🇲🇹 Moving to Malta: tax, residency and cost of living

Key facts

Top income tax

35%

Corporate tax

35%

Capital gains

0%

Wealth tax

No

Inheritance tax

No

Cost of living index

57

Safety

8/10

Internet quality

7/10

Visa-free destinations

185

Foreigners can own property

Yes

Residency in

0 months

Citizenship in

0 years

Taxes

Malta applies a remittance basis for non-domiciled residents: foreign-source income is only taxed when remitted to Malta. The top resident rate is 35%, but the Global Residence Programme and Malta Retirement Programme offer a flat 15% rate on remitted income with a minimum annual tax of EUR 15,000. Capital gains are generally not taxable in Malta.

Residency and visas

EU citizens can freely reside in Malta. Non-EU nationals can use the Global Residence Programme (GRP), Malta Retirement Programme, or Highly Qualified Persons Scheme. Permanent residence is available after 5 years of lawful residence.

Property ownership

EU citizens can purchase property in Malta without restrictions. Non-EU nationals require an AIP permit for their first purchase unless buying in a Specially Designated Area (SDA). Commercial property is more accessible for foreigners.

Cost of living and quality of life

Malta enjoys a Mediterranean climate, high English proficiency (officially bilingual) and relatively low crime rates. Healthcare is adequate though can be stretched. Cost of living is below Western European averages, although rental prices have risen sharply in recent years.

Passport and mobility

The Maltese passport grants visa-free access to 185 countries including the US, Canada, and the full Schengen area. Malta also offers a citizenship-by-investment programme (MEIN) which grants EU citizenship after 3 years of naturalisation.

Residency and visas

• Global Residence Programme (GRP) · €275,000 · Residency in 5 years
• Malta Retirement Programme (MRP) · €25,000/j · €275,000 · Residency in 5 years
• Highly Qualified Persons (HQP) Scheme · €86,938/j · Residency in 5 years
• Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP) · €150,000
• Nomad Residence Permit · €36,888/j · Residency in 5 years

Why people move to Malta

• Remittance-basis taxation on foreign income

  Non-domiciled residents only pay Maltese tax on foreign income actually remitted to Malta, enabling significant tax savings for those with international income streams.

• EU membership with strong passport mobility

  The Maltese passport provides access to 185 countries and full EU citizen rights, including free movement to work and live across all 27 EU member states.

• English-speaking EU hub with favourable business environment

  Malta is officially English-speaking, has an established Common Law-based legal system, and offers an effective CIT rate as low as 5% for qualifying companies through its tax refund system.

Sources

• Income Tax Rates - Commissioner for Revenue Malta
• Corporate Tax Rates - Commissioner for Revenue Malta
• Double Taxation Treaties - Commissioner for Revenue Malta
• VAT Rates - Commissioner for Revenue Malta
• Henley Passport Index 2025
• Cost of Living in Malta - Numbeo 2025
• Residency Malta Agency - Official Programmes
• Acquisition of Immovable Property in Malta
• WHO Malta Country Health Profile
• Malta - OECD Tax Treaties Overview
• Nomad Residence Permit - Identity Malta