Safety in Malta: Crime Statistics and Secure Neighborhoods for International Families – Safety Guide 2025

Malta Safety 2025: Essential Facts for International Families

Let me put your mind at ease right from the start: Malta is one of the safest countries in Europe. After two years on the island, I can personally attest that I feel much safer here than in many major German cities. The official numbers back this up, too.

According to the Global Peace Index 2024, Malta ranks 24th out of 163 countries worldwide—quite a bit ahead of Germany (ranked 26th). The crime rate is only 0.91 per 1,000 residents, making Malta one of the safest countries in the EU.

What Makes Malta So Safe?

Several factors contribute to the island’s high safety levels:

• Small Size: With just 316 km², Malta is compact—everyone knows everyone.
• Strong Community: Maltese society is tightly knit and looks out for each other.
• Low Unemployment: 2.8% (2024)—economic stability means less crime.
• Efficient Police: Short distances, fast response times.
• EU Standards: Legal system and policing in line with European norms.

Special Considerations for International Families

As an international family, you’re even better off in Malta. The expat community is large and helpful, the police speak English, and healthcare meets EU standards. I know families from Germany, Italy, and Sweden who all say they feel much safer here than in their home countries.

One personal example: My neighbor Lisa from Munich lets her 12-year-old daughter walk to school alone here—something she would never do in Munich. The streets are cleaner, the people are friendlier, and I just have a good feeling, she tells me.

Crime Statistics Malta: Key Numbers You Should Know

Numbers don’t lie—and Malta’s crime statistics paint a clear picture. Here’s the latest data that matters most for anyone thinking of moving here.

Violent Crime: Extremely Low

Source: Malta Police Force Annual Report 2023, BKA Germany

What does this mean for you? Your chance of being a victim of violent crime in Malta is roughly three times lower than in Germany. Most impressively: the number of robberies is six times lower.

Property Crime: The Main Issue, But Manageable

The majority of crime in Malta is property crime—meaning theft, burglary, and vandalism. Here are the figures:

• Theft: 189 cases per 100,000 residents (Germany: 1,242)
• Home burglary: 23 cases per 100,000 residents (Germany: 87)
• Car theft: 15 cases per 100,000 residents (Germany: 42)

My experience: In two years, not a single break-in in my Sliema neighborhood. Still, I don’t leave my MacBook in the car—common sense always helps.

Special Crimes: White-Collar Crime

Malta’s status as a financial hub comes with occasional white-collar crime. As a private individual, this usually won’t affect you, but stay alert for investment scams. The Financial Intelligence Analysis Unit (FIAU) is clamping down hard on money laundering.

Road Safety: The Real Risk Factor

Here’s where things get interesting: Statistically, the biggest risk in Malta is road safety. With 4.2 road deaths per 100,000 inhabitants (2023), Malta is above the EU average of 4.0. Narrow streets, a Mediterranean driving style, and constant construction take their toll.

Tip: Be extra careful as a pedestrian or cyclist. I stick to the bus—even if it’s late, at least I arrive safely.

Maltas Safest Neighborhoods for Families

Not every area in Malta is equally safe. After countless chats with police officers, real estate agents, and especially other expat families, here are my recommendations for the safest neighborhoods.

Premium Security: The Top Addresses

Sliema and St. Julians: The classics for internationals

• Crime rate: 0.3 per 1,000 residents
• Strong police presence due to tourists
• Well-lit streets and surveillance
• Downside: High rent (€1,500-3,000 for 2-3 rooms)

Swieqi and San Ġwann: Family paradise with gardens

• Many international schools
• Gated communities with security
• Green, quiet streets
• Rent: €1,200-2,500 for houses with a pool

Hidden Gems: Safe and Affordable

Naxxar and Mosta: My personal favorite

I’ve lived here for a year and absolutely love it. Naxxar is a typical Maltese village with an international community. Virtually zero crime, everyone knows everyone, and you’re just 15 minutes from Valletta.

• Rent: €800-1,500 for large houses
• Authentic Maltese atmosphere
• Excellent bus connections
• Many families with children

Mellieħa and Qawra: Sea and safety combined

• Lowest crime rates in all of Malta
• Perfect option for families who want to be near the beach
• International community
• Downside: Longer commute to Valletta (45 min.)

Family-Friendly Safety Features

What to Watch for When House-Hunting

From my experience, these safety aspects are crucial:

1. Lighting: Are the streets well-lit at night?
2. Neighborhood: Are there other families living nearby?
3. Access: Are there secure doors and an intercom?
4. Parking: Is there a safe spot for your car?
5. Emergency exits: Multiple exits from the building?

Insider tip: Visit potential neighborhoods at 10 PM. That’s when you really see what the atmosphere is like. In safe areas, you’ll see families with kids out and about in the evening, too.

Risky Areas and Problem Zones: What You Should Avoid

Malta doesnt have true no-go zones like some other European cities, but there are a few spots families should avoid—or at least approach with caution. Honestly, here’s where you wouldn’t catch me walking alone at night.

Paceville: Party Zone Side Effects

Paceville is Malta’s party strip and things can get wild after dark. By day it’s harmless, but from 11 pm it gets noisy, chaotic, and sometimes aggressive.

• Issues: Drunk tourists, fights, pickpocketing
• Timeframe: Friday/Saturday 11 pm–4 am
• For families: Fine during the day, avoid at night

My experience: I was there once at midnight—never again. Broken bottles, aggressive drunks, and overwhelmed security. Definitely a no-go for families.

Valletta Harbour: Industrial Area with Rough Edges

The Valletta harbor area is strictly for work, not for living. It’s poorly lit, there’s heavy traffic, and almost no one around at night.

• Issues: Poor lighting, occasional muggings
• Timeframe: After sunset
• Alternative: Uber/taxi instead of walking

Certain Parts of Birkirkara: Social Hotspots

Birkirkara is Malta’s largest city and quite diverse. Most areas are safe, but there are some streets with social issues.

Gozo: Safe, but Isolated

Gozo, the sister island, is incredibly safe—almost too safe. The main issue here is isolation, especially in winter.

• Advantage: Virtually no crime
• Downside: Limited medical care, poor transport links
• For families: Only with a car and solid planning

Situation-Dependent Risks

Festival season (festa): Normally harmless, but lots of alcohol and fireworks

• Usually July–September
• Very noisy (up to 2 am)
• Traffic chaos and parking headaches
• Can be stressful for young kids

Tour buses and cruise ship days: Pickpockets take advantage of crowds

• Valletta is especially affected
• Don’t carry valuables in sight
• Keep an eye on bags and backpacks

Real talk: Malta is so safe, your biggest risk might be sunburn. Any trouble spots are easy to avoid and even there, the worst that usually happens is noise or petty theft.

Practical Safety Tips for Everyday Life in Malta

Staying safe in Malta is more about common sense than self-defense. These are my tried-and-tested tips for daily life—learned from two years of experience and a few silly mistakes of my own.

Home and Property Security

The Maltese Quirk: Traditional Homes Without Modern Security

Many Maltese homes are 100+ years old, full of charm but sometimes missing modern security—think flimsy wooden doors or ground-floor windows without bars. Here are my tips:

• Install a security door: Costs €300–800, but well worth it
• Window bars: Especially for ground floor—landlords usually cover it
• Burglar alarm: Not necessary, but gives peace of mind (€150–400)
• Get to know your neighbors: Best security system ever

From personal experience: My first apartment in Valletta still had the original 1920 door lock. After a month I spent €400 on a new security door—best decision ever.

Road Safety: The Underrated Risk

The roads in Malta are the only thing that really make me nervous: narrow streets, creative driving, construction everywhere.

For pedestrians:

1. Always use the sidewalk—even if it’s only 30 cm wide
2. At crosswalks: Maltese drivers don’t stop automatically
3. Wear bright clothes at night—street lighting is poor
4. Put your phone away: Youll need your full attention

For drivers:

• Keep your distance—Maltese drivers brake suddenly
• Parking is scarce—take what you can get
• GPS is essential—signs are terrible
• Bring patience—rush hour means gridlock

Money and Valuables

Banking Security: Malta is in the EU—so it’s safe, but with local quirks

Tourist traps: Yes, there are some—but they’re harmless

• Overpriced restaurants: Check all prices in Valletta
• Taxi rip-offs: Always insist on the meter
• Fake police: Don’t exist—real Maltese police always wear uniforms

Family-Specific Safety

Kids in Malta: Paradise, but with quirks

Maltese society is very child-friendly, but some safety standards are… relaxed.

• Playgrounds: Not always up to EU standards—check first
• Swimming: Many beaches have no lifeguards
• School runs: Lots of kids walk alone—it’s the norm and it’s safe
• Fireworks: Festival season is LOUD—kids need ear protection

Family emergency planning:

1. Save emergency contacts on your phone (see next section)
2. Organize a GP and pediatrician
3. Carry your health insurance card at all times
4. Learn basic Maltese: Għajnuna (help), Tobba (doctor)

Digital Safety

Internet and WiFi: EU standards, but still use caution

• Public WiFi: Okay in cafés, but VPN is still recommended
• Home internet: GO and Melita are fast and secure
• Mobile contracts: Vodafone, GO, Epic—all trustworthy
• Phishing: Same as everywhere—think before you click

Golden rule: Malta is so safe you can relax—but don’t switch off completely. A bit of caution never hurts, but paranoia is totally unnecessary.

Police & Emergency Contacts: How to Get Help

The Maltese emergency system works well and in English—a huge advantage for internationals. Here’s who to call, when, and what you can expect.

Key Emergency Numbers

Maltese Police: Professional and Helpful

What you can expect:

• All police officers speak English
• Polite, professional service
• Minimal corruption
• EU-standard investigations

My experience with the Maltese police: My car was once broken into (laptop stolen). The officer arrived after 20 minutes, spoke perfect English, wrote everything down carefully, and was genuinely helpful. Sure, I never saw the laptop again—but the service was better than in Germany.

Police Stations in Key Areas

• Valletta Police Station: 58 Merchants Street, 24/7 daily
• Sliema Police Station: Tower Road, Mon–Fri 8am–8pm
• St. Julians Police Station: George Borg Olivier Street, 24/7 daily
• Mosta Police Station: Constitution Street, Mon–Fri 8am–6pm
• Airport Police: Malta International Airport, 24/7 daily

Medical Emergencies: EU-Standard Care

Mater Dei Hospital: The main hospital for serious cases

• Address: Tal-Qroqq, Msida
• 24/7 Emergency Department
• English-speaking staff
• EU health insurance accepted
• Parking: Nightmare—take a taxi/Uber

Private Options for Non-Emergencies:

Consular Assistance: German Embassy & EU Rights

German representation in Malta:

• Address: Honorary Consul, 7 Msida Street, Gzira
• Phone: 2133 6531
• Services: Lost passport, legal advice, emergencies

EU citizens’ rights in Malta: As an EU citizen, you have the same rights as Maltese nationals

• Free emergency treatment with your EU card
• Legal counsel in English
• Consular protection from any EU embassy

Practical Tips for Emergencies

What you should always have with you:

1. EU health insurance card
2. Copy of your passport (photo on your phone)
3. Emergency contacts (family, insurance)
4. Medication with English names
5. Your accommodation address in Maltese

Language help for emergencies:

• I need help – Irrid għajnuna
• I need a doctor – Irrid tabib
• I dont speak Maltese – Ma nitkellemx Malti
• Please call the police – Jekk jogħġbok ċempel il-pulizija

Useful apps:

• What3Words: Exact location finder (important for poor addressing)
• Malta Emergency: Official app with all emergency contacts
• SOS Malta: GPS-based emergency calls

Reassuring reality: In two years, I only needed the emergency numbers once—for a car breakdown. The system works, people are helpful, and you’ll feel safe. Malta isn’t one of the safest countries in Europe for no reason.

Frequently Asked Questions About Safety in Malta