Table of Contents Why 12 Months? The Maltese Reality Beyond the Brochures Months 12-10: Laying the Foundations and Taking First Steps Months 9-7: Meeting Legal Requirements Months 6-4: Banking, Finances, and Property Search Months 3-1: Final Preparations The Move: What Really Happens (and What the Travel Guides Dont Tell You) After Arrival: Surviving the First 30 Days Frequently Asked Questions about Moving to Malta Let me tell you right up front: a year of preparation for your move to Malta isn’t overkill – it’s realistic. After two years on the island and countless conversations with newly-arrived Maltese residents, I know: If you think you can sort everything out in three months, you’ll either end up in bureaucratic hell or pay twice as much. Why? Malta is in the EU, yes. But Malta is also an island with its own rules. Banks that need three months to open an account. Lawyers who completely disappear in August. And authorities who prefer sending out forms in Maltese rather than English. This roadmap takes you through the moving process month by month. You’ll find out what needs doing when, which pitfalls to watch for, and where you can really save time. No marketing fluff – just what actually works. Why 12 Months? The Maltese Reality Beyond the Brochures Malta is in the EU – how hard can it be? I thought the same. Until I stood in an Identity Malta office for the first time and the clerk looked at me as if I’d just suggested filling in Valletta’s harbor. Maltese Bureaucracy: Slow but Thorough Malta takes compliance seriously. Very seriously. The Global Residence Programme (GRP), for example: officially, processing time is 6-8 weeks. In reality? 3-4 months, even if your paperwork is perfect. If a document is missing or the apostille is wrong, you start over from scratch. It’s similar with opening a bank account. HSBC Malta averages 10-12 weeks for a business account. Bank of Valletta is faster but pickier about international clients. Timing is everything here. Seasonal Traps That Can Wreck Your Planning July and August in Malta are practically dead for official business. Not just holidays – the whole island collectively shifts into slow motion. Lawyers are gone, notaries are running at half speed, and at Identity Malta you’ll only get proper appointments again in September. That means: If you want to move in spring, you need to start no later than May of the year before. Anything else will get stressful. The Hidden Costs of Impatience Quick fixes cost twice as much in Malta. Express services from lawyers? Add 50%. Renting a place sight unseen? Often a 20-30% premium. And don’t get me started on removal companies who “deliver last minute”. A year’s lead time means you can compare, negotiate, and secure the best deals. Your nerves – and your wallet – will thank you. Months 12-10: Laying the Foundations and Taking First Steps The first three months are your research phase. Here, you’re building the foundation for everything to come. And no, YouTube videos about “Life in Malta” won’t cut it. Residency Status: Which Path Suits You? Malta offers several residency options. As an international entrepreneur, you’ll mainly consider three paths: Programme Minimum Stay Tax Rate Costs Global Residence Programme (GRP) 90 days/year 15% on foreign income €15,000 minimum tax + fees Malta Residence and Visa Programme (MRVP) 90 days/year 15% on remitted income €350,000 investment Ordinary Residence 183+ days/year Standard Maltese rates No minimum fee My advice: Start by getting advice on the Malta Residence and Visa Programme (MRVP), even if you think GRP is sufficient. The €350,000 investment threshold scares many off, but the tax advantages can add up fast. Tax Clarification Up Front: The Crucial Step Here’s where things get complicated—and expensive if you get it wrong. Malta’s credit method for corporation tax is enough to make even seasoned tax advisors scratch their heads. The basic rule: Profits paid out to Maltese shareholders are taxed at a lower rate than those paid abroad. Sounds fair, but there are pitfalls. What you need now: 1. A German/Austrian/Swiss tax advisor with Malta expertise 2. A Maltese tax advisor for the local side 3. A rough calculation of whether the move pays off Expect €3,000-5,000 for proper initial consultations. Yes, that’s a lot. But better now than getting nasty surprises later. Scouting the Property Market: A Reality Check Included Malta’s real estate market is crazy. Not crazy-good, just crazy-expensive. An apartment with sea view in Sliema? €4,000-6,000 per month. That’s rent. Top hotspots for expats: Sliema/St. Julians: Central, pricey, touristy. Okay for starters, but gets annoying long-term. Valletta: High on culture, parking is a nightmare. Not for families. Mellieha: Quieter and cheaper, but you can’t live here without a car. Marsaskala: Local area, authentic, less English spoken. Guideline for purchase prices (2024): – Sliema/St. Julians: €5,000-8,000 per m² – Valletta: €4,000-7,000 per m² – Mellieha: €3,000-4,500 per m² – Marsaskala: €2,500-3,500 per m² Start your online research now. PropertyMalta.com and Malta Property are good starting points. But don’t trust just the photos—a Maltese “sea view” may mean you have to crane your neck to see a sliver of blue. Months 9-7: Meeting Legal Requirements Things are getting serious now. The next three months will determine if your move runs smoothly or turns into a bureaucratic marathon. Preparing and Submitting Your Residency Application No matter which programme you choose, the paperwork is extensive and has to be perfect. Identity Malta is strict. One mistake on a form? Back to square one. For the Global Residence Programme youll need: Proof of a Maltese home (lease or purchase agreement) Medical certificate (not older than 3 months) Police clearance from all countries youve lived in over the last 10 years Evidence of health insurance covering Malta Bank reference and proof of income Passport copies from the last 5 years The stumbling block: All foreign documents must be apostilled. That takes 2-3 weeks in Germany, up to 6 weeks in Switzerland. And no, you cant just go to the consulate—only the relevant authorities can apostille. Establishing Company Structure Malta loves limited companies. Sole proprietorships do exist but usually make little sense tax-wise for international entrepreneurs. Setting up a Maltese Limited is relatively straightforward: – Minimum capital: €1,165 – Duration: 2-3 weeks – Costs: €2,000-3,500 including legal fees But heads up: Youll need a registered office in Malta and at least one Maltese director. Many law firms offer this as a service, but it adds €1,500-2,500 a year. Opening Your Bank Account: The Patience Test This is where the wheat is separated from the chaff. After years of compliance problems, Maltese banks are wary. As an international entrepreneur, you’re automatically “higher risk”. The reality for bank applications: Bank Processing Time Minimum Deposit Monthly Fees HSBC Malta 10-16 weeks €25,000 €45-85 Bank of Valletta 6-10 weeks €10,000 €25-50 APS Bank 8-12 weeks €15,000 €35-65 My tip: Apply at least two banks in parallel. Yes, it’s more expensive (each charges a due diligence fee of €500-1,000), but if one rejects you, you don’t go back to square one. And prepare for questions like: “Why Malta?” “What is the source of your funds?” “What is your annual turnover?” It’s not just paperwork—they want a story that makes sense. Months 6-4: Banking, Finances, and Property Search Intensify Halfway there. Now it’s about the practical details that decide between success and frustration. Finalising Bank Account and First Transactions Hopefully you’ll have a yes from at least one bank by now. If not, don’t panic – but allow for more time. As soon as your account is live, transfer the minimum deposit immediately – but no more than that. Maltese banks report larger movements to the Financial Intelligence Analysis Unit (FIAU). It’s not illegal, but it’s time-consuming. Smart move: Open a Revolut Business or Wise account in parallel. For the transition and smaller payments, they’re often more practical than traditional Maltese banks. Health Insurance: Public vs. Private Options You have two options: use the Maltese public system or stay privately insured. Public system: As an EU citizen with residency, you’re entitled to Malta’s public healthcare services. Basic care is free, but waiting times are… let’s call them “mediterraneanly relaxed”. Private insurance: Most expats keep their private insurance. Malta-specific providers like Mapfre Malta or MSV Life offer good coverage starting at €150-300 per month. My advice: Combine both. Use the public system for emergencies and routine stuff; stay private for everything else. Property Search: From Online to On-the-Ground Time for your first trip to Malta for viewings. Plan at least a week—you’ll want to see more options than you think. Organise in advance: – Meetings with at least 5-7 brokers – Hire a rental car (public transport is impractical for viewings) – Backup viewings in case of last-minute cancellations What you don’t see in the photos: – Street noise (Malta is loud!) – Neighbours (party animals vs. retirees makes a big difference) – Mobile coverage (can be dismal in Valletta) – Actual size (Maltese “square metres” are… optimistic) Tax Number and Initial Registrations With your residency permit, you can apply for your Maltese tax number. This is done at the Inland Revenue Department and takes 1-2 weeks. Register at the same time with: – Social Security (important for healthcare entitlement) – VAT Department (if your business is liable) – Jobsplus (even as an entrepreneur, for statistical records) Sounds like a lot of paperwork? It is. Better now than when you’re up against a deadline. Months 3-1: Final Preparations The final three months before the move are the most intense. Now theory becomes reality. Securing Your Apartment and Signing the Lease Made your choice? Congratulations! Now comes the fun part: the Maltese rental agreement. Standard lease terms in Malta: – Two months’ rent security deposit (usual) – One month’s rent commission to the broker – 6-12 months minimum contract – Utilities (electricity, water) mostly extra Negotiable points: – Furnished vs. unfurnished (often a 20-30% difference) – Utilities included up to a cap – Refurbishment before move-in – Parking space (extremely valuable in urban areas) Beware with new builds: “Ready to move in” does not necessarily mean the elevator works or the AC is installed. Get a walkthrough scheduled two weeks before moving in. Moving Logistics: Ship vs. Air Freight Malta is an island—moves are complicated and expensive. By Sea (container): – Duration: 2-3 weeks from Germany/Austria – Cost: €3,000-8,000 depending on volume – Pros: You bring everything – Cons: No flexibility, subject to weather Air Freight: – Duration: 3-7 days – Cost: €8,000-15,000 for a regular apartment’s worth – Pros: Fast and reliable – Cons: Very expensive, weight limits Hybrid (my recommendation): – Essentials by air – Furniture & books by sea container – Electronics in your suitcase Deregistering and Wrapping Up at Home This is the emotional bit. You officially say goodbye to your previous tax residence. Germany: – Deregister with local authorities – Deregister/export your car – Cancel health insurance (beware post-insurance requirements) – Tax deregistration with the tax office Austria: – Deregister main residence – Deregister with SVA/ÖGK – Inform tax office Switzerland: – File notification of departure with the municipality – Deregister AHV/IV – Inform cantonal tax authorities Pro tip: Keep a German/Austrian/Swiss mailing address (family/friends) for interim post. Some authorities take weeks to accept your new Malta address. Final To-Do List and Backup Plans Four weeks before your move you should have the following checked off: ✓ Malta residency confirmed ✓ Bank account opened and tested ✓ Lease signed ✓ Moving company booked ✓ Health insurance activated ✓ Internet ordered for new home ✓ Mobile contract sorted ✓ Contacted Malta tax adviser ✓ Car sorted (import/buy/rent) ✓ All key documents digitised and saved in the cloud Backup plan in case anything goes wrong: – Booked a hotel for the first week (even if you think you won’t need it) – €10,000 cash for emergencies (sometimes only cash solves Maltese bureaucracy) – Contact for a German-speaking lawyer in Malta – Keep your return flight option open The Move: What Really Happens (and What the Travel Guides Dont Tell You) The big day has come. You’re on your flight to Malta or waiting at the harbor for your container. The real adventure starts now. The First 48 Hours: Survival Guide Malta in reality check mode: The first thing you notice is the wind. Always. And the scale—or more accurately, the lack of it. What looks like a short drive on Google Maps will take twice as long because of traffic and construction. Day 1 Priorities: 1. Buy a SIM card (GO or Vodafone Malta, about €20-30) 2. Sort out transportation (rental car or install the Bolt app) 3. Stock up on basics (Pavi Supermarket or Lidl) 4. Contact your landlord and check the internet status What can go wrong: – Your container isn’t there – The apartment isn’t ready – Internet doesn’t work (Epic or Melita can take 2-3 weeks) – Keys are with the neighbour, who’s just left for Sicily Dealing with Authorities in the First Week Even if you’ve sorted all your paperwork—Malta still requires a personal appearance. Mandatory appointments: – Identity Malta: collect residency card (if not yet received) – Inland Revenue: show up in person with your tax number – Transport Malta: register your car (if you imported one) – Electoral Commission: register to vote (optional but recommended) Insider tip: All authorities keep different hours, and they seem to change weekly. Check their websites the morning of—don’t rely on what you found the night before. Avoiding First-Timer Pitfalls Malta is small—but that doesn’t mean simple. A few traps that catch almost every new arrival: Electricity and water: ARMS (Automated Revenue Management Services) is Malta’s one-stop utilities shop. Monopoly means “great” customer service. Plan for at least 2-3 visits before everything works. Internet: Speed is relative. 100 Mbit often means 100 Mbit on a good, still day. Always have a backup (mobile hotspot with enough data is a must). Public transport: Buses theoretically follow a schedule. In reality, they run when the driver feels like it. Apps like Tallinja help, but don’t rely on them. After Arrival: Surviving the First 30 Days You’ve made it, your boxes probably too… Now real-life Malta starts. Registering for Tax and Planning Your First Return Within 30 days of arrival, you need to register with the tax office. Not just for your tax number—but to officially activate your tax status. What you’ll need: – Residency card – Proof of address (rental contract or utility bill) – Business registration (if you have a Maltese company) – Bank account details Your first tax return is due in June of the following year. Sounds far off, but you need to be planning now. Maltese tax law is complex—and mistakes get expensive. Building Local Contacts: Networking the Maltese Way Malta runs on relationships. Not corruption—just a very personal system. The electrician is your neighbour’s cousin. The lawyer plays tennis with the banker. Everyone knows everyone. Where to meet people: – Malta Expat Community (very active Facebook group) – Business Network International Malta (for entrepreneurs) – Hash House Harriers Malta (very international running club) – Local councils (community gatherings to meet Maltese locals) Cultural Dos and Don’ts: – Don’t: Criticise Malta in front of locals (they can, you can’t) – Do: Show an interest in Maltese history – Don’t: Draw comparisons with “back home” – Do: Be patient with the pace Practical Integration: From Tourist to Resident The difference between a Malta tourist and a Malta resident? You don’t go to Mdina for Instagram photos anymore—you go to the ARMS office to sort out your electricity bill. Banking in reality: Online banking works, but it’s slow. For important transfers, go to the branch. Yes, this is 2024. No, it won’t change soon. Shopping: Forget Amazon Prime. Shipping to Malta takes 1-2 weeks and costs extra. Local alternatives: iShop.mt for electronics, Toi Express for other goods. Healthcare: To get a GP you need a referral from the health centre. For a dentist, book directly. Wait times are… variable. First Taxes: What to Really Expect Malta’s tax system is a hybrid of EU standards and local quirks. As an international entrepreneur with residency you pay: Personal income tax: – Progressive rates from 0% to 35% – Allowance: €9,100 per year – However: foreign income under certain programmes is taxed at special flat rates Corporate tax: – Standard: 35% on profits – But: refund system can reduce the effective rate to 5% – Requirement: payout to Maltese shareholders The reality: Realistically, budget for a total tax burden of 15-20% if everything’s set up perfectly. That’s good, but not the 5% some advisers promise. Frequently Asked Questions about Moving to Malta How much does a move to Malta really cost? Budget €25,000-40,000 for your first year, excluding rent. That covers: legal/advisory fees (€8,000-12,000), moving costs (€5,000-15,000), government fees (€3,000-5,000), setup costs (€5,000-8,000), and a safety buffer for unexpected issues (€4,000-8,000). Can I just move to Malta as an EU citizen? Yes, you have the right of residence. However, for tax benefits you need a special residency like the Global Residence Programme. Without that, you’ll pay up to 35% standard Maltese tax rates. How long does it really take to open a bank account? With Maltese banks, 8-16 weeks after all documents are submitted. HSBC Malta is stricter but slower; Bank of Valletta is faster but pickier. Always plan at least 3 months ahead. Is Malta suitable for families with children? Yes, with some caveats. Private schools are good but expensive (€8,000-15,000 per year). State schools teach in both English and Maltese. Pediatricians are rare—plan on private health insurance. What happens if I give up my German/Austrian/Swiss residency? You lose certain social safety nets, but keep your EU citizenship rights. Returning is always possible—tax-wise it gets complicated. Be sure to seek advice first—some decisions are hard to reverse. What’s the weather really like? 300+ days of sunshine per year is true. But: July/August is brutally hot (35-40°C), winter can be unexpectedly chilly and damp (10-15°C). The first few summer months are tough—don’t underestimate this when looking for a home. Is the internet reliable enough for remote work? Yes in urban areas, with caveats. Upload speeds are often weak. Fine for video calls, not always for large file uploads. Backup solutions (mobile hotspot, co-working spaces) are a must. How expensive is life compared to Germany/Austria/Switzerland? Rents in good areas are on par with Munich or Zurich. Groceries are 20-30% pricier. Restaurants are cheaper. Car costs are very high (fuel, insurance, parking). Utilities (electricity, water) are significantly more expensive than in Germany/Austria/Switzerland. Do I need a car in Malta? Depends on where you live. Sliema/St. Julians: not essential but helpful. Valletta: more a hindrance due to parking issues. Mellieha or rural areas: absolutely essential. Public transport is unreliable. What if something goes wrong? Malta is small—most problems get solved faster through personal contacts than official channels. Build your network, have patience with bureaucracy, and always have a plan B. And yes, sometimes a little gift or a coffee gets you further than any amount of paperwork.
