Introduction to Malta Relocation
Relocating to the Republic of Malta requires careful administrative preparation. As of 2025 and 2026, the Maltese government, through its central agency Identità, maintains specific requirements for foreign nationals depending on their country of origin and the purpose of their stay. This checklist outlines the critical steps to complete before departing your home country to ensure a compliant and efficient transition.
Essential Legal Documentation
The foundation of any move to Malta is the legalization of your personal documents. All documents not issued in English or Maltese must be accompanied by a certified translation.
- Passport Validity: Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your intended date of entry. For many visa types, a validity of one to two years is recommended.
- Apostilled Certificates: Birth certificates, marriage certificates, and police conduct certificates often require an Apostille (under the Hague Convention) or legalization by the relevant Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Maltese Consulate.
- Visa Application: Depending on your nationality, you may need to apply for a Long-Stay D-Visa. The standard application fee for a Single Permit (Work) is 300 EUR ($315 USD, Jan 2026). Check the latest requirements via the Identità Official Website.
Note: Processing times for Maltese visas can vary significantly. It is advised to begin the application process at least three to four months before your planned move.
Health Insurance and Medical Requirements
Access to the Maltese healthcare system depends on your residency status and nationality. Before leaving, you must secure appropriate coverage.
EU/EEA and Swiss Nationals
Citizens of the EU should obtain a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for temporary stays. For long-term relocation, you should request the S1 form from your home country’s social security office to register for healthcare in Malta.
Third-Country Nationals (TCNs)
Non-EU citizens are typically required to hold a private comprehensive health insurance policy that covers inpatient and outpatient costs, as well as repatriation. For visa purposes, the policy must usually have a minimum coverage of 30,000 EUR ($31,500 USD, Jan 2026).
- Health Screening: Nationals from certain high-risk countries may need to provide a recent chest X-ray or a medical certificate confirming they are free from tuberculosis.
Financial and Housing Preparations
Establishing your financial and residential footprint is a mandatory step for obtaining a residence permit in Malta.
- Proof of Funds: You must demonstrate self-sufficiency or a stable income. Requirements vary, but often involve showing bank statements for the last three to six months.
- Rental Agreement Registration: If you secure housing before arrival, ensure the landlord is prepared to register the lease with the Housing Authority. This is a legal requirement in Malta. The registration fee is typically 10 EUR ($10.50 USD, Jan 2026).
- Tax Residency: Consult with a tax advisor regarding your status. Malta has Double Taxation Agreements (DTAs) with over 70 countries to prevent being taxed twice on the same income.
Moving with Pets and Family
If you are relocating with dependents or animals, additional administrative layers apply.
Pet Relocation Rules
Malta follows strict EU pet travel rules. Pets must be microchipped, vaccinated against rabies (at least 21 days before travel), and treated for tapeworm (Echinococcus multilocularis). You must also submit a Pre-Notification Form to the Veterinary Regulation Directorate at least five days before arrival.
Schooling Records
For families with children, gather the last two years of school reports and immunization records. If the children are entering the state school system, these documents may need to be translated and legalized depending on the country of origin.
Administrative Exceptions
The requirements for moving to Malta are not uniform and depend heavily on the individual's situation:
- Digital Nomads: Those applying for the Nomad Residence Permit must show a gross monthly income of at least 3,500 EUR ($3,675 USD, Jan 2026).
- Students: Must provide a letter of acceptance from a licensed Maltese educational institution and proof of paid tuition fees.
- UK Nationals: Following Brexit, UK nationals are treated as Third-Country Nationals but may have specific rights if they were resident in Malta before December 31, 2020.