Debts, loans and bank complaints in Malta

For two parties in Malta — individuals or businesses — who settle a money dispute out of court: unpaid work, damage, a deposit, a debt in dispute. The agreement records the dispute, the sum agreed and when it is paid, and that both give up the rest of their claims about it once it is paid. The Civil Code requires a compromise to be in writing (article 1233). It is for disputes not yet before a court or tribunal. Both sign it and each keeps an original.

For a customer in Malta with a complaint against a bank, insurer, payment or investment firm: a wrong charge, a refused claim, a transfer gone astray, poor service. The letter is the written complaint the firm must receive first, and asks for a final response within 15 working days. Send it within two years of first knowing of the matter: the Arbiter for Financial Services hears only complaints made to the firm in that time. If the answer does not satisfy you, or none comes, you can then take the complaint to the Arbiter through its online form. Send it by email and keep a copy.

For anyone in Malta owed money — a private loan, an unpaid invoice, a sale, a refund a trader owes — who has asked and not been paid. The letter states the debt, gives 14 days to pay in full, and names the next step: the Small Claims Tribunal (claims up to €5,000), the Consumer Claims Tribunal (a consumer against a trader, up to €10,000) or judicial proceedings. It reserves legal interest at 8% a year and costs. Send it by registered letter and keep the post office receipt.

For a debtor in Malta who confirms in writing how much they owe a creditor, and for the creditor who asks for it — a private loan, unpaid rent, money owed between friends or businesses. Signed by the debtor, the acknowledgement interrupts prescription under article 2133 of the Civil Code (Cap. 16), so the time already run no longer counts. An optional plan sets monthly instalments. The debtor signs; the creditor keeps the original.

For two people in Malta — family, friends or acquaintances — where one lends the other a sum of money. The agreement records the amount, how and when it is repaid, and any interest, which the Civil Code limits to 8% a year (article 1852). Both sign it as a private writing and each keeps an original; the borrower signs a separate receipt when the money is handed over. It is not for loans made by a business, which follow consumer credit rules.