Peppol access points in Malta — choosing one for B2B
What a Peppol access point does, how the four-corner model works, and the questions to ask before choosing a provider.
Malta relies on the Peppol network for structured e-invoicing, especially for sales to public bodies. To send or receive a Peppol invoice you need a certified access point: a service that connects your invoicing system to the network. Providers differ on price, support, and the formats they accept. Malta has no single central national e-invoicing platform, so the choice of provider is yours. This page explains the model and what to compare, without recommending a specific vendor.
- Peppol uses a four-corner model: your system, your access point, the buyer's access point, the buyer's system.
- Any certified access point can exchange invoices with any other, so your provider does not limit who you can invoice.
- Compare price per document, onboarding effort, support hours, and whether inbound invoices are supported.
- Malta has no mandatory domestic B2B Peppol use today, so this is a voluntary choice for most businesses.
How it works
Decide why you need Peppol: a public-sector customer that asks for it, a large customer that prefers it, or preparation for future rules.
Shortlist providers from the official OpenPeppol list of certified access points and check their Maltese customers, pricing and support.
Register your business. The provider registers your participant identifier in the Peppol directory so other corners can find you; ask them which identifier scheme they use for Maltese VAT numbers.
Connect your invoicing system. Your software must produce structured invoices in a format the access point accepts, usually Peppol BIS Billing 3.0.
Test with a small invoice before going live, then monitor delivery confirmations from the network.
Legal references
- Peppol BIS Billing 3.0 specification, OpenPeppol AISBL.
- European Commission eInvoicing in Malta country factsheet.
- VAT Act, Chapter 406 of the Laws of Malta, Article 50 — invoicing obligations.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a Peppol access point to invoice in Malta?
No. Ordinary Maltese VAT invoices can be issued as PDF or paper. You need an access point only if a customer or a future rule requires structured Peppol invoices.
Can I change access point later?
Generally yes. You move your registration from one provider to another; ask both providers about the switching process and any short overlap period.
Is a public-sector access point required to invoice Maltese public bodies?
No. Peppol is provider-neutral: a certified access point can deliver to any other participant. Confirm the buyer's requirements with the contracting authority.
What is the difference between an access point and a directory?
The access point sends and receives your messages. The directory records which participant uses which access point so messages can be routed correctly.
Is 4invoices a Peppol access point?
No. 4invoices does not act as a Peppol access point and has no named integrations with access point providers. It creates invoices with a VAT rate per line, works in any currency with an exchange rate and downloads them as PDF. A 6-month free trial is available without a card.