Table of Contents Before Departure: Preparing Documents from Germany Malta Residence Permit: Applying for eID and Residence Card Entrepreneur Documents: Business Registration and Licenses Financial Proof and Bank Documents Proof of Address and Rental Agreement Health and Insurance Documents Tax Deregistration and Malta Tax Residency Timeline and Sequence: When Which Document Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them Frequently Asked Questions Three years ago, when I had my first visit to a Maltese authority, I naively thought: How hard can it be? Spoiler alert: Very hard, if you have the wrong documents with you or don’t know that some offices close at 11:30 a.m. on Wednesdays. Today I’ll save you that experience and show you exactly which papers you need for your move to Malta as an international entrepreneur. Malta entices with 300 days of sunshine, tax advantages, and English as an official language. But between I want to move to Malta and I officially live in Malta lies a paperwork jungle you wouldn’t believe. The good news: With proper prep, everything runs much smoother. Before Departure: Preparing Documents from Germany Before you even board your flight to Malta, make sure you’ve gathered and certified all relevant documents in Germany. Trust me: Whatever you don’t organize here will become an expensive time-waster in Malta. Personal Documents and Certifications Document Required for Processing Time Germany Approx. Cost Passport (valid at least 6 months) Entry, all official appointments 3-4 weeks 60€ Birth certificate (certified) Residence Card, bank accounts 1-2 weeks 12€ Criminal record certificate (international) Business license, banking 2-3 weeks 13€ Apostille for all documents Recognition in Malta 1-2 weeks 25€ per document The apostille is your best friend here. This certification ensures that your German documents are accepted in Malta without further translation. Without an apostille, you’ll be sent home from the Identity Malta Office. Entrepreneur Documents from Germany As an entrepreneur, you’ll additionally need these papers: Commercial register excerpt (not older than 3 months) Business registration or proof of freelancer status Tax certificate from the tax office Proof of business activity (VAT return, balance sheet) Bank reference from your German business bank Pro tip: Ask your German tax advisor for a certificate in English about your entrepreneurial activity. That saves you translation costs in Malta. Gathering Financial Proof Malta wants to see that you’re financially independent. Stricter rules apply for entrepreneurs compared to employees: Minimum requirements for entrepreneurs: Bank statements from the last 6 months (business and personal account) Proof of income of at least 25,000€ annually Proof of liquid assets of at least 15,000€ Proof of health insurance (internationally valid) What does this mean for you? Collect all supporting documents while still in Germany and get them certified. In Malta, fetching them later costs a lot of time and nerves. Applying for Malta Residence Permit: eID and Residence Card for Entrepreneurs Welcome to Maltese bureaucracy! The residence permit is your ticket to everything: Bank account, rental contract, starting your business. Without it, nothing happens. EU Citizens: eID Application at Identity Malta As an EU citizen, you theoretically have the right to free movement—but in practice you still need a Maltese eID (electronic identity card) to stay longer than three months. Required documents for the eID application: Document Original Copy Notes Passport ✓ ✓ Valid at least 6 months Birth certificate ✓ ✓ With apostille Rental agreement ✓ ✓ Not older than 30 days Utility bill ✓ ✓ Electricity/water in your name Passport photo – – Biometric, taken on site The appointment at Identity Malta in Gwardamangia takes about 45 minutes. But schedule a whole morning—the wait can be brutal. Cost: 30€ for the eID. Residence Card for Non-EU Entrepreneurs If you’re from a non-EU country, things get trickier. You’ll need a residence card, and special rules apply for entrepreneurs: Single Permit for self-employed: Business plan for your Maltese venture Proof of 25,000€ annual income Health insurance (Malta-compatible) Clean criminal record from all countries of the past 10 years University degree or work experience (depending on industry) Processing time: 3-6 months. Fees: 280€ plus legal costs (expect 2,000-3,000€ for professional handling). Practical Tips for Dealing with Authorities After three years of Malta experience, I know the tricks: Book appointments: Book online at identitymalta.com—walk-ins take forever Best times: Tuesday to Thursday, 9:00-10:00 a.m. Prepare documents: Copy everything twice, carry originals in a separate folder Backup plan: Don’t have all documents at first appointment? No problem, but let them know in advance What does this mean for you? Plan at least half a day for Identity Malta and bring a good book. Nowhere is the “Maltese laid-back attitude” clearer than at public offices. Entrepreneur Documents Malta: Business Registration and Licenses Now it gets exciting: Registering your business in Malta. Depending on your industry, you’ll need different licenses and permits. The good news: Malta is business-friendly. The not-so-good news: The paperwork still packs a punch. Company Registration at the MFSA The Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA) is your first port of call for company registration. As an international entrepreneur, you have several options: Most common company forms for international entrepreneurs: Company Type Minimum Capital Registration Fees Annual Fees Best For Private Limited Company 1,165€ 245€ 100€ Smaller businesses Public Limited Company 46,588€ 365€ 350€ Larger businesses, investment Sole Trader – 70€ 35€ Freelancers, sole proprietors Partnership – 140€ 70€ Joint projects Required Documents for Company Registration For a Private Limited Company (the standard choice), you’ll need: Memorandum and Articles of Association (drafted by a lawyer) Form A—Application for registration Proof of registered address in Malta Directors declaration Passport copies of all directors and shareholders Proof of address for all stakeholders Clean criminal record (not older than 3 months) A Maltese lawyer is basically a must—the documents have to be watertight. Legal support: 1,500-3,000€, depending on complexity. Special Licenses by Industry Malta has specific license requirements for many sectors. Here are the key ones: Financial Services: Category 2 Investment Services License: 2,330€ Category 3 Investment Services License: 7,000€ Money Remittance License: 3,500€ Gaming & iGaming: Gaming License Class 1: 25,000€ Gaming License Class 2: 40,000€ Gaming License Class 4: 7,000€ Digital Services: No special license required Only company registration necessary VAT registration required from 35,000€ turnover VAT Registration—When and How VAT (Value Added Tax) registration is required in Malta from 35,000€ annual revenue. But as an international entrepreneur, early voluntary registration might make sense. Advantages of early VAT registration: Input tax deduction on office equipment and set-up costs More professional appearance to B2B clients Easier trade with other EU countries Processing time: 4-6 weeks. Fees: free. Required documents: Company Registration Certificate, business plan, revenue forecast. What does this mean for you? Plan at least 2-3 months for the complete business registration process. A good Maltese lawyer is worth the money—he knows all the shortcuts and prevents expensive mistakes. Financial Proof and Bank Documents for Malta Entrepreneurs You can’t run a business in Malta without a Maltese bank account. But Maltese banks have become extremely cautious—the paperwork has doubled in recent years. Opening a Bank Account: The Three Main Players Maltas three main banks for international entrepreneurs are: Bank Account Opening (Business) Minimum Deposit Monthly Fees Online Banking Bank of Valletta (BOV) 2-4 weeks 500€ 15-25€ Functional HSBC Malta 4-8 weeks 2,500€ 25-50€ Very good APS Bank 2-3 weeks 1,000€ 12-20€ Basic My recommendation after three years: Start your daily operations with BOV and open an account with HSBC for international transactions. Why? BOV is quick and straightforward, HSBC offers better online banking and fewer issues with international transfers. Required Documents for Business Account Opening The paperwork mountain is real. Here’s the full list: Personal documents: Maltese eID or residence card German passport (original + copy) Birth certificate with apostille Malta utility bill (not older than 3 months) Rental or purchase contract for Maltese address Corporate documents: Company Registration Certificate Memorandum and Articles of Association Certificate of good standing List of all directors and shareholders Board resolution for account opening Financial proofs: Bank statements from the last 6 months (business and personal) Source of Funds Declaration Business plan for Maltese company Reference letter from your German bank Proof of expected revenues Source of Funds: The Critical Point Malta takes anti-money-laundering regulations very seriously. The Source of Funds Declaration is where many fail. You must explain in detail: Where your money comes from: Salary, business sale, inheritance, investment income How much you move: Monthly in- and outflows Why you are moving to Malta: Business or personal reasons What you plan in Malta: What kind of business, with which countries Pro tip: Be brutally honest. Inconsistencies will be noticed and your application will be immediately rejected. I’ve seen successful entrepreneurs get denied for inaccurately reporting their German income. Timeline and Practical Tips The bank account process usually goes like this: Week 1-2: Book appointment and gather documents Week 3: First meeting at the bank (takes 1-2 hours) Week 4-6: Bank internally checks your papers Week 7-8: Second appointment for final signatures and card issuance My insider tips: Make appointments with several banks in parallel—rejections are common Bring a Maltese guarantor if possible (speeds up the process) Dress business-formal—first impressions count with Maltese bankers Prepare a 2-minute elevator pitch: Who you are, what you do, why Malta What does this mean for you? Schedule at least 2 months for account opening and expect follow-up questions. The more transparent and professional your documents, the smoother the process. Proof of Address and Rental Agreement: The Foundation for Everything Without a fixed address in Malta, nothing works. Proof of address is required for any official appointment—from the eID to the bank account. But Maltas rental market has its own rules. Rental Agreement in Malta: What You Need to Know Maltese rental contracts differ greatly from German standards. Here the main differences: Aspect Germany Malta What this means for you Deposit 2-3 months’ rent 1-2 months’ rent Less capital tied up Minimum duration Usually indefinite 1-2 years fixed Plan long-term Service charges Usually extra Often included Electricity/water often in price Furnishing Usually unfurnished Usually furnished Faster move-in possible Utility Registration: Electricity and Water in Your Name For official purposes, the rental agreement is not enough. You need a utility bill (electricity or water) in your own name. This proves you really live in Malta. Electricity (Enemalta): Online application at enemalta.com.mt Copy of eID or passport Rental agreement as address proof First bill comes after 6-8 weeks Water (Water Services Corporation): Personal appointment in Floriana required Same documents as for electricity Processing time: 2-4 weeks Pro tip: Apply for both at the same time as your move-in. The first utility bill is often the actual bottleneck for official appointments. Proofs of Address for Different Purposes Not all authorities accept the same address proofs. Here is an overview: Identity Malta (eID): Rental agreement + utility bill in your name Or: Landlord’s confirmation (notarized) Banks: Utility bill not older than 3 months Plus rental agreement as backup Proof of ownership for purchased property MFSA (companies): Commercial rental contract for office Or: Virtual office service (from 50€/month) Virtual Office vs. Physical Address As an entrepreneur, you’ll have to choose: real office space or virtual office for your company address? Virtual office advantages: Affordable: 50-150€/month Immediately available Professional business address Mail forwarding included Virtual office disadvantages: Some banks are skeptical No physical presence Problematic for tax audits My recommendation: Start with a virtual office for company setup and switch to a real office space when your business takes off. Timing is Everything: The Right Sequence The address situation is a chicken-and-egg problem. Here’s the optimal sequence: Week 1: Temporary accommodation (Airbnb, hotel) Week 2-3: Apartment search and lease Week 4: Move in + utility registration Week 6-8: First utility bill available Week 9: eID application at Identity Malta What does this mean for you? Schedule at least 2 months lead time for complete proof of address. Without a valid Maltese address, youll be going in circles. Health and Insurance Documents for Malta Entrepreneurs Malta’s health system is a mix of public and private providers. As an entrepreneur, you should cover yourself on both fronts—the public system for emergencies, private insurance for everything else. European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) vs. Maltese Health Insurance As an EU citizen, your German health insurance theoretically works in Malta. In practice, things get complicated if you permanently move. Type of insurance Coverage Cost Suitable for entrepreneurs? German EHIC Emergencies, basic care As in Germany Only temporarily Malta public Basic care Free Basic protection Private Malta Comprehensive 100-300€/month Recommended International insurance Worldwide 200-500€/month For frequent travellers Signing Up for Malta’s Health System Registration for the public health system is free and recommended—even if you have private insurance. Required documents for the health card: Maltese eID Proof of address (utility bill) Proof of health insurance from Germany Form RHC1 (available at every health centre) Apply through the nearest health centre. There are eight in Malta—the largest is in Floriana and serves most expats. Private Health Insurance: The Main Providers For entrepreneurs, private health insurance is almost a must. Wait times in the public system can be brutal. Main providers in Malta: Middlesea Insurance: Local, good service Basic plan: 120€/month Premium plan: 280€/month Includes Mater Dei Hospital GasanMamo Insurance: Largest Maltese provider Good coverage abroad too Family plans available 150-350€/month depending on package International providers (Cigna, Bupa): Worldwide coverage Higher cost: 300-600€/month Reasonable for frequent travellers Vaccinations and Health Certificates Malta demands no special vaccinations from EU citizens. Still, you should check your vaccine status, especially if you travel a lot. Recommended vaccinations for Malta: Standard vaccinations (tetanus, diphtheria, etc.) Hepatitis A and B (especially for eating out) Influenza (Malta has strong flu waves) Have an international vaccination record issued in Germany. This saves you heated debates with Maltese doctors later on. Medication and Prescriptions If you take regular medication, plan your transition carefully: Short-term (first 3 months): Bring enough supply from Germany Doctor’s note for customs (for prescription drugs) Dont forget original packaging Long-term: Find a Maltese doctor (recommendations via expat groups) Translate your German medical records Switch to Maltese prescriptions Many German medications are not available in Malta or have different names. A list of available medications can be found on the Malta Medicines Authority website. What does this mean for you? Get your healthcare sorted before you leave. A medical emergency with unclear insurance can get very expensive. Tax Deregistration and Malta Tax Residency for Entrepreneurs Now it gets really interesting: The tax aspects of your Malta move. Malta tempts with attractive tax rules, but the devil is in the details. As an entrepreneur, you have to keep an eye on both the German and Maltese side. Ending German Tax Residency: A Clean Cut Before you can establish your tax home in Malta, you must properly leave Germany. Easier said than done. Requirements for German tax deregistration: Deregister main residence (not just change secondary) Move your centre of life demonstrably to Malta Discontinue or reduce German business activity Observe 183-day rule (less than 183 days/year in Germany) Pro-tip: Keep a travel diary. The German tax office likes to check that youve really moved your centre of life. Screenshots of flight bookings, Maltese utility bills, even restaurant receipts may be useful later. Applying for Malta Tax Residency You don’t get Maltese tax residence automatically with your eID. You have to apply for it separately. Ordinarily Resident Status: Status Requirements Tax rate Best for Ordinary Resident 183 days + centre of life 0-35% progressive Average earners Non-Domiciled Resident 183 days, but not domiciled 15% on foreign income International entrepreneurs Malta Residence Programme €500,000 investment 15% flat tax High net worth For most international entrepreneurs, the Non-Domiciled Resident status is attractive. You pay only 15% tax on income remitted to Malta. Income that remains abroad is not taxed. Required Documents for Tax Residency Apply through the Inland Revenue Department in Floriana: Application documents: Form Application for Tax Residency (IR21) Maltese eID Malta address proof (utility bill + rental agreement) Proof of days spent in Malta (flight tickets, etc.) Proof of income from all countries German tax deregistration certificate Clean criminal record Processing time: 6-12 weeks. Cost: free for EU citizens. Double Taxation Agreement Germany-Malta The Double Taxation Agreement (DTA) between Germany and Malta regulates where which type of income is taxed: Main rules: Business income: Where the activity is carried out Investment income: In the residency state of the recipient Property income: Where the property is located Pensions: In the residency state What does this mean in practice? If you keep your German business and run it from Malta, Germany can still tax you. This is where professional advice is vital. Malta Tax Compliance: Your Annual Obligations As a tax resident entrepreneur in Malta you have the following obligations: Annual Tax Return (by June 30th): Declare all global income For Non-Domiciled: Only tax remitted income Collect proof for business expenses Provisional Tax (by April 30th): Advance payment for the current year Based on previous year’s income Balance payment or refund in the following year VAT Returns (quarterly): Only for VAT-registered companies File online via VAT Department portal Deadlines: 15th after quarter-end Practical Tips for Tax Optimization After three years in Malta, I’ve learned a few tricks: Timing incoming funds: As Non-Domiciled, you can control when income hits Malta Maximize business expenses: Office, phone, internet, travel costs—all deductible Dual household expenses: If you still have German connections, costs often deductible Time investments: Big purchases at year-end for maximum tax effect What does this mean for you? The tax possibilities in Malta are attractive but complex. Invest in a good tax advisor—it pays off quickly. Fees: 1,500-3,000€ a year for professional advice. Timeline and Sequence: When to Apply for Which Document Moving to Malta is a complex process with many dependencies. Getting the sequence right is key to avoiding frustration. Here’s a tried and tested timeline. Phase 1: Preparation in Germany (8-12 weeks before moving) Week -12 to -8: Make basic decision: Temporary stay or permanent move? German tax planning: Appointment for tax exit strategy Renew passport: If valid for less than 6 months Request criminal record: International, with apostille Week -8 to -4: Birth certificate and other personal documents: Certified + apostille German company documents: Commercial register excerpt, business proof Arrange bank references: From German home bank Clarify health insurance: Transitional arrangement with German provider Week -4 to Departure: Apartment search Malta: Online, first contacts Temporary accommodation: First 4-8 weeks (Airbnb, hotel) Moving company: If you’re moving household goods German deregistration: Only after entering Malta! Phase 2: Arrival and Basics (Week 1-8 in Malta) Week Priority A (immediately) Priority B (in parallel) Dependencies 1-2 Apartment search, rental contract SIM card, contact banks Temporary address needed 3-4 Utility registration (electricity/water) Find Maltese lawyer Rental contract must be present 5-6 Book Identity Malta appointment Health insurance Malta Utility bill in your name 7-8 Apply for eID Start company registration All proofs of address Phase 3: Business and Authorities (Week 9-16) Week 9-10: Pick up eID (if ready) Apply for bank account: With Maltese eID Company registration: Submit all documents to lawyer Week 11-12: Open business account: In parallel with company registration VAT registration: If needed German deregistration: Now with Maltese address Week 13-16: Apply for tax residency: With proof of 183 days Special licenses: If industry-specific Begin operations: Start invoicing Phase 4: Optimization and Integration (Week 17-24) Use the first 6 months to: Tax optimization: Fine-tune setup with tax advisor Build your network: Malta Business Network, expat groups Long-term apartment: If still in temporary setup Manage German connections: Separate or structure them cleanly Critical Dependencies and Pitfalls Most common timing mistakes: German deregistration too early: Only after Malta setup is complete Bank account without eID: Doesn’t work with Maltese banks Company registration without address: Needs registered Malta address Tax residency without 183 days: Only after demonstrable stay Emergency backup plans: Delay with eID: Alternative: Residence certificate for banks Bank account rejection: Apply to at least 2-3 banks in parallel Difficult housing market: Extend temporary solution Business problems: Sole Trader as interim solution Cost Estimate by Timeline Month Main Expenses Amount Cumulative Total 1-2 Accommodation, travel, document fees 3,000-4,000€ 3,000-4,000€ 3-4 Apartment deposit, utility setup, eID 2,500-3,500€ 5,500-7,500€ 5-6 Lawyer, company registration, bank account 2,000-4,000€ 7,500-11,500€ 7-12 Ongoing expenses, tax advice 1,500€/month 16,500-20,500€ What does this mean for you? Plan at least 6 months and 15,000-20,000€ start-up capital for a professional move to Malta. The correct sequence saves time and nerves. Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them After three years in Malta and countless conversations with other expats, I know the typical stumbling blocks. Here are the major mistakes—and how to sidestep them. Mistake #1: Underestimating Bureaucratic Speed The mistake: Itll be quick, everything’s digital these days. The reality: Malta operates at a Mediterranean pace. What takes 1 week in Germany takes 4-6 weeks here. Classic example: Anna books her flight to Malta for March 15 and thinks she can open a bank account by March 20. Reality check: Without eID, without utility bill, not a chance. How to avoid: Plan for at least twice the time as in Germany Expect 2-3 appointments for every official matter Backup plans for all critical deadlines Plan for temporary solutions (Airbnb instead of hotel, virtual office instead of office) Mistake #2: Wrong Sequence in De-Registration The mistake: Deregister in Germany first, then move to Malta. The reality: Without a German registered address, entry to Malta gets complicated. You’re stuck between the systems. Classic example: Markus deregisters in Munich, flies to Malta, finds out: No German address means no German bank references, no Maltese eID means no Maltese bank accounts. How to avoid: Deregister German main residence only after Malta setup is complete Keep German health insurance and bank account during the transition Register as a secondary resident in Malta as an interim step Use German tax advice for a clean exit Mistake #3: Underestimating Language Barriers The mistake: Malta speaks English, no problem. The reality: Many forms are in Maltese, older officials often speak broken English, and some processes just are not tourist-friendly. Classic example: Sarah goes to Enemalta and understands half the utility forms. The official explains in Maltese—she nods and signs blindly. How to avoid: Bring a Maltese friend or lawyer for key appointments Check and translate forms online in advance Ask expat groups for experiences Use the Google Translate app with camera function Mistake #4: Wrong Tax Planning The mistake: Wait until after moving to plan tax optimization. The reality: Once the structure is wrong, fixing it is costly and time-consuming. Classic example: Robert forms a Maltese Ltd. but remains a German tax resident. Result: Double taxation and back payments in Germany. How to avoid: Tax planning in both countries BEFORE moving Understand the double taxation agreement Plan German exit strategy professionally Apply for Malta tax residency early Optimize business structure internationally Mistake #5: Underestimating Banking Bureaucracy The mistake: I’m an EU citizen, a bank account is routine. The reality: Maltese banks are extremely cautious with international clients. Due diligence can take months. Classic example: Thomas submits all documents to BOV, gets rejected after 6 weeks for insufficient documentation. New bank, new application, another 8 weeks. How to avoid: Apply to 2-3 banks in parallel Document source of funds in great detail Business plan for Malta operations English reference letters from German banks Backup: International online banks (Revolut, N26) Mistake #6: Unrealistic Cost Planning The mistake: Only calculate basic costs, ignore hidden expenses. The reality: Malta is more expensive than expected, especially for entrepreneurs. Hidden costs most people miss: Expense type Expectation Reality Why the difference Legal fees 500€ 2,000-4,000€ Company setup more complex Housing 800€/month 1,200-1,800€ Good locations are pricey Taxes 15% flat 15-35% Depends on residency status Health insurance State-funded free 150-300€/month private State = waiting times Mistake #7: Isolation and Lack of Integration The mistake: Only hang out with other Germans, stay in a Malta bubble. The reality: Without a local network, you’ll miss the best opportunities and insider tips. How to build a real network: Malta Business Network: Monthly events for entrepreneurs Blockchain Malta Association: For tech sector Local Councils: For community integration Sports Clubs: Tennis, sailing, football—Maltese love sports Language Exchange: Your German for their English/Maltese The Golden Rules for Malta Entrepreneurs After all these mistakes, here are my key lessons: Patience is your best weapon: Malta takes time, but things work out Redundancy for critical systems: Backups for banks, housing, internet Local experts are worth their fee: Lawyer, tax advisor, property agent Documentation is king: Take photos, copies, date everything Flexibility pays off: Plan A, B and C for every important step What does this mean for you? Malta is a fantastic country for international entrepreneurs—if you have realistic expectations and plan professionally. Most problems arise from impatience and poor preparation. Frequently Asked Questions about Documentation for Moving to Malta How long does the complete relocation to Malta take for entrepreneurs? Allow at least 6 months for a full move to Malta. You’ll need the first 2-3 months for the basics (eID, bank account, housing), another 2-3 months for setting up your company and tax migration. It usually takes 8-12 months until everything runs optimally. Which documents definitely need an apostille? Birth certificate, criminal record, and all company documents (commercial excerpt, business certificate) need an apostille for acceptance in Malta. The passport does not need an apostille, as it is already internationally recognized. Can I transfer my German company directly to Malta? A direct transfer is not possible. You must dissolve or keep the German company and start a Maltese company in parallel. For optimal tax structuring, professional advice in both countries is necessary. What does a move to Malta as an entrepreneur cost in total? Expect 15,000-25,000€ for the first 6 months. This covers legal fees (2,000-4,000€), housing (1,500-2,500€/month), company registration (1,000-3,000€), living expenses, and all official fees. Do I absolutely need a Maltese lawyer? For company registration, a Maltese lawyer is practically a must. The legal documents need to be done correctly and authorities expect local expertise. Fees: 1,500-3,000€ for a standard company registration. How does the 183-day rule work in Malta? For Maltese tax residency you must spend at least 183 days per year in Malta. Only full calendar days count (arrival day doesn’t, departure day does). Keep a detailed travel diary with flight tickets as evidence. Can I open a bank account in Malta without an eID? Very difficult. Most Maltese banks require a Maltese eID. Alternative: International online banks (Revolut, N26) as a temporary solution or smaller local banks that are more flexible. What happens if my eID application is rejected? Rejections are rare for EU citizens. The most common reasons: missing or incorrect documents. You can immediately reapply once the issues are fixed. Fees: 30€ again. Do I have to do military service in Malta? No, Malta has no conscription. As an EU citizen, you have no military obligations. Military service is not required for naturalization either. How quickly can I move to Malta? Theoretically, you can enter at any time (EU free movement). In practice, you need 2-3 months in advance to prepare documents in Germany, and another 2-3 months for the Malta setup. It’s only quicker with a lot of money and professional help.