The key things Irish citizens usually want to know first
Yes. As an Irish national you have EU freedom of movement rights: you can enter and live in Malta for short stays without a visa and must register with the Maltese authorities if you stay longer than three months.
Living costs are generally lower than many northern European capitals but vary by location and lifestyle. Recent, practical monthly budgets published put a single person’s basic monthly cost (excluding rent) roughly between €1,500 and €1,800; couples and families will need more.
Residential property prices have shown steady annual growth in recent years. Actual prices depend heavily on locality, type and finish.
Rents vary strongly by town. Typical one-bed flats can range from around €750 in less central areas to €1,600 or more in premium coastal towns.
Yes. English is an official language in Malta and there are public state schools teaching in English, private international schools and English language colleges.
Yes. English is widely used in business, tourism, financial services and tech. Knowledge of Maltese is helpful socially and for some public sector roles, but many private sector employers operate in English.
How easy is it to move from Ireland to Malta?
As an Irish national you benefit from EU free movement rights, which makes the move more straightforward, but there are still practical steps to plan properly.
Residency and registration
Irish citizens can enter and live in Malta for an initial period of up to three months without registration. For longer stays, you must register as residing in Malta and show treaty rights such as employment, self-employment, study, family reunification, or sufficient resources and health cover.
Practical timing
The practical side of relocating usually takes a few weeks to a few months, depending on how quickly documents are supplied. Rental searches can take 2–6 weeks, while buying property usually takes a few months from accepted offer to final deed.
Working and living in Malta
For many Irish relocators, the practical questions are not only about residency or property, but also about work, schools and how easy daily life will feel once you arrive.
Work and schools
A number of sectors operate in English, including finance and legal services, multilingual customer support, i-Gaming, tourism, hospitality and international schooling. State schools teach in English and Maltese, and there are also private international schools and independent colleges, with admissions, availability and fees varying by provider.
Family life and daily living
Family life often revolves around small local communities. Childcare, healthcare and leisure activities are widely available but vary by locality. The islands’ size helps with school runs, activities and commute times, which can make day-to-day living feel more manageable.
What does it cost to live in Malta?
The cost of living in Malta is often lower than in many northern European capitals, but your overall budget will depend largely on location, lifestyle and housing costs. For a more detailed breakdown, see our full guide below.
How Frank Salt can help
Moving from Ireland to Malta often involves more than just finding a property. The process is easier when relocation, buying and practical next steps are handled together.
Property search and guidance
Frank Salt can help you identify the right property for a permanent move, second home or investment, while also guiding you through the practical differences between locations, property types and buying routes.
Support beyond the purchase
Support can also extend to renting, relocation planning, property management and aftercare, helping you move forward with more clarity and less friction.
Thinking about moving from Ireland to Malta?
Get more information and explore your options with Frank Salt Real Estate.
