Move to Malta
from the UK

Malta is about as close as you’ll get to a “British abroad” experience inside the EU - and post-Brexit, that mix of English-speaking, left-hand-driving Mediterranean life with Schengen access has made it one of the most practical landing spots for Brits who still want Europe without the friction.

Roughly 13,000 British citizens now call these 316 km² of sun-bleached limestone home.

English is an official language and widely used in daily life, business, and government. The legal system blends British common law with continental European structures.

Part of the lifestyle here are very, very familiar.

Right down to the plug sockets, which are the same three-pin type you’ve got at home. Even the George Cross sits on the flag - a reminder that Britain ruled Malta from 1800 to 1964… and a lot of that influence never really left.

St Paul’s Bay, Bugibba, and Qawra form a northern coastal strip that functions as a kind of “Little Britain” - you’ll find pockets of pubs, chippies, and a ready-made social circle, particularly for retirees.

Working-age expats tend to base themselves around Sliema and St Julian’s, close to the iGaming offices (contributing over 12% of Malta’s GDP), cafés, and nightlife.

If you want something quieter, Mellieħa or Gozo offer a slower, more village-style pace of life.

In terms of making the adjustment, the first thing you’ll notice is that day-to-day living runs on Mediterranean time - which is either part of the charm or a constant frustration… depending on your personality.

Shops still close in the afternoon in some areas. Admin can move slowly. Summer temperatures regularly push past 35°C.

Much of life revolves around village festas - loud, colourful celebrations with fireworks, music, and entire streets lit up for days.

And then there’s the slow gentrification: construction is everywhere, and the pace of development is starting to wear thin (even with long-term residents).

Malta has a strong public healthcare system, previously ranked as high as #5 in the world by WHO (albeit back in 2000!). The system is anchored by Mater Dei Hospital in Msida - a modern, large-scale teaching hospital with 1000+ beds.

English is widely used across the system, and most consultations, records, and prescriptions are all hhandled in English.

Emergency care is free for everyone, including visitors.

Who gets what

If you’re employed in Malta and paying social security contributions, you’ll have access to the public healthcare system on the same basis as Maltese citizens.

Many other residence routes (including investment and some permit holders) require private health insurance as a condition of residency.

Post-Brexit, UK visitors can use a GHIC for medically necessary treatment during short stays. UK residents with an approved S1 can access state healthcare in Malta, depending on their status.

Private healthcare

Private healthcare is widely used and generally much faster to access than the public system.

You can expect to pay roughly £15-50 for a GP visit, depending on whether you use a pharmacy clinic or a private hospital. Dental check-ups are typically £30-60. Imaging and specialist care are much cheaper than in the UK.

The main private providers include St James Hospital Group and St Thomas Hospital.

Prescriptions are usually paid at cost rather than subsidised, but even here, prices are often lower than UK private prescriptions. Pharmacies are widespread, easy to find, and many will offer walk-in GP-style consultations.

Mental health and insurance

English-speaking therapists are readily available, typically costing £40-80 per session. Availability is good, but quality varies - as with private care anywhere.

Health insurance is required for most non-employed residents. Basic local policies are relatively inexpensive, but if you want comprehensive international cover, this will obviously be significantly higher.

As a rough guide, budget £600-1,500 per year for a single person, depending on age and level of cover.

Wondering how the kids will settle?

Malta works best for British families with younger children - it has a safe environment, English is widely used, plus it has good healthcare, and relatively affordable childcare to boot.

For teenagers, though, it’s more of a trade-off: the island’s small size can start to feel suffocating, and potentially limiting both socially and culturally.

International schools

Malta has a solid range of private and international schools, most following British or IB curricula.

• Verdala International School (Pembroke): The leading international option, offering the full IB programme alongside IGCSE. Diverse student body and a unique historic campus. Fees are at the top end for Malta. Fees from €10,300-€15,700.
• St Edward's College (Cottonera): Established 1929, British-style system with IB Diploma in sixth form. Boarding available. Fees here.
• San Andrea School (near Mġarr): English National Curriculum in a countryside setting. Apparently one of the most affordable options. Child-centred, nurturing environment.
• Chiswick House & St Martin's College: British curriculum with IGCSE, A-Levels, and IB. Fees work out to around £5,220-7,830/year. Central location.

Fees are generally lower than UK private schools, but the exact cost will vary significantly based on both chosen school and current year group.

State schools

State schools are free for residents and operate in a bilingual Maltese–English system.

In practice, younger children tend to adapt quickly, especially in primary years.

For older children, the language mix can be more challenging - particularly if they arrive with no Maltese.

For this reason, many British expat families opt for private or international schools, especially from age 8+.

Childcare

Malta’s Free Childcare Scheme covers children from 3 months to 3 years where both parents are working or in education, with the government paying the provider directly.

Private childcare is still relatively affordable by UK standards, and kindergarten is free from age three.

Overall, we’d say that Malta is one of the more cost-effective childcare environments in Europe for working families

Getting Around

Malta drives on the left… perfectly familiar at first, until you experience the traffic. Roads are narrow, congestion is heavy, and rush hour can be ridiculously slow for such a small island.

Public transport is centred around the Tallinja bus network, which covers most of the island. It’s free for residents with a personalised card on standard routes, but it’s not the most reliable of services… especially at peak times.

Most long-term expats end up owning or leasing a car for convenience. Doing so gives you access to the whole island, after all.

Ride-hailing apps like Bolt and local-based eCabs are widely used and perfectly reasonable for shorter trips.

If you’re moving long-term, plan ahead with your licence - you’ll need to exchange your UK licence for a Maltese one before it expires, as renewing through the DVLA is not possible once you’re resident abroad.

Phone and internet

Malta has three main telecom providers: GO, Epic, and Melita. Coverage is strong across the islands, we don’t hear too many complaints, and fibre broadband is widely available in urban areas.

Mobile plans are generally affordable by UK standards, and home internet speeds are more than sufficient for remote work, streaming, and video calls.

Banking

Opening a local bank account in Malta can be rather slow and paperwork-heavy.

Expect the process to take several weeks, with identity checks and proof of address required.

The main retail banks are Bank of Valletta, HSBC Malta, and BNF.

Language

English is an official language, and its enshrined in the constitution.

Over 88% of the population speaks it fluently. All signage, menus, legal contracts, and government services are available in English. You can live a complete life without learning Maltese.

That said, Maltese remains the primary language in many local settings - particularly in state schools and parts of the public sector - so you’ll hear it regularly even if you don’t need to speak it. And your kid will have to learn it if he/she goes to a state school.

Property

Foreigners can buy property in Malta, but most purchases by non-EU nationals require an AIP (Acquisition of Immovable Property) permit.

Yes, more paperwork.

The fee is €233, and processing typically takes a few weeks.

There are Special Designated Areas (SDAs) - such as Portomaso, Tigné Point, and Fort Chambray - that are exempt from these restrictions, meaning no permit is required and multiple properties can be purchased.

As a rule, renting first is strongly recommended in Malta.

Viewing in person is also good practice.

Malta does not have an annual property tax. Buyers typically pay 5% stamp duty, with a small provisional payment on signing.

Pets

Bringing pets to Malta is straightforward if you follow the rules.

Dogs, cats, and ferrets must be microchipped, vaccinated against rabies (with a 21-day wait after the primary vaccination), and issued with an Animal Health Certificate within 10 days of travel. UK-issued pet passports are no longer valid for entry.

Dogs must also receive tapeworm treatment between 24 and 120 hours before arrival.

There is no quarantine as long as all requirements are met and documented correctly. You’ll also need to notify the authorities in advance using Malta’s pet arrival system.