includes unregulated gambling, unauthorized financial services, adult content, and prescription medications. Regulated industries like finance and healthcare require special permits.
Use registered domains for links, avoid spam trigger words, maintain consistent sending patterns, and include clear sender identification to prevent carrier filtering.
Twilio, Sinch, MessageBird, and Plivo are recommended providers with reliable SMS delivery and robust API support for Malta, including alphanumeric sender IDs and delivery reports.
Implement error handling for specific error codes like invalid number format (21614) or rate limit exceeded (21408). Log errors and use monitoring services for tracking.
Sending SMS to landlines is not possible in Malta. Attempts result in failed delivery with a 400 response error (code 21614), and no charges are incurred.
Keep messages concise, include clear calls-to-action, personalize content, respect local holidays, limit sending frequency, and support both English and Maltese languages.
Process opt-out requests (STOP, CANCEL, UNSUBSCRIBE, OPT-OUT) within 24 hours, maintain a centralized opt-out database, confirm opt-out with a message, and regularly audit the list.
Malta SMS Guide: API Integration, GDPR Compliance & Best Practices
Send SMS to Malta with confidence using this developer-focused implementation guide. Malta's telecommunications market includes three major operators (Epic, GO, Melita) supporting alphanumeric sender IDs, concatenated messages, and E.164 number formatting (+356). This guide covers Malta SMS API integration with Twilio, Sinch, MessageBird, and Plivo, GDPR consent requirements, Malta Communications Authority (MCA) regulations, sender ID best practices, and technical implementation patterns for reliable SMS delivery to Maltese mobile numbers.
Malta SMS Market Overview
Market Conditions: Malta has a highly developed mobile telecommunications market with three mobile network operators (MNOs) providing comprehensive coverage across the islands. As of 2024-2025, Epic (formerly Vodafone Malta, rebranded in 2021) leads the market with approximately 42% share, followed by GO with 35–50%, and Melita with approximately 23%.
Mobile Penetration: Malta reached a mobile penetration rate of 133.4% by end of 2024 (up from 133.0% in 2023), with 766,620 mobile subscriptions serving a population of approximately 575,000. This high penetration rate reflects multiple subscriptions per capita, with post-paid plans surpassing pre-paid subscriptions for the first time in Q1 2024, reaching 53.4% of the market by year-end.
While OTT messaging apps like WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger are popular, SMS remains a crucial channel for business communications and authentication services. The market shows a balanced mix of Android and iOS devices, with both platforms well-represented among Maltese mobile users. Epic is actively expanding its 5G network with EIB funding, targeting nationwide coverage by end-2024.
Sources: Malta Communications Authority Q4 2024 Data Report (April 2025); Malta Telecoms Market Report 2024; EQT Infrastructure; European Investment Bank
SMS Features and Technical Capabilities for Sending to Malta
When you send SMS to Malta, the network supports concatenated messages (long SMS) and alphanumeric sender IDs without pre-registration. However, two-way SMS functionality is not supported by major providers.
Two-Way SMS Support
Major SMS providers don't support two-way SMS in Malta. Design your SMS strategies around one-way communication flows. This limitation is primarily due to carrier restrictions and the widespread use of alphanumeric sender IDs, which inherently don't support replies.
Alternative approaches:
Concatenated Messages (Long SMS)
Support: Yes, concatenation is supported for most sender ID types.
Message length rules:
Encoding considerations: Messages automatically switch to UCS-2 encoding when they contain any Unicode character (emojis, extended Latin characters, special quotation marks like " " instead of " "). This reduces the character limit and increases segment costs.
Special characters triggering Unicode encoding:
Cost implications: Billing is per segment sent. A 161-character GSM-7 message sends as 2 segments (153 + 8 characters), while a 71-character message containing one emoji also sends as 2 segments due to UCS-2 encoding.
Source: Twilio SMS Character Limits; Infobip Concatenated Messages
MMS Support
MMS messages automatically convert to SMS with an embedded URL link to the media content. This ensures compatibility while allowing you to share rich media with your audiences.
File size and format guidelines:
URL hosting requirements:
Fallback behavior: When MMS delivery fails or the recipient's device doesn't support MMS, carriers automatically deliver an SMS with a link to view the media content via a web browser. Link expiration times vary by provider (typically 30–90 days).
Source: Twilio MMS File Types and Limits
Phone Number Format and Portability
Number Portability in Malta
Malta offers number portability under an enhanced framework that came into force on June 1, 2023, following MCA Decision Notice (November 2022) reflecting provisions from the European Electronic Communications Code (EECC). Users can keep their phone numbers when switching carriers, with porting completed within one working day. Upon porting, subscribers are bound to the new service provider for a minimum of two months from the effective porting date. This doesn't significantly impact SMS delivery or routing – messages automatically route to the correct carrier.
Source: Malta Communications Authority, Enhanced Number Portability Framework (effective June 1, 2023)
Sending SMS to Landlines
Malta mobile numbers are 8 digits long and follow the E.164 format: +356 XXXX XXXX. Landline numbers also use 8 digits but typically start with 21 for the main island and 22 for Gozo (e.g., +356 21234567 for landlines vs. +356 7912 3456 or +356 9912 3456 for mobiles). Mobile numbers typically start with 79 or 99.
Number validation: Identify landlines before sending by checking if the number starts with 21, 22, or 23 (landline prefixes). Mobile numbers start with 77, 79, 99, or other mobile-designated prefixes.
You cannot send SMS to landline numbers in Malta. Attempts result in failed delivery with a 400 response error (code 21614), and you incur no charges.
Source: Telephone numbers in Malta (Wikipedia); Malta Phone Number Format (JustCall)
Malta SMS Compliance: GDPR Requirements and MCA Regulations
As an EU member state, Malta requires SMS marketing compliance with GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) and local telecommunications regulations overseen by the Malta Communications Authority (MCA). Before you send SMS to Malta, ensure your communications comply with both EU-wide data protection laws and Malta-specific guidelines. Malta's primary data protection legislation is the Data Protection Act (Chapter 586), which implements GDPR, and the Processing of Personal Data (Electronic Communications Sector) Regulations (Subsidiary Legislative 586.01), which implements the ePrivacy Directive. The Information and Data Protection Commissioner (IDPC) conducts enforcement.
GDPR Penalties: Under GDPR Article 83, violations can result in administrative fines up to €20 million or 4% of total worldwide annual turnover (whichever is higher) for severe infringements including lack of consent, unlawful processing, or failure to honor data subject rights. Less severe violations may result in fines up to €10 million or 2% of annual turnover. In Malta, IDPC has imposed fines ranging from €15,000 to €65,000, with the highest fine to date being €65,000 for security principle violations.
Commercial Provider Authorization: To provide commercial electronic communications services, notify the Malta Communications Authority for a General Authorisation under the Electronic Communications (Regulation) Act (Chapter 399 of the Laws of Malta).
MCA Notification Process:
Sources: Malta Information and Data Protection Commissioner; MCA General Authorisation Notification Form; IDPC Decisions; GDPR Fines Article 83
How to Obtain GDPR-Compliant SMS Consent in Malta
Explicit consent requirements:
Documentation best practices:
HELP/STOP and Other Commands
Maltese language commands:
Example HELP/STOP response messages:
Do Not Call / Do Not Disturb Registries
Malta doesn't maintain a centralized Do Not Call registry. You must:
Time Zone Sensitivity
Malta observes Central European Time (CET/CEST).
Malta Public Holidays 2025 (avoid sending on these dates):
Source: Malta Public Holidays (Office Holidays); Malta Government Public Holidays
Sender ID Options for Sending SMS to Malta
Alphanumeric Sender ID
Operator network capability: Fully supported Registration requirements: No pre-registration required; fully dynamic usage allowed Sender ID preservation: Sender IDs are preserved and displayed as sent
Character limits and restrictions:
Best practices:
Restricted sender IDs: Don't impersonate government agencies, emergency services, or well-known brands. Carriers may block sender IDs that appear fraudulent or misleading.
Source: Infobip Alphanumeric Sender ID; Twilio Alphanumeric Sender ID
Long Codes
Domestic vs. international:
Sender ID preservation: Yes, original sender ID is preserved Provisioning time: Immediate to 24 hours Use cases: Ideal for transactional messages and two-factor authentication
Short Codes
Support: Not currently supported in Malta Provisioning time: N/A Use cases: N/A
Restricted SMS Content, Industries, and Use Cases
Malta follows EU guidelines for restricted content while maintaining specific local restrictions:
Restricted industries:
Regulated industries (requiring special permits):
Content Filtering
Carrier filtering rules:
Common spam trigger words (avoid or use sparingly):
Best practices to avoid filtering:
Best Practices for Sending SMS to Malta
SMS Messaging Strategy for Malta
Sending Frequency and Timing
Localization
Maltese language considerations:
Date and time formats for Malta:
Opt-Out Management
Testing and Monitoring
Key metrics to track:
Monitoring best practices:
SMS API Integration: Send SMS to Malta with Code Examples
Twilio
Twilio SMS API provides robust Malta SMS support with alphanumeric sender IDs and delivery reporting. Authenticate using your Account SID and Auth Token to send SMS to Malta programmatically.
Sinch
Sinch SMS API offers straightforward Malta SMS integration with alphanumeric sender ID support and comprehensive delivery reporting.
MessageBird
MessageBird SMS API provides reliable SMS delivery to Malta with real-time delivery reporting and webhook support.
Plivo
Plivo SMS API offers reliable Malta SMS delivery with high-volume throughput and competitive pricing.
API Rate Limits and Throughput
Provider-specific rate limits:
How to request rate limit increases:
Best practices:
Sources: Twilio Rate Limits; Sinch API Rate Limits
Error Handling and Reporting
Common SMS error codes:
Retry strategies:
Circuit breaker pattern:
Sources: Twilio Error 21614; Twilio Error 21408
Frequently Asked Questions About Sending SMS to Malta
What is the country code for sending SMS to Malta?
Malta's international country code is +356. Format numbers in E.164 standard: +356 followed by the 8-digit local number (e.g., +35621234567).
Do I need to register sender IDs for Malta SMS?
No. Malta supports alphanumeric sender IDs without pre-registration. Dynamic usage is fully allowed, and sender IDs are preserved and displayed as sent to recipients.
Is two-way SMS supported in Malta?
No, major SMS providers don't support two-way SMS in Malta. Design your SMS strategies around one-way communication flows for delivery confirmations, alerts, and marketing messages.
What GDPR requirements apply to SMS marketing in Malta?
You must obtain explicit consent that is freely given, specific, informed, and unambiguous before sending marketing messages. Consent must be obtained through affirmative action (pre-ticked boxes aren't acceptable). Maintain detailed consent records with timestamps, and allow data subjects to withdraw consent at any time.
Which SMS API providers work best for Malta?
Twilio, Sinch, MessageBird, and Plivo all provide reliable SMS delivery to Malta with support for alphanumeric sender IDs. All providers support E.164 number formatting and offer comprehensive delivery reporting.
What are the recommended sending hours for SMS in Malta?
Send SMS between 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM local time (Central European Time, CET/CEST). Avoid sending on Sundays and public holidays unless messages are urgent or emergency-related.
How long does number portability take in Malta?
Under Malta's enhanced number portability framework (effective June 1, 2023), porting completes within one working day. Subscribers are bound to the new provider for a minimum of two months after porting.
What is the maximum SMS length for Malta?
Standard SMS supports 160 characters for GSM-7 encoding or 70 characters for Unicode (UCS-2) encoding. Longer messages are automatically split into concatenated segments and rejoined at the recipient's device.
Can I send SMS to landline numbers in Malta?
No. SMS to landline numbers isn't possible in Malta. Attempts fail with a 400 response error (code 21614), and you incur no charges.
Do I need MCA authorization to send commercial SMS in Malta?
If you provide commercial electronic communications services, you must notify the Malta Communications Authority for a General Authorisation under the Electronic Communications (Regulation) Act (Chapter 399).
Recap and Additional Resources
Key Takeaways
Compliance priorities
Technical best practices
Next steps
Additional Resources
Technical documentation: