Malta

"Virtute et constantia" ("Strength and consistency")

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Welcome to Malta

Malta: "Malta, a small Mediterranean island nation, is known for its rich history and strategic location. Tourism and financial services are key pillars of its economy. Malta’s cultural heritage, including its ancient temples and fortifications, make it a unique place to visit or live.",

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Malta Essentials

National Anthem

L-Innu Malti

Independence Day

September 21, 1964

Haiko

Knights' legacy stands / Azure Window in the sea / Ancient temples sleep

Interesting Tradition

Holds Festa celebrations with fireworks and statue processions in every town

Weirdest Local Superstition

Evil eye belief

Strangest Law Still on the Books

Illegal to dress up as a priest in public

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Come for the history, stay for the future

Come for the Mediterranean, stay for the momentum: Malta crafts an extraordinary blend of ancient history and future-focused industry on sun-drenched shores. Life moves between swimming in azure waters and building blockchain businesses in restored medieval buildings. The nation's citizenship programs and gaming industry have created unique opportunities for global professionals seeking European bases.

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Ejja

Discover an island where history isn't just the past, but inspiration for tomorrow. Your journey begins where ancient stones meet blockchain dreams.

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Merhba Malta

A tiny island with a rich history where you can find more churches than people—perfect for a divine experience!

Malta isn't just a country—it's an open-air museum in the Mediterranean. Here, time is measured in millennia, and even a simple harbor walk becomes a journey through civilizations. This is a land where history basks in eternal sunshine.

From the fortress streets of Valletta to the crystal waters of the Blue Lagoon, Malta offers wonder for every history enthusiast. Whether you're drawn to the silent city of Mdina, the ancient temples of Ġgantija, or the fishing villages of Marsaxlokk, you'll find a nation that turns its rich past into present-day charm.

Statistics

Savor the Flavor

Eat

pastizzi (savory pastries) - stuffat tal-fenek (rabbit stew)

Drink

kinnie (bitter orange drink) - cisk (local lager beer)

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Thirsty?

Beer

Annual consumption (liters per capita)

40

Wine

Annual consumption (liters per capita)

13

Coffee

Annual consumption (liters per capita)

1.38

Tea

Annual consumption (liters per capita)

1.89

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Cultural Tips and Etiquette

#1
Village festa participation shows community belonging
#2
Church bells guide daily rhythms - respect quiet times
#3
Mediterranean timing means dinner after 8pm
#4
British queuing mixed with Mediterranean warmth
#5
Coffee culture involves specific bar etiquette

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Malta Essentials

Representative Novel

Is-Sur Għarusa ta' Ħal Luqa by Ġan Anton Vassallo (Poem about Maltese village life)

National Animal

Pharaoh Hound

National Pasttime

Football (Soccer)

National Souvenir

Filigree jewelry

National Dish

Stuffat tal-fenek

Famous Festival

Festa

Famous Dance

Maltese folk dance

Famous Music

Għana

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Did You Know?

Malta has more sunny days than most of Europe.

With around 300 sunny days a year, Malta is one of the sunniest places in Europe, making it a year-round destination for those who love the sun.

Malta is home to three UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

These include the city of Valletta, the Megalithic Temples, and the Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum, reflecting the island’s rich historical and cultural significance.

Malta's capital city, Valletta, is one of the smallest capitals in Europe.

Despite its small size, Valletta is packed with history, culture, and architecture, offering a unique experience in just under a square kilometer.

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Malta’s Key Historical Events

60 BC

April 2014

Roman rule of Malta begins

870 AD

July 2014

Arab invasion of Malta

1530

February 2015

Knights of St. John granted Malta by Charles V

1964

March 2015

Independence from Britain

2004

October 2016

EU membership

MOBILITY

Access Malta Residency Rights on the GlobalPassport™ Platform 

NO. OF Mobility Assets

5

MOBILITY

Citizenship Pathways and
Residency Requirements

Citizenship by Birth
Conditional
Citizenship by DESCENT
Yes
Citizenship by MARRIAGE
0 years
DUAL Citizenship
Yes
RESIDENCY BY Naturalization
5
PASSPORT VALIDITY
10 years, 5 years for children

MOBILITY

Passport Power

Visa Free Countries

157

Performance Class

World-Class Access

Passport Grade

A

Rank

27

Score

176.3

This visa grants access to:

• 45% of the world's population 

• 80% of UNESCO sites 

• 75% of global GDP 

• 59% of the world's land area 

MOBILITY

Visa-free access to:

MOBILITY

Number of American Emigrants to Malta by Year 

Year
1990
1995
2000
2005
2010
2015
2020
Malta
3700%
3000%
4100%
4000%
4300%
49
48

MOBILITY

Compare My Passport

Select up to 3 Mobility Assets
Mobility Asset
Approval Time (est.)
Appointment Availability
Term (i.e. duration)
Minimum Investment
Physical Presence Requirement
Cost of Living
English Usage
Quality of Life
Healthcare Ranking
Passport Power
Visa-free Country Access
Number of American Expats
More Details

Rankings

Malta's Global Rankings 

Malta shows strong healthcare efficiency (#19) and rule of law (#30). With moderate living costs (#31) our analysis reflects its solid performance in happiness (#40) across available metrics.

Exceptional performance
Standard performance
Needs Improvement
Rankings are based on 2023-2024 Global Indices and Assessments from recognized international organizations. Updated quarterly to reflect the most recent available data
31
Cost of Living
2024
Moderate
Quality of Life
2024
Safety
2024
40
Happiness
2024
High
144
Tax Burden
2024
Substantial Load
English Proficiency
2023
30
Rule of Law
2024
Strong
19
Healthcare System
2024
Highly Efficient
Pleasant Climate
2024

Healthcare

Healthcare Overview

Key Health Indicators

Median Age

40.3

years

Life Expectancy

82.3

years

Obesity Rate

29.80%

Tobacco Use

21.50%

Sources

Health care Indicators

Health Expenditure

10.58%

of GDP

Hospital Beds

4.49

per 1000 people

Doctors

5.5

per 1000 people

Out-of-pocket

0.00%

of total expenditure

Sources

Healthcare

Did you Know?

Public Healthcare System

Malta has a robust public healthcare system offering free or low-cost medical services to all citizens and residents through taxation.

Private Healthcare Options

Private healthcare is also available in Malta, with private hospitals and clinics offering faster services and specialized treatments.

Healthcare for Expats

Expatriates living in Malta can access the public healthcare system, and many choose private insurance for faster access to treatments.

Focus on Preventive Care

Malta places a strong emphasis on preventive healthcare, with free or low-cost screenings and vaccinations available for residents.

Pharmaceutical Access

Pharmaceuticals in Malta are affordable and widely available, with most medications accessible through both public and private healthcare providers.

Healthcare

United Healthcare Coverage Service Index (2000 - 2021)

Healthcare

Healthcare Cost Calculator

cost of living

Cost of Living Overview

Malta presents a moderate cost of living compared to other European countries. Popular areas like Sliema and St. Julian's are more expensive than other parts of the island. Housing costs have been rising, particularly for rentals in desirable areas. Food costs are moderate, with local markets offering good value. Utilities can be expensive, especially during summer months due to air conditioning use. Public transportation is affordable but can be unreliable. Education costs are moderate, with a mix of public and private options available.

Cost of Gasoline

$1.49

per liter

Cost of Meal

$16.71

(Inexpensive Restaurant)

Monthly Rent

$1,060.59

(1 bedroom, City Center)

Monthly Utilities

$101.55

(85m² Apartment)

Domestic Beer

$3.90

(0.5 liter draught)

VAT Rate

18%

cost of living

Cost of Living plus Rent Map

cost of living

Cost of Living Calculator

cost of living

Rent Calculator

Taxation

Taxation Overview

Before considering a move to Malta, it's crucial to grasp its tax system.+Malta taxes resident expats on their worldwide income, while non-residents are taxed only on Maltese-source income. Income tax rates are progressive, ranging from 0% to 35%. Social security contributions are mandatory. Property tax applies, and a Tax Identification Number is necessary for tax purposes.+Malta has a double taxation treaty with the United States to mitigate potential dual taxation issues.

Tax Residency Requirement

Based on residential ties rather than residency time

Worldwide Income Taxation

Yes

Higher Rates for Foreign Assets

No

US Double Taxation Treaty

Yes

Personal Income

Progressive tax rate based on income levels

0%-35%

Personal Capital Gains

Flat rate on investment gains

0%-35%

Inheritance

Based on inherited amount and relationship

0%

Corporate Income

Standard corporate tax rate applied to business profits

35%

Corporate Capital Gains

Tax rate applied to capital gains from corporate investments

35%

Dividends

Withholding tax rate applied to dividend distributions

0%-15%

Interest

Withholding rate interest payment to non-residens

0%

Royalties

Withholding tax rate for royalty payments

0%

Work Assignment

There are no specific rules for foreign individuals. Residence is determined based on various factors including permanent home, regular course of life, and locality of income.

Overall Ranking

Global position in PWC’c Ease of Paying Taxes ranking

78

Ease of Paying Taxes Score

Overall score based on multiple factors

76.2

Total Tax and Cotribution Rate

TTCR percentage including all mandatory contributtions

44
%

Time to Comply

Annual hours required to comply with tax regulations

139
HOURS

Number of Payments

Total number of tax payments required annually

8

Post-filing Index

Score measuring the ease of processes after filing taxes

52.5
%

taxation

Tax Burden Map

taxation

Income Tax Calculator

CLIMATE

Climate Type

Mediterranean climate with hot, dry, and sunny summers, and mild winters

Average Temperature

20.06 °C

Humidity

74

%

Average Annual Precipitation

560

mm

Rainless Days per Year

308

Best Time to Travel

April-October

Questions?

Frequently Asked Questions About Gaining Residency or Citizenship in Malta

Find answers to common questions about GlobalPassport™ and our tools guiding you towards residency or citizenship in Malta.

What Mobility Assets are available to me in Malta?

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Do I need to speak Maltese to apply for residency or citizenship in Malta?

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Can my family members apply for residency or citizenship in Malta with me?

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How will the GlobalPassport™ help me move to Malta?

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Can I keep my own citizenship?

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