The Global Expat Hub
Malta
English-speaking EU island with a booming economy, warm sea and excellent healthcare; small, crowded and dense with construction.
Your plan for Malta checklist · timeline · cost breakdown
Estimates for one adult before ongoing rent and living costs; couples and families scale up. Tap a plan for the full breakdown.
Top cities for expats in Malta
Costs and character vary significantly within Malta. Here are the cities our readers compare most.
World's smallest capital — UNESCO heritage, cafés and sea views
Modern expat hub with seafront promenade and great shopping
Nightlife and restaurant hub — the most social and international area
The quiet sister island — slower pace and lower prices than Malta
Malta by the numbers editorial estimates in US dollars
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🌤️ Climate
Mediterranean; hot dry summers, mild wet winters, humid year-round, very windy.
Mean temperatures for Sliema.
🌧️ Rain & snow
Rainfall about 550 mm (22 in) a year.
Snow None.
⚖️ The law
Official legislationLaws of Malta ↗
OverviewLaw of Malta on Wikipedia ↗
Driving On the left. Licence rules →
🏛️ Taxes
Property tax None annually; 5% stamp duty on purchase.
Local & regional income tax None regional; remittance basis for non-doms (only income brought in taxed).
🎓 University
University of Malta free for EU; non-EU ~$10–12k/yr, taught in English.
📱 Phone & eSIM
Carriers GO, Epic, Melita.
Average cost Local SIM or eSIM with generous data about $20/month; a 30-day travel eSIM (Airalo, Holafly, Saily and similar) around $15 for 10 GB.
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🎁 Schemes to attract expats
- Retirement Programme: 15% flat tax on foreign pensions
- Nomad Residence Permit at 10% tax
- Remittance-basis taxation for non-doms
- Global Residence Programme at 15%
Figures are national averages for planning, not quotes; big cities run higher. Tax schemes change often and carry conditions. Verify before you rely on them.
Official sources for Malta embassies, warnings, law and reference
Government, intergovernmental and reference sites only; no reviews or opinion. Links open in a new tab.
Ratings & warnings independent
Follows your Mid-range tier partner listings match your budget
Services & daily life one labelled partner per page
Life in Malta faith, wellbeing, shopping and play
Holidays & festivalsNational holidays, closures and the festivals worth planning aroundSearch for jobs for free, or post a job — free.
Roles open to foreigners in Malta: remote work you can do from Sliema, and in-person jobs with employers who hire from abroad. Searching for and posting expat jobs is always free, for job seekers and employers alike. Every listing stays live for 60 days.
Latest listings. Example listings shown until the first real posts go live.
See all jobs in Malta and post a job →
In the meantime, search these trusted remote job boards
Free to use. These are independent sites we like; opening in a new tab. Come back to post your own role here — posting is always free.
Frequently asked questions
Is Malta safe for expats?
Malta scores 86 out of 100 for safety on The Global Expat Hub, and 72 out of 100 for liveability — #11 of the 52 countries we cover. The full breakdown, including official warnings and regional differences, is on the safety page linked from this page.
What is the cost of living in Malta?
The Global Expat Hub estimates a mid-range lifestyle in Malta from around $2,250 per month. The figures are national averages for planning, not quotes — big cities run higher — and this page breaks costs down by tier and city.
Can I move to Malta?
Yes. The routes and incentives The Global Expat Hub lists for Malta include: Retirement Programme: 15% flat tax on foreign pensions; nomad Residence Permit at 10% tax; remittance-basis taxation for non-doms; global Residence Programme at 15%. Step-by-step visa and residency detail is on the visa pages linked from this page.
What is the best city in Malta for expats?
The top cities for expats in Malta profiled on this page are Valletta, Sliema and St Julian's. Valletta is the capital. Each city profile includes typical rent and character to help you compare.