A Guide to the Best Places to Live in Malta

The number of people making the permanent move to Malta is ever-increasing. With its rich history, beautiful scenery, and Mediterranean climate, it’s unsurprising.

But, with so many towns and cities to choose from, where is the best place to live in Malta?

We’ve explored some of the top destinations for those seeking advice on the best places to live in Malta, taking into consideration the cost of living, popular amenities, and quality of life.

Living in Malta – Top Destinations

1. Sliema

Sliema is widely considered one of the best places to live in Malta, particularly for expats. Situated on the eastern coast of Malta, Sliema provides breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea and a delightful climate.

Boasting a population of 23,000, Sliema is, by far, one of the liveliest areas in Malta. If you’re considering living in the country long-term, Sliema offers the ideal balance of commodity and relaxation.

It also offers a wide range of amenities, including excellent schools , high-end shopping, and some of the best restaurants on the island. Sliema measures a mere 1.3 square kilometres and is well connected to the rest of the island - with excellent transport links to places such as Valletta, Malta’s capital city.

2. Valetta

As the capital city of Malta, Valletta is rich in cultural heritage. Classic meets contemporary in its stunning architecture, with Baroque palaces, and City Gate and the Parliament House (pictured) (both designed by famed Italian architect Renzo Piano) amongst many highlights.

For those seeking to live in Malta permanently, Valletta offers a fantastic blend of old and new, making it an attractive destination for both tourists and potential investors.

Valletta offers residents an extensive range of amenities, including top-rated schools, a wealth of history and culture, and ideal access to the sea, all of which contribute to the high quality of life people enjoy here.

Due to Valletta’s close proximity to mainland Europe and the Middle East, it is seen by investors as one of the best places to live in Malta, as it provides attractive opportunities for business expansion into these markets.

3. Mellieħa

Mellieħa offers an idyllic lifestyle, with picturesque views and tranquil surroundings, making it a popular choice for those looking to live in Malta.

Situated in the north of the country, Mellieħa has one of the longest stretches of sandy beaches on the island and fantastic access to public transport, allowing for easy travel to different parts of the country.

Expats who have moved to Mellieħa would be right in saying that it offers the perfect blend of relaxation, beauty, and modern amenities, making it an ideal location to move to if considering citizenship or residency by investment.

4. Marsaxlokk

Marsaxlokk is a picturesque fishing village on the south-eastern coast of the island. Famous for its bustling atmosphere and beautiful harbour, it’s becoming an increasingly popular destination for those seeking citizenship or residency in Malta.

Marsaxlokk is in an advantageous position due to its location, near Malta Freeport, one of the busiest container ports in the Mediterranean and a central hub for international trade. This provides an excellent opportunity for businesses that require access to global markets.

The combination of the rich culture, warm climate and thriving business environment make Marsaxlokk one of the best places to live in Malta.

5. Gozo

Gozo is a beautiful island located just a short ferry ride from Malta. Despite being smaller than other potential relocation destinations in Malta, the island has a well-developed business community, including tourism, agricultural, and manufacturing companies.

In addition to the business advantages, Gozo offers residents a high quality, but slower pace of life, with a welcoming community. Renowned for its excellent healthcare system and high standard of education, it’s undoubtedly one of the best destinations for families looking to relocate to Malta.

How is Living in Malta Possible for Expats?

Several visa options are available to those considering living in Malta
permanently.

Malta Residency-by-Investment

•  Investment through property purchase – make a government contribution of €68,000 AND purchase a property with a minimum value of €300,000 in the south of Malta and Gozo, or €350,000 elsewhere in the country.
• Investment through property leasing – make a government contribution of €98,000 AND rent a residential property for a minimum annual lease of €10,000 in the south of Malta and Gozo, or €12,000 elsewhere in the country.
  For both options a charity donation of EUR 2,000 is required along with the need
  of the applicant and family members to hold Maltese health insurance.

Malta Citizenship-by-Investment

• Contribution Option 1 – 36 months residency – Make a non-refundable contribution to the National Development and Social Fund of €600,000 for the main applicant and €50,000 for the spouse and each dependant.
• Contribution Option 2 – 12 months residency – Make a non-refundable contribution to the National Development and Social Fund for a shorter application turnaround of €750,000 for the main applicant and €50,000 for the spouse and each dependent,
• Investment through property - applicants must meet one of the following criteria €16,000 per annum of a leased residential property in Malta held for at least five years after naturalisation OR €700,000 purchase of residential property in Malta held for at least five years after naturalisation.Due diligence fees will apply to all Citizenship-by-Investment options.

For more information on gaining residency-by-investment in Malta or citizenship-by-investment in Malta please refer to our programme pages, alternatively, get in touch with one of our helpful advisors today who would be happy to discuss your circumstances and options.