Malta Relocation Guide

Essential First Steps for New Arrivals

Register Your Address
Required for all residents with Identity Malta.

Obtain an eResidence Card
Needed for employment, healthcare, banking, and long‑term stays.

Open a Maltese Bank Account
Requires ID and proof of residence.

Residence Permit (if required)
EU citizens register after 3 months; non‑EU citizens may need work permits, Nomad Residence Permits, EU Blue Cards, student permits, or family permits.

Healthcare Registration
Register with the public health system or obtain private insurance.

Housing in Malta

Types of Housing

• Private rentals
• Furnished and unfurnished apartments
• Shared housing
• Townhouses and villas
• Seafront apartments

Market Characteristics

• High demand in Sliema, St. Julian’s, Gżira, Valletta
• Prices higher than most Southern European countries
• Deposits typically 1 month
• Most apartments furnished

Practical Advice

• Use reputable real estate agents
• Understand utility costs (AC widely used)
• Check water pressure and building age
• Consider noise levels in nightlife areas

Working in Malta

Work Permits and Visas

• Single Work Permit
• EU Blue Card
• Nomad Residence Permit
• Highly Skilled Worker Permit
• Seasonal work permit

Employment Standards

• Standard workweek: 40 hours
• Minimum 24 paid vacation days
• Overtime compensation required
• Notice periods vary

Key Industries

• iGaming and online betting
• Finance and banking
• Technology and software development
• Tourism and hospitality
• Maritime and logistics
• Creative industries

Financial Overview: Taxes and Income

Income Tax for Employees
Malta uses a progressive system with income tax and social security contributions.

Special Tax Regimes
Incentives for highly skilled workers, remote workers, investors, and retirees.

Corporate Tax
Standard rate: 35%
Effective rate often reduced through refunds.

VAT
Standard rate: 18%
Reduced rates: 7% and 5%

Healthcare System

Malta has a high‑quality public healthcare system funded through social contributions, with many residents also using private clinics.

General Practitioner
Residents choose a GP; referrals required for specialists.

Costs

• Public healthcare affordable
• Private clinics faster
• Dental care mostly private

Transportation and Mobility

Public Transport

• Buses across the island
• Ferries between Valletta, Sliema, Gozo
• Ride‑sharing services

Driving

• Driving on the left
• EU licenses valid
• Non‑EU licenses may require exchange
• Traffic heavy in urban areas
• Parking limited

Cycling
Limited but improving infrastructure.

Culture and Society

Maltese culture blends European, Arabic, and North African influences, with strong family values and a Mediterranean lifestyle.

Social Norms

• Warm, friendly interactions
• English widely spoken
• Cash and card both common
• Punctuality flexible socially

Religion in Malta

Predominantly Roman Catholic, with small Protestant, Orthodox, and Muslim communities.

Daily Life

Shopping and Services
Lidl, Welbee’s, Pavi, Greens.

Language
Official languages: Maltese and English.

Digital Services
E‑government, online banking, mobile payments.

Education and Family Life

School Options

• Public schools
• Church schools
• Private schools
• International schools

Childcare

• Nurseries
• Kindergartens
• After‑school programs

Community and Integration

Active expat communities exist in Sliema, St. Julian’s, Valletta, and Gozo.

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Malta Relocation Guide