Do EU citizens need a visa to move to Malta?

No. EU, EEA and Swiss citizens can live and work freely, but must register with Identità if staying longer than three months.

Does Malta have a digital nomad visa?

Yes: the Nomad Residence Permit. It's valid for one year, renewable, and requires a minimum monthly income of €2,700 (€3,500 for families).

How much does it cost to live in Malta?

A single person typically needs about €1,180–1,720 a month on a budget, and €1,950–3,000 for a more comfortable lifestyle.

Can I use public healthcare in Malta?

Residents get free public care at Mater Dei and local health centres. Non-EU citizens usually need private insurance covering at least €30,000 for a residence permit.

What's the easiest way to handle banking at first?

Many expats use Revolut or Wise straight away while waiting for a traditional bank account (BOV, HSBC, APS) to be approved.

Moving to Malta: the complete expat relocation guide

300+

Sunny days/year

Official languages

520K

Population

Member state

Note

Immigration rules and requirements change frequently. Always verify current requirements with official government sources, or consult an immigration lawyer for your specific situation.

01Why Move to Malta?

Malta has become one of Europe’s most popular expat destinations, attracting thousands of people each year from around the world. This small Mediterranean archipelago offers a unique combination of benefits that make it ideal for relocation.

Advantages

English is an official language
EU member with the euro
Excellent climate (300+ sunny days)
Safe, with low crime rates
Favourable tax regimes available
Strong expat community
Quality healthcare system
Rich history and culture

Considerations

Small island with limited space
Traffic congestion in busy areas
Rental prices have increased
Hot summers (35°C+)
Limited public transport
Bureaucracy can be slow
Water-scarcity issues
Small dating/social pool

Malta is particularly popular among remote workers, iGaming professionals, financial-services employees, retirees, and EU citizens looking for a Mediterranean lifestyle with familiar comforts.

02Visa & Residence Requirements

Your visa requirements for moving to Malta depend on your nationality and purpose of stay. Malta is part of the Schengen Area and follows EU immigration rules.

EU / EEA / Swiss citizens

EU citizens have the right to live and work in Malta freely under EU freedom of movement.

No visa required for entry or stay
Must register with Identità if staying 3+ months
Obtain a residence document (eResidence card)
Full right to work without a permit

Non-EU citizens: employment

Non-EU nationals need a work permit and visa to work in Malta. Your employer typically sponsors this.

Single Permit (combined work + residence)
Employer must prove no suitable EU candidate
Process typically takes 4–8 weeks
Key Employee Initiative for skilled workers

Digital Nomad (Nomad Residence Permit)

For remote workers employed by companies outside Malta, or the self-employed.

Valid for 1 year, renewable
Minimum monthly income: €2,700 (€3,500 for families)
Must have health insurance
Cannot work for Malta-based companies

Student visa

For those enrolled in recognised educational institutions in Malta.

Acceptance letter from an accredited institution
Proof of funds for tuition and living expenses
Health-insurance coverage
May work part-time (20 hours/week)

Key immigration contacts

Identità: identitymalta.com
Jobsplus (work permits): jobsplus.gov.mt
Residency Malta Agency: residencymalta.gov.mt

03Finding Accommodation

Finding an apartment for rent in Malta is often the biggest challenge for newcomers. The rental market moves quickly, and demand often exceeds supply in popular areas.

Popular areas for expats

Central / urban

Sliema / St Julian's: Vibrant, expat-heavy, restaurants & nightlife
Gżira / Ta' Xbiex: Central, more affordable than Sliema
Valletta: Historic capital, cultural hub
Swieqi / San Ġwann: Residential, good for families

Quieter / suburban

Mellieħa: Northern, beachy, family-friendly
Mosta / Naxxar: Central Malta, local feel
Marsascala: Southern, seaside village vibe
Gozo: Rural, peaceful, lower costs

Average rental prices

Property type	Central areas	Other areas
1-bedroom apartment	€900–1,400/mo	€650–1,000/mo
2-bedroom apartment	€1,200–1,800/mo	€900–1,400/mo
3-bedroom apartment	€1,600–2,500/mo	€1,200–1,800/mo
Shared room	€400–700/mo	€300–500/mo

Housing tips for newcomers

Book short-term accommodation first (Airbnb/hotel) while you search
View properties in person before signing anything
The maximum legal deposit is 1 month's rent
Ensure the lease is registered with the Housing Authority
Check commute times; traffic can be significant

04Cost of Living

Malta’s cost of living is generally lower than Western European capitals but has increased in recent years, particularly for housing. Here’s what to budget for.

Expense	Budget	Comfortable
Rent (1-bed apartment)	€700–900	€1,000–1,400
Utilities (elec/water/internet)	€80–120	€100–150
Groceries	€200–300	€300–450
Transportation	€50–100	€150–300
Dining out / entertainment	€100–200	€300–500
Health insurance	€50–100	€100–200
Total	€1,180–1,720	€1,950–3,000

Estimates for a single person. Costs vary with lifestyle and location.

€1.50–3

Coffee (café)

€12–25

Restaurant meal

€3–5

Beer (bar)

05Healthcare System

Malta has a dual healthcare system with both public and private options. The public system is well run and provides free or subsidised care to those who qualify.

Public healthcare

Free for Malta residents
Mater Dei Hospital is the main hospital
Health centres in local communities
Longer waiting times for non-urgent care
EU citizens can use the EHIC for emergencies

Private healthcare

Shorter waiting times
Choice of doctors and specialists
Private hospitals: St James, St Thomas
Health insurance recommended
GP visit typically €50–100

Health-insurance requirement

Non-EU citizens typically need private health insurance covering at least €30,000 to obtain a residence permit. Even EU citizens often choose private insurance for faster access to care. Popular providers include Mapfre Middlesea, GasanMamo and Atlas Insurance.

06Banking & Finances

Opening a bank account in Malta is essential for receiving salary, paying rent and managing daily expenses. The process can be straightforward but requires patience.

Traditional banks

Bank of Valletta (BOV): largest local bank
HSBC Malta: international bank
APS Bank: smaller local bank
BNF Bank: part of NBG

Digital / fintech options

Revolut: popular among expats
Wise: for international transfers
N26: EU digital bank
Monese: easy account opening

Opening a bank account: what you'll need

Valid passport/ID
Proof of address in Malta (rental contract or utility bill)
Proof of income (employment contract or bank statements)
Residence permit (for non-EU citizens)
Maltese tax number (optional but useful)

Pro tip

Many expats use Revolut or Wise initially while waiting for a traditional bank account to be approved. These can be set up within days and work well for everyday spending.

07Working in Malta

Malta has a dynamic job market with opportunities across various sectors. The official languages are Maltese and English, with most business conducted in English.

Key employment sectors

iGaming: major industry, many international companies
Financial services: banking, insurance, fintech
Technology: software, IT support, blockchain
Tourism: hotels, hospitality, entertainment
Healthcare: doctors, nurses, specialists
Customer service: multilingual roles

Employment essentials

Minimum wage: ~€835/month (varies with age/experience)
Working hours: standard 40-hour week, overtime rules apply
Annual leave: minimum 24 working days + 14 public holidays
Job search: Jobsplus, LinkedIn, Indeed Malta, Facebook groups

08Getting Around

Malta is a small island (27 km long) but traffic congestion is a significant issue, especially during rush hours. Here are your transportation options.

🚌 Public buses (Malta Public Transport)

Extensive network covering most areas
Single journey: €1.50 (winter) / €2 (summer)
12-trip card €15 · monthly pass €26
Tallinja app for routes and payments
Can be slow and crowded at peak times

🚗 Driving

Drive on the left (like the UK)
EU licences valid; others may need conversion
Traffic congestion is significant
Parking can be difficult in urban areas
Think carefully before bringing/buying a car

🚕 Ride services & taxis

Bolt: most popular, affordable
eCabs: local taxi app
White taxis: traditional, fixed airport rates
Typical ride (Sliema–Valletta): €8–15

⛴️ Ferries

Gozo Ferry: Ċirkewwa to Mġarr (Gozo)
Valletta Ferry: Sliema to Valletta
Useful for avoiding traffic

09Lifestyle & Culture

Malta offers a unique Mediterranean lifestyle blending historic European culture with modern amenities. The expat community is welcoming and active.

🏖️ Recreation

Beautiful beaches and swimming spots
Diving and water sports
Historical sites (UNESCO World Heritage)
Vibrant nightlife in Paceville
Restaurant and café culture

👥 Expat community

Large international community
Facebook groups for expats
InterNations Malta events
Sports clubs and hobby groups
National community associations

Cultural tips

Religion: Malta is predominantly Catholic; respect church hours and festa celebrations.
Language: English is widely spoken; learning basic Maltese is appreciated.
Pace of life: Things can move slowly; patience is a virtue.
Summer hours: Many shops close early afternoon in summer.

10Relocation Checklist

Use this checklist to organise your move to Malta step by step.

Before you leave

Check visa/residence requirements for your nationality
Gather important documents (passport, birth certificate, degrees, references)
Book temporary accommodation for the first 2–4 weeks
Arrange health-insurance coverage
Research neighbourhoods and rental prices
Set up Wise/Revolut for initial banking needs

First week in Malta

Get a local SIM card / mobile plan
Start viewing apartments/rooms
Explore different neighbourhoods
Get familiar with bus routes

First month

Sign a rental contract and move in
Register with Identità (EU) or apply for a residence permit
Apply for a Maltese bank account
Set up utilities (electricity, water, internet)
Register with a GP or health centre
Get your social security number

Settling in

Join expat groups and social communities
Convert your driving licence if needed
Register with your embassy (recommended)
Understand your tax obligations