Commuting Between Two Worlds: Life as an International Weekend Maltese

What Does Dual Residency in Malta Really Mean?

I’ve lived as a Weekend-Maltese for three years now—and no, it’s not as glamorous as it sounds. Dual Residency officially means you can be a tax resident in two countries without being taxed twice. In reality, it means shuttling between your main home and Malta, usually weekly or monthly.

The Three Types of Dual Residency in Malta

Let me spare you the initial confusion I had. There are three different ways you can live as a “dual resident”:

• Malta Non-Dom Status: You’re a tax resident in Malta, but only pay taxes on income earned in and remitted to Malta
• Double Taxation Agreement (DTA): You use agreements between Malta and your home country to optimize taxes
• EU Free Movement plus Second Residence: Keep your main residence and register a secondary address in Malta

Dual Residency vs. Classic Emigration

The difference compared to full emigration? You don’t completely give up your old life. I keep my German health insurance, my bank account, and even my favorite bakery down the street. Malta becomes your second home, not your only one.

A Maltese tax advisor once told me: Dual Residency is like being married but still allowed to flirt—legal, but complicated.

Who Actually Does This?

From my experience, it’s mainly three groups:

My Journey to Weekend-Maltese: From Dream to Reality

I’m sharing my story because it’s typical for many Dual Residency starters. Spoiler: It wasn’t as smooth as Instagram would have you believe.

The Trigger: When 42% Tax Becomes Too Much

In 2021, things were going well for me as a freelance consultant. Then came the tax return and I thought, 42% top tax rate—there must be another way. Malta kept showing up on entrepreneur forums. 5% tax on company profits sounded tempting.

My first mistake: I thought I could just set up a Maltese company and continue living in Germany. Spoiler: Doesn’t work. The German tax office is not stupid.

Reality Check in Valletta

In March 2022, I flew to Malta—not for vacation, but for a reality check. For three weeks, I tested whether I could really imagine living here regularly. Here’s what I learned:

1. Malta is tiny: After two weeks, I knew every coffee shop in Sliema
2. The infrastructure is… unique: If the bus doesn’t show, it simply doesn’t show
3. English helps, Maltese helps even more: Especially with authorities
4. The community is tight-knit: Everybody knows everybody—both a blessing and a curse

The First Winter as Weekend-Maltese

I chose the “best of both worlds” model: October to March mainly Malta, April to September mainly Germany. Sounds reasonable, right?

The first week was a honeymoon. The second week was OK. The third week I thought: And now? That’s the Malta phenomenon: The island is beautiful, but small. Very small.

What helped me:

• Establishing routines: Set workspaces, favorite cafés, and walking paths
• Finding community: Digital Nomad meetups, expat groups, sports clubs
• Picking up hobbies: I took up diving—best decision ever

Why I Stuck With It Anyway

Despite all the initial hurdles, Malta became my second home. The benefits outweigh the downsides:

January 2023: While my German friends were moaning about heating bills, I was sitting on the beach in a T-shirt at 18°C answering emails. That alone made it worthwhile.

Dual Residency Malta: Understanding Taxes, Law and Bureaucracy

This is where it gets complicated, but I’ll break it down—step by step, no legal jargon.

The Ground Rule: The 183-Day Test

First things first: tax residency is determined by days spent in a country. If you spend more than 183 days a year somewhere, you’re usually taxable there. As a dual resident, you juggle these days.

Example from my practice: In 2023, I was 160 days in Malta, 205 in Germany. That left me a German tax resident but allowed me to use Malta’s Non-Dom status for my international consulting.

Malta Non-Dom Status: The Holy Grail?

The Malta Non-Dom status isn’t automatic. You have to apply and meet certain criteria:

Double Taxation Agreement Germany-Malta

This one’s interesting for Germans. The DTA (Double Tax Agreement) between Germany and Malta lets you optimize taxes without fully relocating.

Tie-breaker rules: If you’re a tax resident in both countries, these criteria decide:

1. Permanent home (where’s your primary residence?)
2. Center of vital interests (where’s family, business, assets?)
3. Habitual abode (where do you usually live?)
4. Nationality (last resort)

Practical Tax Optimization as a Dual Resident

Here’s what I learned after three years:

What works:

• International consulting services: Taxed in Malta if you’re a resident there
• Investment income: Can be optimized depending on the source
• Digital products: Sale through a Maltese company possible

What doesn’t work:

• Serving German clients from Malta: Permanent establishment in Germany = German tax liability
• Pretend relocation: The German tax office checks thoroughly
• Quick wins: Real tax optimization needs real substance

Registering in Malta: My Survival Guide

Identity Malta is your go-to for almost everything. My advice: Bring patience. Lots of patience.

Required documents for EU citizens:

• Passport or national ID card
• Proof of accommodation (rental contract or ownership certificate)
• Health insurance proof
• Proof of financial means
• Certificate of good conduct (for certain visa categories)

Pro tip: Book your Identity Malta appointments online. Showing up unannounced is like playing the lottery—just with worse odds.

Health Insurance and Social Insurance

This is a tricky area. As a dual resident, you can slip through the cracks:

Option 1: Keep your German health insurance
Works if you don’t fully relocate to Malta. I keep paying into German public health insurance and am covered EU-wide.

Option 2: Maltese health insurance
Mandatory if you become a Maltese tax resident. Much cheaper, but the coverage is… well… Maltese.

Option 3: Private international insurance
Expensive but flexible. Many expats choose this route.

The Perfect Weekend Rhythm: Commuting Between Valletta and Home

After three years of commuting, I’ve found my rhythm. It’s not perfect, but it works. Here are my tried-and-tested strategies.

The 4-Week Rule: My Malta-Germany Cycle

I divide my year into rough blocks of four weeks. That’s long enough to really settle into Malta, but short enough not to lose touch in Germany.

Flight Hacks for Weekend-Maltese

Malta-Germany has become one of my most flown routes. Here’s what I’ve learned:

The best flight connections:

• Air Malta: Direct flights, often cheap, but delays are part of the deal
• Ryanair: Cheap from Düsseldorf/Cologne, but, well… it’s Ryanair
• Lufthansa: Reliable via Munich, but pricey
• Eurowings: Direct flights from several German cities

My booking strategy:

1. Buy flexible tickets: €50 extra saves you more than rebooking
2. Fly Tuesday–Thursday: 30-40% cheaper than weekends
3. Optimize hand luggage: I live out of a 40L backpack
4. Plan yearly: I book six months in advance

Pro tip: Malta Airport is tiny. 45 minutes before departure is plenty. Use the saved time for one last pastizzi.

Working Between Time Zones

Malta and Germany are in the same time zone—a huge advantage. Still, there are some challenges:

Managing meetings as a commuter:

• Calendar transparency: I mark my Malta weeks in my calendar
• Video-first: All major meetings are online
• Flexible scheduling: I use early calls before Malta wakes up
• Offline days: I schedule time when I’m intentionally unavailable

Maximizing productivity in Malta:

Malta is perfect for deep work—if you do it right:

1. Establish dedicated workspaces: I work 80% from home office, 20% from cafés
2. Minimize distractions: The beach is lovely, but not productive
3. Stick to routines: 7:00am run, 8:00am work, 6:00pm close laptop

Social Contacts as a Dual Resident

This is the hardest part. Friendships suffer with constant commuting. Here’s how I deal with it:

In Germany:

• Quality time over quantity: Intense weeks instead of casual evenings
• Fixed dates: Birthdays and key events are non-negotiable
• Communication: Friends always know where I am

In Malta:

• Expat community: Via Facebook groups and meetups
• Regular activities: I play padel every Wednesday
• Local integration: Learning Maltese really helps

Health and Fitness in the Dual Residency Lifestyle

Constant travel takes its toll. My health routine:

Important: I keep separate medical records in both countries. Saves on translations and red tape.

Setting up a Second Home in Malta: From Apartment Hunt to Furnishing

Finding a flat in Malta is like dating—you only see the best side at first, then the quirks show up. Here’s what I’ve learned from three moves.

House Hunting in Malta: Reality Check

Malta has one of the hottest real estate markets in Europe. Prices have skyrocketed, and quality is often… improvable.

The most important search portals:

• Frank Salt Real Estate: Premium addresses, premium prices
• PropertyMalta.com: Largest selection, mixed quality
• Facebook Groups: Rentals Malta, Foreigners in Malta—where you find insider tips
• QuickLets: Similar to Airbnb, but for longer stays

Price reality 2024 (from personal experience):

My Three Malta Apartments: Lessons Learned

Apartment 1: The Expensive Sliema Mistake

Location: Sliema, sea view
Rent: €1,400/month
Problem: Tourist ghetto, noisy, overpriced

My neighbor was an Airbnb with a new party crowd every week. The view was great, but €1,400 for 45 square meters was insane.

Apartment 2: The Valletta Experiment

Location: Valletta, historic townhouse
Rent: €900/month
Problem: Damp, noisy, lots of stairs

Valletta is beautiful—to visit. Not so much to live in. Old houses are charming, but also moldy. And Valletta never sleeps.

Apartment 3: The Gzira Jackpot

Location: Gzira, quiet side street
Rent: €750/month
Why it works: Perfect balance

I’ve been here for a year now. 10-minute walk to Sliema, but quiet. Modern flat with no tourist crowds. Sometimes less is more.

Viewing Apartments in Malta: What to Watch For

Maltese landlords love to show off the sweet sides. Here’s my checklist:

Technical checks:

1. Test internet speed: Download speed test app and check on site
2. Check water pressure: Try the shower and all taps
3. Air conditioning: Does it work? How old? Who pays electricity?
4. Damp: Sniff corners, look for dark spots
5. Windows: Do they seal tight? Malta is windy and dusty

Legal safety:

• Written rental contract: Even with friends—Malta is very landlord-friendly
• Security deposit rules: Max two months’ rent, always in writing
• Notice periods: Usually one month, but negotiable
• Inclusive/exclusive: What’s included in the rent?

Malta tip: Many landlords ask for deposits in cash. It’s normal here, even if it feels odd.

Furnishing a Malta Apartment as a Dual Resident

As a dual resident, you need a different approach than someone living in Malta permanently.

My “Minimal but Functional” Philosophy:

Shopping strategy Malta:

• IKEA Malta: More expensive than Germany, but available
• Second-hand: Facebook Marketplace is a gold mine
• Bring from Germany: Electronics and specialty items
• Local craftsmen: Surprisingly cheap for custom work

Organizing Utilities and Services

This is the annoying but unavoidable part. Here’s my survival guide:

Internet and phone:

Enemalta (electricity): Monopoly, no choice, but it works
Water Services Corporation: Also a monopoly, water is expensive
Melita/GO (internet): Two providers, similar prices, both fine

My service setup routine:

1. Day 1: Apply for internet (takes 1–2 weeks)
2. Day 2: Switch electricity and water
3. Day 3: Get Maltese SIM card
4. Day 5: Open bank account (if needed)

Important: Everything takes time in Malta. Allow at least 2–3 weeks for the full setup.

Dual Residency Lifestyle: Costs, Challenges and Hidden Traps

Let’s talk money. Dual Residency isn’t cheap—but it can pay off if you do it right. Here’s my honest cost breakdown.

My Actual Dual Residency Costs 2024

These numbers are straight from my real accounts—no sugarcoating:

For comparison: My costs for just Germany would be about €15,000/year. The extra €4,100 is my “lifestyle premium.”

Hidden Costs No One Tells You About

You know the basics by now. Here are the costs that took me by surprise:

Bureaucracy costs:

• Tax adviser Malta: €2,500/year (unavoidable if things get complex)
• Lawyer for contracts: €800 once-off
• Apostilles and translations: €300/year
• Double bank account fees: €200/year

Lifestyle adjustments:

• Double basic equipment: €1,500 one-off
• Quality loss with cheap flights: Time is money
• Higher restaurant costs: Cooking for one is inefficient
• FOMO spending: You want to enjoy Malta, after all

Invisible opportunity costs:

• Travel time: 1 day per week for flights/transport
• Lost productivity: Constant moving means less efficiency
• Social costs: Missed events and fewer deep friendships

Tax Savings vs. Extra Costs: My Bottom Line

The crucial question: Does Dual Residency add up financially?

My Tax Optimization 2024:

Bottom line: €9,700 tax saving minus €4,100 lifestyle extra = €5,600 real savings—plus better weather and new experiences.

The Biggest Dual Residency Pitfalls

Live and learn—here are my most expensive mistakes:

Pitfall 1: Substance vs. Appearance

I thought at first it’s enough to have a Maltese company. Wrong. You need real economic substance: office, employees, local clients. Without that, it’s tax evasion.

Pitfall 2: The 183-Day Myth

Just because you spend less than 183 days in Germany doesn’t mean you’re not tax-resident there. If your center of life is still in Germany, you remain a German tax resident.

Pitfall 3: Underestimating Compliance Costs

Malta has strict reporting rules. My Maltese company needs an annual audit. Cost: €1,500. Didn’t read that in the brochure.

Pitfall 4: The Return Trap

If you move back to Germany, the tax office wants to know what you did in Malta. Document everything: flights, hotel bills, client meetings.

When Dual Residency Really Pays Off

After three years, I can honestly say: Dual Residency isn’t for everyone. My simple rules:

You should do it if:

• Income above €80,000/year: Below that, extra costs eat your savings
• International clients: You provide services outside Germany
• Job flexibility: You can work from anywhere
• Adventurous spirit: You see it as a lifestyle upgrade, not just tax optimization

You shouldn’t if:

• Family with school kids: Constant moves are unfair on kids
• Local business: German clients want a German contact
• Low risk tolerance: You dislike bureaucracy and uncertainty
• Expecting quick profit: Real optimization takes 2–3 years to set up

My honest verdict: I’m sticking with it, but not mainly for the taxes. Malta has become my second home. That’s not something you can measure in Excel.

Is the Weekend-Maltese Lifestyle Right for You?

After three years as a dual resident, here’s the most important truth: It’s not the easy tax hack many think it is. It’s a lifestyle experiment with financial perks.

The Honest Personality Check

Before you invest a single euro, do this reality check. I could have saved myself a lot of stress if I’d honestly answered these questions at the start:

Are you a dual residency type?

The Three Phases of Dual Residency

Everyone goes through these phases. Here’s what to expect:

Phase 1: Honeymoon (months 1–6)

Everything’s new and exciting. Malta feels like a vacation. Lots of sunset pics and you think: “Why doesn’t everyone do this?”

Typical thoughts: The weather’s fantastic, taxes are low, life is cheap.
Reality: Still in tourist mode.

Phase 2: Reality Check (months 6–18)

The first problems pop up. Authorities get annoying, Malta is smaller than you thought, you miss German efficiency.

Typical thoughts: Maybe this wasn’t such a good idea after all.
Reality: This is when you find out if you’ll stick with it.

Phase 3: Integration (from month 18)

You find your rhythm. Malta becomes your second home, no longer just a holiday spot.

Typical thoughts: It’s not perfect, but it’s mine.
Reality: You made it—or you’re heading back to Germany.

Alternative Models to Pure Dual Residency

Dual residency isn’t black and white. Here are other options I’ve tried or seen work:

1. The Winter-Maltese

Model: October to March in Malta, rest in Germany
Advantages: Enjoy German summer, mild Maltese winters
Disadvantages: Less tax benefit, miss Malta summer

2. The Project Nomad

Model: Temporary stays in Malta for specific projects
Advantages: Flexibility, fewer obligations
Disadvantages: No real tax optimization

3. The Full-Emigrant with Germany Visits

Model: Main residence Malta, regular trips to Germany
Advantages: Maximum tax benefit, real integration
Disadvantages: Biggest break with your old life

My Decision Aid: The 10-Point Test

Rate each statement 1 (not at all) to 5 (absolutely):

1. I work at least 70% remotely
2. My annual income is over €80,000
3. I have international clients or business
4. I’m single or my partner supports the plan
5. I like warm weather and the Mediterranean lifestyle
6. I can handle bureaucracy and uncertainty
7. I easily make new social contacts
8. I see this as an adventure, not just for tax optimization
9. I’m ready to invest 2–3 years
10. I have financial reserves for the unexpected

Evaluation:
40–50 points: Go for it!
30–39 points: Try a 3-month test run
20–29 points: Think again
Below 20: Don’t do it

My 3-Month Test Plan for Beginners

If you’re unsure, try this approach:

Month 1: Tourist with a Mission

• Stay in different neighborhoods (one week per area)
• Test coworking spaces and cafés for work
• Keep a real cost diary
• Document every stress moment

Month 2: Expat Simulation

• Rent a regular apartment
• Follow your normal work rhythm
• Try to make real local friends
• Deal with authorities (tax ID, etc.)

Month 3: Reality Check

• Live fully like a local
• Plan your return to Germany
• Evaluate honestly: Would you do this long-term?
• Do the math: Is it financially worth it?

My Personal Conclusion After Three Years

I’m sticking with it—but for different reasons than I originally planned. The tax savings are nice, but are no longer the main reason. Malta has become my second home.

What I’d do differently today: Focus less on the taxes, more on lifestyle. Euros come and go—experiences last.

Dual residency is like a relationship: At first, you only see the benefits; then you get to know the flaws, and eventually you decide whether to commit or move on. It worked for me—but it’s been a heck of a lot of work.

What does it mean for you? If you did the test above and scored over 35 points, Malta’s worth a try. But take it slow. Rome wasn’t built in a day—and neither will your Maltese life be.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dual Residency Malta

Do I need a visa for Malta as an EU citizen?

No, as an EU citizen you can live and work in Malta freely. For stays longer than 90 days, you must register with Identity Malta.

How many days must I spend in Malta for tax benefits?

For Maltese tax residency, you need to spend at least 183 days per year in Malta. Certain programs, like Non-Dom status, have additional criteria.

Can I keep my German health insurance?

It depends on your status. As an EU citizen with EU-wide coverage, you’re basically covered in Malta. For longer stays, clarify the details with your insurer.

What are the actual living costs in Malta?

Malta is more expensive than often claimed. Expect costs to be 15–20% higher compared to major German cities, especially for rent and imported goods. Local products are cheaper.

Which taxes do I really save as a dual resident?

This depends largely on how your income is structured. For international consulting services, savings of 20–35% are realistic. With only German clients, you usually have no benefit.

Is Malta too small to live in long-term?

Malta has 316 km²—that’s subjective. After two years, you’ll know every corner, but being near the sea and Europe makes up for a lot. Gozo adds extra variety.

How complicated is Maltese bureaucracy?

More complicated than German efficiency, less so than Italy. Double your expected time for any paperwork compared to Germany.

What are the downsides of dual residency?

Main disadvantages: Higher living costs, social isolation, constant travel, complex tax situation and less predictability. It’s not a simple life hack.

Does dual residency pay off with less than €100,000 annual income?

Tough. The double household costs often eat up your tax savings. Below €80,000, it’s usually not financially worth it.

Can I return to Germany smoothly as a dual resident?

In principle yes, but the German tax office will scrutinize your Malta years. Keep meticulous records: stays, business activities, and taxes paid.