In an effort to modernise its service delivery and improve accessibility, the Lands Authority introduced a secure online application portal to serve as a one-stop hub for individuals, professionals, and government entities seeking to manage various government land-related processes.

A digital leap forward

The introduction of online application forms marks a significant leap in how the Lands Authority operates and corresponds with various stakeholders.

The digital system allows applicants to log into the Authority’s online portal using their e-ID credentials, complete forms, submit them, and upload documentation entirely online from the comfort of their home or office.

"This move is part of a broader trend toward digital transformation in public administration, eliminating the need for in-person visits or postal submissions, reducing bureaucracy, enhancing transparency, and delivering faster responses to the public," explains Jessica Cefai, Chief Officer of Corporate Services at the Lands Authority. 

Benefits for applicants

The benefits of the online application system are multiple:

• Convenience: Perhaps the most immediate advantage is the convenience it offers. Applicants no longer need to take time off work or wait in queues to submit their documents. The portal is accessible 24/7.
• Time efficiency: The digital process reduces the time it takes to process applications. It streamlines internal workflows and minimises manual handling, making it easier for the Lands Authority to process requests more promptly.
• Secure access: To ensure the privacy and integrity of submitted information, the system requires users to log in via the individual’s e-ID account. This level of security is essential when dealing with sensitive legal and property documentation.
• Transparency and guidance: Each application form is accompanied by clear guidance, helping users understand the purpose of the form, who is eligible to submit it, and any documentation that must accompany it. This reduces errors and helps ensure complete applications are submitted on the first attempt.

Comprehensive range of online forms

The portal includes a wide variety of application forms, organised by category for ease of navigation:

• Agricultural land applications: Forms like AGRI1 and AGRI2 deal with the recognition or transfer of agricultural land owned by the government. These are often used by farmers or tenants seeking to regularise their land use.
• Applications by government entities and local councils: Forms such as GOV1 and LC1 enable government departments, agencies, authorities, and local councils to request information or administrative rights over public land.
• Property leases and disposals: Several forms, including GLA1, GLA4, GLA9, and GLA12, pertain to requests for commercial leases, disposals, and temporary use of government property.
• Legal submissions: Forms such as LEG1, PLA1, and PLA2 assist with applications involving legal issues, modification to or removal of a condition imposed in a property contract, or for Planning Authority permits and clearances.
• Special schemes and recognitions: The portal also hosts forms such as AGRIRES1, TEMPRES1 and TEMP25+ which allow for specific schemes related to residential recognition, temporary land use and redemptions of temporary emphyteutical title holders.

Online payment facility

In addition to the application portal, the Lands Authority offers an online payment facility for invoice payments.

Accessible here, this service allows users to settle outstanding payments conveniently.

To use the facility, users need to input their ID number, property details, and invoice number: these details are found on the latest invoice received. Upon clicking the 'Search' button, the related outstanding invoices are displayed, and users can proceed to pay their invoice online.

A more accessible future

The Lands Authority’s online application portal is a critical step forward in Malta’s public sector digitalisation.

"By embracing technology, the Authority is ensuring its services are not only more accessible to citizens but also more responsive to their needs," Ms Cefai says. "Whether for farmers, legal professionals, or everyday citizens, the portal makes it easier than ever to engage with public land services efficiently and transparently."

For the full list of services and to begin an application, visit here. 

Ms Jessica Cefai, ACCA qualified and a CPA warranted auditor, serves as the Chief Officer of Corporate Services at the Lands Authority, bringing over 15 years of professional experience to her role.

She leads the Corporate Services Directorate, which is responsible for the Authority’s core internal functions, including finance, human resources, procurement, ICT, customer care, operations, and public relations. Her role is essential in ensuring that the Authority operates efficiently, transparently, and in accordance with legal and regulatory frameworks.

Her strong professional background in financial and organisational governance continues to reinforce the Authority’s commitment to accountability and effective administration.