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How To Move To Malta As An EU Citizen

Remember that U.K citizens are no longer classed as EU citizens. If you are a non-EU citizen, you may want to dig into your family history and see if you have roots with a country which is part of the EU/EEA. A lucky few may even have Maltese roots and if so, you may be able to acquire Maltese citizenship via registration.

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Moving to Malta as an EU citizen is relatively straight forward but there are rules which must be followed in order to remain legal and to have the same rights as a Maltese citizen.

Entering Malta

  • No visa required:

    • You can enter Malta with a valid passport or national ID card.

  • Short stays:

    • You're allowed to stay for up to 90 days without registering.

Stays Over 90 Days

  • Registration:

    • Register your residence by applying for an e-Residence card through the Expatriates Portal.

Prepare Your Documents

  • When applying for your e-Residence card, you'll need:

    • Proof of purpose: Depending on your situation, provide:

      • Employment contract.

      • Proof of self-employment.

      • Evidence of sufficient financial means.

      • Enrolment in a Maltese educational institution.

  • Accommodation proof:

    • Rental agreement or property purchase documents.

  • Health insurance:

    • Valid coverage in Malta.

  • Identification:

    • Valid passport or national ID card.

Submit Your Application

  • Online application:

  • Appointment scheduling:

    • You'll receive a date and time for a biometrics appointment within 48 working hours.

  • Biometrics appointment:

    • Bring originals and copies of all required documents.

Receive Your e-Residence

  • Processing time:

    • After your appointment, your e-Residence card will be processed but usually takes a few weeks (longer during busy periods) to be issued.

  • Validity:

    • The card is typically valid for 5 years and can be renewed.

Additional Information

  • Family members:

    • EU citizens can bring family members, including non-EU nationals.

  • Taxation:

    • Malta taxes residents on income earned in Malta and on foreign income remitted to Malta, with rates ranging from 0% to 35%.

  • Permanent residency:

    • After 5 years of continuous legal residence, you may apply for permanent residency.

EU Nationals

If you're an EU, EEA or Swiss citizen planning to move to Malta, the process is straightforward thanks to the freedom of movement within the EU.

  • Do EU & EEA citizens face any travel restrictions when travelling to Malta?
    No, EU & EEA citizens can travel freely to Malta and other Schengen Area countries (the 27 EU member states, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland) simply by presenting a valid passport or national identity card.
  • What is the maximum duration EU & EEA citizens can stay in Malta without a residence card?
    EU & EEA citizens can stay in Malta for up to 90 days without registration but will need to register for stays exceeding 90 days. Tourist: If you’re an EU citizen staying as a tourist (i.e., not working, studying or self-employed), you can stay beyond 90 days but you’ll typically still need to register after 3 months. To do so, you must meet certain conditions, such as: Having sufficient resources to support yourself (so you’re not a burden on the host country’s welfare system). Having health insurance valid in the host country. If you don’t register or can’t meet these conditions, authorities could, in theory, question your right to remain beyond 90 days. Though enforcement is rare for EU citizens, you are still legally required to register your stay. Leaving for One Night: Leaving for one night and returning doesn’t reset the 90-day period for registration purposes. The requirement to register is based on your cumulative stay in the country and a brief exit doesn’t change your status as someone residing there for over 3 months.
  • Is a Maltese residence card required for EU & EEA citizens staying longer than 90 days?
    Yes, EU & EEA citizens planning to live and/or work in Malta for more than three months must register their residence with Identita' and obtain a residence card.
  • What are the possible grounds for an EU & EEA citizen to apply for a residence card in Malta?
    An EU & EEA citizen can apply for a Maltese residence card based on the following grounds: study, self-sufficiency, employment, self-employment or as a family member of an EU & EEA citizen already residing in Malta.
  • Can EU & EEA citizens obtain permanent residency in Malta?
    Yes, EU & EEA nationals who have lawfully and continuously resided in Malta for five consecutive years are eligible to apply for permanent resident status.
  • How is income taxed for EU & EEA citizens in Malta?
    For non-resident individuals, taxation in Malta only applies to income and chargeable gains earned within Malta. Individuals who are ordinarily resident and domiciled in Malta are taxed on their worldwide income. Those who are resident but not domiciled in Malta are taxed on income sourced in Malta and foreign income received or remitted to Malta. Foreign capital gains are not taxed. Generally, tax rates are progressive, from 0% to 35%. Certain individuals in specific qualifying employments may benefit from a flat 15% tax rate on their income under certain conditions.
  • Do social security contributions differ for employed and self-employed EU & EEA nationals in Malta?
    Yes, they differ. For employed individuals, taxes and social security contributions are deducted directly by their employers. Self-employed EU & EEA nationals are responsible for managing and making their own social security contributions and ensuring timely payments.
  • Do EU & EEA citizens and their family members have access to Maltese public healthcare and education?
    Yes, EU & EEA nationals and their family members generally have access to the Maltese public healthcare and educational systems. This is in line with EU regulations granting these rights to EU & EEA citizens residing in other EU & EEA countries. For emergency healthcare during temporary stays, the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) can be used.
  • Is my EU driving licence valid in Malta?
    Driving licences issued within the European Union are recognized and accepted in Malta, provided they are valid in the issuing country. Individuals can choose to exchange them for an equivalent Maltese driving license.

Moving to Malta as an EU citizen is fairly straight forward. Listen to the podcast below which summarises the key points

E-books

A selection of inexpensive e-guides with all the information you need in one place.

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