From Cyprus to Malta
From Cyprus to Malta - closer to the UK, built for the long term
Malta offers an indefinite non-dom status, 5% corporate tax, and is just a 3-hour flight from London. We've been helping international expats relocate to Malta since 2013 - including those moving from other EU countries.
Free initial consultation
Find out if moving from Cyprus to Malta is the right step for you, with no strings attached.
The 60-second summary
Who it's for
UK and European expats currently living in Cyprus who are considering a move to Malta - whether as private individuals, retirees, or business owners.
The outcome
A seamlessly planned move with a clear residency status in Malta and optimised taxes. We'll coordinate with experienced local partners to handle your deregistration in Cyprus.
The process
Initial consultation - tailored relocation planning - guided move, including dealing with all Maltese authorities.
Next steps
A free initial call with an experienced advisor - strictly confidential and with no obligation.
Who should move from Cyprus to Malta - and who shouldn't
Malta offers clear advantages over Cyprus in certain situations. In others, moving simply isn't necessary. We'll discuss this openly during your initial consultation.
Malta beats Cyprus if you
- Want to be closer to the UK and significantly cut down your flight time home
- Want to secure your non-dom status for the long term, without a 17-year limit
- Are looking for a highly connected English-speaking expat community to help you settle in
- Want to benefit from a 5% corporate tax rate as a business owner, rather than 15%
- Value constitutional neutrality and prefer an island with no military bases, no divided territory, and no geopolitical target on its back
Cyprus remains the better choice if you
- Run an IP-driven business with an R&D nexus in Cyprus (the 2.5% IP box rate beats Malta's 5%)
- Have deep personal and business roots in Cyprus and simply don't want to move
- Need to be geographically closer to the Eastern Mediterranean or the Middle East
Why international expats choose to work with us
We've made the move ourselves
Our firm was founded in Malta in 2013 - not as a branch office, but as a deliberate relocation. We know the process firsthand, from dealing with Identity Malta to finding a place to live. That practical experience makes a huge difference to the quality of our advice.
Everything under one roof - no communication gaps
Residency status, non-dom applications, bank accounts, health insurance - our team of lawyers, tax advisors, and administrative experts coordinates everything in Malta. For your deregistration in Cyprus, we bring in trusted partners and manage the entire process for you.
An honest assessment before you hire us
If Cyprus remains the better location for you, we'll tell you. In our free initial consultation, we'll openly assess whether moving actually offers you any real benefits. If we have doubts, we'll voice them - before you spend a single penny.
Our Process
How we support your move from Cyprus to Malta
From your first conversation to your new home in Malta - we personally guide you through every step.
Initial Consultation
In a free consultation, we'll look at your current setup in Cyprus and your goals. We'll give you an honest assessment of whether Malta actually offers you an advantage.
Relocation Planning
You'll get a tailored roadmap covering your registration in Malta, tax clarity, health insurance, and all administrative steps. For your deregistration in Cyprus, we'll connect you with experienced partners and coordinate the process.
The Move
We'll guide you through the actual move to Malta - from registering with Identity Malta to finding a property. And we'll remain your dedicated point of contact long after you've settled in.
Exactly what you get at each stage
No vague chats without outcomes. Every phase delivers a tangible result.
Initial Consultation
Free of charge- A personal assessment of whether Malta actually offers advantages over Cyprus in your situation
- An overview of the tax implications when moving between two EU states
- An evaluation of your case: Which residency status makes the most sense in Malta?
- A clear outline of the next logical steps - or an honest recommendation to stay in Cyprus
Relocation Planning
Client Mandate- A written roadmap detailing all administrative steps and deadlines for your move
- A checklist of documents needed for your Malta registration, plus coordination of your Cyprus deregistration via our partners
- Tax support in Malta: non-dom application, shifting residency, and coordination with your Cypriot tax advisor or our partner network
- Direct coordination with your existing tax advisor, if requested
Guided Relocation
Client Mandate- Hands-on support registering with Identity Malta and applying for your e-Residence Card
- Assistance with opening a bank account and setting up health insurance in Malta
- Coordination of practical steps: property search, signing contracts, and dealing with local authorities
- A dedicated point of contact in Malta - even after your move is complete
After the initial consultation, you'll know exactly whether moving from Cyprus to Malta makes sense. After the move, you'll have a secure residency status, an optimised tax setup, and a reliable local partner.
Cyprus and Malta: A direct comparison
4.5 to 5-hour flight to the UK
Around a 3-hour flight to London and major UK airports
Smaller expat community
Significantly larger English-speaking expat community with an active network
Non-dom status limited to 17 years (SDC exemption ends)
Indefinite non-dom status with no time limit
Divided territory, British military bases (Akrotiri, Dhekelia) as potential targets
Constitutionally neutral (Art. 1 Sec. 3), no division, no military bases
Greek as the official language (English is widely spoken, but not official)
English is an official language
15% corporate tax rate since 2026 (previously 12.5%)
5% effective corporate tax rate via an EU-compliant refund system
4.5 to 5-hour flight to the UK
Around a 3-hour flight to London and major UK airports
Smaller expat community
Significantly larger English-speaking expat community with an active network
Non-dom status limited to 17 years (SDC exemption ends)
Indefinite non-dom status with no time limit
Divided territory, British military bases (Akrotiri, Dhekelia) as potential targets
Constitutionally neutral (Art. 1 Sec. 3), no division, no military bases
Greek as the official language (English is widely spoken, but not official)
English is an official language
15% corporate tax rate since 2026 (previously 12.5%)
5% effective corporate tax rate via an EU-compliant refund system
A clean move. Properly documented.
A personal note
Dr. Jörg Werner
Lawyer & Founder
Relocating is a major life decision, not just a tax trick. We'll give you honest advice - and we'll tell you straight if Malta isn't the right place for you.“
- Relocated to Malta himself in 2013 and built the firm from the ground up
- Has personally guided international expats through their relocation for over a decade
- Specialises in exit taxation, shifting residency, and non-dom status
I know exactly what it means to leave everything familiar behind. If you're wondering whether Malta is the right fit for you, I'd be happy to discuss it with you personally.
Visit us at our office in Birkirkara - many questions are best answered over a good cup of coffee.
Your local team
The team handling your move from Cyprus to Malta
Horst Wickinghoff
Senior New Business Manager
Experienced specialist for relocations and corporate restructuring in Malta. Focuses on sustainable planning that covers tax, legal, and practical aspects.
Nathaniel Borg
Director Audit & Consulting
Certified Public Accountant (Fellow) and MBA. Advises on corporate structuring, compliance, and long-term business strategy.
Roderick Galea
Director Accounting & Tax
B.Acc. (Hons) University of Malta, Certified Public Accountant. Specialises in Maltese accounting and tax optimisation.
Client Voices
What our clients say about us
„For me, DW&P stands out primarily because of their straightforward communication, transparent and fair pricing, combined with a high level of professional expertise. I haven't found this combination anywhere else.“
„I particularly value the confidential, almost family-like relationship, which helped us successfully navigate every hurdle together. That's how you build sustainable business relationships over the years. Dr. Werner & Partners - an end-to-end service model that absolutely delivers on its promises!“
„DW&P in four words? Fast, transparent, reasonably priced, and efficient. Highly efficient. Thanks to Philipp and Jörg for six years of successful collaboration!“
Frequently asked questions about moving from Cyprus to Malta
Since both countries are EU members, the administrative burden is much lower than moving from a third country. Generally, the entire process - from initial planning to full registration in Malta - takes 2 to 4 months. This depends on the complexity of your tax situation. We'll give you a realistic timeline during your initial consultation.
You simply deregister your residence in Cyprus and register with Identity Malta. There is no 'penalty' for moving. The crucial part is ensuring your tax deregistration in Cyprus is properly documented so no issues arise later. Our focus is on the Malta side: residency, taxes, and registration. For your deregistration in Cyprus, we'll connect you with experienced local partners and coordinate the process.
Directly transferring a Cypriot health insurance policy to Malta usually isn't possible. You'll need valid health insurance in Malta as a prerequisite for registration. You have several options: private health insurance, the Maltese public system (depending on your employment status), or a pan-European policy. We'll advise you on which solution makes the most sense for your situation.
Malta is much more compact than Cyprus - the main island is roughly 27 km long and 14 km wide. Commutes are shorter, but the island is more densely populated. The English-speaking expat community is incredibly active. English is an official language and works everywhere in daily life - whereas in Cyprus, it was widely spoken but not official. The climate is similar, though Cyprus gets noticeably hotter at the peak of summer. Culturally, Malta has a strong British and Southern European influence, while Cyprus has a Greek one.
You don't have to start from scratch. Your experience living abroad and dealing with local authorities is a huge advantage. The registration process in Malta is separate, but it's significantly easier when you already know how expat life works. We handle the entire process in Malta and coordinate with experienced partners for the Cyprus side. During our initial consultation, we'll check which of your existing documents and proofs will be accepted in Malta.
The initial consultation is free and comes with no obligation. The fees for our services depend entirely on the scope of your case. We'll discuss our fee structure transparently before we start working together - there are no hidden costs. You'll receive personal support from a team that understands your case from day one.
The Cypriot and Maltese non-dom systems are completely separate. The years you've already spent as a non-dom in Cyprus don't count towards Malta - you start fresh in Malta with a new, indefinite non-dom status. This is a major advantage for many expats, especially if you're already well into your 17-year limit in Cyprus.
Yes, absolutely. As a licensed law firm, we are bound by strict professional secrecy. Your details will never be passed on to third parties. Our processes are fully GDPR-compliant, and we treat every enquiry with the utmost discretion - regardless of whether you end up becoming a client.
Next steps
Let's find out together if Malta is the better location for you
Moving from one Mediterranean island to another requires careful thought. We'll help you make that decision based on solid facts.
Free initial consultation on moving from Cyprus to Malta
- You'll know whether Malta actually offers you tax and personal advantages over Cyprus
- You'll understand exactly how Malta's non-dom status works and what it means for your bottom line
- You'll be familiar with the administrative process of moving between the two countries
- You'll see exactly which steps are required next - including timelines and effort involved
- You'll get an honest assessment of whether moving makes sense or if you're better off staying in Cyprus
We only take on clients when we see a genuine advantage over their current setup. We'll figure that out during our initial call.
Planning your move early helps you avoid tax traps and allows you to activate your non-dom status in Malta much faster.
