⚠️ This guide was researched and updated in May 2026. Laws and regulations change frequently. For specific legal advice regarding your jurisdiction, please consult with local legal counsel.
Choosing a Will Service in Malta
In Malta most wills are made before a notary, and the routes differ in how you prepare for that step and how much advice comes with it. This guide compares them and the questions worth asking before you choose one.
Four routes to writing your will
The formal rules for a will in Malta come from the Civil Code, which recognises a public will received by a notary and a secret will delivered sealed. The reserved portion owed to children and a spouse also shapes what a will can do.
A notary (public will)
A notary receives your will in the presence of two witnesses and registers it, so it can be traced later. This is the most common route in Malta.
Most common · Registered by the notary
An advocate and a notary
An advocate can advise on businesses, property abroad or the reserved portion before a notary receives the will. This route suits larger or complicated estates and usually costs the most.
Highest cost · Tailored legal advice
A secret will
You write and sign the will yourself, seal it and deliver it to a notary or the court registry in front of two witnesses. It keeps the contents private but offers no checks on the wording.
Private contents · Highest risk of errors
An online will service
An online service helps you organise your wishes and executors before you see a notary. It prepares a will rather than replacing the formal step, which can shorten the notary appointment.
Lower cost · Preparation, not execution
How to choose the right route for you
There is no single “best” way to write a will. The right route depends on your circumstances. A few questions can help you weigh the options. If your situation is at all complex, it may be worth consulting a qualified professional before you decide.
- How straightforward your estate is. A modest estate with clear wishes needs less than one with business interests, trusts or assets in more than one country.
- Whether you need advice as well as a document. Some routes produce a will only, while others include professional guidance on tax and structure.
- The provider’s credentials: qualifications, regulation, professional-body membership and how complaints are handled.
- Total cost and what it covers. A low headline price may exclude storage, future updates or advice you later need.
- How the will is signed and witnessed. Every route still requires the formal signing and witnessing rules to be followed for the will to be valid.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a notary to make a will in Malta?
In most cases, yes. A public will is received by a notary, and even a secret will is delivered to a notary or the court registry. If in doubt, consider speaking to a qualified professional.
Can I leave my estate to anyone I choose?
Not entirely. Children and a surviving spouse are generally entitled to a reserved portion of the estate, which a will cannot take away. This is one of the common reasons people take advice.
Is a handwritten will valid in Malta?
A handwritten will kept at home is generally not enough on its own. It needs to be made as a public will or delivered sealed as a secret will to count.
Can a married couple make one will together in Malta?
Yes. Spouses in Malta can make a joint will in one document, known as a unica charta will. Each spouse can still revoke their part of it later.
Ready to make a start?
Whichever route you choose, the important thing is to have a valid, up-to-date will in place. You can begin online with structured prompts, or find a professional for advice on your own situation.
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