If you’re thinking of changing course for a sunny, dynamic and culturally rich life, living in Malta could be the ideal destination. There’s much more to this Mediterranean archipelago than its pristine beaches and fascinating history! Malta also stands out as a welcoming place to live for expatriates in search of a new adventure. Moving to Malta requires careful preparation. Before you let yourself be seduced by the island’s charm, it’s essential to understand the steps involved in setting up home. Discover practical advice for expatriates, find out about the administrative procedures involved in living in Malta, and consider the country’s advantages and disadvantages. Get ready for a unique experience and make this Mediterranean island your new home.
Good reasons to move to Malta for a French expatriate
Malta continues to be an attractive destination for those wishing to settle here, thanks in particular to its Mediterranean climate, guaranteeing sunny days for most of the year and thus contributing to an exceptional quality of life. The cost of living, relatively affordable compared to other major European destinations such as Paris, remains one of the major advantages of living in Malta. Indeed, according to the latest data, living here can cost up to 20% less than in Paris, particularly for housing. Expatriates also appreciate the relaxed lifestyle, where work-life balance is a real part of the local culture. This lifestyle is particularly appealing to young entrepreneurs looking for an environment conducive to their development.
Tax advantages
Taxation in Malta remains one of the main advantages for expatriates and entrepreneurs. The country is renowned for its advantageous tax system, which includes the absence of property tax, council tax and foreign capital gains tax. In addition, Malta levies no tax on large fortunes, and gifts and inheritances are not subject to taxation. These measures make Malta a particularly attractive choice for entrepreneurs and high-income earners. In 2024, these tax advantages remain unchanged, and continue to be a key factor in the decision to expatriate to the island.
What are the administrative formalities involved in moving to Malta as a French national?
As a French citizen, you have the right of residence in another EU member state, which means you can move to Malta without needing a visa. However, if you plan to stay for more than three months, you will need to obtain a resident’s card. This card, which is free of charge and valid for five years, is essential for a number of administrative procedures, such as opening a bank account or buying property. To obtain it, you need to contact Identity Malta to make an appointment to register your biometric data. Please note that documents must be in Maltese or English, and if you present documents in French, a certified translation will be required.
Visa and work permit
Obtaining a visa and work permit is a crucial step in establishing residency in Malta. Conditions and procedures may vary according to your country of origin and professional situation.
As a French citizen, you have the right to reside, work and live in another EU member state, such as Malta. In this context, no visa is required to enter the country. However, it is important to note that you will need to obtain a resident’s card if you plan to stay in Malta for more than three months. To facilitate the process, we strongly recommend that you contact the Maltese authorities and take the necessary steps before your departure. This will ensure that your installation complies fully with current legislation, and that you get the most out of your Maltese experience.
How do I obtain a residence permit to settle in Malta?
The resident card is the official identification document required by all foreign nationals staying in Malta for more than three months. Valid for five years and entirely free of charge, this card contains crucial information such as your name, photo, address and Maltese identity number. Essential for various administrative procedures, such as opening a bank account or purchasing property, the resident card facilitates integration into Maltese life.
To obtain this card, simply express your interest by sending an e-mail to Identity Malta at eu.ima@gov.mt, providing details such as your name, nationality, passport number, and status (employed, self-employed, self-sufficient, student). Within 48 working hours, Identity Malta will reply with a link and a unique code to set up an appointment to take your biometric data. On the day of the appointment, don’t forget to bring your passport and the required documents.
Please note: All documents must be in Maltese or English. For documents in French, a translation by a translator on the official list is required. In the event of translation by a translator who is not on the list, the document must be apostilled, at an additional cost.
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Living in Malta, what to prepare before leaving
Before you leave to live in Malta, it’s important to find out about a number of aspects of life there. This will enable you to arrive with peace of mind!
Where to live in Malta as a French citizen?
If you’re thinking of moving to Malta, the question of accommodation is crucial to your expatriation experience. Malta offers a variety of accommodation types, from modern apartments to traditional houses. Expatriates can choose between short- and long-term rentals, depending on their preferences and needs. As far as popular residential areas are concerned, Sliema, St. Julian’s and Valletta are often preferred by expatriates due to their proximity to amenities, entertainment venues and modern infrastructure. However, other less touristy areas also offer attractive housing opportunities. Be sure to factor in additional costs such as utilities, condominium fees and housing-related taxes when budgeting. With some advance planning, you’ll be able to find the ideal accommodation to make the most of your life in Malta.
Integrating into Maltese life
Integrating into Maltese culture is an essential step towards a successful expatriation. Maltese and English are the official languages. A good command of English is an important part of settling in Malta. Immerse yourself in Malta’s rich culture by taking part in local events, exploring historic sites and sampling delicious local cuisine. You can also join clubs, associations or language exchange groups to meet other international residents and share experiences.
Daily life in Malta
The diversity of elements marks daily life in Malta, helping to make this experience unique. When it comes to public transport, the well-developed network makes it easy to get around the island, offering convenient options for exploring historic sites, picturesque beaches and charming villages. The local gastronomy is a real delight, with Mediterranean influences and a wealth of dishes such as pastizzis, fenkatas, and delicious fresh seafood.
The Maltese place great importance on conviviality, and evenings can be spent enjoying the lively nightlife in places like Paceville or relaxing in quaint cafés. In terms of outdoor activities, Malta offers a variety of options, whether diving in the crystal-clear waters of the Mediterranean, hiking through the picturesque countryside or taking part in cultural festivals. Daily life in Malta is thus a harmonious balance between constantly discovering new places, savoring culinary delights, and taking part in leisure activities in the heart of Maltese nature.
Working in Malta as a French citizen
Working in Malta as a French national represents a rewarding opportunity in a dynamic and welcoming country. The local economy continues to offer many opportunities, particularly in the IT, iGaming, finance, tourism and international trade sectors. The average gross monthly salary is around €1,848, with a standard working week of 40 hours. Some companies require probationary periods of up to six months, and employees enjoy 25 days’ paid vacation per year.
The Maltese job market remains attractive to expatriates, particularly French speakers, who find opportunities in customer service, teleconsulting and other high-demand professions. Fluency in English is essential if you are to integrate professionally and take full advantage of the benefits of living in Malta, where the balance between professional and personal life is valued.
Setting up in Malta as an auto-entrepreneur or digital nomad
Malta offers an attractive setting for self-employed entrepreneurs and digital nomads in search of flexibility and quality of life. As a welcoming destination, the country enables self-employed people to set up and work remotely in an environment conducive to well-being. For self-employed entrepreneurs, the process of setting up a business in Malta is relatively straightforward, offering advantageous tax treatment and conditions conducive to project development.
Digital nomads and auto-entrepreneurs find Malta an ideal setting for reconciling work and quality of life. Thanks to its advantageous tax system and modern infrastructure, living in Malta offers many benefits to the self-employed. Setting up a business here is relatively straightforward, and the entrepreneurial environment encourages the development of ambitious projects.
Well-equipped coworking spaces, fast internet connections and cultural diversity all contribute to making Malta a popular destination for those looking for a flexible place to work. What’s more, Malta’s dynamic community of international entrepreneurs offers the opportunity to exchange ideas, collaborate and build a strong professional network, while enjoying the Mediterranean climate and sunny lifestyle.
Take care of your health in Malta
Living in Malta offers access to one of the best healthcare systems in the world. The country boasts qualified doctors and well-equipped facilities, guaranteeing top-quality medical care. Although the European Health Insurance Card provides some coverage, it does not cover all costs, and reimbursements can be lengthy. Expatriates are therefore strongly advised to take out supplementary health insurance for better coverage.
Residents working in Malta, whether salaried or self-employed, can benefit from Maltese social security, offering access to free care in public hospitals. However, many expatriates opt for the private sector to benefit from shorter waiting times and faster service. So, living in Malta means access to quality care, whether in the public or private system, depending on individual needs and preferences.
Do I need health insurance to settle in Malta?
We recommend that you take out health insurance when you move to Malta, to guarantee comprehensive medical cover tailored to your needs. Although Malta has a high-quality healthcare system, the European Health Insurance Card may not be enough, as reimbursements can be slow and only cover a fraction of actual expenses. As an expatriate, taking out supplementary health insurance provides you with optimum coverage, whether you need regular medical care, emergency assistance or specialized services. To cope with potentially higher expenses in the private sector, we recommend that you take out international health insurance for the duration of your expatriation to Malta. This insurance will cover at least routine health care, hospitalization and repatriation.
This solution offers a number of advantages, not least the possibility of being covered not only in Malta, but also abroad, including during stays in France. What’s more, all policy administration is carried out in French, simplifying the process for French-speaking expatriates. Coverage can be taken out as a 1st euro plan, or by joining the Caisse des Français de l’Étranger (CFE), giving you the flexibility to choose the coverage best suited to your specific needs. Santexpat.fr’s international health experts can help you choose the right health insurance for your needs.
