Malta is the EU’s smallest member state — a tiny archipelago of three inhabited islands in the central Mediterranean, 93km south of Sicily — and one of its most international. English is an official language (alongside Maltese) and is the primary language of business and daily life. Malta’s iGaming, financial services, blockchain and aviation sectors have attracted a disproportionately large international professional community. Over 300 days of sunshine per year, Mediterranean lifestyle, EU citizenship pathways, low tax regimes and the most English-friendly daily environment in the EU outside Ireland make Malta consistently popular with UK nationals.
Why Londoners Move to Malta
- English official language — Malta is the EU’s only non-island member state with English as a co-official language (alongside Maltese). No language barrier for daily life, work or administration
- iGaming and tech — Malta is one of the world’s leading iGaming jurisdictions. Companies including Kindred, Betsson, LeoVegas, Evolution Gaming and hundreds of other iGaming and fintech businesses are based here. Strong English-language job market in tech, marketing, legal and financial roles
- Mediterranean climate — 300+ days of sunshine per year. Hot dry summers, mild winters. One of the sunniest places in Europe
- EU member with attractive tax — Malta’s tax system offers significant advantages for properly structured business and investment income. The Global Residence Programme provides a flat 15% tax rate on foreign-source income remitted to Malta for qualifying non-domiciled residents
- Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP) — allows non-EU nationals (including UK post-Brexit) to obtain Maltese permanent residency through a combination of property purchase or rental and a government contribution. Not citizenship, but provides EU permanent residency
- Small, safe island — very low crime, easy to navigate, strong expat community
Post-Brexit: Visa and Residency for UK Nationals
Malta is an EU member state. UK nationals require a residence permit for stays over 90 days.
Employment-based permit — for those with confirmed employment from a Maltese-registered employer. Apply through Identity Malta Agency (now Identità).
Malta Global Residence Programme (GRP) — for financially independent individuals who want to establish residence without working. Requires property purchase (minimum €275,000, or €220,000 in the south/Gozo) or annual rental (minimum €9,600, or €8,750 in the south/Gozo) plus a government contribution of €6,000 (or €5,500 in the south/Gozo). Provides a flat 15% tax rate on Malta-source income and foreign income remitted to Malta, with a minimum tax of €15,000/year.
Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP) — provides EU permanent residency (not citizenship) through investment: property rental or purchase plus a government contribution ranging from €28,000–€58,000 depending on property location. A good-value permanent residency option for UK nationals who want EU status.
Ordinary Residence — for employment or self-employment. Register at Identità.
Living in Malta
Valletta — the capital and a UNESCO World Heritage City. Small (under 6,000 residents), fortified, baroque architecture. Cultural hub but limited residential options.
Sliema / St Julian’s — the main expat residential and social hub. Modern apartments, waterfront, restaurants, bars, iGaming company offices. Busiest and most international area of Malta.
Mellieħa / St Paul’s Bay — northern Malta. More residential, less frenetic than Sliema/St Julian’s. Popular with families. Lower rents than the central areas.
Gozo — Malta’s smaller sister island. Rural, quieter, dramatically more affordable. Popular with retirees and remote workers. Ferry to Malta (25 minutes) runs frequently.
Cost of Moving from London to Malta
| Service type | Estimated cost | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Part-load (shared) | £700 – £1,400 | Studios, 1-bed flats, personal effects |
| Full-load (dedicated van) | £1,500 – £3,200 | 2-bed+ homes, full households |
| Professional packing add-on | £250 – £700 | Full household packing by our team |
Get a free fixed-price quote for your removals to Malta.
Estimated transit time — London to Malta: 6–9 working days (sea crossing from mainland Europe).
Frequently Asked Questions: Moving from London to Malta
Do I need a visa or permit to move from London to Malta?
Yes. Malta is an EU member state; UK nationals need a residence permit for stays over 90 days. Options range from employment-based permits to the Global Residence Programme (for financially independent individuals) and the Malta Permanent Residence Programme (for those seeking EU permanent residency through investment).
What is the Malta Global Residence Programme?
A residence scheme for financially independent non-EU individuals. Requires property ownership or rental in Malta plus a government contribution from €5,500. Provides a flat 15% tax rate on Malta-source income and foreign income remitted to Malta.
Is English widely spoken in Malta?
Yes. English is a co-official language alongside Maltese. All official documents are in both languages. The iGaming and financial services sectors operate almost entirely in English. Daily life — shops, restaurants, medical care — is easily managed in English.
How long does a removal from London to Malta take?
Transit from London to Malta typically takes 6–9 working days, involving sea crossing from mainland Europe.
Does Easy Move handle EU customs documentation for Malta?
Yes. Malta is an EU member state and Transfer of Residence relief applies to all household goods shipped from the UK.
Ready to move? Our team handles the full process: packing, customs and delivery.