For Retirees
Retiring to Malta: Taxes, Residency & Lifestyle
Malta combines a Mediterranean climate, EU safety, and an attractive tax regime for retirees. The Malta Retirement Programme offers a 15% flat tax on foreign income – alongside a high quality of life and short flight times to the UK and mainland Europe.
15%
MRP Flat Tax
€15,000
Min. Annual Tax
€275k
Property (Buy from)
300+
Sunny Days / Year
Since 2013 · CSP Class C · MFSA Regulated
At a Glance
The Malta Retirement Programme (MRP) offers retirees a 15% flat tax on foreign income remitted to Malta. Requirements: Property in Malta (purchase from €275k in Northern Malta or €220k in Gozo/Southern Malta, or rent from €9,600/year), health insurance, and a minimum annual tax of €15,000. Benefits include EU membership, 300+ days of sunshine, and short flights to the UK and Europe.
Why retire in Malta?
Malta offers retirees and pensioners from the UK and Northern Europe a combination few other locations can match: English as an official language, a well-established tax regime for retirees, and a Mediterranean climate with over 300 days of sunshine a year.
The Malta Retirement Programme (MRP) allows for a flat tax of 15% on foreign income remitted to Malta – subject to a minimum annual tax of EUR 15,000. Under the Double Tax Treaty, many foreign pensions can be taxed in Malta rather than your home country, potentially leading to significant tax savings.
From a practical perspective, Malta stands out due to its compact size, excellent medical care, and a vibrant expatriate community. Flight connections to London and major European hubs are frequent and affordable – a crucial factor for retirees who wish to visit family and friends regularly.
Compared to Portugal (whose NHR programme is no longer available to new applicants) or Spain, Malta offers a clearly defined, stable programme for retirees that has proven reliable for years.
Malta vs. Portugal vs. Spain vs. Greece for Retirees
| Jurisdiction | Tax Programme | Flat Tax | EU Member | Cost of Living |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Malta | MRP (Stable) | 15% | Yes | Moderate |
| Portugal | NHR (Discontinued) | Ended/Changed | Yes | Moderate |
| Spain | Beckham Law (Limited) | 24% | Yes | Mod-High |
| Greece | Non-Dom (since 2020) | 7% | Yes | Low |
The Malta Retirement Programme at a Glance
The Malta Retirement Programme (MRP) is designed for EU/EEA nationals wishing to retire in Malta. Requirements include purchasing or renting a property in Malta (purchase from EUR 275,000 in Northern Malta or EUR 220,000 in Gozo/Southern Malta, or rent from approx. EUR 9,600/year), comprehensive health insurance, and proof of regular income.
Under the MRP, foreign income remitted to Malta is taxed at a flat rate of 15%. There is a minimum annual tax liability of EUR 15,000. Income not remitted to Malta is generally not subject to tax (remittance basis). Capital gains arising outside Malta are typically tax-exempt under specific conditions.
“The Malta Retirement Programme is one of the most stable tax schemes for retirement migration in the EU. While Portugal's NHR is no longer available to new applicants, Malta has offered a reliable framework for years.”
Dr. Jörg Werner
Founder, DW&P Dr. Werner & Partners
Taxation of Foreign Pensions in Malta
The question of where your pension is taxed is governed by the Double Tax Treaty (DTT) between your home country and Malta. Generally, private and state pensions can often be assigned to the country of residence (Malta) for taxation purposes under the DTT.
Government service pensions (e.g., civil service) are typically taxed in the source country. Occupational pensions and private pension schemes require individual assessment. We provide a tailored analysis of your income sources and calculate your specific tax liability under the Malta Retirement Programme.
Tip: Start your tax planning at least 6 months before your planned move – particularly to ensure a clean exit from the tax system in your home country.
Healthcare and Cost of Living
Malta has a robust public healthcare system (Mater Dei Hospital) as well as several high-standard private clinics. EU citizens can access public care via the EHIC/GHIC. However, comprehensive private health insurance is a mandatory requirement for the MRP.
The cost of living in Malta is moderate: groceries and dining out are often cheaper than in the UK or Northern Europe, though property prices vary significantly by location. Prices are higher in the Sliema/St. Julian's area, while the south of the island is considerably more affordable. We also provide advice on practical aspects of settling in.
Client Voices
What trust looks like in practice.
Our Process
Initial Tax Assessment
Analysis of your income sources (state pension, private pension, capital gains, property) and calculation of tax liability under the MRP.
MRP Application
Preparation and submission of the Malta Retirement Programme application to the Maltese authorities, including all necessary documentation.
Property & Health Insurance
Support with finding a property and securing MRP-compliant health insurance coverage.
Relocation & Registration
Assistance with residency registration, tax number application, and opening a bank account in Malta.
Ongoing Support
Annual tax returns under the MRP and communication with Maltese and foreign tax authorities.
Your situation deserves an individual analysis.
In a free initial consultation, we assess whether and how Malta works for you.
Schedule consultationRelevant Advisory Services
International Tax Advisory
Tax analysis and optimisation for retirees with income streams from multiple countries.
Learn moreEstablishmentRelocation Malta
Full support for your move to Malta – from finding a home to registering with authorities.
Learn moreEstablishmentResidence & Work Permits
EU registration and residence cards for your permanent move to Malta.
Learn moreEstablishmentBank Account Opening
Opening a personal bank account in Malta for your daily financial needs.
Learn moreYour Contact
Frequently Asked Questions
Transparency matters to us. Here you will find answers to the most common questions on this topic.
This depends on the type of pension and the Double Tax Treaty between your home country and Malta. State and private pensions can often be taxed in Malta under specific conditions. Government service pensions are usually taxed in the source country. We will prepare an individual analysis for you.
There are no government application fees, but the minimum annual tax is EUR 15,000. You must also factor in the costs for property (purchase or rent) and health insurance. We will discuss advisory and application fees during your initial consultation.
Malta has a solid public health system and several private clinics. While EU citizens have access to public care, private health insurance is mandatory for the MRP. We will help you select a suitable policy.
Yes. You can apply for the MRP jointly. Spouses and dependent children can be included. We will verify the specific requirements for your family situation.
The MRP requires you to hold a permanent address in Malta, and Malta must be your tax residence. The requirement is to spend at least 90 days per year in Malta, and no more than 183 days in any single other country. Regular visits to your home country are permitted.
You can keep your property in your home country. Rental income is typically subject to tax in the country where the property is located (source country). We coordinate the tax treatment in both jurisdictions.
Next step
Ready for the next step?
Book your free initial consultation now – in person or via video call.
Dr Jörg Werner
Founder & Lawyer
and his team in Malta
