Do you belong to the LGBTQI+ community? Planning to move and invest abroad? Malta, a small southern European island, can be the perfect place for you.
According to ILGA-Europe (International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association), an international independent organization championing the interests and rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, and intersex people in Europe, Malta ranks as the number 1 country in the Rainbow Index.
In this article, we’ll talk about why is Malta one of the most LGBT-friendly countries in the world and what benefits you can get there as an LGBT couple.
Is Malta an LGBT-friendly country?
Yes, Malta is an LGBT-friendly country. Not only is Malta one of the top-ranked countries on the ILGA Rainbow Europe Map, but it has also introduced a number of LGBTQI+friendly bills, ensuring equality and protecting human rights across the LGBTQI+ community.
Malta has been recognized as the first country in Europe to prohibit conversion therapy – a pseudoscientific practice aimed at changing a person’s sexual orientation and gender identity.
In addition to this, the Government in Malta has also altered the language generally used to address domestic or family relationships in legal records to make them more gender-neutral terms. Efforts like these have set a very high standard with regard to LGBT rights across the globe.
Why is Malta LGBT-friendly?
The southern European country has been on the top of the Europe Rainbow Index for six consecutive years owing to its liberal LGBTQI+ rights, policies, and interventions – paving the way for a conducive environment for LGBTQI+ expats to reside, invest, and work.
Here are some important milestones that the country has achieved with regard to protecting the rights of the LGBT community:
- Malta has legalized same-sex sexual activity since 1973
- LGBT weddings in Malta are allowed. Same-sex couples in the country have the legal right to marry or commit to a civil union
- Married couples, civil partners, or LGBTQI+ individuals have the right to adopt children
- Malta has prohibited anti-gay discrimination in places of employment since 2014
- Penalty enhancements have been initiated for hate crimes triggered by the victim’s gender identity or sexual orientation
- Individuals from the LGBTQI+ community can serve in the Maltese Military
- Discrimination against the LGBTQI+ community is prohibited by the government
- Conversion therapy has been banned nationwide in Malta
- Domestic violence rights apply to heterosexual couples as well as same-sex couples
- The Maltese government has included gender identity as a protected category in its constitution
History of the LGBT Community in Malta
Owing to the influence and control of the Roman Catholic Church, Malta in the past had the reputation of being a conservative country. For instance, divorce was prohibited, abortion was, and is, illegal and the laws that dictated the country were mostly conservative. But, over the years, this island country has surprised the world with its progressive and forward-looking LGBTQI+ rights.
Due to the Malta LGBTQI+ Rights Movement, today the country has decriminalized same-sex relationships, recognized civil unions for same-sex couples, introduced equal rights for LGBTQI+ couples with regard to adoption, an
Malta Gay Rights Movement
Established in June 2011, the Malta Gay Rights Movement (MGRM) has been working continuously to attain equal status for LGBTQI+ people in Malta.
The goal of this movement is to:
- Provide legal recognition and rights for gay people
- Promote policies and interventions that do not discriminate against LGBTQI+ people based on sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics
- Enable LGBTQI+ people to amplify conversations on social and political issues and fight for their legal rights
LGBT Rights in Malta
Malta has been a shining example of a country championing progressive gay rights. If you are looking to shift to this beautiful island country, here is a list of rights that you should know.
LGBT marriage in Malta
In the year 2017, the Maltese government voted to introduce a bill that legalized same-sex marriage. The bill transformed the traditional vow – “you are now husband and wife” in civil unions to “you are now spouses”.
Applauding the revolutionary bill, former Prime Minister Joseph Muscat commented that the Maltese citizens have achieved “an unprecedented level of maturity.”
This law went a long way in contemporizing the institution of marriage – making it inclusive for all conforming parties. The law also approved a gender-neutral expression – ‘spouse’ – instead of ‘husband and wife’ as appropriate for the situation.
Adoption rights for LGBT couples in Malta
Taking an exemplary step towards building an LGBTQI+ friendly nation, Malta, in the year 2014, granted adoption rights to same-sex couples, married couples, as well as singles residing in the country from the LGBTQI+ community. In July 2016, Malta witnessed the first official adoption by a same-sex couple. The law has mandated a court ruling for the adoption of every individual child regardless of the sexual orientation of any of the potential parents.
IVF for LGBT couples in Malta
In June 2018, Marie Louise Coleiro Preca, former President of Malta, signed and approved the Embryo Protection (Amendment) Act. The act allowed single women and same-sex couples to go for IVF (in vitro fertilization) domestically. The law ensured protection against discrimination based on sexual orientation for women in Malta.
Malta citizenship by investment program for LGBT couples
The Malta Citizenship by investment program, which is more accurately referred to as the Maltese Citizenship Act Granting of Citizenship for Exceptional Services Regulations, permits foreign individuals to acquire residency by investment in the country. Since Malta has legalized same-sex marriage and civil unions, same-sex partners can apply for this new scheme of the Malta Citizenship by Investment Program through a joint application. Please note that individuals have to submit a marriage or a civil union certificate to substantiate their application.
In the case of unmarried couples, partners need to produce evidence that testifies to their relationship with each other.
Real Estate for LGBT Community in Malta
It comes as no surprise that almost all Malta neighborhoods are LGBTQI+ friendly, so if you are planning to invest and start living in Malta, here are some recommendations for you.
Real Estate in Valletta
Valletta, the capital city of Malta, offers countless exciting opportunities for LGBTQI+ individuals and couples. Right from Monaliza Lounge – an LGBT bar in Malta – to exclusive LGBT clubs and restaurants, this place is the perfect area for LGBTQI+ expats to invest and buy real estate. In addition to this, the city also hosts the annual Gay Pride Festival.
Be it penthouses, apartments, palazzos, or houses, you have the option to pick and choose here. For a property consisting of one bedroom cum bathroom, it would cost you more than €100,000. If you choose to buy a larger property than the one bedroom and one bathroom arrangement, it would cost you more than €1 million.
Real Estate in Rabat
Only 15 kilometers away from the city of Valletta, Rabat is also an extremely lively neighborhood appropriate for the LGBTQI+ community. With real estate investment options ranging from plush apartments to extravagant villas, this area also offers a bouquet of choices to expat property investors.
In terms of pricing points, properties are on the economic side when compared to Valletta. A fully-furnished apartment in Rabat comprising two bedrooms and two bathrooms will cost you somewhere around €200,000 to €400,000. But if you are considering buying a penthouse, the price of the property can go well over €400,000.
Known for great karaoke and phenomenal drag shows, the Birdcage Lounge is a gay bar that you absolutely can’t miss if you are in Rabat.
Check out our guide on Malta Citizenship by Investment!
Malta Residency by Investment Program for LGBT Couples
Under the Malta Permanent Residence Program (MPRP), non-European Union nationals today can get residency in Malta by investment. The program offers residency through property acquisition and lease, government donations, and contributions.
Eligible candidates are given the right to reside, stay, and obtain permanent residency in Malta. If you get Malta residency by investment, you can travel visa-free across the Schengen area. One application for Malta residency by investment program can include up to four generations.
Requirements for Malta residency through investment
- Candidates must rent a property that accounts for an annual rent of €10,000 in the South of Malta/ Gozo or €12,000 in the rest of Malta
OR - Buy a property that is estimated at €300,000 in the South of Malta/Gozo or €350,000 in the rest of Malta
Malta Citizenship by Investment Program for LGBT Couples
The Malta citizenship by naturalization for exceptional services by direct investment process (CES), otherwise referred to as the Maltese Citizenship Act Granting of Citizenship for Exceptional Services Regulations, is a distinguished citizenship program offered to expats and their families who play an important role in enabling the country to progress economically. This is an amazing program for all those looking to invest in Malta.
Requirements for Malta citizenship by investment program for LGBT couples
Here are the requirements for Malta citizenship by investment:
- A direct investment of €600,000 or €750,000 for the main applicant. The range depends on the desired Malta residence period selected which is for 12 or 36 months (Please note that an extra €50,000 is required for each dependent)
- The lease of a residential property for a minimum of €16,000 every year for a period of 5 years or buying a property estimated at €700,000 (keep in mind that you have to hold this property for at least 5 years)
- A contribution of €10,000 to a government-registered sport, cultural, scientific, philanthropic, the welfare of animals, or artistic non-governmental organization or society
Check out our Guide on Americans Relocating to Malta!
Frequently Asked Questions about Malta for LGBT
Is Malta a LGBT-friendly country?
Yes, Malta is an LGBT-friendly country. In fact, Malta is ranked as the number one country in the ILGA-Europe (International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, and Intersex Association) out of all 49 countries in Europe in terms of their respect for human rights and equality.
Which is the safest country for LGBTQ?
Yes, Malta is one of the safest countries for the LGBTQI+ community due to its progressive laws and policies.
Can LGBT couples apply for the Malta citizenship by investment program?
Since Malta has recognized and allowed same-sex marriage and civil unions, the Malta citizenship by investment program, which is more accurately referred to as the Maltese Citizenship Act Granting of Citizenship for Exceptional Services Regulations, is open to heterosexual couples as well as same-sex couples.
Did Malta legalize same-sex marriage?
Gay marriage has been legalized in Malta since 2017.
What are the top LGBT bars in Malta?
The top LGBT bars in Malta are:
- Michelangelo Club Lounge (St. Julian’s)
- Monaliza Lounge (Valletta)
- The Thirsty Barber (St. Julian’s)
- AXM Malta (Paceville)
- Hugo’s Terrace (St. Julian’s)
What are the best LGBT clubs in Malta?
The best LGBT clubs in Malta include:
- Michelangelo Club Lounge
- AXM Malta
- Hugo’s Lounge
Has Malta banned conversion therapy?
Yes, Malta has become the first European country to ban conversion therapy – a treatment program aimed to change sexual orientation and gender expression.
