Americans relocating to Malta

Diverse, bustling and affordable, Malta offers fantastic opportunities for Americans seeking to relocate to Europe. Whether you are a US expat looking for a job, a family seeking a second home, or an American retiree longing to move to Europe, you will find what you need in Malta. This guide gives you useful information to successfully relocate from the USA to Malta.

About Malta

A true gem of the Mediterranean, Malta is a small European nation located in the South, close to Italy. It has three islands — Gozo, Comino and Malta — covering an area of 316 km2 and a population of 514,564 inhabitants. Its official languages are Maltese and English.

Because of its rich history, Malta is filled with charming paved streets, stunning churches, and palaces. Gifted with a Mediterranean climate it has very agreeable sunny weather, and plenty of beautiful beaches to explore. 

Malta’s size is perfect for those looking for a quality and relaxed lifestyle by the sea. For those looking for excitement, there are also many activities and festivities going on in Malta.

Why relocate from the US to Malta

Benefits of living in Malta as a US expat

Where to live in Malta as a US expat

Cost of living in Malta vs USA

Quality and affordability define the cost of living in Malta. Coming from the US, you will find that the cost of living in Malta is considerably lower.

Renting costs

Rental prices in Malta are very affordable. In the capital city Valletta you can rent a fully furnished one-bedroom apartment for €952. Compared to the US, rental prices in Malta are 34% cheaper.

Cost of groceries

Imported products can be more expensive than average in Malta. However, you can find cheap locally produced food at Maltese markets, and very affordable quality local and imported Italian products.

Restaurant prices

Famous for its excellent cuisine and the freshness of its products, eating out in Malta is a fantastic experience. There is an excellent price-quality ratio in Maltese restaurants. For example, a meal for two in a nice restaurant will cost around €33. 

Americans retiring in Malta

Malta is an excellent location for Americans looking to retire in Europe. Not only is the cost of living very affordable and cheaper than in the US, but the island is also small and easy to navigate, with a lively expat community, and free access to excellent health services. 

How to move to Malta from the US

Obtain Malta residency

There are several visa options available for Americans wishing to reside in Malta:

• Malta global residency program: The program allows US citizens to obtain Maltese residency indefinitely, provided that you own or rent property in Malta or Gozo, as well as pay a minimum annual tax liability on foreign income received in Malta.
• Malta Citizenship by Investment Program: The program allows US citizens to acquire Malta citizenship through investment. In order to do so, you must make an exceptional direct investment of a minimum of €600,000 or €750,000, depending on the residence period selected 12 or 36 months (extra €50,000 is required for each dependent). You must also invest €700,000 in residential real estate, or enter into a rental agreement at a minimum value of €16,000 per annum which must be maintained for five years. In addition, a compulsory donation of €10,000 to a registered philanthropic, cultural, sport, scientific, animal welfare, or artistic non-governmental approved organization or society must be made.

Get a Malta passport

The new Malta Citizenship by Investment Program, now called Malta Citizenship by Naturalization for Exceptional Services (MEIN), gives qualifying investors and their families the incredible opportunity to obtain Malta citizenship.

The benefits of having the Malta passport are multiple: freedom of movement within the EU and visa-free access to 168 countries worldwide, tax advantages, free and optimal healthcare treatments, and the ability to live in one of the most stable and safest countries in the world. 

In order to qualify for the program, investors need to fulfill a series of financial requirements:

• Exceptional direct investment of a minimum of €600,000 or €750,000, depending on the residence period selected 12 or 36 months (extra €50,000 is required for each dependent).
• €700,000 investment in real estate, or hold a rental agreement at a minimum value of €16,000 per annum which must be maintained for five years
• €10,000 donation to a registered philanthropic, cultural, sport, scientific, animal welfare, or artistic non-governmental approved organization or society. 

To learn more about the Malta Citizenship by Investment Program, take a look at our Malta Citizenship by Investment Ultimate Guide by local experts.

Malta real estate

Expat communities in Malta

Due to the high quality of life it offers, Malta is very popular among expats. While there are few Americans in Malta, there is a large community of British, Australians, and European expatriates. There are always plenty of activities organized to connect and meet like-minded individuals such as lunches, lectures, and walks. 

Frequently Asked Questions about Americans relocating to Malta