The standard business card size in Malta is 85 × 55 mm. A simple guide to bleed, safe margins, paper weight, matt or laminated finishes and QR codes before you print.
Design tips · Business cards
Business card size, paper & finish.
Everything to decide before you print business cards in Malta: the right size, how much bleed to add, which paper to choose and whether to go matt or laminated.
The standard business card size in Malta and most of Europe is 85 × 55 mm. Add 3 mm bleed on every side (so the file is 91 × 61 mm), keep text at least 4 mm inside the cut line, and print on 300–400 gsm card.
The standard size: 85 × 55 mm
Almost every printer in Malta works with the European size of 85 × 55 mm. It fits standard card holders and wallets, so it is the safest choice. The US size (3.5 × 2 inches, about 89 × 51 mm) is slightly longer and thinner, so avoid it unless you have a reason.
| Format | Finished size | File size with 3 mm bleed |
|---|---|---|
| Europe / Malta (standard) | 85 × 55 mm | 91 × 61 mm |
| US / Canada | 89 × 51 mm | 95 × 57 mm |
| Square (special) | 55 × 55 mm | 61 × 61 mm |
Bleed and safe margin
Printers cut many cards from one big sheet, and the blade can move by a millimetre or two. That is why two simple rules matter:
- Bleed: extend any background colour or image 3 mm past the edge. After cutting, there will be no thin white line on the sides.
- Safe margin: keep your name, phone number and logo at least 4 mm inside the cut line, so nothing important gets trimmed.
If your design has a border, make it thick and keep it well inside the safe area. Thin borders close to the edge show every small difference in cutting.
Paper weight: how thick should it be?
Paper weight is measured in gsm (grams per square metre). The higher the number, the thicker and stiffer the card feels in the hand.
| Weight | How it feels | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| 250–300 gsm | Light but solid | Everyday cards, large quantities |
| 350 gsm | Thick and professional | Most businesses, our usual choice |
| 400 gsm + | Very thick, premium | Luxury brands, cards with lamination |
Matt, gloss or laminated?
- Matt: soft, no glare and easy to write on. It looks calm and modern.
- Gloss: brighter colours and a shiny surface. Photos and food images pop, but fingerprints show more.
- Lamination (matt or gloss film): adds protection against water, scratches and bending. Ideal for cards that get handled a lot, like restaurant or barber cards.
- Soft-touch: a velvety matt lamination that feels premium. Great for dark designs like black and silver.
One side or two?
A double-sided card costs a little more but gives you room to breathe. A popular layout is the logo alone on the front and all the details on the back. See our black and silver business card and Alberto’s Barber Shop cards for examples.
What to put on your card
- Your logo, clear and readable at a small size.
- Your name and job title.
- One phone number (add “WhatsApp” if you use it).
- Email and website.
- A QR code to your website, menu or booking page.
Leave out anything people will not use. A clean card always looks more professional than a crowded one.
QR codes that scan first time
Make the QR code at least 15–20 mm wide, print it dark on a light background, and leave a quiet space around it. Always test it with two different phones before printing.
FAQ
Questions, answered.
Short answers to common questions. Have another one? Message us on WhatsApp.
What is the standard business card size in Malta?
What paper is best for business cards?
Is matt or gloss better for business cards?
How big should a QR code be on a business card?
Keep reading
More design tips.
Practical guides for local businesses.
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