How to earn as a childminder in Malta - start alongside work

Being a childminder in Malta can be organised alongside a job or become a main source of work, but it requires steady effort, clear arrangements and basic paperwork. This guide explains where paying customers actually come from, how to set and discuss a first price, what the first ten customers often look like, what to check with Maltese authorities about money and registration, common early problems, and how a Websta profile can fit into this.

Updated October 21, 2026

Where paying customers actually come from

In Malta most paying childminding customers come from personal networks and local contacts. Start with neighbours, friends and family of friends. Parents often prefer someone recommended by people they trust. Workplaces and colleagues are another source - parents look for someone nearby their office or workplace who can cover short shifts or pick-ups.

Schools, nurseries and language schools can be indirect sources - parents leaving those institutions often ask for after-school care or emergency cover. Word of mouth grows slowly but reliably: a few satisfied families refer others. Online search and social platforms are used by parents looking for local options; some find providers through local Facebook groups or directory pages. Combining neighbourhood contacts, workplace networks, schools and online presence gives the best coverage.

  • - Neighbours and local networks
  • - Colleagues and workplaces
  • - Parents connected to local schools or nurseries
  • - Online search, local groups and directory pages
  • - Word of mouth referrals

How to set a first price and talk about money

Setting your first price should balance what you need to earn, what similar local services charge, and what parents expect. Start by estimating your hourly cost - include travel time, materials, food for the child, and any extra admin time. Then check local offers informally - ask other childminders or look at local listings to understand the range.

When you talk to parents, be clear and direct about what your price includes - for example whether outings, snacks or late finishes are extra. Use a simple contract or written agreement that states the rate, payment method, cancellation policy and notice period. For short or one-off jobs confirm the fee in writing before you start. Being clear reduces disputes and helps you present a professional offer.

  • - Estimate your real hourly cost including travel and admin
  • - Check local offers to gauge the market range
  • - State what is included and what costs extra
  • - Use a short written agreement or confirmation
  • - Confirm the fee before starting one-off jobs

What your first ten customers usually look like

The first ten customers are often people you already know or who are one introduction away. Expect a mix of neighbours, parents from your own social circles, colleagues or friends of friends. Many early bookings are short shifts, school pickups or weekend cover rather than full weekly slots.

Early clients test your reliability and communication. They may ask for extra flexibility on timing, and they will check how you handle illness, changes and small emergencies. Building trust with the first families is more valuable than rapid growth: good references from these clients are what will bring the next ten.

  • - Neighbours and people you already know
  • - Colleagues and parents from local schools
  • - Short shifts, pickups and weekend cover are common
  • - Early clients value reliability and clear communication
  • - Positive references from them matter most

What to sort out when taking money as an independent person in Malta

You must clarify how you will receive payments and what tax or contribution obligations apply. Check with the Commissioner for Revenue about registering as self-employed, how to declare income and whether you must register for VAT. For social contributions and related questions contact Jobsplus or the Department that handles social security contributions to learn what filings and payments apply to self-employed childminders.

If you plan to trade under a business name or form a company, consult the Malta Business Registry about registration requirements. For background checks and certificates parents often ask about police conduct records - check with Malta Police about obtaining a police conduct certificate and the process to follow. For specific health, safety or childcare registration rules contact the Ministry responsible for health or education to ask whether your planned setup requires a licence or inspection.

  • - Ask the Commissioner for Revenue about self-employment registration and VAT
  • - Contact Jobsplus or the social security authority about contributions
  • - Check Malta Business Registry if forming a company or trading name
  • - Ask Malta Police about police conduct certificates
  • - Contact the relevant ministry about any childcare registration rules

What tends to go wrong in the first months

Several practical problems commonly appear early on. Underpricing is frequent - people underestimate time for preparation, travel and admin. Overbooking and poor time buffers cause stress when parents need changes. Misunderstandings about cancellations, late pickups and payments cause disputes. Not keeping clear records of bookings, payments and receipts creates trouble at tax time.

Other issues include lack of appropriate insurance, unclear emergency plans, and gaps in communication about allergies or medication. Plan for these by setting clear policies, writing simple agreements, keeping records, and checking insurance options. For any legal or regulatory uncertainty, ask the relevant Maltese authority before you advertise widely.

  • - Underpricing - forget non-child time and costs
  • - Overbooking and no time buffers
  • - Unclear cancellation and payment policies
  • - Poor record-keeping causes tax and dispute problems
  • - Lack of insurance or emergency procedures

How a Websta profile fits into this

A Websta profile acts as a single page you can send to parents and post in messages or social media. It lists your services, shows photos and your availability, and can offer online booking so parents can see and choose slots. Card payments from customers are paid out to your own bank account through Stripe, and you decide your prices.

Using a profile helps with consistency: you have one place with your terms, service list and contact form. That reduces back-and-forth messages and helps parents find you via local search or the marketplace. It does not replace the need to register or check requirements with Maltese authorities; treat the profile as a public-facing scheduling and payment tool.

  • - One sharable page with services, photos and booking
  • - Online booking reduces message back-and-forth
  • - Card payments are paid out to your bank account through Stripe
  • - You set your own prices
  • - Continue to check registration and tax obligations with authorities

A simple checklist to go from idea to first bookings

Start small, keep records and be clear with parents. Prepare a short written agreement, decide your price and payment method, and ask the relevant Maltese authorities about registration, tax and social contributions. Get any recommended background checks and basic insurance, collect references from the first families, and use an online profile or page to present your services and take bookings.

Earning takes time and consistency. Focus first on reliability and clear communication; that builds the word of mouth that brings paying customers in Malta.

  • - Decide services and estimate your hourly cost
  • - Prepare a written confirmation or agreement
  • - Check with Commissioner for Revenue and Jobsplus about taxes and contributions
  • - Consider police conduct certificate and insurance
  • - Create a Websta profile to list services and accept bookings

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to register as self-employed to work as a childminder in Malta?
You should check with the Commissioner for Revenue about registering as self-employed and how to declare income. Ask what forms and deadlines apply to small-scale childminding work.
Can I accept card payments from parents?
Yes. Platforms such as Websta route card payments and payouts through Stripe to your bank account. Make sure you record card transactions for your records and tax reporting.
What insurance should I have when childminding?
Insurance needs vary. Ask insurers about public liability and professional indemnity suitable for childminding, and check any requirements with the ministry responsible for health or education.
Should I get a police conduct certificate?
Many parents ask for it. Contact Malta Police to learn how to obtain a police conduct certificate and what the process and wait times are.
How do I handle cancellations and late pickups?
Set a clear cancellation and late pickup policy in writing before you start. State any fees and required notice period, and confirm these terms in messages or a short contract.

About the numbers

Counts in this guide were read from the Websta catalogue when the text was written and are refreshed above from the live catalogue. Part of the catalogue was built from the public business register and is marked as such on each profile.

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