Malta is an archipelago of islands in the Mediterranean, south of Sicily and east of Tunisia. Malta gained independence from the UK on 21 September 1964 and is also a full member of the EU.
Malta at a glance
What is Malta?
Malta is a small island country in the Mediterranean Sea. It is located south of Sicily, east of Tunisia and forms part of the European Union.
Malta is made up of several islands, including Malta, Gozo and Comino, along with smaller islets such as Cominotto, St Paul’s Island, Filfla and Manoel Island.
Although Malta is small, it offers a modern European lifestyle with warm weather, historic cities, strong healthcare, English-speaking services and easy access to mainland Europe.
Why is Malta popular?
Great location: Malta sits between Europe, North Africa and the Middle East.
EU membership: Malta is a full member of the European Union.
Historic capital: Valletta, Malta’s capital city, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Easy lifestyle: Malta is known for sunshine, coastal living, English-speaking communities and a high standard of living.
Strong connections: Malta is well connected by air to major European cities.
Malta history
Malta has a rich Mediterranean past
Malta’s history dates back thousands of years. Its location between Europe, North Africa and the Middle East made it an important island group for trade, defence and culture.
Over the centuries, Malta was shaped by many civilisations. Early settlers arrived from Sicily, followed by the Phoenicians, Romans, Arabs, Normans, the Knights of St John, the French and the British.
This layered history is one of the reasons Malta feels so unique today. The islands combine ancient temples, fortified cities, Baroque architecture, historic harbours and a modern European way of life.
Around 5900 BCThe earliest evidence of human life in Malta dates back to Neolithic settlers from Sicily.
Ancient templesMalta is known for remarkable prehistoric sites, including the Ġgantija temples in Gozo and the Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum.
Phoenician and Roman MaltaThe Phoenicians helped make Malta a Mediterranean trading point, while Roman rule brought urban growth and prosperity.
The Knights of St JohnFrom 1530, the Knights transformed Malta into a fortified stronghold and built Valletta, today Malta’s capital city.
Modern MaltaMalta gained independence in 1964, became a republic in 1974 and joined the European Union in 2004.
Travel and language
Is Malta easy to reach?
Yes. Malta is easy to reach by air from major European cities. Most travellers arrive through Malta International Airport, which connects the island to Europe, North Africa and the Middle East.
How do you get to Malta?
You can fly directly to Malta from many major cities, including London, Paris, Frankfurt, Madrid and Lisbon. Flights from nearby Italy are shorter, and Sicily is only about 90km away.
Direct flights from major European cities
Malta International Airport
Close to Sicily and Italy
Good base for Mediterranean travel
What languages are spoken in Malta?
Malta has two official languages: Maltese and English. English is widely used in business, contracts, services and everyday life, which makes Malta easier for visitors, expats and foreign buyers to settle into.
Many Maltese people also speak Italian, thanks to Malta’s close cultural and geographic connection with Italy.
Maltese and English are official languages
English is widely spoken
Italian is also common
Easy for expats and visitors
Living in Malta
What is life in Malta like?
Malta offers a Mediterranean lifestyle with a strong economy, modern services and a high standard of living. It is popular with families, professionals, retirees, business owners and property investors.
Is Malta a good place to live?
Yes. Malta is known for its sunny climate, English-speaking environment, good healthcare, coastal lifestyle and easy access to the rest of Europe. The island combines relaxed Mediterranean living with the practical benefits of a modern EU country.
What is Malta’s economy like?
Malta has a dynamic economy supported by sectors such as real estate, finance, technology, tourism, gaming, manufacturing and professional services. Its location, EU membership and business-friendly environment make it attractive to both local and international investors.
Why do people move to Malta?
Work and business: Malta attracts professionals, entrepreneurs and international companies.
Property investment: Real estate remains one of the island’s most established investment sectors.
Quality of life: Residents enjoy warm weather, seaside towns, historic cities and a strong social culture.
Easy communication: English is widely spoken, making daily life easier for foreign residents.
EU lifestyle: Malta offers European standards in healthcare, education, banking and infrastructure.
Planning a move? Get a clearer idea of everyday expenses, housing costs and lifestyle budgets with our updated cost of living guide for Malta.
Yes. Malta is known for its sunny Mediterranean climate and is widely regarded as a safe place to live, work and visit.
What is the weather like in Malta?
Malta enjoys long, sunny summers and mild winters. The island is known for having up to 300 days of sunshine a year, making it a popular destination for people who enjoy warm weather and outdoor living.
Summers are warm and sunny, ideal for beaches, swimming and boating.
Winters are mild, and snow is extremely rare in Malta.
The sea is a major part of daily life, with activities such as diving, snorkelling, sailing, yachting and jet skiing.
Is Malta a safe place to live?
Malta is considered one of the safer countries to live in or visit. Its towns and villages are generally safe for adults, children, families and older residents, including in the evening.
This sense of safety is one of the reasons Malta is attractive to retirees, families, foreign workers, business owners and people relocating from abroad.
In simple terms: Malta offers sunshine, sea, a relaxed Mediterranean lifestyle and a strong sense of everyday safety.
Tax and investment
Is Malta attractive for investors and entrepreneurs?
Yes. Malta is popular with investors, entrepreneurs and international residents because of its EU location, business-friendly environment and strong property market.
What makes Malta appealing for foreign residents?
Malta has created a range of incentives designed to attract foreign residents, businesses and high-net-worth individuals. Its position within the European Union, combined with English-speaking services and a stable property market, makes it a practical base for people relocating to the Mediterranean.
Is Malta tax-friendly?
Malta is often considered tax-efficient when compared with many other European countries. The country also has double-tax treaty arrangements with many jurisdictions, which can help international residents and businesses manage cross-border tax matters more clearly.
Tax treatment always depends on personal circumstances, residency status and business structure, so professional tax advice is recommended before making any financial decision.
Why do entrepreneurs choose Malta?
EU access: Malta gives businesses a base within the European Union.
Skilled workforce: The island has a multilingual and internationally focused workforce.
Modern infrastructure: Malta supports sectors such as finance, technology, gaming, tourism, real estate and professional services.
Residency options: Malta offers several pathways for people looking to live, work or invest in the country.
Property demand: The real estate market remains active due to local demand, foreign buyers, relocation and rental investment.
In simple terms: Malta offers a strong mix of lifestyle, business opportunity, EU access and property investment potential. For property buyers, Special Designated Areas can also be worth exploring.
Here are simple answers to the most common questions people ask when they are learning where Malta is, what it is like, and why it is popular with visitors, residents and property buyers.
Where is Malta located?
Malta is located in the Mediterranean Sea, south of Sicily and east of Tunisia. It sits between Europe, North Africa and the Middle East.
Is Malta in Europe?
Yes. Malta is a European country and a full member of the European Union. It gained independence from the United Kingdom on 21 September 1964.
What islands make up Malta?
The Maltese archipelago includes Malta, Gozo, Comino, Cominotto, St Paul’s Island, Filfla and Manoel Island. The main inhabited islands are Malta and Gozo.
What is the capital city of Malta?
Valletta is the capital city of Malta. The whole city is recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is known for its historic architecture, fortifications and harbour views.
How do you get to Malta?
Most visitors arrive through Malta International Airport. Malta has direct flight connections with major European cities such as London, Paris, Frankfurt, Madrid and Lisbon.
What languages are spoken in Malta?
Malta has two official languages: Maltese and English. English is widely spoken and commonly used in business, contracts, services and everyday communication.
Is Malta a good place to live?
Yes. Malta is popular with people relocating from abroad because it offers warm weather, coastal living, English-speaking services, modern healthcare, good business infrastructure and a relaxed Mediterranean lifestyle.
Is Malta safe?
Malta is widely regarded as a safe place to live and visit. Its towns and villages are generally considered safe for adults, children, families and older residents.
Is Malta attractive for investors?
Yes. Malta attracts investors, entrepreneurs and foreign residents because of its EU membership, business-friendly environment, skilled workforce, residency options and active property market.
Frank Salt Real Estate
Thinking about living, buying or investing in Malta?
Malta is more than a sunny island in the Mediterranean. It is a place to live, work, retire, invest and build a future. Frank Salt Real Estate can help you understand the local property market and find the right home or investment opportunity.
Property for sale and rent across Malta and Gozo
Support for relocation, lifestyle moves and investment purchases
Local guidance from an experienced Malta real estate team
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