Buying property in Malta as a foreigner
The complete 2026 guide to buying property in Malta as a foreigner — who can buy, AIP permits and SDAs, the process, costs, tax and residency options.
The Journal
Guides to property & life in Malta
Everything we explain to clients every day — written down, verified and kept up to date.
Buying guides
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Buying property in Malta
The buying process, step by step
How buying property in Malta works — from offer to promise of sale (konvenju), notary searches and the final deed — with timings, deposits and who does what.
What it costs to buy in Malta
Every cost of buying property in Malta in 2026 — stamp duty, notary fees, searches, AIP permit, surveys, bank fees — with a worked example.
Tax guides
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Property tax in Malta
The Malta property tax guide
How property is taxed in Malta in 2026 — stamp duty on purchase, final withholding tax on sale, 15% rental income tax and duty on inheritance — verified.
Stamp duty in Malta — rates and examples
Stamp duty on Maltese property in 2026 — the 5% standard rate, the 1% paid at the promise of sale, first-time buyer relief and worked examples.
Selling? The 8% property transfer tax
Tax when selling property in Malta in 2026 — the 8% final withholding tax, the 10% and 5% rates, the own-home exemption and worked examples.
Residency guides
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Residency in Malta
Malta residency options compared
Every main route to living in Malta compared — MPRP, Global Residence Programme, Retirement Programme, Nomad Residence Permit and EU registration — with property and tax rules.
The MPRP — complete 2026 guide
The MPRP in 2026 — eligibility, the €60,000 fee and €37,000 contribution, property purchase or lease rules, capital requirements, dependants and the process.
The Global Residence Programme
The Malta Global Residence Programme in 2026 — 15% flat tax on remitted foreign income, €15,000 minimum tax, property thresholds (€275,000 / €220,000) and who qualifies.
Owner guides
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Selling & letting in Malta
Selling property in Malta — the complete guide
How to sell property in Malta in 2026 — valuation, the promise of sale, the 8% property transfer tax and its exemptions, documents, timelines and costs for local and overseas owners.
Seller's preparation checklist
An interactive seller's checklist for Malta — documents, permits, repairs, staging, photography and viewings — so your home sells faster and for the right price.
How property is valued in Malta
How homes are valued in Malta — comparable sales, location, views, permits and condition — the difference between an agent's appraisal and a bank valuation, and why value matters for tax.
Relocation guides
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Moving to Malta
Moving to Malta — the complete guide
Everything you need to move to Malta in 2026 — residency routes, finding a home, registering, utilities, healthcare, schools, driving, pets, tax and daily life, with interactive checklists.
Best places to live in Malta
Where to live in Malta — the best towns for city living, seafront life, families, history, villas and value, with the pros and cons of each.
Moving to Malta — the checklist
An interactive moving-to-Malta checklist — what to do six months, three months and one month before you move, on arrival and in your first 90 days. Progress saves in your browser.
Personal advice