Living in Malta: Inside the Only European Country Offering Direct Citizenship by Investment
August 27, 2024 · Malta · 10 min read
Malta, a small nation in the heart of the Mediterranean, may not be the first name that comes to mind when you think of Europe. Yet this island country has a great deal that sets it apart, and living in Malta offers an appealing, vibrant setting with real potential for anyone seeking a high quality of life.
Malta, a small nation in the heart of the Mediterranean, may not be the first name that comes to mind when you think of Europe. Yet this island country has a great deal that sets it apart, and living in Malta offers an appealing, vibrant setting with real potential for anyone seeking a high quality of life.
An island nation with European roots and a Mediterranean character
Malta, officially the Republic of Malta, is an island country in Southern Europe, in the Mediterranean Sea, just over 80 km south of Italy. It comprises three main islands, Malta, Gozo, and Comino, with a total area of only 316 km² and a population of just over half a million.
Set among clear blue bays and golden beaches, the island nation stands out not only for its natural scenery but also for the depth of its culture and history. A mild climate year-round, with more than 300 days of sunshine and winters that are cool but never bitterly cold like much of Europe, has made Malta a favorite destination for international travelers, who come to unwind and enjoy the slower pace of Mediterranean life.
Despite its small size, Malta has a remarkably long history, shaped by many great civilizations over thousands of years. From the ancient Phoenicians and the Romans to the Knights of St. John, each era left its mark, creating a diverse tapestry of culture and architecture. Prehistoric stone temples more than 5,000 years old, fortresses, ornate churches, and the historic streets and buildings of Valletta, the capital and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, all bear witness to this heritage. Visitors to Malta are often struck by how much of that history has endured.
A prosperous economic hub in the Mediterranean
Its strategic location at the crossroads of Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East makes Malta a gateway for trade and cultural exchange between three continents and an important player in international trade and shipping. For centuries, this position drew the attention of great empires, turning Malta into a fortress and a center of power in the Mediterranean. Today, the same location has helped Malta build strong financial and services sectors, attract global investors, and become one of the most prosperous economies in the region, with GDP per capita of around US$31,000, placing it among the top 33 countries in the world by GDP (World Bank, 2023). The European Commission (EC) also projected that Malta would record the strongest economic growth of any EU member state in 2024.
Malta’s tax framework has created an attractive business environment, with an effective corporate tax rate that can be as low as 5%, one of the lowest in the European Union. This has drawn many multinational companies and large groups in financial services, information technology, and shipping to invest and expand on the island. The World Bank has ranked Malta among the 5 easiest countries in Europe in which to do business.
According to European Union reports, Malta also enjoys a high standard of living and a stable economy, with one of the lowest unemployment rates in Europe, at around 3% (2023). Its healthcare system has been ranked among the best in the world by the World Health Organization (WHO), and its education system follows the British model, with internationally recognized universities.
Malta has also been rated the second-safest country in the world in a United Nations ranking, and the likelihood of natural disasters on the islands is extremely low, at just 0.5%. The country has a high happiness index, a reasonable cost of living compared with other European countries, and is home to a diverse international community. English is an official language alongside Maltese, and about ¾ of the population speaks it, making it easy for newcomers to settle in, build connections, and work. Many who move to Malta find not only a peaceful, comfortable way of life but also an economy with long-term growth potential.
The only European country offering direct citizenship by investment
A member of the European Union since 2004 and of the Schengen Area since 2007, Malta is currently the only country in Europe offering direct citizenship by investment, without first having to pass through an intermediate status.
As Maltese citizens, you and your family members are free to live, study, and work in Malta and in any EU country. You can also travel freely across the 29 countries of the Schengen Area and enter the United Kingdom for up to 90 days in any 6-month period. The Maltese passport ranks 7th in the world, with visa-free access to more than 180 destinations, including the United States, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, and Hong Kong.
Children can attend public schools free of charge through the end of secondary school, and the whole family has access to free public healthcare, along with many other benefits.
| See full details of the Malta citizenship by investment program here.
Malta also offers permanent residence through the Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP), at a lower investment level, giving investors more flexibility in choosing the route that fits them.
| See full details of the Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP) here.
If you are interested in residency by investment in Malta, contact IMM Group or leave your details below. Our experienced advisors will provide detailed guidance and help assess the prospects of your case. We are committed to keeping your personal data confidential and use the information you provide only to advise on your family’s case.
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