Relocating to the Maltese Islands in 2024 – What You Need to Know

Are you thinking about moving to Malta? The gorgeous sunshine to the favorable tax rates means that the Maltese archipelago is a top relocation choice for many. Some people include a move to Malta, Gozo, or Comino in their life plan to retire in the sunny Mediterranean, while others want a change of scenery or find a job that they can’t turn down.

Whatever your reasons for deciding to move, there are some crucial details you’ll need to take care of to make sure that your relocation goes as smoothly as possible.

Upping and moving to another country isn’t something that most people do on a whim. For most people, moving to the Maltese islands will require a lot of planning. Start by looking at the Maltese government’s website, where you can find a page with the necessary need-to-know information before you start packing.

Decide Where In Malta Is Best For You

Once you’ve decided you’re moving to Malta or Gozo, you’re probably wondering where the best place to live will be for you. The answer will depend on the lifestyle that you plan to lead once you’re there.

• Will you need to commute to an office or place of work?
• Are you going to be self-employed?
• Are you retiring?

Surprisingly, if Malta is your top pick, it has a long list of location options for such a small island. You can live in the urban neighborhoods near Valletta or enjoy a life of peace in the northern part of the island. And there’s plenty in between, including family-friendly towns or areas that are great for students and young people.

Finding Accommodation

Once you’ve decided on the area, it’s time to start the exciting part – looking for your new home. The housing market tends to favor sellers, and there’s a wide range of options to choose from, whether you’re looking for a large villa in the countryside or a trendy apartment close to the city.

There are plenty of options for renters, too – most apartments come furnished, making this a popular choice with people who don’t want the hassle of moving their large furniture items to the Maltese islands.

Starting a Business in Malta

If you’re an entrepreneur, Malta has plenty of opportunities to start your own business. You could be selling anything from services to tourists to digital products – there’s a huge market for many different industries.

Your eligibility to start a business in Malta or Gozo will depend on your residence permit, according to Vacancy Centre. EU citizens are automatically eligible, but if you’re moving to the Maltese Islands from outside of the EU, you will need to prove that you have the financial means to support yourself and any family members who are relocating with you. Or you could splash one million euros on a new passport through Malta’s citizenship by investment program – but if you don’t have that kind of money just lying around, there are specific residence schemes you can through, such as bringing desirable qualifications that will contribute to the Maltese economy.

Settle Into the Expat Community

Malta, Gozo, and Comino are a welcoming and friendly place, and you’ll find it easy to settle in if you speak English. And with so many people deciding to relocate to the Maltese islands in recent years, there’s a large and thriving ex-pat community here. Many of the ex-pats have been living in Malta and Gozo for years and can help you figure out some of the smaller details of your move that you might not have considered beforehand, like where the best supermarkets are, or whether you’ll need to buy a car.

What About After Brexit?

What’s going to happen after Brexit? It’s a question that both Brits living in Malta and Gozo, and Brits considering the move, are asking right now. There’s a lot of uncertainty surrounding what’s exactly going to happen after Brexit, but the EU has made it clear that they won’t be sending any EU citizens already living in their member states back home. If the end of the transition period reaches no deal, UK nationals who legally reside in the Maltese islands will be able to continue living there under their current residence permit.

Family Life in Malta

If you’re moving to Malta or Gozo with your family, you’ll need to include them on your checklist. If you’re not coming from the EU and you’re going to be self-employed, you’ll usually be required to get private health insurance cover for yourself and your family.

If you have been co-habiting with your partner for at least two years, you’ll be recognized on the same footing as marriage in the Maltese islands. If your spouse or partner is not going to be working for a Maltese company, it’s usually easier to get them residence status if they are an EU passport holder or you have a job lined up in Malta.

Are you coming to live in the Maltese Islands with your kids? The good news is that there are plenty of great education options for those who speak English. It’s the second official language on the islands, so you shouldn’t have any problems finding a school where your kids can learn in English and learn Maltese, too.

If you’ve got a pet, the good news is that they’re welcome on the Maltese islands too. Depending on where you’re coming from, it could be quite easy to relocate your family pet with you. If you’re coming from within the EU, all you’ll need is an up-to-date EU pet passport – make sure that your pet is vaccinated. If you’re coming from outside the EU, some rules will apply. These include:

• Get your pet microchipped
• Have them vaccinated against rabies at least 21 days before you travel
• If you’re bringing a dog, they’ll need to be treated for tapeworm 1-5 days before entering Malta
• You must have a health certificate completed by your vet within ten days of travel
• You’ll need to fill out a pre-notification form at least three days before you arrive in Malta
• Your pet must be inspected at the official border inspection point

These rules apply to cats, dogs, and ferrets. There are other rules for more exotic pets.

If you’re thinking of moving somewhere, that’s friendly, sunny, and has plenty of opportunities, Malta, Gozo, and Comino are an ideal choice.