Relocating from the UK
to Malta

Relocating from the UK to Malta has become hugely popular in recent years as more people look for a stable, well-connected European base that offers practical residency routes and a smooth day-to-day lifestyle.

Malta’s shared history with the UK, established legal system and the widespread use of English reduce the friction that often comes with moving abroad.

Yet post-Brexit rules mean the process is no longer automatic for UK nationals, making accurate information key to planning a successful relocation.

If you plan to remain in Malta beyond 90 days, you will need a residency permit issued by Identità (formerly Identity Malta).

Your route depends on your circumstances, such as work, study, family reunification or investment.

The MPRP is one of the most popular routes for UK nationals who want long-term stability without the need to renew permits annually but it does not give one the right to work.

• Property: Rent a qualifying property at €14,000 or more per year, or purchase one for at least €375,000. You must hold the property for five years.
• Government contribution: €60,000 if renting, €30,000 if buying.
• Administrative fee: A one-time, non-refundable €50,000.
• Donation: €2,000 to a registered Maltese NGO.
• Financial stability: Evidence of €500,000 in assets, including €150,000 in financial assets.
• Dependants: €10,000 per additional dependant.

Permanent residency, the ability to include family members and visa-free travel across the Schengen area for short stays.

Many other residency programmes are available, so look at the full list here to see which one is perfect for you.

Once you have secured residency, you gain access to a way of living that many UK movers value immediately. Malta’s compact scale makes daily life efficient. High-speed digital infrastructure supports remote work.

English is used in government, education and business, which removes many of the barriers typically associated with moving abroad.

• Walkable towns with cafés, pharmacies, grocery shops and services within easy reach
• Well-connected public transport and short commutes
• A strong sense of community, particularly in areas with established expat networks
• A cultural calendar that runs year-round, ranging from classical music to contemporary art
• An outdoor-friendly lifestyle thanks to Malta’s temperate climate

The longer you live here, the more the islands will reveal their rhythm and newcomers often appreciate how quickly they settle compared to other European destinations.

Relocating from the UK to Malta typically involves several layers of expense.

Upfront costs may include:

• Flights and temporary accommodation
• Shipping of belongings, usually £2,000 and up depending on volume
• Rental deposits, normally one month’s rent
• Residency application fees and legal support

Malta is generally more affordable than the UK in areas like dining, transport and property, although prices vary by locality. Expect one-bedroom apartments in sought-after areas to range from €1,100 to €1,800 monthly, with significantly lower prices in Gozo and outlying regions.

UK driving licences remain valid for short stays up to 12 months. For longer-term residents, exchanging your UK licence for a Maltese one is straightforward and usually free of charge.

Malta drives on the left and road signs are in English, making the transition easy for Brits.

When UK nationals relocate to Malta, understanding the local tax system is crucial, as it differs significantly from the UK’s framework. One key feature that attracts many expats is Malta’s non-domiciled (non-dom) tax status, which offers substantial tax advantages.

Non-domiciled status applies to individuals who reside in Malta but do not have their “domicile” there - meaning Malta is not their permanent home for legal purposes.

• Remittance Basis Taxation: Non-dom residents in Malta are taxed on their Malta-source income and any foreign income they remit into Malta. Foreign income that remains offshore and is not remitted to Malta is not taxed.
• No Tax on Foreign Capital Gains: Gains made outside Malta are generally not subject to tax, even if remitted.
• Attractive for Retirees and Remote Workers: This system allows UK nationals with foreign pensions, investments, or business income to benefit from Malta’s favourable tax regime.