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Yes, this article gives you a complete picture of what life is really like in Malta for foreigners moving there in 2026, from housing costs and visa options to safety and job opportunities.
We constantly update this blog post with fresh data and real insights, so you always have the latest information at your fingertips.
And if you're planning to buy a property in this place, you may want to download our pack covering the real estate market in Malta.
Is Malta a good place to live in 2026?
Is quality of life getting better or worse in Malta in 2026?
As of early 2026, quality of life in Malta is following a mixed trajectory, improving in some areas like job opportunities and international connectivity while facing growing pressure from housing costs and congestion.
The most notable improvement in Malta over the past two to three years has been the expansion of English-speaking career opportunities in sectors like iGaming, fintech, and compliance, which has attracted a wave of skilled professionals and created a vibrant international work environment.
However, traffic congestion and ongoing construction disruption have worsened significantly in Malta, with the island's small size and lack of rail infrastructure making daily commutes frustrating for many residents, particularly in popular areas like Sliema and St Julian's.
Are hospitals good in Malta in 2026?
As of early 2026, hospitals in Malta are generally regarded as solid for core care and emergencies, with standards comparable to many Western European countries, though the public system can experience capacity constraints and waiting times for non-urgent services.
Expats in Malta most commonly recommend Mater Dei Hospital for emergencies and complex care as it is Malta's main public acute hospital, and Saint James Hospital for faster private outpatient and specialist appointments.
A standard private doctor consultation in Malta typically costs between 25 and 50 euros (approximately 27 to 55 USD) for a GP visit, while specialist consultations range from 60 to 120 euros (roughly 65 to 130 USD) depending on the specialty.
Private health insurance is strongly recommended for expats living in Malta, especially if you want faster access to specialists and prefer not to rely on public system waiting times, though EU and EEA citizens can access public care using their EHIC for temporary stays.
Are there any good international schools in Malta in 2026?
As of early 2026, Malta has around 35 English-medium schools including several well-regarded international options, though choice is limited by the island's small size, so finding the right fit matters more than chasing rankings.
The most reputable international schools among expat families in Malta include Verdala International School in Pembroke, which offers the full International Baccalaureate program, and QSI International School of Malta, which follows an American-style mastery-based curriculum with small class sizes.
Annual tuition fees at international schools in Malta typically range from 6,000 to 14,000 euros (approximately 6,500 to 15,000 USD), with primary years generally costing less than secondary, and you should budget an additional 800 to 2,000 euros per year for extras like transport, uniforms, and activities.
Waitlists at popular international schools in Malta can be long, especially for high-demand entry points, so applying 3 to 12 months in advance is advisable, while public schools are a viable alternative for families comfortable with Maltese-language instruction and local curriculum.
Is Malta a dangerous place in 2026?
As of early 2026, Malta is considered one of the safest countries in Europe for both residents and expats, with the U.S. State Department rating it as a Level 1 destination and violent crime remaining rare.
The most common safety concerns for expats in Malta are petty theft and pickpocketing, particularly in crowded tourist areas like Valletta, Sliema, and St Julian's, as well as occasional rowdy behavior in the Paceville nightlife district late at night.
The safest neighborhoods for expats in Malta include residential areas like Swieqi, Naxxar, Mosta, and the quieter parts of Sliema away from the seafront promenade, where the community feel and low foot traffic reduce opportunistic crime.
Women can generally live alone safely in Malta, as the country ranks among the safest in Europe for women, though standard precautions like avoiding isolated areas late at night and using licensed taxis after evenings out in Paceville are commonly recommended.
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How much does everyday life cost in Malta in 2026?
What monthly budget do I need to live well in Malta in 2026?
As of early 2026, a single person needs roughly 2,300 to 3,200 euros per month (approximately 2,500 to 3,500 USD) to live comfortably in Malta, including rent in a central location like Sliema or St Julian's.
For a more modest but decent lifestyle in Malta, a single person can manage on around 1,600 to 2,000 euros per month (approximately 1,750 to 2,200 USD), which typically means renting outside the prime coastal areas and cooking most meals at home.
If you want a more comfortable or upscale lifestyle in Malta with a spacious apartment, regular dining out, and leisure activities, you should budget 3,500 to 4,500 euros per month (approximately 3,800 to 4,900 USD) as a single person.
Housing is by far the largest expense for expats in Malta, often consuming 40 to 50 percent of the monthly budget, with one-bedroom apartments in prime areas like Sliema costing 900 to 1,500 euros per month, which is a significant jump from just a few years ago.
What is the average income tax rate in Malta in 2026?
As of early 2026, a typical middle-income earner in Malta with a gross salary of around 30,000 euros per year pays an effective income tax rate of approximately 10 to 12 percent, plus social security contributions on top.
Malta uses progressive tax brackets for 2026, with rates ranging from 0 percent on income up to 9,100 euros for single taxpayers, rising through 15 and 25 percent bands, and reaching 35 percent on income above 60,000 euros, as published by the Malta Tax and Customs Administration.
We did some research and made this infographic to help you quickly compare rental yields of the major cities in Malta versus those in neighboring countries. It provides a clear view of how this country positions itself as a real estate investment destination, which might interest you if you’re planning to invest there.
What kind of foreigners actually live in Malta in 2026?
Where do most expats come from in Malta in 2026?
As of early 2026, the largest groups of expats in Malta come from the United Kingdom, Italy, India, the Philippines, and Serbia, reflecting both Malta's historical ties to the UK and its recent boom in industries that attract workers from Asia and Eastern Europe.
Foreign residents now make up nearly 30 percent of Malta's total population of around 574,000 people, according to the latest NSO data, which represents a dramatic increase from just 5 percent a decade ago.
Expats from these top origin countries are drawn to Malta primarily by job opportunities in booming sectors like iGaming, financial services, and hospitality, combined with the appeal of English-speaking daily life and EU membership.
The expat population in Malta is predominantly made up of working professionals in their 20s to 40s rather than retirees, with the median age of foreign residents being 32 years compared to 43 for Maltese nationals, though there is also a notable community of British and Northern European retirees.
Where do most expats live in Malta in 2026?
As of early 2026, expats in Malta concentrate heavily in the northeast coastal belt, with St Paul's Bay, Sliema, St Julian's, Gzira, and Msida being the most popular areas, where foreign residents make up between 30 and 50 percent of the local population.
These neighborhoods attract expats because they offer the densest concentration of English-speaking services, international restaurants, walkable seafront promenades, and proximity to the business hubs where most expat-friendly companies are based.
Emerging neighborhoods that are starting to attract more expats in Malta include Swieqi and Pembroke for families seeking quieter residential areas close to international schools, and the Three Cities area around Birgu for those who want historic charm and lower rents with ferry access to Valletta.
Are expats moving in or leaving Malta in 2026?
As of early 2026, Malta is experiencing a net inflow of expats, with the NSO reporting total net migration of over 10,600 people in 2024, of which more than three-quarters were non-EU citizens.
The main factor driving expats to move to Malta right now is the strong job market in sectors like iGaming, fintech, and compliance, combined with the appeal of an English-speaking EU country with favorable tax treatment for certain income streams.
The main factor causing some expats to leave Malta recently is the rising cost of housing and the daily frustrations of traffic congestion and construction disruption, which can feel overwhelming on such a small, densely populated island.
Compared to similar Mediterranean destinations like Cyprus or Portugal, Malta has maintained stronger net migration growth, partly because its English-language business environment and established iGaming sector continue to attract companies and workers that might otherwise look elsewhere.
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What paperwork do I need to move to Malta in 2026?
What visa options are popular in Malta in 2026?
As of early 2026, the three most popular visa types for expats moving to Malta are the Single Permit for non-EU employees, the Key Employee Initiative (KEI) for highly skilled workers, and the Nomad Residence Permit for remote workers employed by foreign companies.
The most commonly used route, the Single Permit, requires a job offer from a Maltese employer who sponsors your application, proof of qualifications, a clean criminal record, and health insurance coverage for Malta.
Malta does offer a dedicated Nomad Residence Permit for digital nomads, which requires proof of remote employment or freelance work for clients outside Malta, a minimum monthly income of around 2,700 euros, health insurance, and accommodation in Malta.
The Single Permit and KEI are typically valid for one year and renewable, while the Nomad Residence Permit is valid for up to one year with the possibility of renewal for a total stay of up to three years, after which you would need to transition to another residency pathway.
How long does it take to get residency in Malta in 2026?
As of early 2026, the typical processing time for residency in Malta varies significantly by route, with the fast-track Key Employee Initiative taking as little as 5 working days from complete submission, while standard Single Permit applications can take 6 to 12 weeks or longer.
Common factors that can delay your residency application in Malta include incomplete documentation, delays in employer registration, backlogs at the Identità agency, and scheduling bottlenecks for biometric appointments, while having a well-prepared application and an experienced employer can speed things up considerably.
To become eligible for permanent residency in Malta, an expat typically needs to have lived legally in the country for five continuous years, though investment-based routes like the Malta Permanent Residence Programme offer a faster path for those who meet the financial requirements.
We created this infographic to give you a simple idea of how much it costs to buy property in different parts of Malta. As you can see, it breaks down price ranges and property types for popular cities in the country. We hope this makes it easier to explore your options and understand the market.
How hard is it to find a job in Malta in 2026?
Which industries are hiring the most in Malta in 2026?
As of early 2026, the top three industries hiring the most in Malta are iGaming and online betting, financial services including compliance and AML roles, and hospitality and tourism, according to NSO vacancy data and sector-level hiring trends.
For expats who do not speak Maltese, it is realistic to get hired in Malta because English is the working language in most expat-heavy industries, though some customer-facing roles and regulated sectors may give preference to candidates who also speak Maltese or Italian.
The types of roles most accessible to foreign job seekers in Malta include compliance officers, customer support specialists, software developers, digital marketing managers, and finance professionals, particularly those with experience in fintech or gaming-adjacent companies.
What salary ranges are common for expats in Malta in 2026?
As of early 2026, typical salaries for expats working in Malta range from around 24,000 to 50,000 euros gross per year (approximately 26,000 to 55,000 USD), depending on the industry, role, and experience level.
Entry-level and mid-level expat positions in Malta generally pay between 18,000 and 35,000 euros gross per year (approximately 20,000 to 38,000 USD), with customer support and junior analyst roles at the lower end and specialist positions like compliance officers at the higher end.
Senior or specialized expat roles in Malta, such as heads of compliance, senior developers, or management positions in iGaming companies, can command salaries of 50,000 to 90,000 euros or more (approximately 55,000 to 100,000 USD), with some executive roles exceeding 100,000 euros.
Employers in Malta commonly sponsor work visas for foreign hires in sectors that routinely recruit international talent, particularly iGaming, fintech, and shared services companies, though sponsorship is more readily available when the role is hard to fill locally.
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What's daily life really like for expats in Malta right now?
What do expats love most about living in Malta right now?
The top things expats love most about living in Malta are the year-round sunshine with over 300 sunny days, the ease of living in an English-speaking country, and the compact size that puts beaches, restaurants, and historic sites within easy reach.
The lifestyle benefit most frequently praised by expats in Malta is the Mediterranean outdoor lifestyle, where you can swim in the sea from May through November, enjoy al fresco dining year-round, and take weekend boat trips to hidden coves.
The practical advantage expats appreciate most in Malta is the simplicity of conducting business, banking, and daily life entirely in English, which removes the language barrier that complicates life in many other European countries.
The social and cultural aspect that makes Malta particularly enjoyable for expats is the strong sense of community and the density of the international social scene, where making friends is easy through expat groups, industry meetups, and the many festivals and village feasts that happen throughout the year.
What do expats dislike most about life in Malta right now?
The top complaints expats have about living in Malta are the high and rising rental costs in popular areas, the chronic traffic congestion that can make short distances feel long, and the constant construction noise and dust in many neighborhoods.
The daily inconvenience that frustrates expats the most in Malta is the traffic, which can turn a 5-kilometer drive into a 40-minute ordeal during rush hour, compounded by limited public transport reliability and the near-impossibility of finding parking in central areas.
The bureaucratic issue that causes the most headaches for expats in Malta is the slow and paper-heavy administrative process at government agencies, where tasks that could be done online in other countries often require in-person visits, long queues, and multiple trips.
For most expats, these frustrations are manageable rather than deal-breakers, especially if you choose your neighborhood wisely, work flexible hours to avoid peak traffic, and accept that some things simply take longer on a small Mediterranean island.
What are the biggest culture shocks in Malta right now?
The biggest culture shocks expats experience when moving to Malta are the intensity of summer crowding when tourists flood the island, the tight-knit "everyone knows everyone" feel of local communities, and how dramatically the atmosphere changes from one micro-area to another within just a few minutes' walk.
The social norm that surprises newcomers the most in Malta is the slower pace of service and the relaxed attitude toward time, where shops may close for siesta hours, bureaucratic processes take weeks, and rushing is simply not part of the local culture.
The aspect of daily routines that takes the longest for expats to adjust to in Malta is the lack of central heating in most apartments, which makes the mild but damp winters feel colder indoors than you might expect, and the need to plan around traffic patterns that can disrupt even simple errands.
We made this infographic to show you how property prices in Malta compare to other big cities across the region. It breaks down the average price per square meter in city centers, so you can see how cities stack up. It’s an easy way to spot where you might get the best value for your money. We hope you like it.
Can I buy a home as a foreigner in Malta in 2026?
Can foreigners legally own property in Malta in 2026?
As of early 2026, foreigners are legally allowed to own property in Malta, though non-EU buyers purchasing outside designated Special Designated Areas (SDAs) typically need to obtain an Acquisition of Immovable Property (AIP) permit from the government.
The specific restrictions for foreigners buying property in Malta include minimum purchase price thresholds that are periodically updated by the authorities, and the requirement that non-EU buyers can generally only purchase one property for personal use unless buying in an SDA.
Foreigners can buy apartments, houses, and villas in Malta, including in SDA developments where no permit is required, but purchasing undeveloped land or multiple properties outside SDAs is restricted for non-EU nationals without special authorization.
By the way, we've written a blog article detailing the whole property buying process for foreigners in Malta.
What is the average price per m² in Malta in 2026?
As of early 2026, average property prices in Malta vary dramatically by location, ranging from around 2,700 to 4,200 euros per square meter (approximately 2,950 to 4,600 USD) in areas like Mosta and parts of the south, up to 4,500 to 7,000 euros per square meter (approximately 4,900 to 7,650 USD) in prime coastal locations like Sliema and St Julian's.
Property prices in Malta have been rising steadily over the past two to three years, with the NSO Residential Property Price Index showing annual growth of around 5 to 6 percent in late 2025, continuing a long-term upward trend driven by strong demand and limited land supply.
Want to know more? We give you all the details you need about the housing prices in Malta here.
Also, you'll find our latest property market analysis about Malta here.
Do banks give mortgages to foreigners in Malta in 2026?
As of early 2026, mortgages are available to foreigners in Malta from several major banks, though terms are generally stricter than for local residents and approval depends heavily on your residency status, income source, and whether you are an EU or non-EU citizen.
The banks in Malta known to offer mortgages to foreigners include Bank of Valletta, HSBC Malta, and APS Bank, all of which have experience working with international clients though each has its own criteria and processes.
Typical mortgage conditions for foreigners in Malta include a down payment of 20 to 40 percent depending on residency status, interest rates ranging from around 3.5 to 5 percent in early 2026, and maximum loan terms of 25 to 30 years with the loan amount often capped at 60 to 70 percent of the property value for non-residents.
To qualify for a mortgage in Malta, foreigners typically need to provide proof of income and employment, bank statements from the past 6 to 12 months, a valid passport and residency documents if applicable, and evidence of the property purchase agreement.
You can also read our latest update about mortgage and interest rates in Malta.
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An increasing number of foreign investors are showing interest. However, 90% of them will make mistakes. Avoid the pitfalls with our comprehensive guide.
What sources have we used to write this blog article?
Whether it's in our blog articles or the market analyses included in our property pack about Malta, we always rely on the strongest methodology we can ... and we don't throw out numbers at random.
We also aim to be fully transparent, so below we've listed the authoritative sources we used, and explained how we used them and the methods behind our estimates.
| Source | Why it's authoritative | How we used it |
|---|---|---|
| Malta National Statistics Office (NSO) | Malta's official statistics agency for population and demographic data. | We used it to quantify how many residents live in Malta and track migration trends. We also referenced locality-level citizenship data to identify expat-heavy areas. |
| NSO World Population Day 2025 Release | Official NSO release with end-2024 population totals and migration breakdowns. | We used it to describe net migration figures and the share of non-EU arrivals. We referenced it to show whether Malta's expat population is growing or shrinking. |
| NSO Labour Force Survey Q4 2024 | Official household survey measuring employment and wages in Malta. | We used it to benchmark typical salaries by occupation and sector. We anchored our salary range estimates to these official wage levels. |
| Malta Tax and Customs Administration 2026 Tax Rates | The official document for personal income tax brackets in 2026. | We used it to calculate effective tax rates at different income levels. We referenced it to explain how Malta's progressive tax system works. |
| Identità Malta Key Employee Initiative | Official government page for Malta's fast-track skilled worker visa. | We used it to describe KEI eligibility requirements and processing times. We referenced it when explaining visa options for highly skilled expats. |
| Residency Malta Agency Nomad Permit | Official site for Malta's digital nomad residence route. | We used it to explain who qualifies for the Nomad Permit and what it allows. We included it as a popular option for remote workers. |
| WHO European Observatory Malta Health System Summary 2024 | Reputable international assessment of Malta's healthcare system. | We used it to describe how public and private healthcare works for residents. We referenced it when advising on whether expats need private insurance. |
| NSO Residential Property Price Index Q3 2025 | Malta's official transaction-based index for residential price changes. | We used it to describe property price trends heading into 2026. We anchored our price per square meter estimates to this official data. |
| Eurostat Comparative Price Levels | EU's official method for comparing cost of living across countries. | We used it to frame Malta's overall price level versus the EU average. We avoided relying on crowdsourced data alone by anchoring to this benchmark. |
| Numbeo Cost of Living Malta | Widely used database of user-reported prices and cost comparisons. | We used it to cross-check rental ranges and daily expense estimates. We triangulated Numbeo data with official statistics for more reliable figures. |
We have made this infographic to give you a quick and clear snapshot of the property market in Malta. It highlights key facts like rental prices, yields, and property costs both in city centers and outside, so you can easily compare opportunities. We’ve done some research and also included useful insights about the country’s economy, like GDP, population, and interest rates, to help you understand the bigger picture.
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