Maltese VAT Number Validation
Format, pattern, and MOD 37 checksum algorithm for MT VAT numbers
Maltese VAT numbers consist of 8 digits with the last 2 digits serving as a checksum calculated using MOD 37.
Public official checksum specification detail is limited. VatDB currently uses a strict offline check-value comparison because it matches observed VIES-valid MT numbers.
Format vs. Active Validation
This checks format only, not if a VAT number is really registered. Use VatDB's API to verify is a number is really registered and active. VatDB checks official EU and national datasources.
Format Overview
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Country Code | MT |
| Format | 8 digits |
| Length | 8 digits |
| Examples | MT12701906 MT12357210 MT13043536 |
Regex Pattern
^MT[0-9]{8}$
Checksum Algorithm (MOD 37)
def validate_mt_vat(number):
if number.startswith('MT'):
number = number[2:]
if len(number) != 8 or not number.isdigit():
return False
weights = [3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9]
total = sum(int(d) * w for d, w in zip(number[:6], weights))
check = 37 - (total % 37)
return int(number[6:]) == check
The last 2 digits together form the check value. If you find MT numbers that pass VIES but fail this offline checksum, treat them as candidate false negatives and report them.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I verify a Maltese VAT number?
Maltese VAT numbers use MOD 37 with weights [3,4,6,7,8,9] on first 6 digits. VatDB currently applies a strict check-value comparison where the last 2 digits equal (37 - weighted sum mod 37). Use VatDB's API for official verification against EU and national databases.
What does a Maltese VAT number look like?
A Maltese VAT number has the format MT12345678 - 'MT' followed by exactly 8 digits. The last 2 digits are the check value.
How many digits are in a Maltese VAT number?
A Maltese VAT number contains exactly 8 digits after the MT country code. The complete number is 10 characters: MT + 8 digits.
Where can I check a Maltese company's VAT number?
VatDB provides real-time VAT validation against official EU and national databases. Includes company information with each verification.
What is Malta's VAT rate?
Malta has a standard VAT rate of 18%, one of the lower rates in the EU. Reduced rates of 5% and 7% apply to certain goods and services.
What's the difference between format validation and checking if a VAT number is active?
Format validation checks mathematical structure, nothing more. A number passing format checks could still be unregistered or belong to a defunct company. VatDB confirms active status.
What if VIES says valid but checksum says invalid?
Treat it as a likely offline false negative. Share that MT number so we can review whether a permissive rule is needed under our not-confidently-invalid policy.
What real-world Maltese (MT) VAT numbers exist?
Here are three currently registered Maltese VAT numbers: MT12701906, MT12357210, MT13043536.