Nestled between Europe and North Africa, the island-state of Malta has long been a crossroads of civilizations, from Phoenicians and Arabs to Italians and the British, all leaving traces in its heritage and culture. Since gaining independence in 1964, this Mediterranean nation has evolved into a stable EU member with a strong service-based economy, a distinct international identity, and English as an official language alongside Maltese. As of late 2024, the island’s population stood at 574,250, of which nearly 30% were foreign citizens.

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Expats are drawn here not just by the mild climate and year-round sun, but also by the local English-speaking environment and favorable tax system. Thanks to its well-developed digital infrastructure, streamlined visa paths, and reputation as a secure, innovation-driven European hub, Malta attracts young tech professionals, entrepreneurs, and digital-first companies.

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In this guide, we will cover the key aspects of work and business-related relocation to Malta: various types of visas and residence permits, the tax regime, and living essentials. We will also explore which groups of foreign nationals have the most chances of integrating seamlessly, discuss potential challenges, and offer alternative paths for a simplified and stress-free immigration process.

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What types of visas are available to non-EU nationals in Malta?

To be able to carry out professional activities or start a business in Malta, non-EU citizens are required to apply for a work/residence permit. As of late 2025, the following types of permits are available:

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• Work (Type D) Visa, which is suitable for individuals who intend to be employed by Maltese companies. To obtain one for a foreign employee, an employer in Malta must demonstrate that they have been unable to secure a qualified local or EU resident. Other visa requirements include a minimum annual salary threshold (approx. 21,000 EUR per year) and compliance with the local employment laws. It is worth noting that the success rate of a Work Visa application depends on the intended industry, with professionals in ICT and intra-company transferees having the highest chances of approval. The latter can enter the country on an Intra-Corporate Transfer permit.
• The EU Blue Card, which is suitable for highly qualified overseas professionals. To be eligible, a non-EU national must present an employment contract of at least 6 months, proof of qualification (e.g., a university degree), and a projected salary that is 1.5 times higher than Malta’s average. In practice, the country actively seeks highly skilled foreign talent: its economy faces shortages in healthcare, construction, transportation, and hospitality, so expats often find job openings in these sectors.
• The Startup Residence Programme, which targets third-country founders of innovative companies and their core employees. To be eligible for a corresponding work and residence permit, an individual must place a tangible investment and/or paid-up share capital of not less than 25,000 EUR and be engaged in one or more of the following industries: manufacturing or industrial services, software development, health, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals and life science, eco startups involved in the blue, green and sustainable industries, or other innovative economic activities. In the long run, this investment program may lead to the acquisition of a permanent residence permit and citizenship.
• Nomad Residence Permit, which was launched in 2021 and is suitable for non-EU individuals who would like to reside in Malta while working for a foreign company or clients. Eligibility criteria include a minimum salary threshold of 42,000 EUR per year and at least 183 days of annual residency in Malta. While this type of permit can be issued for a maximum of 4 years, its holders enjoy tax exemptions for the first 12 months of their activity (more on this in the next section), which makes Malta especially attractive for remote workers and self-employed individuals with foreign income.

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How much tax do expats pay in Malta?

Malta taxes individuals on a residence basis, with special regimes for newcomers. Non-domiciled residents (expats) pay tax only on income remitted to Malta. In practice, this means foreign passive income (rents, dividends, pensions) and capital gains remain untaxed unless brought into the country.

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‍Personal income tax rates are progressive up to 35%, but with the remittance regime, many wealthy expats pay very little Maltese tax on offshore income. Moreover, there are other incentives, such as:

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• No tax on foreign capital gains (ever), and only remitted foreign passive income is taxed (often at around 15%).
• Foreign-sourced work income (for services performed remotely) is taxed at a flat 10% rate, with the initial 12-month exemption. This rate is especially lucrative for IT freelancers, high-earning consultants, and remote executives.
• The Highly Qualified Persons (HQP) Scheme gives non‑domiciled professionals in sectors like finance, gaming, or aviation a 15% flat tax on salaries up to 5 million EUR, with no income tax charged on the excess.

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Overall, Malta’s tax system heavily favors capital or income held abroad, making it especially popular with entrepreneurs and investors with foreign earnings. Another group that enjoys the local tax regime are location-independent professionals, who are incentivized to move to the island and carry out their activities with considerably lower contributions compared to many other European destinations.

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What is life like for expats in Malta?

The island-state delivers a lifestyle that blends Mediterranean ease with the benefits of a modern EU economy. While the cost of living in Malta has increased post-pandemic, especially in housing and groceries, the overall living expenses remain lower than in many Western European capitals. The average expenses for a single person (excluding rent) are roughly 900 EUR per month.

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However, to live comfortably (with modest rent and leisure), many expats budget around 2,200 EUR per month. Rents vary widely by location: a two-bedroom apartment in a quiet town might be around 700-900 EUR per month, whereas a more upscale apartment in central Sliema or St. Julian’s often exceeds 1,800-2,500 EUR per month. Utilities, groceries, and dining are fairly affordable compared to Northern Europe or the US.

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The local climate and architectural heritage are another major draw: Mediterranean beaches, historic towns, and over 300 days of sunshine per year. The expat community in Malta is well‑established, with many international schools, restaurants, and clubs, especially around Valletta, Sliema, and St. Julian’s. While public healthcare is universal and high-quality, many expats opt for private insurance to avoid long waiting times. Due to the country’s modest size, any part of the main island of Malta is reachable within 1-1.5 hours by car, making it easy to get around and explore various destinations.

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Along with many advantages, life on the island comes with a few commonly reported challenges: steadily rising rental and purchasing costs of housing due to the influx of foreign residents, pressure on public infrastructure (Malta has one of the highest car ownership rates in the EU, and traffic jams are notorious), and newcomers’ struggles with waste management and parking regulations. However, the overall quality of life makes up for it; for internationals who arrive here well-informed and follow all administrative procedures, relocation to Malta may become one of the best lifetime decisions.

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Are you interested in moving to Malta for work? Or are you representing a business and exploring the fastest and safest way to relocate your team to Malta?

To employers, we offer an EOR solution: we hire and manage teams locally on your behalf without the need to establish a legal entity. For employees and remote workers, our Umbrella Company solution works best: we handle your employment, allowing you to live and pay taxes locally while working for a foreign employer.

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Our team has an in-depth understanding of the local landscape and is happy to provide you with detailed information. Book a meeting with our expert or submit a request form, and we’ll be in touch with you soon!