Malta
Valletta, Europe
Living in Malta: the short version
Malta is a small, sunny EU country where English is an official language, making it one of the easiest places in Europe for English speakers. Its Nomad Residence Permit taxes qualifying remote income at a flat 10% after the first year, though housing is pricey and the islands are crowded.
Best for: Remote workers, iGaming and finance professionals, and English speakers wanting an EU island base.
Why people move here
- English is an official language
- Nomad Residence Permit with a low flat tax on remote income
- Year-round sunshine and a strong expat community
What to watch out for
- High rents for the island’s size
- Traffic, construction and crowding
- Limited space and nature
How to move to Malta: main visa and residency routes
Summaries only — requirements and income thresholds change. Always check the official sources below.
- Nomad Residence Permit
- For remote workers earning at least €42,000 a year from foreign employers or clients; renewable annually.
- Single Permit (work)
- Combined work and residence permit for non-EU employees of Maltese companies.
- Malta Permanent Residence Programme
- Permanent residence through property purchase or lease plus government contributions.
- Global Residence Programme
- Special tax status for non-EU nationals who buy or rent qualifying property.
Healthcare for newcomers
Residents paying social security contributions can use the free public health system, centred on Mater Dei Hospital. Many expats also take private insurance; nomad permit holders must have it.
Cost of Living
Cost of living index: 62 (NYC = 100)
Rent (1BR)
$1150
Rent (3BR)
$1900
Groceries
$300
Transport
$35
Utilities
$120
Internet
$35
Dining Out
$160
Tax System
Corporate Tax
35%
VAT / Sales Tax
18%
Social Security
10%
Capital Gains
8%
Income Tax Brackets
| Income Range (USD) | Tax Rate |
|---|---|
| $0 - $12,000 | 0% |
| $12,001 - $16,000 | 15% |
| $16,001 - $60,000 | 25% |
| $60,001 - Above | 35% |
Culture
Malta is the EU’s smallest member state, a sunny archipelago with 7,000 years of history, from megalithic temples to the Knights of St John. English is an official language, and village festas fill the summer.
Traditions
- Village festas with fireworks
- Carnival in Valletta
- Notte Bianca arts night
- Holy Week processions
Cultural Values
- Family
- Faith
- Community
- Hospitality
Common Greeting: Bonġu! / Hello!
Cultural Tips
- • English is an official language and used in business
- • Cars drive on the left
- • Summer festas mean fireworks almost every weekend
- • Dress modestly in churches
🍽 Food & Cuisine
Maltese cuisine is Mediterranean with Sicilian, Arab and British influences, centred on rabbit, fish, pastries and fresh bread.
Stuffat tal-fenek
Rabbit stewed slowly in red wine and garlic, the national dish
Pastizzi
Flaky diamond-shaped pastries filled with ricotta or mushy peas
Ftira
Ring-shaped sourdough bread filled with tuna, tomatoes, olives and capers
Lampuki pie
Dolphin-fish pie with vegetables, olives and spices, eaten in autumn
Sources and methodology
Figures on this page are estimates in US dollars, compiled from the international datasets below and converted at recent exchange rates. The cost of living index uses New York City as 100. Guidance was last reviewed on . Found something out of date? Tell us.
Official Malta sources
Data sources
- PwC Worldwide Tax Summaries — individual income tax
- Numbeo — cost of living (crowdsourced prices)
- World Bank Open Data — economic and population indicators
- OECD Tax Database — tax rates and social contributions
- ILOSTAT — employment and unemployment
- UNDP Human Development Reports — health and education
- UN World Population Prospects — population
Quality of Life
Job Market
Average Annual Salary
$30,000
Job Difficulty
Moderate
Unemployment Rate
3%
Work Permit Required
Yes
Top Industries
Languages
Official Languages
Other Languages Spoken