Moving to Malta? Talk to an Italian who's already done it.

Common questions

I had these questions too.

Short answers, with the official source underneath. Where it isn't my place to answer, I'll tell you who to ask. For your own case, there's the free call.

• Is it still worth moving to Malta?

  It depends on what you're after: Malta isn't cheap and it isn't for everyone. In the most sought-after areas, such as Sliema and St Julian's, rent is the biggest expense. In return you're still in the European Union, English is an official language and the sea is never far away. Message me: in a free 15-minute call I'll tell you how I see your case, without sugar-coating it.

  Official sources:Your Europe, residence rights·Housing Authority, registered rents by area

• How much does it cost to rent in Sliema, St Julian's or Gzira?

  As a rough guide, budget €900-1,500 a month for a one-bedroom flat in Sliema, St Julian's or Gzira: that's the middle range of contracts registered with the Housing Authority in the first half of 2026. It depends on the street and the state of the flat, and older, lower figures still circulate online. Add the deposit and the agency fee. Tell me your budget: in a free 15-minute call I'll tell you what to expect.

  Official sources:Housing Authority, registered rents by area

• Should I find a flat in Malta before I move, or once I arrive?

  In my experience, it's best to look once you're in Malta: I would never pay a deposit on a place I'd only seen in photos. Before you leave, pick your areas and get a feel for prices; do the viewings in person, staying somewhere temporary for the first few days. Before you sign, make sure the contract will be registered with the Housing Authority. If you like, we can look at areas together on the free 15-minute call.

  Official sources:Rent registration (Housing Authority)

• What documents do Italians need to live in Malta?

  For the first three months, your ID card or passport is enough. If you stay longer, you need to register with Identità (formerly Identity Malta) and apply for a residence card. The documents required depend on your situation: employed, self-employed, studying or living on your own means. On the free 15-minute call I'll explain which steps to take, in what order.

  Official sources:Identità (formerly Identity Malta), EU nationals·Your Europe, residence rights

• Do I need to register with AIRE if I move to Malta?

  Yes: Italian citizens moving abroad for more than 12 months are required by law to register with AIRE, the Italian register of citizens living abroad. You apply through the consular services of the Italian Embassy in Valletta. How it applies to your case is for the consulate or a professional to tell you: I don't give tax advice. If you want to know who to ask, message me for the free 15-minute call.

  Official sources:Italian Embassy in Valletta, AIRE·Italian Foreign Ministry (Farnesina), AIRE

• I work remotely for an Italian company: can I live in Malta?

  Yes: as an Italian citizen you can live in Malta, and you don't need a work permit. If you stay more than three months, you need to register with Identità for a residence card. Where you pay tax and social security, though, is a question for an accountant, not for me: I'll introduce you to one. On the free 15-minute call, we'll go through what to sort out before you leave.

  Official sources:Identità (formerly Identity Malta), EU nationals·Your Europe, residence rights

• Can I set up a company in Malta on my own?

  Yes: a Maltese company can have a single shareholder, and it is registered with the Malta Business Registry. From what I see, almost everyone has an accountant or a lawyer handle it, and they're right to. Whether a company makes sense for you, especially if you live in Italy, is for an accountant to judge: I don't talk tax. I set up mine here in 2022: tell me about your project on the free 15-minute call.

  Official sources:Malta Business Registry, company formation

• How does Malta's film cash rebate work?

  Malta's cash rebate, run by the Malta Film Commission, is an incentive for productions: a refund of part of the eligible costs spent on the island. The production company applies before shooting, and a foreign production works through a local production service company. I work in film myself: message me and in a free 15-minute call I'll explain how it works in practice.

  Official sources:Malta Film Commission (Screen Malta), production incentives

• Can I buy a property in Malta and rent it out to tourists?

  To let a property to tourists in Malta you need an MTA licence for short lets: without one, you can't. The rules changed in 2026 and the property has to meet specific requirements: better to know before you buy, not after. Before you pay a deposit, have a notary or a lawyer check what you're buying. I host tourists here myself: message me, and in a free 15-minute call I'll tell you what it's really like.

  Official sources:Malta Tourism Authority, short let licence

• Who should I talk to about tax, residence and contracts?

  A different person for each: an accountant for tax, a lawyer for contracts, Identità for the residence card and the Italian Embassy in Valletta for AIRE. The hard part is knowing who to trust when you arrive and don't know anyone. I don't do their job: I tell you what you really need and introduce you to trusted professionals. Message me: it starts with a free 15-minute call.

  Official sources:Identità (formerly Identity Malta), EU nationals·Italian Embassy in Valletta