Malta
MLTMalta is the only EU member state offering a formal citizenship by naturalisation programme for exceptional contribution, making it uniquely attractive for those seeking an EU passport. Its remittance-based tax system means non-domiciled residents pay tax only on income remitted to Malta.
Passport Rank
#9
Visa-Free
186
destinations
Country Details
- Capital
- Valletta
- Currency
- Euro (EUR)
- Languages
- Maltese, English
- Population
- 533,000
- Tax System
- Remittance Based
- Dual Citizenship
- Allowed
- Naturalisation
- 5 years
- Schengen / EU
- Schengen / EU
- Climate
- Mediterranean
- English Proficiency Rank
- #2
Indices
Cost of Living
58
Safety
72
Healthcare
74
Quality of Life
162
Tax Summary
- Tax System
- Remittance Based
- Territorial Taxation
- No — worldwide income taxed for residents
- Naturalisation
- 5 years of legal residency
- Dual Citizenship
- Allowed
Cost of Living by City
← scroll the table →
| City | Rent 1BR centre | Rent outside | Groceries | Utilities | Transit pass |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Valletta | $1,400 | $1,000 | $310 | $120 | $26 |
| Sliema | $1,600 | $1,100 | $320 | $125 | $26 |
| St Julian's | $1,700 | $1,200 | $325 | $130 | $26 |
| Mdina | $1,100 | $800 | $290 | $115 | $26 |
Monthly USD figures. Typical central 1-bedroom rent, grocery basket for one, household utilities, monthly transit pass.
Climate
Valletta
Rainfall range: 1–101 mm/month · Daylight 9h (winter) to 14h (summer)
Sliema
Rainfall range: 1–101 mm/month · Daylight 9h (winter) to 14h (summer)
Naturalisation Details
- Residence Years
- 5
- Language Test
- Yes (A2)
- Civic Test
- Yes
- Oath Required
- Yes
- Dual Allowed
- Yes
- Fee
- $460
- Processing
- ~12 months
Real Estate
- Avg price/sqm (capital)
- $5,000
- Transaction taxes
- 8%
Foreign buyers: EU citizens may purchase one property without restriction. Non-EU buyers must obtain an Acquisition of Immovable Property (AIP) permit; some areas designated as Special Designated Areas allow unrestricted purchase by all foreigners. Sliema and St Julian's typically range €4,000–€6,000/sqm.
International Schools
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| School | City | Curriculum | Tuition (USD/yr) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Verdala International School | Rabat | American / IB | $12,000–$20,000 |
| San Anton School | Balzan | British | $8,000–$15,000 |
Daily Life Logistics
Internet
300 Mbps median
88% fibre coverage
eSIM: GO Malta, Melita, Epic
Driving
IDP required
Exchange eligible: EU member states, UK, Australia +1 more
Pet Relocation
Quarantine: none
Rabies titre not required
EU pet passport: accepted
Safety
GPI Rank
#25
Global Peace Index ranking (lower is safer)
Common Risks
- ⚠Overpriced taxi rides from Valletta waterfront
- ⚠restaurant tourist menus with inflated prices
- ⚠ferry ticket touts
Examples of areas to avoid: Paceville very late night (St Julian's), Marsa industrial area after dark
LGBTQ+ Legal Status
- Same-Sex Marriage
- Legal
- Civil Partnerships
- Recognised
- Anti-Discrimination Law
- Yes
- ILGA Rank
- #1
Religious Life
- Halal Food
- Widely available
- Kosher Food
- Limited
- Prayer Facilities
- Limited
Sample Citizenship Test Questions
Q1. In what year did Malta join the European Union?
Answer: 2004
Source: Identity Malta Naturalisation Guidelines
Q2. What are the two official languages of Malta?
Answer: Maltese and English
Source: Identity Malta Naturalisation Guidelines
Q3. Which city serves as the capital of Malta?
Answer: Valletta
Source: Identity Malta Naturalisation Guidelines
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