Thinking about retiring to Malta? With year-round sunshine, a relaxed Mediterranean lifestyle, top-quality healthcare, and affordable living, it’s no surprise that Malta is a top retirement destination. Whether you're looking for scenic coastal living, a vibrant expat community, or tax-friendly residency options, this guide covers everything you need to know in 2025.
Mediterranean Lifestyle & Climate
Malta enjoys over 300 days of sunshine per year, with mild winters (10°C / 50°F) and hot, dry summers. The island’s stunning coastline, clear blue waters, and historic cities make it a dream location for retirees who love the outdoors.
Relaxed living: Malta’s slower pace of life allows retirees to enjoy good food, social events, and nature.
Outdoor activities: Enjoy hiking, sailing, diving, and fishing, along with scenic walking trails and cycling routes.
Vibrant cultural scene: Festivals, markets, and open-air concerts create an engaging social environment.
Cost of Living: Affordable Compared to Other European Countries
While some areas are expensive, day-to-day expenses in Malta are lower than in many Western European cities.
Dining out: A meal at a mid-range restaurant costs €20–€40.
Utilities: Electricity, water, and gas are affordable, especially in cooler months.
Housing: Costs vary by location, with affordable options in Gozo, southern Malta, and central villages.
Healthcare Access & Quality
Malta’s healthcare system is one of the best in Europe, offering good medical services at affordable prices. There is both public and private healthcare, giving retirees different options.
Public healthcare: Available to residents who pay social security or qualify under international agreements.
Private healthcare: Offers shorter wait times and affordable private insurance, usually costing somewhere around €300 per year, depending on your selected coverage. However, choosing more extensive or premium-level coverage may increase costs. Having private health insurance is generally a requirement when retiring to Malta as a non-Maltese citizen.
Elderly care: Includes home care, assisted living, and specialised medical services.
English-Speaking Environment & Expat Community
English is an official language, making daily life, medical services, and banking easier for retirees. Malta also has a large expat community, especially in Sliema, St. Julian’s, and Mellieħa, with social clubs, events, and activities to help retirees integrate.
Housing Options for People Retiring to Malta: Buying vs. Renting
Malta has a strong real estate market, and property prices have been rising in recent years. Some areas are expensive, while others still offer affordable homes.
Expensive areas: Sliema, St. Julian’s, and Valletta – mostly apartments with sea views.
More affordable areas: Gozo, southern Malta, and central villages like Naxxar and Mosta offer larger homes for lower prices.
Housing Options: Buying vs. Renting
Buying a property in Malta is a good option for retirees who want long-term stability, but prices vary depending on location and home type.
Buying:
Sliema & St. Julian’s: €350,000 - €700,000 for a two-bedroom apartment.
Mellieħa & Naxxar: €250,000 - €500,000 for a two-bedroom apartment or house.
Gozo: €180,000 - €400,000 for a two-bedroom home.
Renting (monthly costs):
Sliema/St. Julian’s: €1,200–€1,600 (1-bedroom), €1,600–€2,200 (2-bedroom)
Mellieħa: €800–€1,200 (1-bedroom), €1,200–€1,800 (2-bedroom)
Gozo: €500–€800 (1-bedroom), €900–€1,500 (2-bedroom)
Most homes in Malta come fully furnished with kitchen appliances and furniture. Unfurnished rentals are rare but available in some areas.
How Much Money Do You Need?
The amount you need depends on your lifestyle, housing, and daily expenses. Below is an estimate of the monthly costs for different lifestyles:
| Expense Category | Modest Budget | Comfortable Budget | Luxury Budget |
| Housing (Rent or Mortgage) |
€600 – 900 |
€1,200 – 1,800 |
€2,500+ |
| Utilities & Internet |
€100 – 150 |
€150 – 200 |
€250+ |
| Groceries & Dining Out |
€250 – 400 |
€500 – 800 |
€1,000+ |
| Transport |
€50 – 100 |
€150 – 300 |
€400+ |
| Healthcare (Insurance & Fees) |
€50 – 100 |
€150 – 300 |
€500+ |
Banking and Taxes
Banks for expats: Bank of Valletta, HSBC Malta, APS Bank
International banking: Digital options like Revolut and Wise offer low-cost currency exchange.
Taxes: Malta has double taxation agreements with many countries, helping retirees manage foreign pensions effectively.
Getting Around Malta & Gozo
Since Malta is a small island, it is easy to travel between towns and cities. You can use public transport, drive, or take taxis and ferries.
Buses: The main form of public transport, free for residents with a Tallinja Card.
Ferries: Connect Valletta, Sliema, and The Three Cities.
Taxis & Ride-Sharing: Bolt, eCabs, and Uber are available.
Driving: Malta drives on the left, traffic can be heavy, and parking is limited in busy areas.
Grocery Shopping, Dining, and Markets
Malta has a mix of large supermarkets, small grocery stores, and open-air markets.
Supermarkets: Pavi, Pama, Lidl, and Smart are the largest chains, offering a variety of local and international products.
Local markets: Open-air markets in Marsaxlokk, Birgu, and other towns sell fresh seafood, fruits, vegetables, and homemade goods.
Speciality stores: You can find organic food shops, international food stores, and gourmet markets for special ingredients.
Maltese cuisine: Try rabbit stew (stuffat tal-fenek), pastizzi (savoury, flaky pastries filled with either ricotta or peas), and ftira (Maltese bread with toppings).
Restaurants: Many areas have British, Italian, Asian, and international restaurants, making it easy to find familiar food.
Socialising & Making Friends
Malta has a friendly expat community and many opportunities to meet people.
Expat groups & social clubs: The Maltese community is very active on Facebook, so make sure to use it to help you connect with others.
Local festivals & events: Malta has many village feasts, concerts, and cultural events where you can meet locals and expats.
Volunteering: Many animal shelters, environmental groups, and charities welcome volunteers.
Hobby groups: Malta has groups for photography, art, gardening, and history lovers. Again, Facebook is your friend.
Fitness & wellness: People retiring to Malta can join yoga classes, walking groups, and swimming clubs.
Embracing the Maltese Culture & Lifestyle
Malta has a friendly and welcoming culture, influenced by its Mediterranean roots and long history. The Maltese people are warm, social, and family-oriented, which is reflected in everyday life and traditions.
Here are some general things to keep in mind:
Friendliness: Locals are polite and helpful, and it is common to greet others with a friendly "Bonġu" (Good morning) or "Il-lejl it-tajjeb" (Good evening).
Social life: The Maltese enjoy spending time with family and friends, often gathering for long meals or coffee meetups.
Timekeeping: While business meetings usually start on time, social gatherings are more relaxed, and being a little late is not unusual.
Respect for elders: Maltese society places great importance on family values, and showing respect to older people is highly appreciated.
Catholic influence: Malta is a Catholic country, and religion plays a big role in daily life. Churches are found in every town, and many public holidays are based on Christian celebrations.
Sunday traditions: Many locals attend church on Sundays, followed by a long family lunch, which is an important weekly tradition.
Festivals & Events
Malta has a rich cultural calendar, with events happening all year round. Retirees can enjoy traditional celebrations, music festivals, and outdoor activities. Here are some annual festivals and events to look out for:
Carnival (February/March): A colourful event with parades, costumes, and street performances.
Isle of MTV (June/July): A free music festival featuring famous international artists.
Notte Bianca (October): A night of art exhibitions, concerts, and street performances in Valletta.
Local feasts (festi): Every village has its own celebration, with fireworks, live bands, and traditional Maltese food. Around 2-3 villages are generally celebrating a feast every given week in summer.
Learning Maltese: Is It Necessary?
Even though English is an official language in Malta and most locals speak it fluently, learning some Maltese words can help people retiring to Malta feel more integrated into the community.
Many locals appreciate it when expats try to speak Maltese, even for simple greetings. Here’s how you can learn:
Language courses: Some community centres and private schools offer beginner Maltese classes.
Online apps & resources: Apps like Memrise provide basic Maltese lessons.
Practising with locals: Using common words like "Grazzi" (Thank you) and "Jekk jogħġbok" (Please) can help you connect with the community.
Before moving, it’s helpful to consider the seasons, climate, and lifestyle adjustments to make the transition smoother.
Best Time of Year to Move
Spring (March – May): One of the best times to relocate because the weather is pleasant, rental prices are stable, and tourist numbers are low.
Summer (June – September): This is not the best time to move because it’s very hot, humid, and crowded with tourists. Rental prices are also higher during this season.
Autumn (October – November): A good time to move since temperatures are still warm, but the tourist season is over. Property prices may also drop slightly.
Winter (December – February): The quietest time of year. The weather is cool but humid, and you have more time to settle in before summer starts.
Finding Reliable Services & Utilities
Once you rent or buy a home, you need to set up basic services.
Electricity & water: These are managed by ARMS Ltd, Malta’s main utility provider. Bills can be paid online, at post offices, or by direct debit. Check that your account is registered under the residential tariff, as non-residential rates are more expensive.
Internet & TV providers: Malta has several high-speed internet providers, including Go, Melita, and Epic. Activation usually takes a few days, and many rental homes already have internet installed.
Legal & Bureaucratic Processes for Expats
Malta Retirement Programme (MRP): Ideal for retirees who receive most of their income from a pension. Available to EU, EEA, Swiss, and non-EU nationals, offering a 15% tax rate on foreign income and no wealth or inheritance tax. A minimum property rental or purchase is required.
Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP): Designed for non-EU retirees who want long-term residency through investment. Requires buying or renting property, making a financial contribution, and proving financial stability.
Malta Global Residence Programme (GRP): A tax-friendly option for non-EU retirees. Allows a 15% tax rate on foreign income sent to Malta, while income kept abroad is not taxed. Requires property investment and a minimum tax payment.
The Granting of Citizenship for Exceptional Services (CDI / MEIN): Best for high-net-worth individuals who want full Maltese and EU citizenship through investment. Applicants must invest in real estate, make financial contributions, and pass background checks.
Ordinary Residence (EU/EEA/Swiss Nationals): The easiest option for EU, EEA, and Swiss citizens who plan to live in Malta without special tax benefits. Requires proof of financial independence and health insurance, but no major investment.
Retiring to Malta offers the perfect balance of sunshine, affordability, and high-quality living. With excellent healthcare, a welcoming expat community, and a range of lifestyle options, it’s an ideal destination for retirees.
Need expert guidance? DZ Advisory specialises in residency planning, tax optimisation, and relocation services for retirees moving to Malta. Contact DZ Advisory today for a personalised consultation and start your journey toward a stress-free retirement in the heart of the Mediterranean.