Advantages of Maltese citizenship: reasons to move to the country

Malta is a tiny jewel of the Mediterranean Sea that combines European quality of life, ancient architecture and endless business and investment opportunities. Emigrants and investors have long looked to the island republic for its stable economy, security and mild climate. However, it should not be forgotten that moving and buying property requires careful analysis of all factors. The pros and cons of living in Malta will help you weigh up all aspects and understand whether this country is suitable for a new life and profitable investments.

Pros and cons of living in Malta for Russians

Russian-speaking emigrants in Malta meet both comfort and challenges. The island state provides excellent conditions for adaptation, but there are also some difficulties to consider. The pros and cons of living in Malta for Russians depend on many factors: language, culture, cost of living and level of service.

Pros:

1. English as an official language: Malta is a former British colony and English is on a par with Maltese. This makes it much easier to adapt, do business and communicate in everyday life.
2. European level of security: Malta has one of the lowest crime rates in the EU. The quiet streets of Valletta and old towns where you can walk safely at night attract families with children and retirees.
3. Attractive tax system: Malta offers tax incentives for foreign investors and entrepreneurs. For example, income tax for residents ranges from 15% to 35% and companies can take advantage of repatriation benefits.
4. Climate and nature: the Mediterranean climate with mild winters and warm summers allows you to enjoy more than 300 days of sunshine a year. Beaches with azure water, caves and cosy coves create ideal conditions for relaxation.

Minuses:

1. High cost of living: prices for housing, products and services are higher than in Russia. Renting a flat in Valletta costs from 700 EUR per month, and going to a restaurant costs 20 EUR per person.
2. Limited career prospects: Malta is a small country with a narrow labour market. It is more difficult for highly qualified professionals to find work, especially in specific fields.
3. Slow pace of life: bureaucracy and a leisurely pace can be a challenge for those used to the fast-paced life of big cities.

Malta’s climate and nature: a Mediterranean idyll

The warm sun, turquoise sea and mild climate are some of the main reasons why expatriates choose Malta to live and invest in. The pros and cons of living in Malta in the context of climate and nature deserve special attention as these factors directly affect the quality of life.

Peculiarities of the Maltese climate:

1. Hot summers and mild winters. The average temperature reaches +30°C in summer and rarely drops below +15°C in winter. This climate is suitable for those who cannot tolerate frost and want to enjoy the sun all year round.
2. More than 300 days of sunshine a year. The bright sun shines for most of the year, which is especially attractive for people suffering from vitamin D deficiency in northern countries.
3. Humidity and aridity. Summers in Malta are accompanied by high humidity, which can be difficult for people with respiratory problems. Winters are humid but mild.

Nature:

1. Beaches and coastline. Sandy beaches in the north of the island and rocky coves in the south create a variety of holiday conditions. Popular beaches include Golden Bay, Mellieha Bay and Paradise Bay.
2. Landscape and flora. The island nature offers beautiful views of terraced fields, olive groves and Mediterranean shrubs.

Taxes and cost of living: what to consider

Financial aspects here play a key role when moving and buying a property. The pros and cons of living in Malta depend largely on an understanding of the tax system and the level of expenditure.

Income Tax. Progressive scale of taxation:

1. Income up to 8500 EUR per year – 0%.
2. Income from 8,500 EUR to 14,500 EUR – 15%.
3. Income over 60,000 EUR – 35%.

Property Taxes:

1. Property transfer tax: 5% of the value of the property.
2. There is no annual property tax, which attracts investors.

Taxes for companies. The corporate tax rate is 35%, but there are refunds for non-residents, which reduces the effective rate to 5%.

Property in Malta: what does the island nation have to offer?

The pros and cons of living in Malta are largely determined by the opportunity to invest favourably in a home while earning a stable income or citizenship.

Types of property:

1. Flats and flats. The most popular type of property among foreigners. Modern complexes offer comfortable conditions for living and recreation. The average cost of a one-bedroom flat in Valletta or Sliema is from 250 000 EUR. In more remote areas, such as Birgu or Marsascala, you can find options from 180 000 EUR.
2. Townhouses and old houses. Malta’s old towns have many historic buildings with authentic architecture. Prices for such houses start from 350 000 EUR and depend on the condition and location.
3. Villas and penthouses. Luxury villas with sea views are available in the St Julian’s, Mellieha and Gozo area. The average price of a villa is from 700 000 EUR and penthouses from 500 000 EUR.
4. Commercial property. Investors can purchase business premises, offices and hotels. The cost starts from 400 000 EUR and higher.

Residence permit, permanent residence permit and citizenship: ways to stay legally

The pros and cons of living in Malta for foreigners depend on the type of residence permit that can be obtained.

Ways of obtaining a residence permit (VNZh):

1. Investments in property: purchase of a home from 275,000 EUR.
2. Worker’s residence permit: when employed by a Maltese company.
3. Study residence permit: for students studying at local educational institutions.

Conditions for obtaining permanent residence (PML):

1. Continuous residence in Malta for 5 years with a residence permit.
2. The investor programme allows you to obtain a residence permit through the purchase of real estate and investment in the country’s economy.

Malta Citizenship Programme through property investment:

1. Investments from 600 000 EUR and living on the island for 12 months.
2. The investment amount may increase depending on the number of family members.

Conclusion

The pros and cons of living in Malta allow you to consider all the nuances of moving and investing. The country attracts with its security, warm climate, stable economy and the possibility to obtain residence permit or citizenship through investments. However, the high cost of living, limited labour market and bureaucracy require careful preparation and a balanced decision.

Demand for Malta is steadily growing, mainly due to the favorable political and economic situation, clear legislation, and low crime rate. The question of why to buy real estate abroad here receives a clear answer: for long-term stability, personal and financial security, as well as systematic capital growth.

Thanks to the mild Mediterranean climate, quality infrastructure, and high living standards, Malta is becoming not only a tourist destination but also an investment center in Europe. Buying real estate abroad in this region is a way to not only preserve assets but also effectively multiply them.

Political Neutrality, Tax Benefits, and Capital Protection

Stable democracy and a transparent regulatory system in Malta create conditions for free movement of capital. Unlike jurisdictions where political and economic crises escalate, Malta maintains a course of neutrality and investment openness.

The tax system is particularly attractive for those considering citizenship for investment in real estate or long-term rental properties for passive income. The absence of tax, favorable conditions for resale, and the opportunity to obtain a residence permit for property investments make the market especially promising for private and corporate investors.

Geographical and Climatic Factors as an Investment Advantage

The island location in the center of the Mediterranean Sea provides Malta with a mild climate, clean air, and convenient transportation accessibility. Unlike mainland countries, property here is not subject to sharp price fluctuations due to infrastructure risks or external threats.

One of the reasons to buy real estate abroad becomes the stability against seasonal collapses, migration disturbances, and environmental threats. Moreover, Malta actively develops green projects and sustainable construction standards, influencing the long-term profitability of investments.

Where to Find Prospects: Where to Invest in Real Estate Abroad in 2025?

Against the backdrop of geopolitical instability in other parts of Europe and volatility in financial markets, including stocks, Malta demonstrates a stable economy focused on attracting foreign capital. When choosing where to invest, more and more investors are paying attention to the following categories of properties:

• apartments with sea views for short-term and long-term rentals;
• premium segment villas in the suburbs of Valletta;
• properties related to education – near campuses of international universities;
• commercial real estate in tourist and business areas.

Thus, property purchase becomes not a spontaneous decision but a tool for financial diversification and asset protection.

Advantages of Buying: Why Buy Real Estate Abroad in Malta

The Maltese market remains one of the few where low corruption levels, legal transparency, and high rental demand are combined. That’s why the answer to the question of why buy real estate abroad becomes practically significant when considering Malta as an investment destination. The following factors support such a choice:

• the opportunity to generate profitable income from short-term and seasonal rentals;
• favorable conditions for obtaining residence permits;
• developed tourist flow contributing to high property occupancy;
• stable profitability upon resale.

These factors make buying in Malta a calculated step in the strategy of forming long-term assets, rather than an emotional decision.

Potential for Short-Term and Long-Term Rentals

Thanks to a fixed tax rate and no double taxation with several EU countries, advantageous real estate investments in Malta ensure a stable inflow of funds.

In conditions of inflation and sanctions pressure, many investors question why buy real estate abroad and find in this step a stable and secure way to preserve capital – as an effective alternative to investing in business, finance, or stocks.

Preferred Types of Properties: What Investors Choose?

Before deciding to invest capital in Maltese property, investors analyze a set of criteria. The main ones include:

• legal transparency of the transaction;
• market value and resale prospects;
• demand for rental;
• location of the property and its transportation accessibility.

More property owners prefer buying commercial real estate oriented towards offices, hotels, restaurants, and coworking spaces. This is explained by the increasing number of expatriates and growing business traffic in the region.

List of Reasons for Investing

There are several solid reasons why Malta remains popular among international investors. The most significant ones are:

• political and legal stability;
• simple tax system;
• favorable conditions for citizenship acquisition;
• constant rental demand from tourists, students, and entrepreneurs;
• EU member country status with high living standards.

Each of these factors strengthens the argument for why to buy real estate abroad specifically in this region.

Conclusion

The answer to why buy real estate abroad in the context of Malta is a combination of stability, profitability, and comfort. The calm climate, transparent legislation, capital protection, tax benefits, and stable rental market make the country one of the most predictable and advantageous jurisdictions for investments in 2025!