From Dubai to Malta
From Dubai to Malta - Your Fresh Start in Europe
Living in Dubai and looking to shift your base back to Europe? We've been helping expats relocate to Malta since 2013. Tax, legal, and practical support - all under one roof.
Free initial consultation
Find out confidentially and without obligation whether Malta is the right next step for you.
Understand it in 60 seconds
Who it's for
Expats currently living in Dubai who want to shift their base to Europe - whether as an entrepreneur, private individual, or family.
The result
A well-planned move with sorted residency status, clear tax arrangements, and local registration in Malta.
The process
Initial consultation - tailored residency planning - guided relocation including dealing with authorities.
Next step
A free initial call with an experienced advisor - confidential and with no obligation.
Who a move from Dubai to Malta makes sense for
Malta is a great fit for certain life situations. In other cases, Dubai remains the better choice. We'll discuss this openly in our first call.
Malta is a good fit if you
- Want to permanently shift your center of life to Europe
- Value being closer to family and friends in the UK or Europe - a 3-hour flight instead of 7
- Want the EU legal framework and freedom of movement as the foundation for your life
- Prefer a mild climate without the extreme heat of the Gulf region
- Appreciate an active English-speaking expat community to help you settle in
- View the geopolitical situation in the Gulf as a risk factor and prefer a secure, neutral location
- Want to plan your move properly - with clean tax arrangements and clear residency status
Dubai remains better if you
- See 0% personal income tax as your absolute priority - Dubai has 0%, Malta does not
- Expect a big-city lifestyle with skyscrapers and luxury infrastructure - Malta is a compact island
- Rely on physical proximity to the MENA region or Asia for your business
Why expats moving from Dubai work with us
We made the move ourselves, we don't just advise on it
Our firm was founded in Malta in 2013 - not as a branch office, but as a deliberate move. We know the process from our own experience, from dealing with Identity Malta to finding an apartment. That makes a real difference to the quality of our advice.
Everything under one roof - no communication gaps
Residency status, tax arrangements, Non-Dom applications, bank accounts, health insurance. With us, a team of lawyers, tax advisors, and administrative experts coordinates everything centrally. You don't need three different service providers.
Honest assessment before you hire us
We don't make money by selling you on Malta if it's not a good fit. In our free initial consultation, we openly check whether your plans are realistic. If Dubai is better for your situation, we'll tell you - before you incur any costs.
Our Process
How we handle your move from Dubai to Malta
From your first conversation to your new home in Malta - we personally guide you through every step.
Initial consultation
In a free call, we look at your current situation in Dubai and your goals. We check whether Malta fits your professional and personal life - and what tax implications you need to consider when making the switch.
Residency planning
You get a tailored roadmap: tax structuring, Malta residency registration, Non-Dom application, insurance, and all administrative steps at a glance. For deregistration and wrapping things up in Dubai, we coordinate with our local partner network if needed.
Relocation
We guide you through the actual move to Malta - from registering with Identity Malta to opening a bank account. Even after you arrive, we remain your local point of contact.
What you actually get at each stage
No vague chats without results. Every phase has a tangible outcome.
Initial consultation
Free- A personal assessment of whether Malta suits your life situation in Dubai
- An overview of the tax implications when moving from Dubai to Malta
- Categorising your case: Which residency status is an option?
- Clear advice on the next logical steps - or an honest recommendation against the move
Residency planning
Mandate- A written roadmap with all administrative steps and deadlines
- A checklist of documents needed for registration in Malta and guidance on wrapping up in Dubai via our partner network
- Tax support: transition phase, double tax treaty application, Non-Dom application
- Coordination with your existing tax advisor in your home country, if desired
Guided relocation
Mandate- Support with registering at Identity Malta and applying for your e-Residence Card
- Assistance with opening a bank account and setting up health insurance
- Coordination of practical steps: finding an apartment, signing contracts, dealing with authorities
- A dedicated local contact in Malta - even after your move is complete
After the initial consultation, you'll know if Malta is right for you. After the relocation, you'll have sorted residency status, a clean tax setup, and a reliable contact on the ground.
What changes when you move from Dubai to Malta
A 7-hour flight to the UK or Europe - visiting family becomes an expedition
Around a 3-hour flight to London and major European cities - easy enough for a weekend trip
No permanent residency right - status depends on employment or investment
EU freedom of movement for EU citizens, permanent residency rights, Schengen travel freedom
Rising cost of living: rents up 13% (2025), education is the fourth most expensive globally
Moderate cost of living compared to the rest of Europe, affordable international schools
Extreme summer heat - outdoor activities are barely possible from June to September
Mediterranean climate with over 300 days of sunshine, pleasant temperatures year-round
No EU banking infrastructure - EU banks apply Enhanced Due Diligence to UAE structures
EU bank account, full SEPA access, no friction with European business partners
Geopolitical uncertainty - the 2026 Iran escalation showed the Gulf region's vulnerability
Constitutional neutrality (Art. 1 Sec. 3), no military alliance, stable security situation in the heart of Europe
A 7-hour flight to the UK or Europe - visiting family becomes an expedition
Around a 3-hour flight to London and major European cities - easy enough for a weekend trip
No permanent residency right - status depends on employment or investment
EU freedom of movement for EU citizens, permanent residency rights, Schengen travel freedom
Rising cost of living: rents up 13% (2025), education is the fourth most expensive globally
Moderate cost of living compared to the rest of Europe, affordable international schools
Extreme summer heat - outdoor activities are barely possible from June to September
Mediterranean climate with over 300 days of sunshine, pleasant temperatures year-round
No EU banking infrastructure - EU banks apply Enhanced Due Diligence to UAE structures
EU bank account, full SEPA access, no friction with European business partners
Geopolitical uncertainty - the 2026 Iran escalation showed the Gulf region's vulnerability
Constitutional neutrality (Art. 1 Sec. 3), no military alliance, stable security situation in the heart of Europe
A clean move. Properly documented.
Personal
Dr. Jörg Werner
Lawyer & Founder
Emigrating is a life decision, not a tax trick. We 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 there
- Has personally guided international expats for over a decade
- Specialises in exit taxation, residency relocation, and Non-Dom status
I know what it means to leave everything familiar behind. If you're wondering whether Malta is right for you, I'd be happy to discuss it with you personally.
Visit us in Birkirkara - many questions are best answered over a coffee.
Your local team
Our team for your move from Dubai to Malta
Horst Wickinghoff
Senior New Business Manager
Experienced solutions expert for relocation and business transfers to Malta. Focuses on tailored planning that covers tax, legal, and practical aspects.
Nathaniel Borg
Director Audit & Consulting
Certified Public Accountant (Fellow) and MBA. Advises on corporate structure, 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 planning.
Client Voices
What our clients say about us
„DW&P stands out for me primarily because of their straightforward communication, transparent and fair pricing structure, paired with a high level of professional expertise that I haven't found anywhere else in this combination.“
„I particularly value the confidential, almost family-like relationship, where we successfully navigated every hurdle together. That's how you build lasting business relationships over the years.“
„DW&P in four words? Fast, transparent, reasonably priced, and efficient. Very efficient. Thanks Philipp and thanks Jörg for six years of successful collaboration!“
Common questions about moving from Dubai to Malta
Deregistering from Dubai involves several steps: cancelling your Emirates ID, cancelling your visa, and terminating rental agreements and local obligations. Our focus is on the Malta side: residency, tax, registration, and banking. For wrapping things up in Dubai, we work with a network of experienced partners who handle the process locally. This ensures nothing is left unresolved on either side.
In principle, bank accounts in the Emirates can be kept open after you leave. However, it's highly recommended to clarify your status with your bank beforehand - especially when your residency visa expires. In practice, some banks close accounts held by non-residents. Our partners in Dubai can help you sort this out with your bank. On the Malta side, we'll guide you through opening your new EU bank account.
Yes, Malta has several international schools teaching in English. The most well-known are Verdala International School, QSI Malta, and San Andrea School. School fees are significantly lower than comparable schools in Dubai. We're happy to give you an initial overview of which school might suit your location and requirements.
The rental market in Malta is active and very international. Popular areas for expats include Sliema, St. Julian's, Swieqi, and the area around Birkirkara. Depending on location and size, rents typically range from EUR 1,200 to EUR 2,500 for a three-bedroom apartment. We provide initial guidance on areas and pricing, and we can review tenancy agreements from a legal perspective.
Malta has a public healthcare system alongside several private clinics. Mater Dei Hospital is the main public hospital. For expats, we generally recommend private medical insurance - either an international policy or a local solution. We can advise you on this and put you in touch with suitable insurance providers.
The transition phase is the most sensitive point from a tax perspective. Dubai has no personal income tax, but as soon as you establish residency in Malta, Maltese rules apply. Under Non-Dom status, you are only taxed on Maltese-source income and foreign income remitted to Malta. In our initial consultation, we'll clarify how to structure the transition cleanly.
The call takes about 30 minutes and is conducted by an experienced advisor. We'll listen to your current situation in Dubai, ask specific questions, and give you an initial assessment: Does Malta fit your life? What would the next steps be? You'll leave the call with clear guidance and absolutely no obligation.
The initial consultation is completely free and without obligation. The cost of a mandate depends on the complexity of your case. We discuss our fee structure transparently before we start working together - there are no hidden costs. What you get is personal support from a team that knows your case inside out from day one.
No, you don't need to have an apartment in Malta beforehand. Many of our clients initially stay in a serviced apartment or hotel for a few weeks and look for a permanent place once they arrive. However, we do recommend researching the rental market in advance and ideally scheduling some viewings for when you get here.
Yes, absolutely. As a licensed law firm, we are bound by professional secrecy. Your details will never be passed on to third parties. Our processes are fully GDPR-compliant, and we treat every inquiry with the utmost discretion - whether or not you end up becoming a client.
Next step
Let's find out together if Malta is the right next step after Dubai
Moving from Dubai to Malta is a major decision. We help you make it based on solid facts - not just a gut feeling.
Free initial consultation: Relocating Dubai - Malta
- You'll know whether Malta realistically suits your personal and financial situation
- You'll understand how the tax transition from Dubai to Malta works
- You'll know the right residency status for your specific case
- You'll see exactly what steps are required next - including timelines and effort
- You'll get an honest assessment of whether working with us makes sense
We only take on mandates where we can add genuine value. We'll figure that out in our first call.
Planning your move early helps you avoid tax traps and unnecessary time pressure.
