Malta is a developed country with a high quality of life. Expats choose this country for immigration for its relatively low cost of living and over 300 sunny days a year.
A Malta passport grants numerous benefits, including visa-free travel to 169 countries, the ability to do business across Europe, and access to excellent education for children. Foreigners can also obtain permanent residency to live in Malta and travel to the Schengen Area visa-free.
Read on to learn about the reasons to move to Malta and the benefits of permanent residency and citizenship in this country.
Malta combines Mediterranean charm with European opportunities. The island attracts professionals, families, and investors thanks to its safe environment, favourable business climate, and wide range of lifestyle advantages. Beyond the sun and sea, Malta offers strong healthcare, quality education, and easy connections across the EU.
Migrating to Malta is possible in at least 11 ways, including options for digital nomads, students, or highly qualified professionals. The popular choice among non-EU nationals is the Malta Permanent Residence Programme.
Consumer prices in Malta are generally lower than in many other EU countries, especially those in Western and Northern Europe. Overall, Malta's consumer prices are about 20% lower than in the US, the UK, and Germany.
Malta enjoys a mild and pleasant climate year-round, with almost no rainy days in the summer. The average air temperature throughout the year ranges between +9…32°C. The most comfortable weather in Malta is from May to October.
Malta has two official languages: Maltese and English. One can speak English to travel and live in Malta without difficulty, as 96% of residents understand it. The widespread use of English in schools, universities, and professional settings creates a comfortable environment for families and investors relocating to Malta.
According to Statista, Malta scored 80.5 points on the Health index in 2023. This puts the country in 19th place among 167 states for healthcare quality.
Malta’s public health system provides free services to all Maltese residents and citizens, ensuring easy access to clinics and hospitals whenever needed.
For Malta citizens, education at state universities is free, but those with residence permits must pay tuition fees of €10,000—15,000 per year.
Children of Maltese citizens and residents can study at schools and universities across the EU without visas and typically pay lower tuition fees than non-EU citizens.
Malta maintains a policy of neutrality and does not participate in political conflicts or military alliances. The country’s non-aligned status means it does not take sides in international conflicts and strives to maintain peaceful relations with all nations.
Malta draws many tourists from all over the world with its historic sights. For example, in Valletta, the capital of Malta, one can visit the Grandmaster’s Palace, once the residence of the Knights of Malta.
Hiking enthusiasts will enjoy numerous scenic trails. For example, the Dingli cliffs and Fawwara Trail offer a route that takes about 2 hours to complete. The hike to Għar Lapsi is more challenging but can be finished in under 1.5 hours.
As an island state, Malta offers various outdoor water activities. It is known worldwide for scuba diving, with kayaking, diving, snorkelling, and jet skiing also being popular. The clear Mediterranean waters, diverse marine life, and numerous caves and wrecks make Malta a top destination for enthusiasts of both recreational and professional water sports.
Maltese cuisine, heavily influenced by Italian flavours, is a delight for food lovers. Situated in the Mediterranean, the country is known for its fresh fish dishes, as well as its famous bread and pastizzi.
Malta has five Michelin-starred restaurants. For example, one can visit the ION restaurant in Valletta and try seasonal dishes from a top-level chef.
Malta welcomes both EU nationals and citizens of third countries, but the rules differ depending on nationality. EU nationals can enter freely and only need to register for longer stays, while non-EU citizens generally require a visa and residence permit.
EU, EEA and Swiss citizens can stay in Malta visa-free for up to 90 days. If they plan to stay longer, they must apply for a registration certificate from the Maltese authorities, which allows them to reside in the country. After five years of continuous legal residence, EU citizens become eligible for permanent residency.
Non-EU and non-EEA nationals should check the visa requirements based on their nationality before travelling to Malta. While most nationals require a Schengen visa for stays of less than 90 days, those planning to stay longer than 3 months must apply for a long-term visa, also known as a D visa. It allows them to apply for a temporary residence permit upon arrival and settle in Malta.
Investors can migrate to Malta through two popular pathways: by obtaining Malta permanent residence by investment or citizenship for exceptional services. Investors must contribute at least €169,000 for permanent residence.
Currently, nationals of around 150 states need to obtain a Schengen visa to enter Malta. Both Schengen visa holders and citizens of countries with a visa-waiver agreement with Malta can stay for up to 90 consecutive days.
For stays longer than 90 days, all foreigners must obtain a longer-term visa and then a residence permit. There are several options for migrating to Malta.
Non-EU citizens can obtain a work visa and a residence permit for an initial one-year period. This is available to those with a job offer from a Maltese employer or highly skilled workers earning at least €30,000 per year.
Non-EU citizens wishing to study in Malta can apply for a one-year visa at the Maltese embassy or consulate in their home country. A residence permit is issued upon arrival in Malta. The visa also allows students to work for up to 20 hours a week.
Individuals who want to reside in Malta while working for a company based elsewhere can apply for the Nomad Residence Permit.
To qualify, applicants confirm an income of at least €42,000 per year. The permit is issued for one year, with the possibility of an extension. However, the Malta Digital Nomad Visa does not provide a pathway to permanent residency or citizenship.
This programme is designed for skilled professionals in specific sectors, such as financial services, gaming, and aviation. It offers tax incentives, including a reduced tax rate of 15% on income, to attract highly qualified individuals to work and live in Malta. Applicants must confirm a salary of at least €100,000 per year.
This initiative targets individuals working in the innovation and creative sectors. It provides tax benefits and incentives to encourage talented professionals in fields like technology, arts, and design to relocate to Malta. Candidates must prove an income exceeding €52,000 per year.
Those who have received a job offer in Malta for a managerial or highly technical position can obtain residency in Malta. These positions require the relevant qualifications or sufficient experience. The KEI is also available to innovators involved in start-up projects specifically endorsed by Malta Enterprise.
To be eligible, applicants must prove an annual gross salary of at least €35,000. A residence permit is valid for one year and may be renewed for up to three years.
A five-year visa can be issued to retirees who own or rent property in Malta. The key requirement is that 75% of their income comes from pensions. Applicants must also show proof of stable resources, valid health insurance, and accommodation in Malta.
Spouses and underage children of a Malta resident, as well as children over 18 who are principally dependent on their parent residing in the country, are eligible for a one-year visa. As with other visas, it can be renewed an indefinite number of times as long as the requirements continue to be met.
Malta Global Residence Programme is available to foreign investors who can contribute at least €30,000. It offers a unique tax regime: income earned in Malta from foreign sources is taxed at 15%, while foreign income that is not transferred to the country is exempt from taxation.
Malta Permanent Residence Programme is an option allowing investors to become lifelong residents of Malta. The minimum investment amount is €169,000. The applicants buy or rent a property, pay the contribution and administration fees, and make a charitable donation.
Malta citizenship by naturalisation for exceptional services by direct investment is also intended for the investors willing to contribute at least €690,000 to obtain Malta passports.
There is no investment-based path to Malta citizenship. Maltese nationality legislation provides for the possibility of naturalisation in cases of exceptional merit.
The statutory framework recognises exceptional contributions across various areas, such as entrepreneurship, job creation, innovation, science, education, culture, or philanthropy.
Investors must follow seven steps to apply for the Malta Permanent Residence Programme. The application process usually takes at least six months.
This step is mandatory for all applicants. Immigrant Invest has its own Compliance Department, which performs initial Due Diligence to reduce the application rejection risk to 1%. The preliminary Due Diligence takes one day.
Lawyers provide the investor with a list of required documents, translate them into English, and complete government forms. This process takes about 4—5 weeks.
Before submitting the full MPRP application, the main applicant and their dependants may get a 1-year temporary residence permit. At this stage, the applicant pays a non-refundable administration fee of €15,000.
It takes at least four months. If successful, the applicant receives a letter of approval.
After receiving approval, investors can fulfil the required conditions. These include paying the contribution and the remaining administration fee, making a donation to a non-government organisation, and renting or buying a property.
The administration fee must be paid within two months, and the remaining conditions must be met within eight months of approval.
| If renting property | If buying property | |
| Real estate cost | €70,000+ | €375,000+ |
| Contribution fee | €37,000 | €37,000 |
| Administration fee | €60,000 + €7,500 per family member over 18, except for the spouse | €60,000 + €7,500 per family member over 18, except for the spouse |
| Charitable donation | €2,000 | €2,000 |
| Total | €169,000+ | €474,000+ |
The principal applicant and all family members provide their fingerprints at the Residency Malta Agency. This step requires a trip to Malta, and the fingerprinting process takes about a day.
The Residency Malta Agency reviews the documents submitted after the investment is made and then issues the final approval. This step usually takes about a month.
Once final approval is granted, the Residency Malta Agency issues a Certificate of Residence and permanent residence cards. This process usually takes about two weeks.
Adult applicants receive permanent residence permits for life, with the cards needing renewal every five years. Minor children must renew their cards within a month after turning 14 or 18.
Foreigners can obtain Malta citizenship by naturalisation for exceptional services by direct investment. They must first get a residence permit and then they can apply for a passport after a year or three.
To acquire Malta citizenship, applicants must meet the following conditions:
All the investment requirements are mandatory. Applicants can only choose between renting a property or purchasing real estate.
| Single investor | Family of four | |
| Real estate | €16,000+ per year — for real estate rent €700,000 — for real estate purchase | €16,000+ per year — for real estate rent €700,000 — for real estate purchase |
| Contribution to NDFS | €600,000 — for citizenship application after three years €750,000 — for citizenship application after one year | €750,000 — for citizenship application after three years €900,000 — for citizenship application after one year |
| Charitable donation | €10,000 | €10,000 |
| Eligibility test | €15,000 | €45,000 |
| Issuance of residence cards | €5,000 | €8,000 |
| Administrative fees | €3,000 | €12,000 |
| Total | €713,000+ | €905,000+ |
Malta offers investors the opportunity to obtain the country’s citizenship by naturalisation. After securing a residence permit, they can apply for citizenship after one to three years, depending on the level of investment.
As with the Malta Permanent Residence Programme, the Preliminary Due Diligence is a mandatory step to assess whether the potential applicant is likely to succeed. If any issues arise, Immigrant Invest consults with clients about potential alternative routes based on their goals.
The Maltese police checks every applicant against Europol and Interpol databases.
Each applicant over 18 years old must obtain a residence permit. At this stage, Immigrant Invest assists clients in finding real estate to rent, getting health insurance, and preparing all the necessary documents and forms.
After the investor visits Malta to submit fingerprints, the residency cards are issued within two weeks. They are valid for three years.
Applicants over 12 years old must pass the Eligibility Test. Immigrant Invest provides a list of required documents, which are usually collected within 2+ weeks.
Once the Eligibility Test is completed, the Minister responsible for Malta’s citizenship matters approves or rejects the application.
If the investor applies for citizenship after one year of residency, they only need to submit an affidavit confirming that their circumstances have not changed. If they did, an affidavit and specific forms are required.
For those applying after three years of residency, additional forms must be submitted, along with an updated police clearance certificate and confirmation of a registered address.
The Minister issues the letter of approval for the investor to obtain Malta citizenship.
In addition to completing the investment, the applicant also submits documents confirming their residence in Malta.
The investor and all their family members aged six and older undergo fingerprinting in Malta. Family members over 18 years old also take an oath of allegiance. Four working days later, the passports can be collected at the Malta Passport Office.
Americans can travel to Malta with a US passport for up to 90 days. However, those looking to move to Malta from the US need to obtain a residence permit or apply for citizenship.
Malta is a popular destination for American retirees due to its pleasant climate, widespread use of English, low cost of living, excellent healthcare, and high-quality food. Many Americans choose to settle in areas like Valletta, Victoria, Birgu, St Paul, and Mdina when relocating to Malta.
Regarding taxation, Americans living in Malta can benefit from a Double Taxation Agreement, DTA, with the US. It helps to avoid double taxation on the same income, allowing for tax credits or exemptions for taxes paid in Malta.
The DTA does not apply to social security contributions. However, a Social Security Totalization Agreement between the two nations ensures they only pay contributions in one country, avoiding dual taxation.
Malta’s crime rate per 1,000 persons remained relatively low at 31 in 2023. When looking at historical data, this marks a significant decrease from 45 in 2004, underscoring Malta's overall safety. The total number of reported crimes, 16,855, is also lower than earlier projections—24,392 in 2004.
Malta’s safety is further confirmed by its ranking of 12th among 180 nations as one of the safest countries, according to Insurly. Several factors contribute to this ranking: low crime rates, a stable political environment, efficient law enforcement, and a robust healthcare system. Additionally, Malta is not prone to significant natural hazards, and the risks associated with extreme weather events are minimal compared to other regions.
Choosing where to settle in Malta depends on lifestyle, work opportunities, and personal preferences. Some areas are lively hubs with international communities and career prospects, while others offer a quieter pace with natural beauty or cultural heritage. Below are 5 of the best places in Malta for relocation, each with its own unique advantages.
These two towns, located on opposite sides of St Julian’s Bay in the eastern part of the main island, are home to more expats than any other area in Malta.
Sliema is particularly attractive for expats, offering a lively atmosphere with a wide range of restaurants, bars, and high-end shopping malls, all with perfect Mediterranean Sea views. The town has excellent infrastructure, abundant job opportunities in banking, telecommunications, travel, and education.
Despite being the capital, Valletta is a relatively serene city and not the primary destination for immigrants. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is rich in cultural landmarks, including the Manoel Theatre, Royal Opera House, and National Fine Arts Museum.
The expat community is small, but it also means the housing is more affordable than in other parts of Malta. Digital nomads will especially appreciate high-speed internet and plenty of co-working spaces.
Located in the north part of the island, Mellieha is a popular summer resort known for its long sandy beaches and picturesque scenery. It offers a wide range of accommodation options for both travellers and long-term residents.
Nearby St Paul’s Bay and Bugibba are also attractive destinations, with a lower cost of living than in other areas.
This small fishing village in the south of the island is not a major tourist destination, making it a welcoming place for long-term residents.
The Sunday fish market is a local highlight, and Marsaxlokk is well known for its seafood restaurants. The village is also close to one of the busiest container ports in the Mediterranean, providing potential business opportunities for those looking to establish a base here.
Just north of Malta, the smaller island of Gozo is accessible via a 25-minute ferry ride. Known for its tranquillity and lush greenery, Gozo is one of the most peaceful and family-friendly areas of the country, making it an excellent choice for families seeking to relocate to Malta.
| Item | Cost per month |
| Rent (one‑bedroom apartment) | €895 |
| Utilities | €90 |
| Internet & Mobile Plan | €55 |
| Transportation (single trip) | €2 |
| Groceries (for a month) | €400 |
| Restaurant (single visit per person) | €15—30 |
| Takeaway | €6—20 |
| Gym Membership | €60 |
EU citizens can freely move to Malta with their household effects, such as clothing, furniture, and tools.
Non-EU citizens can also bring their personal belongings without paying import duties if the following conditions are met:
Non-EU immigrants also need to provide a list of documents:
By ensuring all requirements are met and documentation is provided, the process of immigration to Malta can be smooth and efficient.
Foreigners can bring a maximum of five pets to Malta. However, pets younger than 15 weeks old are not allowed.
Each pet must meet the following health requirements:
By following these guidelines, pets can safely travel to Malta and settle in with their owners.
Malta offers a reliable healthcare system with both public and private options. Residents can access a wide range of services through the state system at little or no cost, while private clinics and hospitals provide quicker access and specialised care. This balance makes healthcare in Malta both affordable and flexible for locals and expats alike.
Public healthcare in Malta is managed by the Ministry for Health and is available to all residents, including EU nationals and individuals with residency status.
General practitioners, GP, are usually the first point of contact for medical needs. GP consultations are free of charge for Maltese residents.
Services, including hospital treatment, consultations, surgeries, and emergency care, are generally free for residents. However, some services, such as prescriptions and specialist visits, may have small charges. The cost for a prescription is around €1.50, while specialist consultations in the public system are usually around €10.
Waiting times for non-urgent treatments and specialist appointments can sometimes be longer than in private clinics.
Malta has a number of private hospitals, clinics, and healthcare providers that offer fast-track services for those willing to pay for quicker access to treatment. Notable private hospitals include St James Hospital and The Island Hospital.
Many residents, including expatriates, opt for private health insurance to cover additional treatments not fully covered by the public system, such as elective surgeries or private consultations. Prices for medical insurance range from €275 to 700 per year.
Malta has a well-rounded education system that covers preschool, school, and university. Families can choose between state, private, or international schools. Higher education is offered at respected institutions such as the University of Malta. English as an official language makes studying in Malta accessible for international students.
Preschool education in Malta includes nurseries and kindergartens. Nurseries cater to children under 3 years old and are free for those whose parents hold Malta residency.
Kindergartens serve children aged 2 years and 9 months to 5 years. They are available in state, private, and Catholic institutions. Government and Catholic kindergartens are free of charge, while private kindergartens have a minimum annual fee of €4,000.
Children of foreign nationals can access free education if their parents hold either a temporary or permanent residence permit and a work permit. However, if the parents do not have a work permit, their children may only enrol in private schools, with yearly fees averaging €8,000.
State schools in Malta primarily teach in Maltese, while international schools use English as the language of instruction. Some of the best international schools in Malta include St Martin's College, The International School of Malta, QSI International School of Malta, and Chiswick House School and College.
After completing secondary education, students may choose to attend a post-secondary school for students aged 16 to 18 or opt for vocational training, which prepares them for careers in various industries, such as healthcare, engineering, and business.
Higher education in Malta offers a range of opportunities for both local and international students. The University of Malta is the primary higher education institution in the country, offering courses in various fields, including the arts, sciences, law, and engineering.
Other educational institutions like the Malta College of Arts, Science, and Technology also offer vocational courses and degrees. The Institute of Tourism Studies specialises in hospitality and tourism education. For residents, fees start at €6,500 per year.
Malta’s tax system combines progressive income tax and special rules for non-domiciled residents. It also offers a corporate refund that lowers the effective rate. With VAT, property taxes, and exemptions on inheritance and wealth, the system remains competitive and attractive for both individuals and businesses.
Personal income tax is assessed on a progressive scale:
Malta has a unique tax regime for non-domiciled residents. Individuals who qualify under the Remittance Basis Taxation system only pay tax on income that is remitted to Malta, rather than on their worldwide income.
The corporate tax rate in Malta is 35%. However, Malta offers an attractive refund system for foreign shareholders. After paying the corporate tax, a shareholder can receive a refund of up to 6/7 of the tax paid, effectively reducing the tax rate to 5% on certain types of income, such as dividends and capital gains.
The standard VAT rate in Malta is 18%, which is applied to most goods and services. Malta offers reduced rates for certain categories, such as:
Certain services, such as healthcare and education, are exempt from VAT.
Capital gains from the sale of real estate in Malta are generally taxed at 8% for properties held for more than three years and 12% for properties held for less than three years.
Inheritance, wealth, and estate are exempt from taxation.
Malta’s transportation system gives residents and visitors many ways to get around. Public buses connect towns and villages, while taxis and ride-hailing apps are easy to use in busy areas. Ferries link the islands and even run to Italy. For shorter trips, people can rent cars, bikes, or electric scooters.
The bus system in Malta is the main mode of public transport for locals and visitors. It is operated by Malta Public Transport and has regular routes connecting towns, villages, and the airport.
Malta's bus fleet is among the most modern, using the latest diesel engine technology to ensure environmental sustainability and efficiency. All buses are equipped with low floors for easy access by wheelchair users and those with pushchairs. Each bus is fitted with audio and visual systems that announce the next stop.
Various fare structures are available for disabled persons, elderly individuals, children, and students through the personalised Tallinja card. Holders of this card can travel for free on day and night routes and special services like airport transfer and school transport. They only pay a registration fee, which is €25 for adults and €5 for children.
Taxis are available throughout Malta, especially in busy areas like Valletta, St Julian’s, and at the airport. They can be hailed on the street or booked in advance. The starting fare is typically €5, with an additional cost of €2 per kilometre.
Ride-hailing services in Malta are primarily operated by three companies: Uber, Bolt, and eCabs. Together, these companies provide a vast fleet of thousands of cabs available 24/7 for both on-demand and scheduled rides.
Car rental is a convenient option for those to explore more remote areas of the islands. Some popular and reliable can rental agencies in Malta include Bee Rentals Malta, Joe's Rent A Car, SIXT Rent a Car, Sun Car Rentals Malta, and Aquarius Rent A Car. On average, economy cars can be rented for approximately €5 per day.
Ferries connect Malta and the smaller islands of Gozo and Comino. They operate every 30 to 45 minutes, with round-trip tickets priced around €10.
There are also ferry routes connecting Malta to Sicily, Italy. Trip takes 1 hour 45 minutes, with a one-way ticket costing €71.
Electric scooters and bikes are available for rent through mobile apps in certain areas, especially in tourist hubs.
Malta is a developed country with a pleasant climate and low living costs. It is known for beautiful hiking routes, good spots for diving, lots of sights, and delicious food. Prices in Malta are generally lower than in Western Europe and the United States.
Malta citizenship also has numerous benefits. A Maltese passport allows visa-free travel to 169 countries and grants the right to work or establish a company in Malta or abroad.
Yes, foreigners can live in Malta. EU citizens can move to Malta without a visa, while non‑EU foreigners must obtain a residence permit.
The process of obtaining a Malta passport takes a long time. Under Maltese law, investors can apply for citizenship one or three years after receiving a residence permit, while ordinary naturalisation requires at least five years.
You’ll need a residence permit or citizenship to move to Malta. There are some opportunities for investors, including a Malta permanent residence permit by investing at least €169,000 in the country’s economy.
Prices in the country are generally lower than in Western or Northern Europe. The cost of living in Malta, in general, is about 20% lower than in the US, the UK, and Germany.
Yes, you can get Malta permanent residency and immigrate to the country. A foreigner must meet the following conditions:
Immigration to Malta is possible on various grounds, including a work visa or a Nomad Residence Permit for digital nomads. However, most residency routes do not require securing a job.
The process is very straightforward for the EU, EEA and Swiss citizens, who only need to request a registration certificate from the Maltese authorities to stay in the country for over 90 days.
For non-EU citizens, there are plenty of options to obtain residency in Malta, including work, study, family reunifications, and programmes for digital nomads and pensioners.
