Moving to Malta? The Complete Relocation Guide

We will make your relocation move easier than ever before!

If you are considering moving to Malta, we look forward to welcoming you with open arms. The Maltese are known for their hospitality and, we can safely say that you will be warmly welcomed by the island’s weather.

Albeit moving into a new country is always a difficult decision, particularly when it means moving away from friends and family, given the right reasons, relocation tends to always better your lifestyle. Whether these reasons are work-related or personal, such as retirement or simply liking the Mediterranean lifestyle, the Maltese Islands have a lot to offer.

Here at Bernards Real Estate, we fully understand that moving to a new country could be the most important decision of your life. That is where our experience in the property sales and letting business comes in.

Some key facts about Malta

First things first…what’s so special about the tiny island of Malta. The Maltese Islands attract a number of new residents every year including retirees and individuals moving specifically for work purposes. The country has a lot to offer including its relatively low cost of living and its historical links to Britain.

The island’s natural beauty and architectural treasures are two of its selling points. There is also nothing to complain about Malta’s sunny climate and mild winters.

Geographically speaking, Malta is located in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea and this strategic advantage is also reflected in the island’s cultural heritage.

Malta’s population is currently 442,906 people which includes foreign residents moving to Malta.

Although the island has its own national language, that is Maltese, its second official language is English, which is spoken by 90% of the population. This means that moving to Malta has a definite linguistic bonus. Many residents are also fluent in Italian.

Visas and Immigration

If you want to move to Malta, there are several possibilities and they depend on your length of stay, employment status, financial resources, and your nationality.

For brief stays (of up to 90 days), you do not need a visa. EU/EEA citizens will only require a valid passport to enter the country. However, if your country of origin requires a visa, you will need to apply for a Universal Schengen Visa at the nearest Maltese consulate. This visa will enable you to live in Malta for a maximum of three months. With this visa, you can also travel to other countries that have signed the Schengen Agreement.

To get a Schengen Visa for Malta, you will need to have:

• A valid travel document.
• Passport-sized photographs
• Travel or medical insurance to cover your stay
• A description of your plans such as a return ticket
• Proof of sufficient funds in your bank account
• Cash to pay the visa fee

Settling in Malta as an EU citizen is quite easy as you will not require a visa here either. Expat employees from EU countries do not even need a work permit since the confirmed job offer would suffice. Retirement can also be easily done in Malta if you have minimum income and health insurance coverage. For third-country nationals, work permits are required if you are seeking employment on the island.

Important documents for your move

Get ready to be asked for these documents when moving to Malta, so make sure that you keep them handy:

• Proof of residency at home
• Tax and employment documents
• Marriage certificate (if applicable)
• Birth certificate
• Citizenship documents
• Insurance policies
• Investment plans
• Medical and dental records
• Vet records for pets (if applicable)
• Copies of your will
• Academic certificates
• Covid19 Vaccine Certificate

Choosing your accommodation

Malta is quite the hot spot for real estate market. There is a wide variety of housing available, ranging from apartments to farmhouses and villas – both for renting and for selling purposes.

Getting a real estate agency like Bernards Real Estate is the way to go. We will help you choose the right locality for you, as well as the right property that fits your budget and your lifestyle. You can choose from the following properties:

• Houses of Character
• Farmhouses
• Maisonettes
• Apartments
• Penthouses
• Townhouses
• Terraced Houses
• Villas and bungalows

The choice is yours. It all depends on your preference, commitment to development, and cost.

Bank Accounts and Insurances

Getting a bank account open will be easier once you have a Maltese address. The same goes for insurances such as home, health and car insurances.

Here’s where we come in

Bernards Real Estate is made up of a professional team of experts with a proven track record of closing successful property deals. If you are thinking about relocating to Malta, our experienced property consultants will be able to give you the best possible service when looking for your dream home in Malta.

We would love to help you out and give you the warm Maltese welcome that you truly deserve. Contact us today for more information.