Relocating to Malta from Canada

Looking to make a move to Malta?

Relocating to a new country can be an exciting yet daunting experience. With the rise of remote work and flexible lifestyles, more and more people are considering making the move to a different part of the world. For Canadians looking to relocate, Malta is an attractive option that offers a range of benefits. In this article, we will explore the island of Malta, the reasons why it is an ideal location to move to and the benefits of residence for Canadian citizens, the visa and residency programmes available and the state of the Maltese economy.

About Malta

Malta is a small island nation located in the Mediterranean Sea, south of Sicily, Italy. The archipelago consists of three islands: Malta, Gozo, and Comino. With a population of just over 500,000 people, Malta is one of the smallest and most densely populated countries in the European Union. The official languages of Malta are Maltese and English, making it an easy place for Canadians to communicate and adapt to.

Malta has a rich history, dating back to the Neolithic period. Throughout its history, the island has been ruled by various civilizations, including the Phoenicians, Romans, Arabs and the Knights of St. John. Today, Malta is a sovereign state with a democratic government, a strong economy, and a thriving tourism industry.

A long and historic relationship between Canada and Malta

A deeply intertwined relationship exists between Malta and Canada and this was further strengthened after World War Two when expats from Malta moved to Canada to seek new opportunities. Along with Australia it was one of the main destinations where Maltese resettled, escaping immense hardship and poverty on the Maltese islands and making tremendous sacrifices in order to start their new lives.

Malta sought to rebuild its economy after the war and to create better economic prospects for all of its people while Canada, with a growing economy and welcoming immigration policies opened its arms to the Maltese people. The Maltese were drawn to Canada by the promise of employment and a chance of living amongst a peaceful nation, contributing to its cultural diversity while preserving their own heritage.

The Maltese played an important role in construction, education and healthcare and fully integrated into Canadian society while still keeping and honouring their ties with Malta. Both nations to this day are members of the Commonwealth and facilitate exchanges in trade, fostering a strong bilateral relationship with mutual interests. Many Canadian Maltese often visit relatives in Malta and vice versa, while others have moved back for retirement. A new emerging wave of Canadians, whether they have Maltese roots or not, are also settling in Malta due to the Mediterranean lifestyle on offer, the investment opportunities, the booming economy and Malta’s close proximity to the rest of Europe.

Maltese Citizenship by descend: Malta’s Dual Citizenship Laws

Initially, Malta’s Citizenship Act did not permit individuals to hold dual or multiple citizenships. However, an exception was made for minors. While they could hold dual nationality temporarily, they were required to renounce any foreign citizenship between their 18th and 19th birthdays to retain their Maltese citizenship. If they failed to do so by the time they turned 19, they automatically lost their Maltese citizenship.

Maltese citizens who emigrated and voluntarily obtained Canadian citizenship forfeited their Maltese nationality upon acquiring Canadian citizenship.

A significant shift occurred on August 1st, 1989, when Maltese lawmakers introduced limited provisions for dual nationality. This change specifically applied to Maltese emigrants born in Malta who had obtained Canadian citizenship and had resided in Canada for a minimum of six years.

The most notable reforms took place in 2000 when Malta significantly eased its stance on dual citizenship. As of February 10th, 2000, Maltese law permitted not only dual but also multiple citizenships. From that point onward, a Maltese citizen could acquire and retain foreign nationality without risking the loss of their Maltese citizenship.

Currently, Article 7 of the Maltese Citizenship Act (Chapter 188 of the Laws of Malta) explicitly states: “It shall be lawful for any person to be a citizen of Malta, and at the same time a citizen of another country.”

As a result, Maltese nationals who had emigrated to Canada and acquired Canadian citizenship became eligible to reclaim their Maltese citizenship, provided they met specific conditions and submitted the necessary application. Additionally, individuals who had not yet turned 19 by February 10th, 2000, and held another nationality in addition to their Maltese citizenship were no longer required to renounce their foreign citizenship to retain their Maltese nationality.

Canadians who do not have ancestral ties with Malta can stay in Malta for a period of up to 90 days in a 180-day period and do not need a visa.

Why move to Malta?

There are several reasons why Malta is an ideal location for Canadians to move to. Firstly, the island boasts a warm and sunny climate, with over 300 days of sunshine a year. For Canadians who are used to long, cold winters, the warm Mediterranean climate is a major draw. The island also has a diverse and welcoming culture, making it easy for foreigners to settle in and feel at home.

Secondly, Malta is a safe and stable country with a low crime rate. The island has a strong healthcare system, high-quality education and excellent infrastructure. The cost of living in Malta is relatively affordable compared to other European countries, making it an attractive option for those looking to relocate.

Thirdly, Malta is an excellent location for business and entrepreneurship. The country has a pro-business environment and a range of tax incentives for foreign investors. The island is also home to several thriving industries, including finance, i-Gaming and tourism. For Canadians who are looking to start a business or advance their careers, Malta is a promising option.

Lastly, Malta’s location in the Mediterranean makes it an ideal location for travel and exploration. The island is just a short flight away from other European countries, North Africa and the Middle East. For Canadians who love to travel and explore new cultures, Malta is an excellent base from which to explore the region.

Want to know more about our Residence Programmes?

Maltese Visa & residency Programmes

There are several visa and residency programmes available for Canadians looking to relocate to Malta. You can read about all the different types of residency programmes here and some of these are:

The Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP)

The Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP) is an exceptional residency-by-investment scheme allowing beneficiaries to settle, stay, and reside permanently in Malta. Designed for non-EU, non-EEA, and non-Swiss nationals, this programme offers the opportunity to establish a permanent base in Malta while enjoying visa-free travel across the Schengen Zone.

Key benefits include permanent residency, the ability to invest in Malta’s property market, and the inclusion of up to four generations in one application. With an efficient 4-6 month processing time, the MPRP is particularly appealing to families and individuals seeking stability, flexibility, and access to the EU without requiring annual residence in Malta.

Get in touch for more information on the MPRP.

Global Residence Programme For Non-EU Nationals

The Malta Global Residence Programme (GRP) is designed to attract non-EU, non-EEA, and non-Swiss nationals seeking tax-efficient residency in Malta. The programme provides an attractive pathway to establish residence in this sun-drenched Mediterranean island while enjoying ease of travel across the Schengen Zone. Beneficiaries are offered favourable tax benefits, including a flat tax rate on foreign-sourced income remitted to Malta, along with the ability to include dependants under the same application.

The Malta Global Residence Programme offers a host of advantages for non-EU nationals seeking residence in the Mediterranean. Beneficiaries enjoy a flat tax rate of 15% on foreign income remitted to Malta, no tax on foreign-sourced capital gains, and access to Malta’s comprehensive double taxation relief framework. The programme provides the freedom to live, work, and travel within the Schengen Zone, with minimal residency requirements in Malta. Additionally, applicants can pass on their special tax status to heirs under certain conditions, all while enjoying Malta’s strategic location, vibrant lifestyle, and high quality of life.

Get in touch for more information on the GRP.

Malta Citizenship by Direct Investment

The Malta Citizenship by Naturalisation for Exceptional Services by Direct Investment (MEIN) is one of the most popular and sought-after citizenship programmes in Europe. It provides individuals with a unique opportunity to obtain Maltese Citizenship in exchange for significant investments that contribute to the country’s development. By granting citizenship to qualified investors and their families, this programme offers access to the European Union, enabling visa-free travel across the Schengen Area, as well as the right to live, work, and study in any EU member state.

Get in touch for more information on the citizenship programme.

Ordinary Residence in Malta

The Ordinary Residence program in Malta allows individuals who intend to reside in the country for more than three months to establish long-term residency. Available to both EU nationals and third-country nationals (TCNs), this program provides a secure way to settle in Malta. To qualify, applicants must meet specific criteria, including demonstrating financial self-sufficiency, securing suitable accommodation, and having health insurance.

Once approved, ordinary residents can apply for a Uniform Residence Permit, which grants visa-free travel within the Schengen Zone for up to three months and allows the holder to work or conduct business in Malta. While this offers great flexibility, applicants must still meet the necessary criteria to be eligible for the program, ensuring a smooth and lawful transition to permanent residence in Malta.

Get in touch for more information on the Ordinary Residence Programme here.

The economy of Malta

Malta has a thriving economy, with Malta’s gross domestic product (GDP) expected to grow by 3.6% in 2025 and 2026 and 3.4% in 2027. The island is known for its strong financial sector, which accounts for around 11% of the country’s GDP. Malta is also home to a thriving i-Gaming industry, which has grown significantly in recent years.

In addition, Malta has a strong tourism industry, with first eleven months of 2024 seeing nearly 3.4 million tourists visiting the islands. The country has a rich cultural heritage, with several UNESCO World Heritage Sites, as well as a range of recreational activities, such as water sports and hiking.

Malta is also known for its strategic location, which makes it an important hub for trade and logistics. The island has a modern infrastructure, including a deep-water port and an international airport, which makes it an attractive location for businesses and investors.

In conclusion, Malta is an attractive location for Canadians who are looking to relocate. The island boasts a warm and sunny climate, a welcoming culture, and a range of benefits for foreign residents. With a range of visa and residency programmes available, as well as a strong economy and pro-business environment, Malta is a promising location for those looking to start a new chapter in their lives.

Frank Salt Real Estate is Malta’s market leader with more than 55 years of local history when it comes to the buying and selling of residential real estate. We also have a Letting Division that caters for landlords and tenants and a Commercial Division for those that are looking to set up a business on the islands. With our business partners we can help Canadians with anything from finding the right property to buy or rent, to residency, taxes, relocating and settling into enjoying a great Mediterranean life in Malta. Get in touch!