Moving from the UK to Malta: Your 2025 Relocation & Work Guide

Tired of drizzle, rail strikes and £7 pints? Malta offers 300 days of sun, an English-speaking office culture, and tax perks that don’t require selling a kidney 😂. Below is the no-fluff, Brexit-proof guide to moving to Malta from the UK—covering visas, jobs and day-to-day costs so you land prepared, not panicked.

Permits & Visas 🗂️

UK citizens working in Malta after Brexit need one of three routes:

  • Single Permit (standard employment):
    • Get a Maltese job offer first; employer initiates the application.
    • Typical processing: 2–3 months.
  • Nomad Residence Permit (remote worker):
    • Keep your UK employer and work remotely from Malta.
    • Minimum gross income: €42 000/year.
  • Self-Employment Authorisation (freelancers / entrepreneurs):
    • Show a viable business plan plus at least €500 in share capital.
    • Approval is stricter and slower than for the Single Permit.

90-day Schengen stay without a permit is fine for tourism and job-hunting, but no paid work allowed.

Job Market Snapshot 💼

Sectors hiring Brits in 2025

  • iGaming & sports-betting operations
  • FinTech and blockchain compliance
  • Aviation MRO (Air Malta 2.0 ramp-up)
  • Tourism & hospitality rebound
  • Shared-service centres seeking native-English CX agents

Average gross salary: roughly €20 500/year (≈ €1 700/month). It’s below London pay-cheques, but remember major expenses are lower and sunshine is free.

Quick win: Filter “English-only” or “remote” roles on Jobhound.mt to dodge Maltese-language listings.

Cost of Living vs UK 💷

  • Overall: about 18 % cheaper than the UK average.
  • Rent:
    • Valletta 1-bed flat: €700–€1 200/month.
    • Comparable London Zone 2 flat: £1 400+ per month.
  • Beer: €4 a pint in Malta vs £6–7 in most UK cities.
  • Typical expat budget: €1 600–€1 900/month for a single person, excluding wild cocktail habits.

Bottom line: take-home pay drops, but so does outgo—it balances out if you avoid tourist prices.

Taxes & Social Security 📑

  • Income tax bands: 0–35 % (progressive).
  • Social security: about 10 %, split between employer and employee.
  • Double-tax treaty means you won’t pay UK and Maltese tax on the same income—file HMRC form SA109.
  • Remote nomads are taxed only on Malta-sourced income; foreign salary can stay abroad.

Finding a Home 🏠

Popular expat areas

  • Sliema & St Julian’s – nightlife, seaside promenades, most English speakers.
  • Gżira – cheaper rent, still lively.
  • Valletta – historic charm (and a daily stair workout).

Rental basics

  • One-month deposit plus first month’s rent up front.
  • Demand a registered contract for tenant rights.
  • Best bargains appear in January–February when tourist lets sit empty; negotiate 10-15 % off annual leases.

Everyday Admin 🛠️

  • Healthcare: EHIC/GHIC covers emergencies; residents register for state care or buy private cover (€35–€60/month).
  • Driving: UK photocard licence is valid, but swap for a Maltese one if staying long-term.
  • Banking: Revolut/Wise work, yet a local IBAN keeps landlords happy.
  • Language: English is official—“Mela!” and “Grazzi” will take you far in Maltese social life.

Relocation Checklist ✅

  1. Secure a job or remote contract (check Jobhound.mt) .
  2. Apply for the right permit (Single, Nomad or Self-employment).
  3. Book 4–6 weeks of temporary accommodation.
  4. Ship belongings or go minimalist—full containers cost £10–15 k door-to-door.
  5. Arrange private health insurance for visa approval.
  6. Open a multi-currency account (GBP+EUR).
  7. Register for Maltese tax and social security within 14 days of permit issue.
  8. Grab a local SIM (Melita or Epic).
  9. Lock down a long-term rental and sign a contract.
  10. Celebrate with pastizzi and a cold Cisk—relocation complete!

FAQs Brits Keep Googling 🔍

Is Malta in Schengen?
Yes. UK citizens get 90 visa-free days but no work rights without a permit.

How long does the Single Permit really take?
Count on 8–12 weeks from biometrics appointment to approval—start early.

Can I bring pets?
Absolutely. Microchip, rabies jab and an EU Animal Health Certificate will get your furry mate through customs.

Will my NHS pension transfer?
It’s paid gross worldwide. If you’re resident in Malta for 183 days+, Maltese tax rules apply instead of UK.

Final Word 🌞

Relocating from Britain to Malta in 2025 is less “sip Aperol on the Med 24/7” and more “do paperwork, then sip Aperol”. Nail the permits, budget realistically, and target English-friendly sectors. You’ll swap drizzle for sunsets—and maybe save a few quid while you’re at it.

Ready? Browse UK-friendly jobs on Jobhound.mt and turn the island dream into a signed contract.