Moving to Malta in 2025: The Ultimate Guide 

For many global entrepreneurs and investors, the EU’s golden visa blueprints were immaculate. 

A five-year plan for European residency was meticulously drafted, with investments easily defined, advisers ready to help and a clear path forward identified. 

Then came the morning news alert, a brief headline that put the entire strategy in serious doubt.

The sudden implosion of Spain’s Golden Visa, and others along with it, was a brutal lesson for thousands, even if they played by the rules. 

It was a clear warning shot, signalling that the drawbridge to Europe was being pulled up and that the old maps were being redrawn.

A landscape shifting this fast calls for a new playbook. 

The new imperative is about substance over speed in jurisdictions built on political stability and a genuine commitment to foreign capital. 

The goal is no longer just a visa. It’s a resilient, future-proofed European base founded on predictable laws, not political whims. 

Amidst all this, Malta holds its course. 

A Maltese passport grants full, unrestricted movement throughout the European Union, while the ‘golden-visa’ residence permit allows non-EU holders to spend up to 90 days within any 180-day period elsewhere in the Schengen Area. 

English is an official language, and the island’s strategic position makes it a natural crossroads linking Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East.

But most of all, its government has consistently proven itself a reliable steward of its immigration programmes, even if they are coming under greater scrutiny from the EU. 

That stability is anchored in a robust legal framework, alongside a tax system precisely engineered for the non-domiciled resident.

However, moving to Malta is a high-stakes move, not a casual gambit. The question isn’t simply whether Malta is a good option, but how you adjust to its requirements to build a truly advantageous life. 

Pros and Cons of Moving to Malta

People don’t just move to Malta for its beaches and Mediterranean lifestyle. 

The financial benefits and the passport are the other reasons. 

However, while the benefits are plenty, there are some drawbacks to consider.

Pros of Moving to Malta

The numbers work because Malta operates a legitimate, EU-approved remittance-based tax system for its non-domiciled residents. 

In a nutshell, this system guarantees that foreign income is only taxed when you bring it into the country. Full stop. 

What’s more, you gain a level of control over your annual tax exposure that’s simply impossible in most of the developed world. We provide a full breakdown of the tax implications below. 

On top of that, the Maltese passport matters more today than ever. As other nations tinker with their residency policies, Malta guarantees an absolute right to reside, work and travel throughout the EU. It’s a permanent escape route, not a temporary permit. 

Most importantly, you can run a real business in Malta. The government’s active support for sectors like finance and tech proves Malta can be a useful operations base. 

Cons of Moving to Malta

The lavish promotional materials conveniently omit the daily realities of life on a small, crowded rock in the Mediterranean. In reality, things move at their own pace, and the islands’ bureaucracy can be challenging for entrepreneurs and investors who are used to efficiency. 

On top of that, the infrastructure is adequate but strains under the weight of its own success. Malta’s road infrastructure is under pressure – there’s no rail network, and continuous construction across much of the island affects air quality, noise levels and aesthetics. 

Furthermore, the island isn’t cheap. Years of demand from high-net-worth individuals has driven the price of good property, private schooling and quality services to levels that rival many major European cities. 

Cost of Living in Malta

Malta is by no means the most affordable Mediterranean escape. 

For a high-net-worth individual, it’s the price paid for a unique combination of lifestyle access and financial efficiency.

Global rankings show that Malta is cheaper than main cities like London or Geneva, but it’s much more expensive than places in Southern or Eastern Europe.

Unsurprisingly, housing will be your most substantial expense. For the kind of modern, high-spec apartment or villa you expect, the market in prime areas like Sliema and St Julian’s is competitive. 

There’s a fuller breakdown of costs in the next section, but at a glance, the cost of renting a modern three-bedroom apartment in these locations ranges from €2,500 to over €4,500 per month. 

The cost of buying real estate reflects this, with prices per square metre ranging from €5,000 to €8,000, comparable to cities like Madrid or Lisbon.

Beyond housing, your daily costs are determined by whether you live like a local or not. 

Anyone opting out of local schools can expect to budget between €15,000 and €25,000 annually per child for top-tier international schools. 

Furthermore, a dinner for two at a high-end restaurant will easily exceed €150, and comprehensive private health insurance is a standard expectation, costing €1,500 to €3,000 per year.

On the business front, skilled local talent is more affordable than in other European hubs and premium office space at €300 to €450 per square metre annually is a fraction of the cost in London or Paris.

Best Places to Live in Malta

Choosing where to live in Malta isn’t about finding the ‘best’ neighbourhood in a traditional sense. It is more about selecting an operational base that aligns with your personal and business objectives. 

Most people moving to Malta rent for the first year to get their bearings before committing to a purchase. 

What’s more, your choices are simplified due to the small size of the island. It largely comes down to whether you want to live in the heart of the action or prefer a quieter base. 

Anyone who prefers the action makes a beeline for Sliema or St Julian’s. These coastal towns are the island’s engine room, a concentration of corporate services, fine dining and networking opportunities. 

Renting in these areas means paying a premium for convenience, with quality sea-view apartments demanding €2,500 to over €4,000 monthly. 

For a more insulated and private base, most people look to Swieqi or the exclusive villas of Madliena. These locations are quiet but still within a short drive of the main commercial towns. 

Best Areas to Buy Real Estate in Malta

There are restrictions on foreigners purchasing real estate in Malta. However, Special Designated Areas, or SDAs, offer a solution. 

For any serious buyer, the choice is therefore simplified. All property acquisition efforts must focus exclusively on these zones, which are characterised as specific, high-end developments. 

Within the SDAs, flagship developments like Portomaso in St Julian’s and Tigné Point in Sliema are premier class. These are secure, self-contained ecosystems with marinas, private facilities and 24-hour security. 

However, entry prices start at around €1 million and escalate steeply from there.

Other premier SDAs, such as Fort Cambridge in Sliema, offer large apartments with commanding sea views, with prices in the €800,000 to €2 million range. 

In St Julian’s, Pendergardens sells a mix of modern apartments and villas set around a car-free piazza, where villas can command upwards of €3 million. 

For those seeking even more space and privacy, developments like Madliena Village feature exclusive villas in a quieter, more elevated setting.

Is Living in Malta Safe?

When it comes to personal safety, the data suggest that Malta is one of the safest countries in Europe. 

The 2023 Global Peace Index, for example, ranked Malta 29th out of 163 countries, making it among the world’s most peaceful nations. 

More concretely, Eurostat reports a homicide rate often below 0.6 per 100,000 population, a fraction of the rate in larger countries like France or the United Kingdom, suggesting that violent crime is exceptionally rare.

A more serious issue for investors is systemic stability because Malta has faced international scrutiny over its institutions and the risk of financial crime. 

Its response, however, is dictated by its full EU membership. 

The country is bound to implement strict EU directives on banking, financial transparency and the rule of law, meaning Malta’s banks and courts must, therefore, adhere to high European standards. 

That external oversight creates a secure environment for wealth, an advantage many independent offshore jurisdictions don’t have.

Taxes in Malta

At first glance, Malta’s corporate tax system seems unremarkable. Its headline corporate tax rate is 35%, but for foreign business owners, this number is largely irrelevant. 

A full imputation and refund system permits shareholders to claim back a substantial portion of the tax paid by their company, creating an effective corporate tax rate on active trading income as low as 5%.

The real advantage, however, is the personal tax system for non-domiciled residents, which operates on a remittance basis. Under this system, foreign-source income and capital gains are subject to a 0% tax rate, provided the funds remain outside of Malta. 

Income that you remit to Malta is taxed at progressive rates up to 35%; however, with smart planning, your effective tax rate can be much lower. 

On top of that, Malta’s extensive network of double taxation treaties lets you claim credits for tax already paid abroad, which can lower this liability even more. 

Beyond income tax, Malta has no inheritance tax, no estate duty and no net wealth tax.

In exchange for these benefits, high-earning individuals who have gained Malta residency but are not domiciled must pay a minimum annual flat tax of €15,000, regardless of how much income they remit.

One thing to be aware of is that Malta is due to roll out the OECD Pillar Two top-off tax (15%) for groups with €750 million+, but this won’t affect the vast majority of firms there.

How to Get Residency and Citizenship in Malta 

In terms of getting long-term residency or even Maltese citizenship, Malta has you covered.

For the residency permit, most non-EU nationals opt for the Malta Permanent Residence Programme. 

To get Malta permanent residency, you make a one-time, non-refundable contribution to the government of €60,000 if you rent a home, or €30,000 if you purchase one. 

A further €52,000 covers all administrative fees and a required charitable donation. 

In addition to these contributions, applicants must make a five-year real estate commitment, either by purchasing a property for a minimum of €375,000 or by leasing a home for at least €14,000 annually. 

Fulfilling these financial requirements grants permanent residency to the principal applicant and their entire extended family, including dependent parents and grandparents.

Acquiring a Maltese passport is an entirely different undertaking. 

The government’s Citizenship by Naturalisation for Exceptional Services or MEIN program was declared illegal by the EU’s highest court.

Naturalisation to acquire Malta citizenship takes a minimum of five years. Foreign nationals must reside in Malta for four years and have permanent residency.

The family inclusion option is available for children of Maltese citizens and close family members. Eligibility includes those born in Malta or to Maltese parents, former citizens, and others closely tied to Maltese nationality.

Foreign nationals married to Maltese citizens can live and work in Malta without a permit, but can only apply for citizenship after five years of marriage.

The President of Malta can also grant citizenship to individuals with exceptional merit in fields like science, culture, or sports, though the criteria for ‘exceptional’ merit are vague.

Best Places to Live in Malta for US Expat

A newly arrived American in Malta typically prioritises a smooth transition, aiming to minimise wasted time and effort. 

For this reason, the path of least resistance leads directly to the coastal towns of Sliema and St Julian’s. These areas afford a turnkey lifestyle where you can walk into a welcoming community and luxury house, all while speaking English to those you come in contact with. 

For Americans actively seeking to shed that familiarity, the best alternative is the historic Three Cities. 

Choosing to live in Vittoriosa, Senglea or Cospicua means you trade some modern convenience for traditional Maltese life, just a short and scenic ferry ride from the capital, Valletta, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Why are Americans Moving to Malta?

Every successful American abroad faces the unique financial burden of having to file and pay taxes on their worldwide income, regardless of their residence. 

Americans are, therefore, not moving to Malta to escape US tax, which is impossible (unless they renounce), but to smartly restructure their global financial position. 

The strategy involves the interplay between US tax law and Maltese residency‌ rules.

If a US citizen lives in Malta, they can use the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion (FEIE) to avoid paying US taxes on over US$130,000 of earned income. At the same time, Malta’s non-domiciled tax system levies a 0% rate on unremitted foreign-source capital gains and passive income.

Beyond the numbers, the move represents a strategic lifestyle arbitrage. An increasing number of Americans are choosing to trade the high-stress, politically volatile and car-dependent environment of the United States for Malta’s safety, stability and walkability. 

Moving to Malta in 2025: FAQs

Is Living in Malta Right for You?

There is no doubt that Malta has a unique combination of EU membership, a business-friendly government, and a favourable tax system for foreign residents. 

For many successful people, Malta is an almost perfect fit. 

But the philosophy of ‘going where you’re treated best’ means looking beyond just one good option to find the perfect option for you. 

A pure zero-tax structure for your business might point you to the UAE. Someone wanting a foothold in South America with less paperwork might look to Uruguay. A crypto investor could find the specific rules in Switzerland more advantageous. 

Malta is an elite option, but it is not the only choice.

The real work of building a global life involves weaving the threads of citizenship, residency, tax strategies, and company structures into a single, legal, and robust plan. 

Crafting that personal blueprint, the one that guarantees our clients truly go where they are treated best, is the reason Nomad Capitalist exists.

If you are ready to start planning your next move, then get in touch with our team here.