International Social Security Malta: The Complete Guide for Expats 2025

Why social security in Malta is not a closed book

Do you know that feeling when you first walk into the Malta Social Security Department and wonder whether your German health insurance is actually still valid here? I do. Three years ago, I was right there myself, holding a stack of German documents and hoping my pension rights wouldn’t simply slip into the Mediterranean.

The good news: International social security and Malta works much better than most expats initially fear. EU Social Security Coordination (officially “Social Security Coordination”) ensures that your entitlements from Germany, Austria or other EU countries aren’t simply lost when you move to Malta.

The not-so-good news: Without taking the right steps to maintain coverage as an expat, things can still get complicated. Especially if you’re one of those who only realise after moving that you forgot to submit important applications.

Who this article is for

This guide is aimed at all three groups of Malta fans I meet every day:

• The workation pioneers: You’re coming for 2–6 months and want to know whether your home social security is enough
• The trial-expats: You’re tackling a 6–12 month sprint and need clarity on transitional solutions
• The long-term emigrants: You’re planning a permanent move and want to fully safeguard your entitlements

What can you expect here? No abstract lectures about EU regulations, but hands-on experiences, current processes and honest assessments of what works in Malta – and what doesn’t.

EU Social Security Coordination: Your lifeline as an expat

EU Social Security Coordination might sound like just another bureaucratic monster, but it’s actually your most important ally. It governs how your social security entitlements are carried between EU countries – and Malta is fully involved.

The four guiding principles that make life easier

The system is built on four principles you should definitely understand:

1. Equal treatment: Malta must treat you like a Maltese national – no special rules for foreigners
2. Aggregation of periods: Your German contribution years also count in Malta (and vice versa)
3. Portability: Certain benefits “travel” with you, no matter where in the EU you live
4. One-state principle: You always pay contributions in one country only – never twice

Which areas are covered?

The coordination covers all key social security branches:

• Health insurance: Treatments, emergencies, chronic illnesses
• Pension insurance: Old-age, disability and survivors’ pensions
• Unemployment insurance: Benefits when you lose your job
• Family benefits: Child benefit, parental leave (where relevant)
• Occupational accident insurance: Occupational illnesses, work accidents

According to the European Commission, many EU citizens use these coordination rules every year – so you’re certainly not alone with your questions.

The A1 certificate: Your key document

The A1 certificate (formerly E101) is like your social security passport. It confirms the country in which you are insured and prevents double contributions. Without it, things can get expensive – I’ve seen expats who suddenly had to pay in both Germany and Malta.

Practical tip: Apply for the A1 certificate BEFORE your Malta move at your home social insurance office. Processing can take 4–6 weeks, and after moving, it gets complicated.

Malta in the EU Social Security System: What to expect

Malta has a dual social security system based on the British model – after all, the British were here until 1964. This means: basic state care plus private supplementary insurance. For you as an expat, this is usually good news.

The Maltese Social Security System at a glance

The Department for Social Security (DSS) oversees three main areas:

When are you required to pay contributions?

As an expat, you become liable for contributions as soon as you:

• Live in Malta for more than 183 days per year (tax residence)
• Have a Maltese employment contract
• Are self-employed in Malta

The good news: Contributions are capped. In 2024, you’ll pay a maximum of €4,872 per year for National Insurance – even if you earn much more. That’s particularly interesting for high-earners who used to pay maximum rates in Germany.

Money matters: Contribution rates in the EU comparison

Malta sits mid-table in the EU for social security contributions. Here’s an honest comparison with other popular expat destinations:

Source: European Commission, MISSOC Database 2024

Voluntary continuation of insurance: Your options

Here’s where it gets interesting for expats: Malta offers three ways for voluntary continuation of coverage:

1. Class 2 Contributions: For self-employed and EU expats without a Maltese employer
2. Class 3 Contributions: For anyone wanting to top up their contribution years
3. Bilateral Agreements: Special arrangements with certain countries

Class 2 is especially interesting for digital nomads: €487.20 per year (2024) buys you full Maltese social security – including health insurance, pension entitlements, and unemployment protection.

Continuing coverage for different expat types

Not every expat has the same needs. After three years of Malta experience and countless conversations on the beach, in the office and at the notary, I’ve learned: Your social security strategy depends heavily on your expat type.

Type 1: The Workation Wanderer (up to 6 months)

You’re coming for the Maltese vitamin-D boost, working remotely for your German employer and planning to return home after six months at the latest? Then your strategy is relatively relaxed:

• Home social security continues: Your German/Austrian employer continues to pay usual contributions
• EHIC card is usually sufficient: For emergencies and acute treatments you’re covered via the European Health Insurance Card
• Apply for A1 certificate: Keeps you from double contributions if Malta asks
• Private international health insurance as a backup: For treatments beyond what EHIC covers

Note: The 183-day rule applies to Workationers too. If you stay longer, you become a Maltese tax resident – with all the social security consequences.

Type 2: The trial expat (6–12 months)

You want to properly try Malta, maybe already have a Maltese job lined up or are considering setting up your German business here? Now it gets more complex:

Employees with a Maltese employer:

• Automatic registration in the Maltese system
• Home social security paused (if properly deregistered)
• EU coordination applies: Contribution years are aggregated
• Private health insurance often makes sense for better care

Self-employed and digital nomads:

• Class 2 contributions in Malta (€487.20/year)
• Or: Voluntary continuation at home insurance
• Decision depends on benefits and costs

Type 3: The Malta emigrant (permanent)

You’ve decided Malta will be your new home. Now you have to be strategic to avoid losing entitlements:

The transition phase (first 3 months):

1. Official deregistration in Germany/Austria
2. Registration in Malta (apply for Residency Card)
3. Switch social security registration
4. Take out a transition health insurance policy

Long-term strategy:

• Pension entitlements: EU coordination ensures aggregation of contribution years
• Health insurance: Decide between Malta’s state system and a private health policy
• Supplementary cover: Malta has attractive private pension plans with tax incentives

Health insurance in Malta: From EHIC to private top-up policies

The Maltese health system is better than its reputation – but also different from what you might be used to. After my first encounter with Mater Dei Hospital (Malta’s largest hospital) I was surprised: modern facilities, multilingual staff, but also longer waiting times for non-urgent care.

The state health system: Solidly basic

Malta provides all residents with free basic care through the National Health Service (NHS). That includes:

• Emergency care: 24/7 at Mater Dei Hospital
• GP visits: At registered Government Health Centres
• Specialists: By referral, but with waiting times
• Medication: Prescription drugs highly subsidised
• Dental care: Basic treatment free, aesthetic treatment for a fee

The reality: For emergencies and basic care, the system works well. For specialist care or if you’re used to German thoroughness and speed, it hits its limits.

EHIC vs. Maltese e-Residency: What applies when?

It gets technical, but I’ll explain as simply as possible:

European Health Insurance Card (EHIC):

• Applies to tourists and temporary stays (up to 3 months)
• Emergency treatment at same cost as Maltese citizens
• No planned or elective treatments
• Billing handled by your home health insurance

Maltese e-Residency Card:

• For all EU citizens staying over 3 months in Malta
• Full access to the Maltese health system
• Registration with a Government Health Centre required
• Entitlement to free basic care

Private health insurance: When is it worth it?

About 30% of Maltese people have private health insurance – and almost all expats I know too. Why? The benefits are obvious:

The most popular expat private health insurers

After talking to over 50 Malta expats, three providers have proven especially popular:

1. Bupa Malta: €1,200–3,600/year, excellent cover for chronic illnesses
2. GlobalCapital Health Insurance: €800–2,400/year, good value for money
3. Mapfre Middlesea: €600–2,000/year, especially interesting for younger expats

Insider tip: Many expats combine the public system for emergencies with a cheap private top-up for specialists. That often costs just €600–800 a year and gives you the best of both worlds.

Medication and pharmacies: What you need to know

Maltese pharmacies are extremely well-stocked – often better than in Germany. Many German medicines are available, sometimes even cheaper. A few specifics:

• Prescription drugs: Highly subsidised with Maltese e-Residency
• OTC medicines: Similar prices to Germany
• International brands: Usually available, often under different trade names
• On-call service: 24h pharmacies in Valletta and larger towns

The biggest challenge? German private prescriptions are not recognised. You need a Maltese prescription – which means a doctor’s visit, even for medicines you’ve been getting for years in Germany.

Securing pension entitlements: No unpleasant surprises later

Pensions might not be the hottest topic when you’re living your Malta dream. But I’ve seen too many expats discover years later that they lost thousands of euros in pension payments through careless decisions. That’s why we’re talking about it now – even if you’re only 30.

EU pension coordination: Your rescue from pension chaos

The best thing about the EU: Your pension years from Germany, Austria, the Netherlands or any other EU country aren’t lost when you move to Malta. EU regulation 883/2004 ensures what’s called “aggregation of insurance periods.”

Concretely, that means:

• All contribution years count: 15 years Germany + 10 years Malta = 25 years total insurance period
• Multiple pensions possible: You receive a German AND a Maltese pension
• Proportional calculation: Each country pays its share according to the entitlements earned there
• Payment anywhere: You can live in Thailand and still receive your German and Maltese pension

The Maltese pension system: Simpler than you think

Malta has a three-tier pension system that’s much easier to understand than the German one:

The Maltese basic pension isn’t lavish – currently max. €11,084 per year. But you only have to show 35 contribution years and have paid in at least 10 years in Malta.

Example calculation: What will your Malta pension really be worth?

Let’s take Dr. Mara, our 61-year-old retired doctor from Zurich. She’s contributed to the Swiss pension fund for 35 years and plans to work another 4 years in Malta before she finally retires.

Scenario without EU coordination (purely hypothetical):

• Swiss pension: Based on 35 contribution years
• Malta pension: None (only 4 years, 10-year minimum not met)

With EU coordination:

• Swiss pension: Still based on 35 years (unchanged)
• Malta pension: 4/35 of full pension = around €1,267/year extra
• Together, she meets the 35-year requirement

Meaning: Dr. Mara gets an extra pension of over €1,200 a year for her 4 years in Malta – for the rest of her life.

Voluntary contributions: Bridging gaps smartly

Malta offers various ways to bridge pension gaps or secure extra entitlements:

Class 2 contributions (self-employed):

• €487.20 per year (2024)
• Buys you a full contribution year
• Ideal for digital nomads or early retirees

Class 3 contributions (voluntary top-ups):

• €487.20 per additional year
• Can be paid retroactively for up to 6 years
• Especially worth it if you’re just short of the minimum requirement

Tax treatment: What you need to know

Pensions are taxed where you live – not where you earned them. That’s especially of interest to Malta expats:

• Malta pension in Malta: Rate depends on total income, but moderate overall
• German pension in Malta: Taxed in Malta, German tax drops
• Non-dom status: Under certain conditions, only Maltese pensions are taxable

Important: Tax rules are complex and change often. For major pension plans, be sure to consult a tax advisor specialising in Malta.

Unemployment insurance: What happens if you lose your job?

No one likes talking about unemployment – especially not when you’ve just landed your dream job on a Mediterranean island. But Malta is a small market, companies come and go, and sometimes it just doesn’t work out. That’s why you should know what happens if you find yourself between jobs.

The Maltese unemployment benefit: Solidly basic, but fair

Malta pays unemployment benefit (“Unemployment Benefit”) under the following conditions:

• At least 20 contribution weeks in the two years before unemployment
• Availability for work: You need to be actively looking for a job
• Registration at Jobsplus: Malta’s official employment service
• Job loss not self-inflicted: Your employer must have terminated your contract

The benefit amount depends on your previous gross wage:

Source: Department for Social Security Malta, 2024

That works out to €4,630 to €5,623 for the maximum period – not generous, but sufficient to regroup in Malta.

EU coordination in unemployment: Your options

This is where it gets interesting: As an EU citizen, you have several options if you become unemployed in Malta, which many expats don’t know about.

Option 1: Claim unemployment benefit in Malta

• You stay in Malta and look for a new job here
• Your German/Austrian contribution years are credited
• You receive Maltese unemployment benefit at the Maltese rate

Option 2: “Export” the unemployment benefit

• You go back to Germany/Austria
• You can take your Maltese benefit for up to three months
• After that, the home system applies

Option 3: Direct switch to home country

• You register unemployed in Germany/Austria
• Your Maltese contribution years are credited for benefits
• You receive local unemployment benefit (usually a higher rate)

Case study: Lukas loses his tech job

Luca, our 34-year-old Italian UX designer, lost his job at a Maltese gaming startup after 8 months (which went bust – happens here more often than you’d think). His situation:

• 8 months Malta contributions
• 6 years Italian contributions before that
• Weekly gross income: €450

His options:

1. Malta unemployment benefit: €108.14/week for 156 days = €5,623 in total
2. Return to Italy: Higher Italian rates, longer payment period thanks to aggregated years
3. Export to Italy: 3 months Malta benefit in Italy, then switch to Italian system

Luca chose option 1 – he found a new job with a Maltese fintech company after 6 weeks. Sometimes Malta really is a village, and job hunting is quicker than you expect.

Jobsplus: Malta’s employment agency in practice

Jobsplus is the national employment agency – and it actually works surprisingly well. My experience:

The good:

• Multi-language advice (English, Maltese, often German/Italian too)
• Online portal with current vacancies
• Free training courses
• CV advice and job application support

The reality:

• Focus on Maltese employers
• International tech jobs underrepresented
• Bureaucracy can be slow (typical Malta)
• Personal contacts are often more important than formal placement

Malta insider tip: In parallel with Jobsplus, listen in on the Malta expat Facebook groups. “Malta Community Network” and “Malta Professionals” often have better leads than official channels.

Practical steps and applications: Your roadmap through the paperwork

OK, enough theory. You want to know which forms you really have to fill in and where to queue up? After three years dealing with Malta bureaucracy, I know every counter and every form. Here’s your roadmap through the admin maze.

Timeline: Your first 90 days in Malta

I’ve put together a chronology showing you what to get done and when. Trust me: Get the order right, and you’ll save weeks and a lot of nerves.

Weeks 1–2: The basics

1. Register your residence
   • Where: Local mayor of your municipality
   • Needed: Rental contract, passport, registration form
   • Cost: Free
   • Duration: 1 day (if documents are ready)
2. Apply for a tax number
   • Where: Commissioner for Revenue, Valletta
   • Needed: Passport, residence confirmation
   • Cost: Free
   • Duration: 2–3 working days
3. Open a bank account
   • Where: Any Maltese bank (HSBC, BOV, APS recommended)
   • Needed: Passport, tax number, proof of income
   • Cost: €0–50 depending on the bank
   • Duration: 1–2 weeks for activation

Weeks 3–4: Social security

4. Apply for e-Residency Card
   • Where: Identity Malta, Valletta or Gozo
   • Needed: EU passport, residence confirmation, biometric photo
   • Cost: €27.50
   • Duration: 10–15 working days
5. Social Security Registration
   • Where: Department for Social Security, Floriana
   • Needed: e-Residency Card, employment contract or proof of self-employment
   • Cost: Free
   • Duration: Immediate (if documents are complete)

Weeks 5–8: Health insurance and fine-tuning

6. Government Health Centre registration
   • Where: Nearest Government Health Centre
   • Needed: e-Residency Card, social security number
   • Cost: Free
   • Duration: 1 appointment
7. Private health insurance (optional)
   • Where: Insurer of your choice
   • Needed: Medical questionnaire, social security number
   • Cost: €600–3,600/year
   • Duration: 2–4 weeks underwriting

The most important forms and where to find them

Malta loves forms. But, unlike Germany, they’re usually short and clear. Here are the key ones:

Online vs. in person: What works where?

Malta is digitalising fast, but not everything is up to speed yet. Based on my experience:

Definitely online:

• Tax returns (via IRD portal)
• Get social security statements
• Address changes
• Book appointments

Better done in person:

• First-time registrations (personal contact helps)
• Complex cases or questions
• If you’re unsure (Maltese officials are usually very helpful)
• Urgent matters

Translations and apostilles: What needs to be certified?

EU citizens have it easier than non-EU foreigners, but some documents still need to be translated or certified:

Always required:

• Birth certificate (for certain applications)
• Marriage certificate (if married)
• Academic certificates (for professional recognition)

Sometimes required:

• Police certificate (for certain jobs)
• Employment contracts (for complex visa cases)
• Proof of income (for loans or renting)

Translation costs:

• Sworn translator: €25–40 per page
• Apostille: €8.50 in Germany, €25 in Malta
• Certifications: Usually €10–20 per document

Malta hack: The German consul in Malta (yes, exists!) can certify German documents more cheaply than most private providers. Book appointments online via the embassy website.

Common pitfalls with applications

Learning from others’ mistakes is cheaper than making your own. These traps come up time and again:

• Wrong sequence: Almost nothing works without the e-Residency Card
• Incomplete documents: Better to copy too much than too little
• Not enough cash: Many offices take cash only
• Not booking appointments: Walk-ins often a waste of time at Identity Malta
• Not translating documents: German documents are usually accepted, but not always

Avoiding common pitfalls: Learn from others mistakes

In three years in Malta, I’ve seen pretty much every possible social security mistake at least once. From double contribution payments to lost pension entitlements – here are the classics to avoid.

Pitfall #1: The 183-day trap

This happens more than you think: You come for a “short” workation, the sun’s shining, the wi-fi works – and suddenly four weeks turn into four months. Problem: From day 184, you’re a Maltese tax resident – with all the consequences for your social security.

What happens:

• Malta can call for backdated social security payments
• Your German health insurance may no longer apply
• Tax complications in both countries

The solution:

• Accurately record your days of stay (apps like TaxTimer help)
• For longer stays, proactively apply for the A1 certificate
• Think about changing tax residency in good time

Pitfall #2: Double contribution payment

Marco, an Italian software developer, told me his horror story: He paid social security in both Italy and Malta for 8 months because he failed to properly deregister in Italy.

Cost: Over €3,200 paid double, took 18 months to reclaim

How it happened:

• Forgetting official deregistration in Italy
• Didn’t apply for A1 certificate
• Employer was unsure and paid everywhere “just in case”

How to avoid it:

• Official deregistration at home BEFORE registering in Malta
• Always apply for the A1 certificate
• Keep written confirmation of deregistration

Pitfall #3: Lost pension entitlements due to wrong timing

Dr. Mara (our Swiss doctor) almost fell for this one: She wanted to cash out her Swiss pension fund before moving to Malta. That would have forfeited her EU coordination rights.

The mistake: Cashing out = complete loss of rights for EU coordination

The better approach:

• Leave pension capital dormant
• Use EU coordination for aggregation
• Later, receive Swiss and Malta pensions

Savings in Dr. Mara’s case: Over €150,000 in extra pension payments in her lifetime

Pitfall #4: Getting private health insurance at the wrong time

Anna, our Berlin project manager, made a classic rookie mistake: She took out private Maltese health insurance before registering with the state system.

The result:

• Paying for both health insurances at once
• Complicated cancellation process
• Confusion with doctors over who is responsible

The proper way:

1. Register first in the state system
2. Test the public health insurance
3. Then get private top-up if needed

Pitfall #5: The self-employment trap for digital nomads

Luca thought he was smart: As a freelance UX designer for various European clients, he didn’t pay social security anywhere. “I’m a digital nomad, that’s flexible, right?”

The nasty surprise:

• Malta demanded backdated Class 2 contributions
• No health coverage after a surf accident
• No pension accrual for this time

The better strategy for digital nomads:

• Pay Class 2 contributions in Malta (€487/year)
• Or: Voluntary insurance at home
• Never just “hope for the best” – it gets expensive

Pitfall #6: Language barriers with important documents

Maltese officials speak excellent English, but official documents are sometimes in Maltese. Especially with social security notices, this can cause misunderstandings.

Typical problems:

• Deadlines missed
• Benefit amounts misunderstood
• Entitlement criteria misinterpreted

The answer:

• Always ask for an English translation
• If in doubt, ask – Maltese officials are helpful
• Have important documents checked by Malta-savvy expats

Malta relocation checklist: So you don’t forget a thing

Lists are boring, but they save you from expensive mistakes. This checklist is based on the experience of over 100 Malta expats I’ve guided in recent years. Print it out, tick it off, and sleep better.

3 months before the move: Preparation

Get and prepare documents:

• ☐ Birth certificate (request international version)
• ☐ Marriage certificate (if married, international version)
• ☐ Police certificate (for certain jobs)
• ☐ Apostille for all relevant documents
• ☐ Degree/diplomas (if professional recognition needed)
• ☐ Recent payslips (for bank/renting)
• ☐ Proof of health insurance
• ☐ Pension insurance record

Prep social security:

• ☐ Apply for A1 certificate at German/Austrian SS agency
• ☐ Take out international health cover for transition period
• ☐ Consider voluntary continuation (if desired)
• ☐ Request full pension record
• ☐ Clarify occupational pensions

Sort your finances:

• ☐ Open accounts with EU-wide access
• ☐ Get credit cards with low fees abroad
• ☐ Get tax advice for the transition period
• ☐ Clarify health insurance for the transition

1 month before the move: The final details

Official deregistrations:

• ☐ Book deregistration appointment at the local authority
• ☐ Inform social security of planned move
• ☐ Tell health insurer about status change
• ☐ Inform tax office about leaving
• ☐ Formally tell employer about your move

Malta prep:

• ☐ Organise first accommodation
• ☐ Research appointments at Maltese authorities
• ☐ Join Malta expat groups (Facebook, LinkedIn)
• ☐ Check out first bank appointments
• ☐ International health insurance for the transition period

Your first week in Malta: The sprint

Days 1–2: Arrive and get your bearings

• ☐ Register residence with local mayor
• ☐ Get a Maltese SIM card
• ☐ Open a local bank account (HSBC, BOV or APS)
• ☐ Commissioner for Revenue: Apply for tax number

Days 3–5: Paperwork marathon

• ☐ Identity Malta: Apply for e-Residency Card
• ☐ Department for Social Security: Register
• ☐ Government Health Centre: Register for health insurance
• ☐ Contact employer (if already in job)

Days 6–7: Fine-tuning

• ☐ Make copies of emergency documents and store separately
• ☐ Identify local doctors and pharmacies
• ☐ Sort transport (bus card, car registration)
• ☐ Make your first Maltese friends (visit expat events)

Your first 3 months: Understanding the system

Month 1:

• ☐ Pick up your e-Residency Card
• ☐ Catch up on all official dealings now you have your e-Residency Card
• ☐ Check first payslip (if employed)
• ☐ Review private health insurance options
• ☐ Get tax situation clarified with an advisor

Months 2–3:

• ☐ Access your social security statement online
• ☐ Prepare first Maltese tax return
• ☐ Start long-term finance planning (pension, provision)
• ☐ Build network (personal and professional)
• ☐ Feedback round: What works, what doesn’t?

The most important phone numbers and addresses

Pro tip: Save these numbers to your phone right now. Murphy’s Law says you’ll need them exactly when you’re offline.

Frequently asked questions about social security

Do I have to pay social security in Malta if I only stay 6 months?

That depends on your work situation. If you work for a Maltese company, registration is obligatory. As a digital nomad with German clients, you can usually stay under your home system – but do apply for an A1 certificate.

Can I lose my German pension entitlements if I move to Malta?

No, thanks to EU social security coordination you keep your German pension entitlements. They’re aggregated with your Maltese years. You will receive both a German and a Maltese pension later.

What happens to my health insurance during the transition period?

Your EHIC card works for the first three months. Afterwards you must join the Maltese system or take out private health insurance. An international health cover for the transition is recommended.

How high are social security contributions in Malta?

In 2024, you pay 10% of your gross salary (up to €487.20 per month max). Your employer pays another 10%. Self-employed pay Class 2 contributions of €487.20 per year for the full coverage.

Do I need private health insurance in Malta?

The Maltese health system offers good basic care, but longer waiting times for specialists. About 70% of expats take out private top-up insurance. Cost: €600–3,600 per year depending on coverage.

Can I claim unemployment benefit in Malta?

Yes, after at least 20 weeks’ contributions in the last two years. The amount is €89–108 a week for up to 156 days. Your EU contribution years count for eligibility.

What is an A1 certificate, and do I need it?

The A1 certificate confirms the country where you’re insured and prevents double payments. You need it if you work temporarily in Malta but want to stay in German social security. It takes 4–6 weeks to get.

Can I continue voluntary insurance in Germany?

Yes, but only if eligible for voluntary insurance (usually after at least 24 months compulsory insurance). The contributions are much higher than in Malta. Mixing Malta compulsory insurance and German voluntary top-up usually isn’t possible.

What if I leave Malta again?

Your Maltese entitlements remain and will be added to your later pension years. You should get a record of your Malta contributions.

Which documents do I need to register for social security?

You’ll need: e-Residency Card, work contract or proof of self-employment, tax number and residence confirmation. German documents are usually accepted if translated into English, certification rarely required.