Key facts
- Official languages
- Maltese and English
- Currency
- Euro
- EU and Schengen
- True
- Driving
- On the left
- EU citizens
- Register within 3 months
- Non-EU citizens
- MPRP, GRP, MRP or Nomad permit
Malta combines things that rarely come together: English as an official language, EU and Schengen membership, the euro, a Mediterranean climate and a history you can walk through every day. Families, retirees, entrepreneurs and remote workers all make the move — and the process is well-trodden.
1. Choose your residence route
Your nationality and your goals decide the route:
| You are… | Route |
|---|---|
| An EU, EEA or Swiss citizen | Register with Identità |
| A non-EU family wanting a permanent base | MPRP |
| A non-EU individual with substantial foreign income | Global Residence Programme |
| A pensioner, EU or non-EU | Malta Retirement Programme |
| A non-EU remote worker | Nomad Residence Permit |
Compare them all in Malta residency options.
2. Choose where to live
Malta is compact, but its neighbourhoods feel very different. Browse our area guides:
- Harbour living — Sliema, St Julian’s, Tigné Point, Portomaso.
- Historic — Valletta, Mdina and Rabat, the Three Cities.
- Family and villas — Swieqi, Madliena and Pembroke, the Three Villages, Naxxar.
- Sea and space — Mellieħa, Marsaxlokk, Dingli.
3. Rent or buy
Most newcomers rent first — read renting in Malta — and buy once they know the island. If you are buying straight away, start with buying property in Malta as a foreigner.
4. Register and settle in
| Task | Guide |
|---|---|
| Residence registration or permit | EU citizens · Residency options |
| Electricity and water | Utilities in Malta |
| Healthcare and insurance | Healthcare in Malta |
| Schools | International schools |
| Driving licence and car | Driving in Malta |
| Pets | Bringing pets to Malta |
| Tax | Non-dom tax explained |
5. Use the checklists
We have turned all of this into two interactive checklists that save your progress:
- Moving to Malta checklist — from six months before the move to your first three months.
- Move-in checklist — everything to do in the first days in your new home.
Life in Malta
Read living in Malta for the everyday side — the climate, getting around, the festa season, food and the rhythm of island life. And when you are ready, our international desk — in English, 中文 and Tiếng Việt — can plan viewings around your first visit. Contact us.
