International Social Security Malta: Your Guide Through the EU Bureaucratic Jungle

What does international social security mean for Malta expats?

International social security (Social Security Coordination) in simple terms means: Your insurance periods and entitlements from Germany are retained, even after you move to Malta. The EU has set up a complex framework to prevent you from falling through the cracks—or paying twice into different systems.

EU Coordination vs. Bilateral Agreements

This is where it gets interesting: Since both Germany and Malta are EU member states, EU Regulations 883/2004 and 987/2009 apply. These govern the coordination of social security systems. In practice, this means:

• Equal treatment: In Malta, you’ll be treated like any Maltese citizen
• Single applicable law: You only pay social security in one country
• Totalization of insurance periods: Your German contribution years count towards Maltese benefits
• Export of benefits: Certain pensions can be received in the other EU country

Sounds perfect? It almost is—as long as you know how to do it right.

Your rights as an EU citizen in Malta

As an EU citizen, you’re generally entitled to the same social security rights in Malta as Maltese nationals. But—and this is key—only if you are properly registered in the system. I’ve seen Germans go months without health insurance, believing their German coverage would automatically continue.

Typical Pitfalls When Registering

Here’s where I’ve seen the most mistakes made by expats:

The I’ll do it later mistake: Lisa from Munich thought she could sign up with Jobsplus at some point. After a bike accident, she was left uninsured, since EHIC only covers temporary stays.

The Everything runs automatically mistake: Marco believed his German health insurer would coordinate everything with Malta. Spoiler: It won’t. You have to initiate the connection yourself.

The Double insurance mistake: Some, out of uncertainty, pay into both the German and Maltese systems. That’s not only expensive but also legally problematic.

Malta Reality Check: The Jobsplus counter in Ħal Far is not known for German efficiency. Set aside an entire morning and bring every document twice—translated into English and notarized.

Health Insurance in Malta: From EHIC to Local Policy

Health insurance is usually the first concern for anyone moving to Malta. And rightly so—a hospital stay without proper coverage can get expensive quickly. But the good news: Malta boasts a solid public health system, and as an EU citizen, you have access to it.

Making the Most of Your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)

The EHIC (European Health Insurance Card) is your lifeline for the first few months—but only for the first few months. It covers medically necessary treatment during a temporary stay. Temporary is the key word here.

As soon as you start working in Malta or stay longer than three months, you’re no longer a tourist but a resident. From then on, the EHIC doesn’t give you full coverage. I know expats whove had nasty surprises:

• Anna from Berlin: Six-week workation with EHIC—no problem
• Thomas from Hamburg: Job in Malta, appendicitis after four months—EHIC was declined, since he was considered a resident

Switching to Maltese Health Insurance

If you work or are self-employed in Malta, you’re automatically insured under the Maltese system. That’s handled by Jobsplus, the Maltese employment and social security agency. Here’s the process:

1. Apply for S1 form: Request the S1 form (formerly E121) from your German health insurer
2. Register at Jobsplus: Bring the S1 form, employment contract and ID card to Ħal Far
3. Apply for a Maltese ID card: Visit Identity Malta in Gwardamanġa—nothing works without this
4. Collect your Entitlement Card: Your proof of access to the Maltese health system

The process usually takes 2–4 weeks. During this time, you’re covered by the S1 form.

Private Top-Up Insurance: Is it worth it?

Malta’s public health system is robust, but hardly luxurious. Mater Dei Hospital is modern, but waiting times can be long. Private insurance is worth considering if:

• You need to see specialists regularly
• Long waits are a problem for you
• You want to have access to private clinics
• You travel often within the EU

Insider tip: Many German expats keep their German supplementary health insurance and simply pay expenses in Malta out of pocket. For basic treatments (GP visits, medications), this is often cheaper than high insurance premiums.

Coordinating Your Pension Between Germany and Malta

Pension insurance is the area where EU coordination really shines. Your German contribution years aren’t lost—they’re counted together with your Maltese years. Still, there are a few key points to keep in mind.

Collecting Contribution Periods: How EU Coordination Works

The principle is beautifully simple: Each country pays a pension based on the contributions made there. But for eligibility, all EU periods are summed up. Take this example:

Maria’s Pension Story:

• 25 years’ contributions in Germany
• 15 years’ contributions in Malta
• Total: 40 years of EU contributions

The outcome: Maria receives a German pension based on 25 years, and a Maltese pension for 15 years. Without EU coordination, she’d have gotten no pension in Malta at all (ten-year minimum required).

A1 Certificate for Assignments Abroad

If your German employer posts you to Malta, things usually stay the same. You’ll need the A1 certificate (previously E101). It confirms you remain insured in Germany.

Requirements for the A1 Certificate:

• Temporary secondment: Maximum of 24 months
• German employer: Must be based in Germany
• Business activity: Should be normal business, not solely Malta-based
• Return planned: You’ll be returning to Germany after the assignment

I know Germans who have worked in Malta for years with an A1—and totally legally, hassle-free. Your German employer applies for the A1 at the health insurer or pension authority.

Voluntary Continued Insurance in Germany

Sometimes it makes sense to stay voluntarily insured in Germany, under certain conditions:

When it makes sense:

• You plan to move back to Germany later
• Your German pension entitlement is much higher
• You’re close to retirement and want to avoid deductions

The costs: The minimum pension contribution in 2024 is about €96/month. Health and long-term care insurance are usually extra.

Malta Reality: Germans intending to only stay in Malta for a short time often pick voluntary continued insurance. The catch: Malta often becomes your new home, and suddenly you’re paying double for years.

Unemployment Insurance and Other Social Benefits

Unemployment insurance is one area where Malta and Germany are very different. The good news: As an EU citizen, you’re entitled to Maltese benefits. The less good news: They’re much lower than in Germany.

Unemployment Benefits Upon Returning to Germany

This is where a handy EU rule comes into play: You can have your Maltese insurance periods counted toward your German unemployment benefit. Careful—this only works under specific conditions:

Requirements for German unemployment benefits with Malta periods:

1. You were insured for unemployment in Germany for at least one day
2. You return to Germany and register as unemployed
3. No more than 2 years between your last German job and registering as unemployed
4. You were compulsorily insured in Malta

Example from someone I know: Stefan worked 3 years in Germany, then 2 years in Malta, then returned to Germany. His Maltese contribution periods were credited for his German unemployment entitlement—he received German unemployment pay based on his last German salary.

Family Benefits and Child Benefit

Child benefit can get complicated when you move countries. The basic rule: The country where you work and pay taxes is responsible. So, if you work in Malta, you get Maltese child benefit—even if your children still live in Germany.

Maltese child benefit (2024):

• First child: €3.49 per week (around €15 per month)
• Second child: €5.83 per week (around €25 per month)
• Third child: €9.32 per week (around €40 per month)

Yes, you read that right. Maltese child benefit is laughably low compared to the €250 a month in Germany. That’s why many German families arrange their tax residence so they can keep German child benefit.

Disability and Long-Term Care Insurance

This one’s tricky: Malta doesn’t have a long-term care insurance like Germany. Disability pensions are also handled differently. Specifically:

German disability insurance: Usually valid worldwide, including in Malta. But check your policy—some insurers exclude permanent stays abroad.

Nursing care: As an EU citizen, you’re entitled to basic Maltese care benefits—but those are very limited. Private cover is highly recommended.

Important: Many Germans keep their German supplementary policies (disability, private supplementary health) even in Malta. Often cheaper and better coverage than new Maltese policies.

Step-by-Step: How to Transfer Your Social Security to Malta

Enough theory—let’s get practical. Here is your concrete roadmap for transferring your social security to Malta. I went through this process myself and learned a few lessons so you can skip the detours.

Before You Leave: Which Applications?

Three months before departure:

1. Inform your German health insurer: Let them know you’re moving to Malta
2. Apply for the S1 form: For the health insurance transition
3. Notify the pension office: Report change of address and upcoming move
4. Inform the employment agency: If you receive unemployment benefits

One month before departure:

1. Deregister with your German municipality: Obtain a deregistration certificate
2. Last working day in Germany: Take employer’s certificate for Malta with you
3. Have documents translated: Certificates and references into English
4. Check private policies: Which continue, which need to be cancelled?

In Malta: Registering with Jobsplus

Once you’re in Malta and employed (or job hunting), head to Jobsplus in Ħal Far. My tip: Go in the morning and allow at least two hours. Queues can be long, especially after Maltese public holidays.

Documents needed for Jobsplus:

• Maltese ID card (apply at Identity Malta first)
• S1 form from your German health insurer
• Employment contract or job search verification
• Deregistration confirmation from Germany
• Passport or personal ID card
• Last German payslip

The registration process:

1. Take a number: At the Social Security Services ticket machine
2. Initial registration: Basic info, get your Social Security Number
3. Activate health coverage: Submit the S1 form
4. Apply for Entitlement Card: Takes 1–2 weeks

Ongoing Coordination Between the Systems

Once registered, most things run automatically. Still, you should regularly check everything is on track:

Check every 6 months:

• Your Maltese health insurance status
• Pension contributions are being transferred correctly
• German pension office has your Malta address
• At job change: new registration with Jobsplus

Annual checks:

• Request pension statement from Germany
• Document Maltese contribution periods
• Review private policies for exclusions

Malta hack: Download the Jobsplus app. You can view your contribution years and make simple changes online, which can save you quite a few trips to the office.

Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them

After two years in Malta and talking with dozens of other expats, I’ve spotted a pattern: the same mistakes happen over and over. Here are the most frequent pitfalls and how to sidestep them.

Coverage Gaps During the Transfer

The problem: There are often gaps in your insurance between deregistration in Germany and registration in Malta—especially with health insurance.

Classic scenario: You quit your job in Germany on March 31, fly to Malta April 5, find a job April 15, and finally register at Jobsplus April 20. Result: 20 days without health insurance.

How to avoid gaps:

• Apply for S1 early: Even before you leave Germany
• Use your European Health Insurance Card: For those first few weeks
• Get private bridging insurance: If job hunting might take longer
• Voluntary continued insurance: Good for up to a month in transition

Don’t Forget Tax Implications

Lots of expats think only about social security, forgetting about taxes—though the two are often intertwined:

Typical pitfall: You work in Malta, pay Maltese taxes, but still receive German child benefit because you didn’t inform the family benefits office. That can lead to repayment demands.

Checklist for tax coordination:

• Officially end your German tax residence
• Establish your Maltese tax residence promptly
• Change over family/child benefits
• Use double tax treaties
• Review private pensions for tax impact

Planning to Return to Germany

Many expats plan their Malta stay with no thought to moving back. That can get expensive:

Return pitfalls:

1. Health insurance: You’re no longer eligible for statutory insurance in Germany
2. Unemployment insurance: Malta periods aren’t always credited correctly
3. Pension rights: Complicated calculations if you have several EU pensions
4. Disability insurance: Some policies have waiting periods when you return

Smart return planning:

• German health insurance: Stay in touch, clarify rejoining options
• Unemployment insurance: Register within three months of returning
• Pension insurance: Inform early, get a pension forecast
• Private insurance: Check return clauses

Real case from someone I know: Julia returned to Germany after three years in Malta. Her German health insurer refused to take her back—she had to get private insurance for €600/month. Could have been avoided by checking before moving to Malta.

Frequently Asked Questions about International Social Security in Malta

1. Can I pay into German social security as a self-employed person in Malta?

Generally, no. If you’re self-employed in Malta, you must pay into the Maltese system. Exception: you have an A1 certificate as a posted self-employed worker (very rare). Voluntary German pension insurance is also possible.

2. What happens to my Riester pension when I move to Malta?

Riester pensions are EU-portable but complicated. You can keep them, but generally must repay the annual subsidies.

3. Do I pay the same social security contributions in Malta as in Germany?

No; contribution rates are different in Malta. Employees pay roughly 10% of gross salary (up to the contribution ceiling), with employers adding another 10%. This is often cheaper than in Germany overall.

4. Can I cancel my German health insurance when I move to Malta?

Yes, moving to another EU country gives you a special cancellation right. Be careful: rejoining the public system in Germany isn’t always possible. Check readmission options before leaving.

5. How long does it take to get health insurance in Malta?

With the S1 form: immediately when registering with Jobsplus. Without the S1: up to 4 weeks after starting your job. Plan for bridging with EHIC or private insurance.

6. Do I get a lower German pension if I work in Malta?

No, your German pension rights are not reduced by the years you worked in Malta. In fact, you’ll also get a separate Maltese pension. Both are calculated separately based on respective contribution periods.

7. What if I become unemployed in Malta?

You’re entitled to Maltese unemployment benefits (very low: around €170 per month). Alternatively, you can return to Germany and claim unemployment there—your Malta periods will be credited.

8. Do I need to cancel my German disability insurance?

No, most disability policies cover you worldwide. But: some have clauses for permanent moves abroad. Double check your terms and notify your insurer of your move.

9. Can I move to Malta as a retiree and still be covered by health insurance?

Yes, with the S1 form. The German pension office issues this, Malta recognizes it. Youll then be insured via the German system but treated in Malta.

10. What if I have a medical emergency in the first few weeks?

Use the EHIC for emergencies. Mater Dei Hospital admits all EU citizens. For planned treatments: pay privately and later claim with your German insurer until the Maltese policy is activated.