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Many foreigners choose Malta to move to for its mild climate, relatively inexpensive cost of living, Blue Flag beaches and expat-friendly environment. Since Malta is part of the European Union, citizens of the EU/EEA/Swiss can move to Malta without a visa. However, for stays longer than three months, they must notify the Maltese authorities. This means that you are entitled to work, study, live in Malta, and move to other EU countries freely. Moving or relocating to Malta from a non-EU country is less straightforward and requires special permits and authorisation. Learn hot to get visas & work permits, find housing & healthcare, choose the right school for your kids and organize your relocation to Malta.
 
1. Language:
 
Both Maltese and English are the official languages in Malta. In addition to its unique origins, the Maltese language is influenced by Italian, French, English, and Arabic influences. It is the most widely spoken language on the islands, and it imparts the local dialects of the villages and localities.
 
As a result of Malta’s geographical and cultural proximity to Italy, English is widely used on radio shows, signage, menus, and newspapers as well.
 
2. Day-to-Day Cost of Living:
 
The cost of living in Malta is rather low compared to EU countries and the UK. Living costs for expats in Malta are more affordable than in many other European countries. On average, a single person can expect to spend around 800 Euro per month in general living expenses. This excludes rent and accommodation, which make up a major part of the cost of living in Malta. The rent in Malta for example for a 2 bedroom flat you need to calculate the rent at 700 up to 1,000 Euro. However moving to Maltas little sister island Gozo you can expect to pay less to rent a apartment. All holders of a valid personalised Tallinja Card will be able to travel for free on board all Malta Public Transport buses operating day routes and night routes. Read more about Maltas Cost of Living in 2024: Caritas Sets Minimum Income Threshold for Families at 19,153 Euro Annually
 
3. Residency:
 
Citizens of countries outside the European Union require a visa to enter Malta. The application process can take several routes, but all involve obtaining a work permit or showing proof of sufficient financial means. Just like all third-country nationals, US citizens can move to Malta as long as they meet the visa requirements and file a successful residency application. Malta’s status as a European Union Member means citizens of EEA states and Switzerland may move to Malta without a visa. To qualify for permanent residence in Malta, you must first have lived in the country temporarily for five years. A person who lives in Malta on a permanent or indefinite basis is ordinarily resident in Malta. Ordinary Residency in Malta requires a physical stay in Malta for at least six months or at least 183 days in any calendar year.
 
3. Healthcare:
 
Malta does not have a particular type of healthcare system. It all depends on the purpose of your stay in the country. Expats must have an insurance cover sourced from a basic public insurance system, or a basic private insurance system, or a mix of both. Those who are privately insured can choose to go for a 'top-up' policy. Free healthcare is available for citizens, residents, and expats who work legally in Malta. Their treatment is covered by social security contributions, which are mandatory for employers and employees of the country.
 
4. Finding some work:
 
Malta always has entry-level service jobs available, especially during the spring and early summer when tourism-oriented businesses expand their staff. A simple walk around during that time will reveal a lot of 'Help Wanted' signs.
 
Financial services and online gambling are the two main industries in Malta, and these companies offer higher-paying jobs than most local companies. Additionally, international companies operating in Malta often need employees who speak foreign languages, which presents a potentially lucrative opportunity. The downside, however, is that there is no guarantee of success. Local employers usually prefer to hire local workers, if available, since they pay higher wages and have more skills than the local population. As a result, higher-paying, skilled jobs in local companies can be scarce. - (Read more about Salary in Malta and Job Vacancies: 8,092 Job Vacancies in Q2 of 2024 in Malta.)
 
5. Maltese Personal Income Tax:
 
-Residents and domiciliaries: Resident domiciliaries are subject to personal income tax on their worldwide profits and capital gains.
-Non-domiciled residents: non-domiciled residents are subject to personal income tax on their income in Malta and foreign income remitted. They are not taxed on foreign source income.
-Taxable base: worldwide income for domiciled residents and local and remitted income for non-doms.
-Taxable income: Taxable income includes employment income, capital gains, real estate and personal income, and business income.
-In general terms, Malta taxes worldwide income (i.e. all income received) at a progressive rate of 0% to 35%. The brackets work as follows:
 
There is an exemption for the first €12,000
15% up to €16,000
25% up to €60,000
35% for amounts over 60.000€
 
Additionally, under exceptional circumstances of the non-dom regimes, a flat tax of 15% is applied only to foreign income remitted to Malta, with a minimum taxation of 5,000 euros.
 
6. Malta ID card for foreigners:
 
A Maltese ID card application is important and opens many doors for you. If you intend to reside in Malta for longer than three months as a foreigner, you're required to get an e-Residence card that is issued by Identity Malta. This ID process needs a little bit more time and preparation, since you’ll have to submit the application and all the attachments in person. According to Subsidiary Legislation 460.17, Malta recognizes the right to free movement of EU citizens and treats them equally with its nationals.
 
EU/EEA/Swiss nationals applications for a residence card in Malta are handled electronically. An applicant will need to define the reason for his stay, fill in the respective form, and submit it along with the supporting documents as follows:
 
Valid passport, national identity document such as ID card
Residence in Malta
Proof of income or assets
Form A – Application for Residence Documentation
Form 1D1A – Identity Registration Form
GDPR form – Identity Malta
 
To rent an apartment or a house, a long-term property lease agreement will better justify the claim for residence. It is important that the landlord gives a copy of his ID, registers the contract online with the Housing Authority which forwards the rental approval letter automatically via email to the landlord and to the tenant. Also, it is reasonable to have utility bills registered under the own name, because banks require such documents as a proof of residency.
 
Reason to get a Residence Permit
 
Work in Malta
Obtaining a driving licence
Self-Employed in Malta
Digital Nomad Residency
Starting a Business in Malta
 
Whatever the reason for relocating, our team assists individuals, families, graduates, company executives and high net worth individuals taking up residence in Malta. Read more about Maltas Foreign Population Growth And So The Residence Permits: A Demographic and Economic Analysis
 

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