Living in Malta
Information about moving to, living or retiring in Malta – including visas, working, healthcare and driving.
Getting help with living in Malta
Help from the Maltese government
For any questions about moving to or living in Malta, you may be able to get help from the:
- Maltese High Commission in London
- Identità agency, part of the Maltese Department for Citizenship and Expatriate Affairs
The UK government and the British High Commission in Malta cannot give personalised advice on moving to, living or retiring in Malta.
Professional help in Malta
You can also get help from professionals in Malta, including:
- lawyers
- notaries
- funeral directors
Help from the UK government
Read the travel advice for Malta to understand the risks you may face if you live in or visit Malta. This includes the latest information on:
- visas and entry requirements
- laws and cultural differences
- safety and security
Read our guidance on:
Get help from the UK government abroad, including in an emergency.
Visas, residency and citizenship
Make sure you meet the entry requirements for Malta before you travel.
Visas and residence permits
Check which visa or residence permit you need to live in Malta.
You can get a visa or residence permit to:
- stay in Malta long term (more than 90 days)
- work
- study
- join family already living in Malta
- do volunteer work
- attend a sports trial
For more information, read guidance from the Maltese government on:
- working and residing in Malta
- long-stay visas, from the Central Visa Unit
- residence documents and applications, from the Expatriates Unit
Registering as a resident
Once you arrive, you need to apply for a residence permit.
If you have any problems or questions about registering for residency contact:
Extending or replacing your visa or residence permit
Contact the Identità agency for information on how to:
- extend your visa or residence permit
- replace a lost, damaged or stolen visa or residence permit
Permanent or long-term residency
You may be able to apply for permanent or long-term residency in Malta if you have:
- lived there for 5 years or more
- a stable and regular income
- your own accommodation
To find out if you’re eligible or to apply:
- read about how to apply for a residence permit
- submit a residency application using Identità’s Expatriates Unit portal
- contact the Identità agency
Citizenship
Malta recognises dual citizenship with the UK. This means that you do not have to give up (renounce) your British citizenship to become a Maltese citizen.
To find out if you’re eligible for Maltese citizenship:
- read guidance on how you qualify for citizenship
- contact the Community Malta Agency
- contact the Maltese High Commission in London
Help with visa, residency and citizenship applications
The British High Commission in Malta cannot help with Maltese visa, residency or citizenship applications.
For any questions or issues, contact:
Residency if you moved to Malta before 1 January 2021
If you moved to Malta before 1 January 2021, and have been legally living there since then, you and your family members have rights under the Withdrawal Agreement.
Residence documents if you moved to Malta before 1 January 2021
If you moved to Malta before 1 January 2021, you should have a residency document that shows you have rights under the Withdrawal Agreement.
Under the new digital Entry/Exit system (EES), you’ll need a biometric eResidence card when entering or leaving Malta. If you have one, you will not have to register with the EES when entering, leaving or travelling within the Schengen area. Without it, you may be wrongly identified as overstaying in the Schengen area and denied entry to Malta or other Schengen countries.
Read Identità’s FAQs for British nationals for more guidance.
If you do not have an eResidence card
If you were living in Malta before 1 January 2021, but do not have an eResidence card you must apply for one. You’ll need to submit evidence to prove that you met the residency criteria at the time.
The deadline for applications was 30 June 2021 but you can still submit an application for a new eResidence card if:
- you can provide documents showing why you missed the deadline
- the Identità agency accepts your evidence and reasons
If your application is successful, you’ll get a biometric eResidence card.
If your application is unsuccessful, you may have a right to appeal. You must make an appeal to the Immigration Appeals Board within 3 working days of receiving Identità’s decision. Your appeal should include:
- a copy of your refusal letter or email
- the date you received the refusal letter or email
- an image of your passport photo page
For more detail on how appeals work, and the address of the Immigration Appeals Board, read guidance on the appeals procedure.
If your appeal is unsuccessful, you can make a further appeal to the Court of Appeal. This can be a lengthy and expensive process.
Consider getting legal advice from a lawyer in Malta.
For more information on eResidence cards, and how to apply or appeal, read:
- Identità’s FAQs for British nationals
- our guidance on the eResidence card
Renewing your residence document if you moved to Malta before 1 January 2021
If any of your details on your residence card change, such as your address or your name, you must get a new card. Read guidance on making changes to residence documents for more information.
To replace an expired eResidence card, email Identità at:
- brexit.ima@gov.mt
- eresidence-brexit.mgoz@gov.mt, if you live in Gozo
You’ll usually need to renew your residence document every 5 years, depending on the type of residence document you have.
Bringing family members to Malta if you moved there before 1 January 2021
Read about British nationals’ rights under the Withdrawal Agreement for details of which family members can join you in Malta and under what conditions.
They must book an appointment with the Identità agency within 90 days of arrival in Malta. They will need to apply for an eResidence card as your family member.
Identità explains British nationals’ rights in Malta under the Withdrawal Agreement, including information on family members.
Passports and travel
Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers how to:
- apply for a British passport from abroad
- travel urgently without your British passport
If you have a Maltese residence permit or long stay visa, the time you spend in Malta does not count towards the 90-day visa-free period you can spend in the Schengen area.
Always carry your passport and eResidence card when entering, leaving or travelling within the Schengen area. If you’re asked to show your passport at border control, make sure you also show your eResidence card or other evidence of residence status. Your passport may be stamped if you do not.
If you have dual citizenship with an EU or European Free Trade Association (EFTA) country, you should enter and leave Malta using your EU or EFTA passport.
Dual citizens travelling to the UK
When travelling to the UK, British citizens must carry a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement. Read guidance on dual citizenship.
Resident children travelling without a parent or legal guardian
Children aged 17 and under must carry a letter of consent if they’re travelling out of Malta without their parent or legal guardian.
The letter must be signed by the parents or legal guardians and legalised at the Consular Services Office.
Contact the Maltese High Commission in London or the Consular Services Office in Valletta for more information.
European Entry/Exit System (EES)
Under the new digital Entry/Exit System (EES) there are new rules for entering, leaving or travelling within the Schengen area. Non-EU nationals will need to have their photo and fingerprints taken or verified at the border. This data will be stored in a digital record and used to monitor how long visitors have spent in the Schengen area.
British nationals legally resident in Malta, and who have an eResidence card, do not need to register with the EES.
If you’re legally resident in Malta but do not have an eResidence card, contact the Identità agency for information on how to get one. Read our guidance on the eResidence card.
For more information about how the EES works, read:
- guidance on the EES for British nationals in Malta
- EU guidance on the EES
- guidance on the EES for UK nationals
Healthcare in Malta
Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers how to:
- plan your healthcare
- take medicine abroad
To find out how to get medical treatment:
- contact your insurance provider
- read guidance on healthcare in Malta and health in Malta
- find medical practitioners and facilities in Malta
Working in Malta
Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers working abroad, including documents you may need from the UK government.
To work in Malta, you’ll probably need a work permit. To understand the different work permits available to you, read guidance on:
- travelling to Malta for work
- employment residence permits for non-EU nationals
- employed workers in Malta from non-EU countries
You do not need a work permit or visa if you have been living in Malta legally since before 1 January 2021, as you have rights under the Withdrawal Agreement.
To apply for a job, you may need to provide a:
If you live in Malta and were regularly commuting to work in another EU or European Free Trade Association (EFTA) country before 1 January 2021, read guidance for frontier workers.
Recognition of qualifications
If you want to work in Malta, you may need to get your foreign qualifications recognised.
Check with the Maltese Further and Higher Education Authority to find out if your qualifications are recognised in Malta.
Read guidance on:
- recognition of professional qualifications
- how to get your qualification recognised in Malta
- the Malta Qualifications Recognition Information Centre
Driving in Malta
Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers how to:
- drive abroad legally
- take your UK vehicle abroad
- get driving licence letters
Transport Malta provides information on driving and using vehicles in Malta, including how to:
For more information read guidance on:
- driving in the EU
- road travel in Malta, in safety and security in the travel advice for Malta
Driving in Malta using a foreign driving licence
You can drive in Malta for up to 12 months using a driving licence issued in:
- the UK
- Gibraltar
- Jersey
- Guernsey
- the Isle of Man
You cannot replace or renew any of these licences if you live in Malta.
If you have a licence from a UK Overseas Territory, contact the British High Commission in Valletta for help.
Exchanging a UK, Gibraltar, Jersey, Guernsey or Isle of Man driving licence
To continue driving after 12 months, you’ll need to exchange your licence for a Maltese one. You can do so without having to take a practical or theory driving test.
You’ll need to:
- get a check code from the DVLA – for English, Welsh and Scottish driving licences
- get a check code from the Driver and Vehicle Agency (DVA) – for Northern Irish driving licences
You should apply for the exchange before the 12 months is over. Applications may take time to process, and you’ll need your Maltese licence to drive legally.
Read the EU guidance on driving licence exchange and recognition in the EU.
You cannot use an International Driving Permit (IDP) instead of exchanging your licence.
Applying for a Maltese driving licence
If you cannot exchange your driving licence, you can get a Maltese driving licence through Transport Malta.
You will need to pass a theory test and practical driving test.
Disabled drivers
You may be able to apply for an EU parking card for people with disabilities.
You can apply for a new Maltese disabled parking card.
If you have a UK Blue Badge and live in Malta, you must return it to the original UK issuing authority.
Tax
Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers tax, including paying UK tax and National Insurance.
The UK has a double taxation agreement with Malta so that you do not pay tax on the same income in both countries.
Contact the Malta Tax and Customs Administration for any questions, including double taxation relief.
Consider getting professional advice on paying tax in Malta. To do this, find a lawyer in Malta.
National Insurance
Check if you need to pay National Insurance if you’re going to work in the EU, Gibraltar, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, or Switzerland.
Pensions
Claiming your UK pension
Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers:
- how to claim your UK State Pension
- where the UK government pays an annual increase in the State Pension
Your UK state pension is calculated differently if you’ve previously lived in Australia, Canada or New Zealand and now live in the EU.
Claiming a Maltese pension
Contact the Maltese Department of Social Security and the International Relations Unit to find out whether you can claim a pension in Malta.
Benefits
Claiming UK benefits
Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers how to claim UK benefits abroad, including Child Benefit.
You can also read guidance on benefits and pensions for UK nationals in the EU, EEA or Switzerland.
Claiming Maltese benefits
You may be eligible to claim some Maltese social security benefits.
To find out more, including advice on how to claim:
- read FAQs for non-Maltese residents from the Department of Social Security
- contact the Department of Social Security
- read Brexit information on social security, from the International Relations Unit
Buying and renting property in Malta
Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers buying and renting property abroad.
You may need to meet certain eligibility requirements to buy property in Malta. This may include applying for an Acquisition of Immovable Property [AIP] Permit.
Read guidance on:
Contact a lawyer in Malta if you’re considering buying property or land.
Voting in Malta
UK elections
Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers how to:
- vote in UK elections from abroad
- register as an overseas voter
Maltese elections
You cannot vote in Maltese general elections unless you hold Maltese citizenship.
You may be eligible to vote in local municipal elections.
You cannot vote in European elections unless you hold citizenship of an EU country.
Studying in Malta
If you plan to study in Malta, you must meet all visa requirements before you travel.
You do not need a student visa if you have been living in Malta legally since before 1 January 2021, as you have rights under the Withdrawal Agreement.
For more information, read guidance on:
- studying in the EU
- travel grants for students studying abroad or on placements (England)
- healthcare for students in Malta
You can also contact:
- your higher education provider in the UK or Malta
- the Maltese Further and Higher Education Authority
- the Maltese High Commission in London
Children
Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers moving abroad with children, including:
- getting permission to take your child abroad
- claiming UK Child Benefit abroad
- child maintenance payments if a parent lives abroad
Schools and education
The European Commission provides information about the school system in Malta.
All children aged 5 to 16 must attend school in Malta.
For more information:
- read guidance on the Maltese education system
- visit the International Learners’ Directorate website
Childcare
The Maltese Foundation for Educational Services is responsible for childcare services in Malta.
It runs 13 government-subsidised childcare centres across Malta for babies and toddlers aged between 3 months and 3 years.
For more information contact the Foundation for Educational Services.
Births, deaths, marriages and civil partnerships
Births
If your child is born in Malta, register the birth with the Maltese authorities.
Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers how to:
- register the birth with the UK authorities to get a UK birth certificate
- apply for your child’s first British passport
Deaths
Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers:
- what to do after someone dies abroad
- how to register the death with the UK authorities
If someone dies in Malta, read guidance on:
Marriages and civil partnerships
Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers how to get married or get a civil partnership abroad.
The Maltese government provides information on:
Divorce and separation
Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers how to get a divorce or end a civil partnership.
Read guidance on divorce and legal separation in Malta from the European Judicial Network.
Consider taking legal advice from a lawyer in Malta.
Documents for British people in Malta
Read our guidance on documents for British people abroad. This covers:
- legalising and certifying UK documents
- marriage and civil partnership documents
- affirmations and affidavits
- witnessing signatures
Lawyers and notaries
To find a lawyer or notary in Malta, read guidance on professional services if you’re abroad.
Pets
If you want to bring your pet with you to Malta, read guidance on:
- travelling with your pet to Malta (PDF, 107 KB, 3 pages)
- taking your pet dog, cat or ferret to an EU country
You will need to complete a Pets Arrival Notification form before you bring your pet to Malta.
Contact the Animal Health and Welfare Department for more information.
Returning to the UK
Read returning to the UK permanently. This includes information on bringing family members back to the UK, tax and access to services.
Before leaving Malta you must contact:
- the Identità agency to cancel your residence permit
- the Maltese Department of Social Security to end any benefits
- the Malta Tax and Customs Administration to complete any tax-related formalities
- the Automated Revenue Management Services (ARMS) to cancel utilities
- Transport Malta to organise vehicle export
- your child’s school, to tell them you’re leaving well in advance, so they can organise any documents the new school needs
If the NHS funds your healthcare in Malta through the S1 form, contact the NHS Overseas Healthcare Team to cancel it.
Disclaimer
We provide this information as a guide only. For definitive information, contact the Maltese authorities.
Read our consular information disclaimer.
Updates to this page
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Rewrote guide to make it easier to read and understand. Includes new information about dual citizens travelling to the UK (‘Passports and travel’ section).
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New guidance on the EU's Entry-Exit System (Passports and travel section).
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Important information in the ‘Working in Malta’ and ‘National insurance and social security contributions’ sections if you work in Malta, even it if it is for an employer based in the UK.
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Changes to the Driving in Malta section to reflect the latest Memorandum of Understanding signed between the Government of the Republic of Malta and the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
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Driving section updated with latest guidance on exchanging your driving licence for a Maltese one.
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Guide reviewed and updated, including birth, deaths, marriages and pets sections.
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Support from the UK Nationals Support Fund will end on 30 September 2021. You should contact the UK Nationals Support Fund implementing partner before this date if you require additional support. If you are already being assisted via the Fund, you will continue to receive support until you have made your application.
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Driving section updated with deadlines for exchanging a UK driving licence for a Maltese one.
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Guidance reviewed for people who are moving or moved to Malta after 1 January 2021. Following the residency application deadline, it also includes sub-sections relevant to people living there since before 1 January 2021.
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Additional support section updated with link to guidance on UK Nationals Support Fund, healthcare section updated including guidance on the S1 form and applying for EHIC and GHIC cards; working and studying in Malta section updated with information on studying in Malta, and links to Department for International Trade (DIT) guidance on recognition of professional qualifications.
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Coronavirus section updated with a link to guidance on vaccines
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Visas and residency section updated with information on the UK Nationals Support Fund for those who may find it harder to complete their residency application.
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Updated as the transition period ends with new information on driving, pet travel and moving to Malta
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Passports and travel section updated on carrying proof of residence when travelling.
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Healthcare section updated on how to apply for a new UK EHIC as a student or S1 holder. Working section updated with information on frontier workers.
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Passports and travel section updated to include information on passport validity and entry requirements when travelling to other European countries from January 2021
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Visas and Residency section updated with information about the new residency registration scheme returning to full service.
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Updated 17 April 2020
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Updated 23 March 2019
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Visas and residency section updated with information on the new residency card that the Maltese government will issue.
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Brexit update: includes further details on passport validity, healthcare rights and State Pension uprating if the UK leaves the EU with a deal
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Brexit update: healthcare section updated to reflect transitional arrangements announcement
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Brexit update: Pensions section updated to include further details on State Pension uprating.
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Added new information in Healthcare section about S1 certificates.
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EU Exit update: added changes to 'Passport Validity (6 Month Rule) and EU Visa-Free Travel' section
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EU Exit update: updated information in pensions, healthcare, passports and returning to the UK sections
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We have updated the contact details you need to apply for an S1 form.
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Updated information on passports: you must use the checker tool to see if your passport is still valid for your trip
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EU Exit update: Added information on double-taxation after EU Exit under the 'Money and Tax' section
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EU Exit update: added information about Maltese government helpline for UK nationals in Malta (Freephone 153) and instructions about driving licences
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EU Exit update: Added further details of Malta´s offer to UK nationals and existing UK-Malta bilateral healthcare agreement in health section.
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EU Exit update - Updated information on access to healthcare
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EU Exit update: added latest announcement from the Maltese government to the EU Exit section.
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EU Exit update: Added information about outreach meetings for UK nationals living in Malta and Gozo
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EU Exit update: updated information on pensions and driving.
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EU Exit update: New information in residency and visa section on draft withdrawal agreement in principle between the UK and EU. Plus information on travelling with pets in Europe in pet section.
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Complete revision of guidance to ensure it's up to date and accurate.
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Updated October 2017
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First published.