Pendular entre dos mundos: la vida como malteser internacional de fin de semana

What does Dual Residency Malta really mean?

I have been living as a Weekend Maltese for three years – and no, its not as glamorous as it sounds. Dual Residency officially means you can be tax resident in two countries without being double taxed. In practice, it means you commute between your primary residence and Malta, usually weekly or monthly.

The three types of Dual Residency Malta

Let me spare you the confusion I had at the start. There are three different ways you can live as a Dual Resident:

• Malta Non-Dom Status: You are a tax resident in Malta but only pay taxes on income earned or remitted to Malta
• Double Taxation Agreement (DTA): You use the agreements between Malta and your home country to optimize taxes
• EU Freedom of Movement plus second residence: You keep your primary home and register only a second home in Malta

Dual Residency vs. classic emigration

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

A Maltese tax advisor once explained to me: Dual Residency is like being in a marriage and still allowed to flirt – legal, but complicated.

Who actually does this?

In my experience, there are mainly three groups:

My Path to Becoming a Weekend Maltese: From Dream to Reality

I share my story because it’s typical for many Dual Residency beginners. Spoiler: It wasn’t as smooth as on Instagram.

The trigger: when 42% taxes become too much

In 2021 I was doing well as a freelance consultant. Then came the tax return and I thought: 42% top tax rate – there must be something I can do. Malta kept popping up in entrepreneur forums. 5% tax on company profits sounded tempting.

My first mistake: I thought I could simply set up a Maltese company and go on living in Germany. Spoiler: Doesnt work. The German tax authorities are not stupid.

The reality check in Valletta

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

1. Malta is tiny: After two weeks I knew every coffeeshop in Sliema
2. The infrastructure is… special: If the bus doesn’t come, it just doesn’t come
3. English helps, Maltese even more: Especially with authorities
4. The community is close-knit: Everyone knows everyone – a blessing and a curse

The first winter as a Weekend Maltese

I decided on the best of both worlds model: October to March mainly Malta, April to September mainly Germany. Sounds reasonable, doesnt it?

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

What helped me:

• Developing a routine: Fixed work locations, favorite cafés, regular walks
• Finding community: Digital nomad meetups, expat groups, sports clubs
• Establishing hobbies: I learned to dive – best decision ever

Why did I stick with it?

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

January 2023: While my German friends complained about heating bills, I sat at 18°C on the beach in a T-shirt answering emails. That alone was worth the effort.

Dual Residency Malta: Understanding Taxes, Law and Bureaucracy

This is where it gets complicated. But I’ll walk you through it – step by step and without legalese.

The basic rule: 183-day test

Most important: Tax residency is determined by days in-country. Anyone spending more than 183 days a year in a country is normally taxed there. With Dual Residency, you juggle these days.

Example from my practice: 2023 I spent 160 days in Malta, 205 days in Germany. So I remained a German tax resident, but could use the Maltese Non-Dom status for my international consulting.

Malta Non-Dom Status: The holy grail?

The Malta Non-Dom status is not automatic. You have to apply for it and meet certain criteria:

Double Taxation Agreement Germany-Malta

This gets interesting for Germans. The DTA between Germany and Malta allows tax optimization without a full move.

Tie-breaker rules: If you are considered a tax resident in both countries, these criteria apply:

1. Permanent home (where is your main home?)
2. Center of vital interests (where are family, business, assets?)
3. Habitual abode (where do you usually live?)
4. Nationality (as a last resort)

Practical tax optimization as a Dual Resident

Here are my concrete learnings after three years:

What works:

• International consulting services: Taxed in Malta if you are resident there
• Capital gains: Optimizable depending on source
• Digital products: Sales through a Maltese company possible

What doesn’t work:

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

Registration in Malta: My Survival Guide

Identity Malta is your contact point for almost everything. My experience: Bring patience. Lots of patience.

Documents needed for EU citizens:

• Passport or ID card
• Proof of accommodation (rental contract or deed)
• Proof of health insurance
• Proof of financial resources
• Certificate of good conduct (for certain visa categories)

Pro tip: Book your appointments with Identity Malta online. Dropping by spontaneously is like playing the lottery – just with worse odds.

Health insurance and social security

Be careful here. As a Dual Resident, it’s easy to fall between the cracks:

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

Option 2: Maltese health insurance
Obligatory if you become a Maltese tax resident. Quite a bit cheaper, but 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 proven strategies.

The 4-week rule: my Malta-Germany cycle

I divide my year roughly into 4-week blocks. It’s long enough to really arrive in 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 tradition
• Ryanair: Cheap from Düsseldorf/Cologne, but you know what Ryanair is like
• Lufthansa: Reliable via Munich, but pricey
• Eurowings: Direct flights from several German cities

My booking strategy:

1. Buy flexible tickets: €50 extra is cheaper than new bookings
2. Fly Tuesday-Thursday: 30-40% cheaper than weekends
3. Optimize hand luggage: I live out of a 40L backpack
4. Annual planning: I book 6 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 challenges:

Meeting management as a commuter:

• Calendar transparency: I mark my Malta weeks in the calendar
• Video-first: All important meetings are online
• Flexible hours: Use early calls before Malta wakes up
• Offline days: Purposefully planned unavailability

Maximize productivity in Malta:

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

1. Establish fixed workspaces: I work 80% from home, 20% from cafés
2. Minimize distractions: The beach is nice, but not productive
3. Develop a routine: 7:00 am run, 8:00 am work, 6:00 pm finish

Social contacts as a Dual Resident

That’s the hardest part. Friendships suffer from constant commuting. Here’s how I handle it:

In Germany:

• Quality time over quantity: Intense weeks instead of superficial evenings
• Fixed dates: Birthdays and major events are sacred
• Communication: Friends always know where I am

In Malta:

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

Health and sports in the Dual Residency lifestyle

Constant travel is exhausting. My health routine:

Important: I keep separate health records in both countries. Saves translation and paperwork.

Organizing a Second Home in Malta: From Apartment Hunting to Furnishing

Finding a flat in Malta is like dating – at first you see only the nice sides, then you get to know the quirks. Here are my experiences from three moves.

Apartment search Malta: The reality check

Malta has one of the hottest property markets in Europe. Prices have exploded, 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 – here you’ll find insider tips
• QuickLets: Like Airbnb, but for longer stays

Price reality 2024 (from my own experience):

My three Malta apartments: learnings from mistakes

Apartment 1: The expensive Sliema mistake

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

My neighbor’s place was an Airbnb with party tourists every week. The sea view was nice, but €1,400 for 45 square meters was crazy.

Apartment 2: The Valletta experiment

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

Valletta is beautiful – for sightseeing. For living, not so much. Old houses have charm but also mold. And Valletta never sleeps.

Apartment 3: The Gzira lucky find

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

I’ve been living here for a year now. 10 minutes on foot to Sliema, but quiet. Modern apartment without tourist crowds. Sometimes less is more.

Malta apartment viewings: what to watch out for

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

Technical checks:

1. Test internet speed: Download speedtest app and check on site
2. Check water pressure: Test shower and all taps
3. Air conditioning: Does it work? How old is it? Who pays for electricity?
4. Dampness: Smell corners, look for dark spots
5. Windows: Do they close properly? Malta is dusty and windy

Legal protection:

• Written contract: Even with “friends” – Malta is very landlord-friendly
• Deposit rules: Max 2 months’ rent, get it in writing
• Notice periods: Usually 1 month, but negotiable
• Inclusive/exclusive: What’s included in the rent?

Malta tip: Many landlords ask for deposits in cash. That’s normal, even if it feels strange.

Setting up your Malta home as a Dual Resident

As a Dual Resident you need a different setup strategy than someone living permanently in Malta.

My minimal but functional philosophy:

Shopping strategy Malta:

• IKEA Malta: More expensive than in Germany, but available
• Second-hand: Facebook Marketplace is a goldmine
• Bring things from Germany: Electronics and special items
• Local craftsmen: For custom solutions surprisingly affordable

Organizing utilities and services

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

Internet and phone:

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

My service setup routine:

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

Important: Everything takes time in Malta. Plan at least 2-3 weeks for the complete setup.

Dual Residency Lifestyle: Costs, Challenges and Hidden Traps

Let’s talk about 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 figures come from my actual bookkeeping – no prettification:

For comparison: My cost only in Germany would be about €15,000/year. The €4,100 extra is my lifestyle premium.

Hidden costs no one mentions

You already know the basics. These are the costs that surprised me:

Bureaucracy costs:

• Tax consultant Malta: €2,500/year (unavoidable with complex structures)
• Attorney for contracts: €800 one-off
• Apostilles and translations: €300/year
• Double bank account fees: €200/year

Lifestyle adjustments:

• Double basic setup: €1,500 one-off
• Loss of quality on cheap flights: Time = Money
• Higher restaurant costs: Cooking for one person is inefficient
• FOMO-expenses: You want to enjoy Malta after all

Invisible opportunity costs:

• Time for travel: 1 day per week for flights/transport
• Productivity loss: Constant change of place costs efficiency
• Social costs: Missed events and less deep friendships

Tax savings vs. additional costs: my summary

The key question: Does Dual Residency add up financially?

My tax optimization 2024:

Conclusion: €9,700 tax savings minus €4,100 lifestyle extra cost = €5,600 real savings plus better weather and new experiences.

The biggest Dual Residency traps

We learn from mistakes – here are my most expensive lessons:

Trap 1: Substance vs. appearance

At first I thought it would be enough to have a Maltese company. Wrong. You need real economic substance: office, employees, local clients. Otherwise it’s tax evasion.

Trap 2: The 183-day myth

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

Trap 3: Underestimated compliance costs

Malta has strict reporting requirements. My Maltese company must be audited annually. Cost: €1,500. Wasn’t in the prospectus.

Trap 4: The return trap

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

When does Dual Residency really make sense?

After three years I can honestly say: Dual Residency isn’t for everyone. Here are my rules of thumb:

You should do it if:

• Income over €80,000/year: Below that, the extra costs eat up the savings
• International clients: You provide services outside Germany
• Flexibility at work: Remote work is possible
• Adventurous spirit: You see it as a lifestyle boost, not just tax optimization

You shouldn’t do it if:

• Family with school-age kids: Constant moves are unfair for children
• Local business: German clients want a German contact
• Low risk tolerance: You dislike bureaucracy and uncertainty
• Expecting quick wins: True optimization needs 2-3 years of setup

My honest conclusion: I’ll keep doing it, but not primarily for the taxes. Malta has become my second home. You can’t calculate that in Excel.

Is the Weekend Maltese Lifestyle right for you?

After three years as a Dual Resident, I can tell you the most important truth: It’s not the simple tax hack many think it is. It’s a lifestyle experiment with financial advantages.

The honest personality check

Before you invest a single euro, do this reality check. I would have saved myself a lot of stress if I had honestly answered these questions at the beginning:

Are you the Dual Residency type?

The three phases of Dual Residency

Everyone goes through these phases. Heres what to expect:

Phase 1: Honeymoon (months 1-6)

Everything is exciting and new. Malta feels like vacation. You post lots of sunset photos and think: Why doesn’t everyone do this?

Typical thoughts: The weather is great, taxes are low, life is cheap.
Reality: You’re still in tourist mode.

Phase 2: Reality Check (months 6-18)

The first problems appear. Bureaucracy is annoying, Malta is smaller than you thought, you miss German efficiency.

Typical thoughts: Maybe it wasn’t such a good idea.
Reality: Now you decide whether to stick it out.

Phase 3: Integration (from month 18)

You find your rhythm. Malta becomes your second home, not just a holiday place.

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

Alternative models to pure Dual Residency

Dual Residency isn’t black and white. Here are other options I’ve tried or observed:

1. The Winter Maltese

Model: October to March in Malta, the rest in Germany
Advantages: Enjoy German summer weather, Maltese winters
Disadvantages: Fewer tax advantages, miss out on Malta in the summer

2. The Project Nomad

Model: Go to Malta for specific projects, not permanently
Advantages: Flexibility, fewer commitments
Disadvantages: No real tax optimization

3. The full-time emigrant with Germany visits

Model: Main residence Malta, regular trips to Germany
Advantages: Maximum tax benefits, real integration
Disadvantages: Biggest break from old home

My tool for decision-making: The 10-point test

Rate each statement from 1 (not at all true) to 5 (completely true):

1. I work at least 70% location-independently
2. My annual income is above €80,000
3. I have international clients or business
4. I’m single or my partner supports the project
5. I like warm weather and 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 as tax optimization
9. I’m willing to invest 2-3 years
10. I have financial reserves for unexpected costs

Evaluation:
40-50 points: Go for it!
30-39 points: Do a 3-month trial
20-29 points: Think again
Less than 20 points: Don’t do it

My 3-month beginners test plan

If you’re unsure, try this approach:

Month 1: Tourist with a mission

• Live in different areas (1 week per area)
• Test out coworking spaces and cafes
• Keep an honest expense diary
• Document every stressful moment

Month 2: Expat simulation

• Rent a normal flat
• Stick to your normal work routine
• Try to make real local friends
• Deal with authorities (Tax ID, etc.)

Month 3: Reality check

• Live completely like a local
• Plan your return trip to Germany
• Assess: Would you do this long term?
• Be honest: Is it worth it financially?

My personal conclusion after three years

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

What I would do differently today: focus less on taxes, more on lifestyle. Euros come and go – the experiences stay.

Dual Residency is like a relationship: at first you only see the advantages, then you learn the quirks, and at some point you decide whether you stick with it or not. For me it worked out – but it was a lot of work.

What does that mean for you? If you took the test and scored over 35, Malta is worth trying. But take it slowly. 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 stay and work freely in Malta. For stays over 90 days you need to register with Identity Malta.

How many days do I need to spend in Malta for tax benefits?

For Maltese tax resident status you need at least 183 days per year in Malta. For certain programs like Non-Dom status, additional requirements apply.

Can I keep my German health insurance?

That depends on your status. As an EU citizen with EU-wide health coverage, you have basic coverage in Malta. For longer stays check the terms with your insurer.

What is the real cost of living in Malta?

Malta is more expensive than often claimed. Expect 15-20% higher costs than big German cities, especially for rent and imported goods. Local products are cheaper.

What taxes do I really save as a Dual Resident?

It strongly depends on your income structure. For international consulting you can save 20-35%. For domestic German clients usually no benefit.

Is Malta too small for permanent living?

Malta is 316 km² – thats subjective. After two years you know every corner, but the proximity to the sea and Europe make up for a lot. Gozo adds extra variety.

How complicated is the Maltese bureaucracy?

More complicated than German efficiency, but easier than Italian standards. Always allow at least twice as much time for paperwork than in Germany.

What are the disadvantages of Dual Residency?

Main disadvantages: higher living costs, social isolation, constant travel, complex taxes and less planning security. Its not a simple life hack.

Is Dual Residency worthwhile with less than €100,000 annual income?

Difficult. The extra costs for a double household often eat up the tax benefits. Below €80,000 it’s usually not financially sensible.

Can I move back to Germany easily as a Dual Resident?

In principle yes, but the German tax office will closely check your Maltese years. Document everything cleanly: stays, business activities and taxes paid.