Malta residency – A compelling solution for relocation in the heart of the Mediterranean
If you’re toying with the idea of relocation, and you’re eyeing Europe as a destination, then the island state of Malta, in the heart of the Mediterranean, should be top of your list for consideration.
Malta is a strong European jurisdiction with a robust economy and one of the more popular destinations for residency-by-investment.
The combination of a good quality of life, excellent public services and a thriving expat community consistently earns Malta high points.
A second residency in Malta offers an alternative to individuals and families – either as a Plan B or as a permanent relocation solution and mobility with visa-free access to Schengen for 90 out of 180 days, facilitating movement for both leisure and business.
Here are the top reasons why South African families are considering permanent residency in Malta.
Safety and security
Malta is one of the safest countries in the world. It is a democratic state, a member of the European Union and enjoys a stable government.
Malta is a progressive country with legislation that protects civil unions and universal freedoms.
Society is based on strong family values and people enjoy an outdoors lifestyle where leisure activities revolve around children and the extended family.
Residents thrive in a Mediterranean culture of familiarity and a local community that is more often than not hospitable and supportive.
English is an official language
English is one of Malta’s official languages, alongside Maltese, and gives the country an edge over others when it comes to relocation.
English is very widely spoken and as a consequence foreign families find it easy to settle in and find their way around.
English is the language for doing business, government services are also offered in English and one can also ready local media in English.
Due to the significant percentage of expats who have made Malta their home, Maltese society is multicultural, with services catered accordingly.
Doing business
Entrepreneurs wishing to use Malta as a base, or as a launch pad for their business ventures, will find a supportive eco-system, with government entities geared to assist, and even fund innovative start-ups.
Successful industries in Malta include hospitality, i-gaming, aviation and maritime, financial services, pharmaceuticals, life-sciences, film and knowledge industries among others, offering entrepreneurs a wide choice of areas to explore.
Second residency in a European and well-connected country like Malta offers commercial opportunities for a wide range of enterprises.
For those wishing to relocate highly innovative startups and scale-ups, the Malta Startup Residence Programme offers founders and core employees a 3+5-year residency that enables them to reside in the medium term, while focusing on growing their ventures.
Lifestyle
Life in Malta is a unique experience. With a chequered past dating from pre-history, Malta is a melting pot of cultures.
History buffs will love the country’s numerous heritage sites as the islands are dotted with baroque churches, military architecture, medieval fortifications and freestanding temples that are among the oldest in the world.
For those attracted to the outdoors, the beaches, treks, water sports and dive sites all offer enjoyable leisure time.
Malta’s mild climate has created a leisure culture of outdoor dining and entertainment, with food and music festivals happening almost every weekend.
Those with refined tastes are also well occupied with a full calendar of art, film, theatre and cultural performances. Indeed, Malta truly has something for everyone.
Services
Malta boasts excellent quality services. Government services are efficient, offering highly rated e-services in English. Public transport is free for residents, and 5G internet and free public wifi hotspots cover all the Islands.
Malta boasts reputable educational institutions, a 400-year-old University, a College for Science, Arts and Technology and private entities offering overseas degrees from the most renowned British universities.
The country’s state healthcare services are highly rated and a good and reasonably priced health insurance will ensure adequate coverage and access to Malta’s best facilities.
The Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP)
As people increasingly seeking to secure better futures for their families, the demand for second residency outside their country or origin or domicile remains relentless.
The MPRP offers an attractive proposition in this regard – a property-based residency-by-investment programme that gives beneficiaries the right to stay, settle and reside permanently in Malta. With options to purchase or lease property, and make a direct contribution to
government, family relocation in a safe and stable country becomes a reality.
Managed by Residency Malta Agency, applicants must go through a four-tier due diligence exercise that ensures that only fit-and-proper individuals and families are given Maltese residence status.
Applications are required to be submitted via a licensed agent, who will act on their behalf.
To meet growing demand, a team from Residency Malta will be in Johannesburg this October to promote the Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP) at the 2025 Outbound Investment South Africa Summit.
Interested parties are encouraged to get in touch for further details.
More information about the MPRP can be found on Residency Malta’s website.
Alternatively, one may explore the list of licensed agents here.
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