Moving to Malta from UK

If you are wondering is Malta a good place to live, the short answer is yes — the benefits for UK expats moving to Malta from UK are numerous, from its sunny climate to its favourable tax regime. There are compelling reasons why UK nationals continue to favour Malta over other destinations:

• Language & Integration: With English as an official language, adapting is easier than in many EU countries.
• Proximity to the UK: Frequent, direct flights to London, Manchester and Birmingham.
• Climate: Over 300 days of sunshine annually and mild winters make Malta ideal for outdoor living.
• Tax Advantages: Malta offers special residency and tax schemes for UK expats, including the Global Residence Programme.
• Safe & Stable: Malta ranks highly for safety in Europe, making it a secure choice for families and retirees.

Culinary life is a huge draw too — a blend of Italian, North African, and Middle Eastern influences means every meal is a celebration. Fresh seafood, locally grown vegetables, and family-run restaurants create a food culture that rivals anywhere in Europe.

Watch the Video: See Malta’s coastline, historic cities, and friendly communities come to life. Whether you dream of retiring in Mellieħa, investing in Sliema, or relocating to Valletta, this is your first step in making it a reality.

Compared to many other EU countries, Malta offers a far more straightforward pathway for UK nationals looking to relocate post-Brexit. Its combination of English-speaking administration, a legal system influenced by British law, and a well-defined residency framework removes many of the bureaucratic hurdles that British expats face elsewhere in Europe. This clarity, coupled with Malta’s strong bilateral ties to the UK, ensures smoother communication, faster processing and a more predictable outcome for applicants.

• English-speaking officials and a legal system influenced by British law mean fewer barriers.
• Clear residency programmes with transparent eligibility criteria.
• Strong bilateral relations with the UK that foster cooperation.

With the right preparation and expert guidance, residency can often be granted within 3–6 months, making moving to Malta from UK faster than other EU countries.

Relocating to Malta is exciting, but UK expats moving to Malta from UK should be aware of the practical challenges that can arise when adapting to a new country. By preparing in advance, you can overcome these issues and enjoy a smoother transition.

Even with a clear immigration framework, processing times can vary. Residency filings, licence transfers and public service registrations may take longer than expected — especially in peak periods.

Tip: Using a specialist relocation service ensures documents are complete and correctly lodged the first time, reducing avoidable delays.

In-demand areas such as Sliema, St. Julian’s and Valletta see strong competition for rentals and sales. British expats should line up paperwork and proof of funds in advance to move quickly on the right property.

For pricing context and everyday expenses, see our ‘Cost of Living in Malta’ section..

Post-Brexit, UK citizens no longer have automatic rights to live and work in Malta. However, the country offers a range of clear, structured residency options for British expats. Whether you are seeking employment, retiring, investing, or spending part of the year in the Mediterranean, understanding the right pathway is essential to a smooth relocation.

Post-Brexit, moving to Malta from UK requires applying for a Malta visa or residence permit Malta. This step is essential for British nationals seeking long-term relocation. Options include the Malta Permanent Residence Programme, Malta Global Residence Programme and the increasingly popular Malta Retirement Programme.

One of the top reasons UK expats choose Malta is its enviable climate. The country enjoys a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters — a welcome change from the grey skies of Britain.

Malta boasts over 300 days of sunshine annually, making it one of the sunniest destinations in Europe. Summer temperatures average 27–32°C, perfect for beach days, water sports, and al fresco dining.

When considering a move abroad, many UK expats ask: “Is Malta a safe place to live?” The answer is a reassuring yes. Malta has one of the lowest crime rates in Europe and is known for its welcoming community, political stability and high quality of life.

Safety in Malta is one of its major attractions. Streets are generally safe to walk both day and night and incidents of violent crime are rare. Most crimes involve petty theft, such as pickpocketing in busy tourist spots or at large public events.

Healthcare in Malta is among the best in Europe, ranking highly for accessibility, quality and patient satisfaction. UK expats can access both public and private systems, depending on residency status and insurance coverage.

Residents contribute to Malta’s social security system, which covers GP visits, hospital care, and specialist treatments at reduced or no cost. The system is efficient, but some procedures may involve waiting lists.

For full details, see ‘Malta Ministry of Health.’ 

Schooling in Malta offers UK expats a range of high-quality education options, from public schools to prestigious international institutions. The island’s education system blends British influences with its own national curriculum, making it familiar yet distinct for families relocating from the UK.

Public education in Malta is free for residents and delivered in both English and Maltese. While the standard is generally good, many British expats opt for private or international schools to maintain curriculum continuity, especially if they plan to return to the UK or move elsewhere in the future.

Malta has a strong network of private and international schools in Malta offering British, American and International Baccalaureate (IB) programmes. These schools provide smaller class sizes, modern facilities and a broad range of extracurricular activities.

For a list of accredited institutions, consult ‘Expat Arrivals – Schools in Malta.’

House prices in Malta range widely:

• Apartments: €250,000 – €500,000+
• Villas: €800,000 – €3M+
• Townhouses: €400,000 – €1.2M+

In prime areas, buying a property in Malta may cost more, but yields and resale values remain high. Inland towns and Gozo offer properties for sale in Malta at lower entry points while still benefiting from overall Malta property growth.

• Find Your Property: Partner with agents specialising in real estate Malta.
• Promise of Sale (Konvenju): Legal agreement locking in the purchase.
• Due Diligence: Verifying clear title and permits.
• Final Deed: Completion of the buying real estate in Malta process.

• Capital Growth: Supply-demand imbalance drives appreciation.
• Rental Income: Properties for sale in Malta are in constant demand.
• Residency Eligibility: Owning property supports Malta investment visas.

The Malta property market is competitive and a local adviser can:

• Source off-market properties for sale in Malta.
• Identify the most profitable buying real estate in Malta options.
• Guide you through tax and legal compliance.