Can my minor child get a tattoo with my permission in Malta?
No. In Malta it is illegal to tattoo any person under 18 years of age, and parental consent does not change this. The Health Ministry's standards for tattooing and body piercing state clearly that the licence holder is responsible for ensuring that no one under 18 is allowed on the premises or given a tattooing service — regardless of the consent of the guardian. The myth: that, as in many countries, a minor can get a tattoo if the parent signs or is present. In Malta this exception does not exist: the 18 limit is absolute. Body piercing follows a slightly different rule — for those under 18 it is restricted to the ears and requires the written consent of the legal guardian. A tattooist who breaks these rules risks action against their licence and sanctions, and a parent who insists on a tattoo for a minor simply will not find a legal place to do it.
📋 The rules
- It is illegal to tattoo any person under 18 in Malta.
- The consent of the parents or guardian does not create an exception — the 18 limit is absolute.
- The licence holder is responsible for ensuring no one under 18 is on the premises or given a tattooing service.
- Body piercing for those under 18 is restricted to the ears, with the written consent of the guardian.
- The rules are set out in the Health Ministry's standards for tattooing and body piercing.
🔓 Exceptions
- Ear piercing is allowed for those under 18 with the written consent of the guardian — but this does not extend to tattooing.
- Once you turn 18, you can get a tattoo freely at a licensed premises.
- Certain medical procedures (not decorative tattooing) fall under separate health rules.
⚠️ Penalties & fines
The under-18 rule is not merely guidance — it is a duty on whoever runs the studio. A tattooist who tattoos a minor, or even lets a minor onto the premises for such a service, risks action against their licence, sanctions and possibly the closure of the business. Because the service is regulated by public health, an inspection or a complaint can lead to measures against the studio and a loss of reputation worth far more than a single job. For the family, the frustration is that no legal studio in Malta will tattoo a minor, however much the parent insists — and anyone who seeks out a "studio" that will do it is exposing the child to health and infection risks in an unregulated place. The practical advice: wait until 18, choose a licensed studio, and remember that a tattoo is permanent — a decision best made as an adult.
📎 Official sources
- Ministry for Health · Standards for Tattooing and Body Piercing (2025) →
- Legislation Malta · health and tattooing practice laws →
- Servizz.gov.mt · licensing of tattoo and body piercing studios →
❓ Frequently asked
Can my child get a tattoo if I give permission?
No, in Malta it is illegal to tattoo any person under 18, and the consent of the parents or guardian does not create an exception. The 18 limit is absolute, so no licensed studio should tattoo a minor.
Why does Malta not allow tattoos with parental consent like other countries?
In many countries a minor can be tattooed with a parent present or signing, but Malta chose a stricter approach where consent does not count. The Health Ministry's standards keep the 18 limit without exception, to protect the minor from a permanent decision.
Is body piercing allowed for minors?
Body piercing follows a different rule from tattooing: for those under 18 it is restricted to the ears and requires the written consent of the legal guardian. Other body piercings for minors are not covered by this limited permission.
What happens to a tattooist who tattoos a minor?
A tattooist who breaks the rule risks action against their licence, sanctions and even closure of the business, because the service is regulated by public health. A complaint or an inspection can lead to serious measures and a loss of reputation for the studio.
Can I wait and get a tattoo when I turn 18?
Yes — once you turn 18 you can get a tattoo freely at a licensed premises, without needing anyone else's consent. Because a tattoo is permanent, waiting until 18 ensures the decision is made as an adult in a safe, regulated environment.
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