Malta is the EU's smallest country, an archipelago south of Sicily with more than 300 days of sunshine a year. English is an official language alongside Maltese, which makes it one of the easiest places in Europe for English speakers to settle. It has strong iGaming, financial services and tourism sectors.

Visas and residence

EU citizens can live and work freely and register with Identità, Malta's identity and residence agency. Others typically use:

  • Nomad Residence Permit: for remote workers employed by foreign companies, partners in foreign businesses or freelancers with foreign clients. Applicants need income of at least €42,000 a year, health insurance and accommodation. It is issued for a year and renewable.
  • Single Permit: a combined work and residence permit for non-EU employees of Maltese companies.
  • Malta Permanent Residence Programme: permanent residence through buying or renting qualifying property plus government contributions, run by the Residency Malta Agency.
  • Global Residence Programme: a special tax status for non-EU nationals who buy or rent qualifying property.

How much does it cost to live in Malta?

Housing is the main expense on such a small island. Our Malta data puts an average one-bedroom at about $1,150 a month and a three-bedroom at about $1,900. Sliema, St Julian's and Valletta cost most; Gozo and the south are cheaper. Groceries cost about $300 a month. Public buses are free for residents with a personalised card, though traffic is heavy.

How Maltese tax works

Malta's standard income tax rates for single people run from 0% on the first €12,000 to 35% above €60,000, according to the Malta Tax and Customs Administration. Employees pay social security contributions of about 10%, up to a cap.

Under the Nomad Residence Permit, qualifying income from authorised remote work is taxed at a flat 10%, with relief in the first year under current rules; other income, such as investment income, is taxed at normal rates. Malta also taxes non-domiciled residents only on foreign income they bring into Malta, not on foreign capital gains. Get advice on your situation, and try our tax calculator.

Healthcare

Residents who pay social security contributions can use the free public health system, centred on Mater Dei Hospital. Many expats also take private insurance, and nomad permit holders must have it.

Daily life

Malta packs 7,000 years of history into a small space, from megalithic temples older than the pyramids to the fortified capital Valletta, built by the Knights of St John. Summers bring village festas with processions, brass bands and fireworks almost every weekend. Diving, sailing and swimming are year-round pastimes. Cars drive on the left, and the island is busy, built-up and noisy in places.

Is Malta a good place to move?

Malta suits remote workers, English speakers and professionals in iGaming and finance who want an EU island base. For a side-by-side look at its main rival, read our Malta vs Cyprus comparison.