If you’re planning to rent before buying, Malta has a wide selection of long-let properties across the island, from modern apartments to spacious family homes.
For many Australians, moving to Malta is a lifestyle upgrade. Instead of long drives and packed schedules, mornings begin with light coming in from the balcony and the sea never far away. A quick coffee can turn into a walk along the coast, even on a weekday.
There’s a long-standing connection between Malta and Australia, shaped by generations of families moving between the two. That shared history still makes it easier to settle in and feel part of daily life.
If you’re planning on moving to Malta from Australia, the real change is how your days feel once you arrive. Getting clear on residency, property, and where to live will help you settle with confidence.
There’s already a well-established Australian presence in Malta, supported by the Australian High Commission, which regularly hosts events for expats. There are also active communities, including groups like Aussies in Malta, where people share local tips, find familiar products and connect with others who’ve made the same move.
Life in Malta is easier to manage day to day. You’re rarely far from work, the coast, or essential services. What might take an hour in an Australian city can take 15 minutes here, which changes how your time feels during the week.
English is an official language in Malta, so there’s no adjustment period when it comes to communication. Contracts, schools, services, and even government processes are all handled in English, which makes settling in far more straightforward.
Living in Malta puts you within easy reach of the rest of Europe. Cities like Rome, Paris and Athens are a short flight away, making travel part of your routine rather than something you plan months in advance.
Malta’s climate means you’ll spend more time outside throughout the year. Whether it’s early morning walks, evenings by the sea, or weekends exploring different parts of the island, outdoor living becomes part of your everyday routine.
If you’re moving to Malta from Australia, it’s important to understand the difference between residency and citizenship early on. They are not the same, and most Australians will begin with residency.
Citizenship is a separate legal status and is not automatically granted through residency or property ownership. Buying a home in Malta doesn’t give you citizenship.
For most Australians, citizenship is a longer-term consideration. It usually involves living in Malta for a number of years and meeting strict criteria, or applying through specific programmes with set requirements.
Residency allows you to live in Malta legally for the long term. As an Australian citizen, you can stay in Malta for up to 90 days without a visa, but staying longer means applying for a residence permit.
There are different options for residency, and the applications are handled by the Department for Citizenship and Expatriates Affairs. Residency gives you the right to live in Malta, rent or buy property, and access services once you’re set up.
Your visa or residency route depends on how you plan to live in Malta. Most Australians fall into one of the following categories:
If you secure a job in Malta, your employer will usually apply for a work permit for you. This is one of the most common routes for Australians moving to Malta from Australia, especially in sectors like finance, tech, and iGaming.
If you work remotely for a company based outside Malta, the Nomad Residence Permit allows you to live in Malta while keeping your existing role. You’ll need to meet minimum income requirements and show that your work is not tied to Malta.
This is popular with remote professionals who want to relocate without changing employers.
If you’re not planning to work locally, this programme allows you to gain long-term residency based on financial stability. It’s often used by Australians who want flexibility, security, and the option to live in Malta without employment.
For retirees, Malta has options based on pension income or financial independence. This route suits those planning to settle long-term and enjoy a slower pace of life.
Moving from Australia to Malta usually happens in stages rather than all at once. Having a clear plan makes the transition smoother and helps you avoid delays once you arrive.
Many Australians start with a short stay before committing. This gives you time to explore different areas, view properties, and understand what day-to-day life will actually look like.
Use this time to:
Finding a home is one of the first practical steps. Most people choose to rent initially, as it’s quicker and gives you flexibility while you settle in.
Malta has a wide range of options, from modern apartments and penthouses to villas, townhouses, and maisonettes across different parts of the island.
Renting first allows you to understand which areas suit your lifestyle before making a long-term decision.
Once you have an address in Malta, you can move forward with your residency application. This is where your move becomes more formal.
You’ll usually need:
Applying early in your stay helps avoid complications with timelines.
After securing residency, you can focus on getting fully set up.
This includes:
At this stage, daily life starts to feel more settled and structured.
For many Australians, renting is the first step after moving to Malta. It gives you flexibility while you settle in, learn the different areas, and decide where you want to base yourself long term.
Short lets are a practical option when you first arrive in Malta. They provide a ready-to-move-into base while you take time to look for something more permanent.
These properties are fully furnished and often include utilities and internet within the rental price. Many Australians use short lets during their first few weeks to explore different areas before committing to a longer agreement.
Most long-let contracts run for at least 12 months and are suited to professionals, families, and long-term relocations.
You’ll find long-let homes both furnished and unfurnished, with options ranging from apartments to larger houses. Many expats begin with an apartment, then move once they’ve settled into a routine.
To secure a rental property in Malta, landlords will usually request:
Once signed, long-term leases must be registered with Malta’s Housing Authority in line with local rental regulations.
Malta’s rental market covers a wide mix of property types, including:
If you’re planning to rent before buying, Malta has a wide selection of long-let properties across the island, from modern apartments to spacious family homes.
Once you have settled in Malta, buying your own property might be part of your plan.
Yes, Australians can buy property in Malta. As a non-EU national, there are a few additional steps, but the process is well-established.
In most cases, you’ll need an Acquisition of Immovable Property (AIP) permit if you’re buying outside of specific zones. This is a standard application handled during the purchase process.
If you want more flexibility, Special Designated Areas (often called lifestyle developments) allow foreign buyers to purchase without an AIP permit.
These developments often include modern apartments, penthouses, and villas with shared facilities like pools, gyms, and security, making them a popular choice for international buyers.
Whether you’re planning a permanent move or taking time to settle in, Malta has a wide range of homes to match your plans.
Sliema and St. Julian’s are often the first choice for Australians relocating for work. These areas are close to business hubs, restaurants, and the seafront.
You’ll find modern apartments, shared workspaces, and plenty happening day to day. It suits those who want everything within walking distance and an active lifestyle.
If you’re drawn to older architecture and a more traditional setting, Valletta, Senglea, Cospicua, and Vittoriosa stand out.
Homes here include renovated townhouses and apartments with original features. Daily life feels more local, with cafés, waterfront walks, and historic surroundings.
In the north, Mellieħa and St Paul’s Bay have more space and a quieter setting. These areas are popular with families and those looking for a more relaxed routine.
Properties here are often larger, with sea views, and you’re close to some of Malta’s best beaches.
Naxxar, Mosta and Attard are central areas that are well-connected and practical for everyday life. You’re within easy reach of most parts of Malta, which makes commuting simple.
They’re popular with families and long-term residents, with a mix of apartments, maisonettes, and houses in established neighbourhoods.
Work in Malta is more centralised. Offices are close together, commutes are shorter, and it’s common to be within 10-20 minutes of work.
Compared to Australia, the pace can feel less intense. Working hours are similar, but there’s often more flexibility around the day, especially in international industries like finance, tech, and iGaming.
Malta has a strong healthcare system, with both public and private options available. As in Australia, you can visit a GP or pharmacist for everyday health needs, and private healthcare is widely used by expats for faster access.
The main difference is scale. Clinics, hospitals, and pharmacies are all close by, so appointments and prescriptions are easier to manage.
For families moving from Australia to Malta, the education system will feel familiar in structure, but there are a few differences to understand.
Malta has three main types of schools: state, church, and independent (private or international). State schools are free and follow the national curriculum. Teaching is delivered in both Maltese and English, with most subjects taught in English and Maltese used for language and some classroom communication.
Church schools are free but have limited places, usually allocated through a ballot system. Independent and international schools charge fees and teach mainly in English, often following British or international curricula, which many expat families prefer for continuity.
Children usually start school at age 3 in kindergarten. Primary school runs from ages 5 to 11, followed by secondary education up to age 16. Some students then continue to sixth form or college before university.
The school day is shorter than in Australia. Most schools start early, around 8:00am, and finish by early afternoon. This leaves more time for after-school activities or family time later in the day.
The academic year runs from late September to June, with a long summer break during the hottest months. There are also shorter holidays at Christmas and Easter, along with a few mid-term breaks.
Driving in Malta is on the left, like Australia, which makes the transition easier. That said, distances are much shorter.
Many people rely less on long drives and more on short trips, walking, or taxis. You can cross most of the island in under an hour, which changes how you plan your day.
Religion has a stronger presence in Malta than in Australia, mainly through tradition rather than daily expectations. Roman Catholicism has shaped local life for generations, and you’ll notice it in village churches, public holidays, and annual festas that bring entire communities together.
At the same time, Malta is a modern, diverse country. Many people are not actively religious, and there’s no pressure to take part. For Australians, it tends to feel like a balance between tradition and everyday living, where you can engage with local culture at your own pace while still feeling comfortable and included.
Salaries in Malta are generally lower than in Australia, but this is balanced by a lower overall cost of living and shorter daily expenses.
Many Australians relocating for work move into industries like finance, tech, and iGaming, where salaries are more competitive by local standards. If you’re working remotely for an Australian or international company, maintaining your existing income while living in Malta can significantly improve your day-to-day lifestyle.
The cost of living in Malta is generally lower than in Australia, especially when compared to cities like Sydney. While property prices can still be high in prime areas, day-to-day expenses are often more manageable.
Expense | Sliema (avg) | Sydney (avg) |
3-bed apartment rent (monthly) | A$ 4,367.81 | A$ 6,897.67 |
Utilities (monthly) | A$ 158.72 | A$ 293.68 |
Cinema Ticket | A$ 15.04 | A$ 25.00 |
Basket of food: Milk, bread, eggs, cheese, tomatoes, potatoes, bananas, bottle of wine. | A$ 47.57 | A$70.14 |
Mid-range dinner for two | A$ 129.53 | A$ 134.38 |
International Primary school fees (annual) | A$ 13,125.83 | A$ 37, 911.71 |
Figures are based on data from Numbeo in March 2026. Actual costs vary depending on currency movement and personal spending habits. Sliema is one of the higher-priced areas in Malta, so costs elsewhere on the island are often lower.
Managing your finances in Malta is different to Australia, but once set up, it’s straightforward.
There are double taxation agreements between Australia and Malta, so you won’t pay tax twice on the same income. If you become a tax resident in Malta, you’ll usually pay income tax locally, even if you still have financial ties to Australia. The exact setup depends on your situation, so it’s worth getting advice early.
VAT in Malta is 18%, compared to Australia’s 10% GST. Despite this, everyday costs are often lower overall.
There are no annual council rates in Malta, which is a big difference from Australia. Once you buy a property, ongoing local property taxes are not a factor.
For cars, Malta uses an annual circulation licence fee rather than higher registration costs. Electric vehicles are exempt for the first five years and then cost around €10 per year after that. Petrol and diesel cars typically start from around €90 annually, increasing based on age and engine size. This is often much cheaper than the rego fees that you will be used to in Australia.
Setting up a bank account, utilities, and tax registration is usually quick once you have a local address, making it easy to get fully established.
Yes, Australians can work and reside in Malta, but you will need a valid work permit or residency status. Most people moving to Malta from Australia either secure employment first or apply for a permit that matches their situation, like remote work or long-term residency.
Yes, Australians can set up a business in Malta. The country has a business-friendly environment, especially in sectors like finance, tech, and online services. You may need to register a company in Malta and meet local requirements, including tax registration and licensing, depending on your business type.
Yes. Malta is part of the Schengen Zone, which allows you to travel freely between most European countries for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. If you hold Maltese residency, this makes travel across Europe much easier.
No, you don’t need to speak Maltese. English is an official language and is used in business, education, and daily life. Most Australians settle in without any language barrier.
There are no direct flights to Malta from Australia. Most routes involve one or two stopovers, commonly through major hubs like Dubai, Doha, or European cities. Total travel time is usually between 20 and 30 hours.
No, Australians do not need a visa to visit Malta for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. This makes it easy to travel to Malta first and explore different areas before deciding where to live.
Many people use this time to view properties, get a feel for daily life, and plan their relocation. If you decide to stay longer or move permanently, you’ll then need to apply for the appropriate residency or work permit.
Malta has a Mediterranean climate with hot summers and mild winters, which can feel more consistent than what you’re accustomed to in Australia. While some parts of Australia have sharper seasonal changes or more extreme heat, Malta tends to have long dry summers and shorter, milder winters.
Moving to Malta comes with a lot of decisions, and choosing the perfect place to live is one of the biggest. Having local support makes the process far easier from the start.
At Malta Property, we help you find a home that fits how you want to live, whether that’s a modern apartment close to work or a quieter property near the coast. Our team understands the differences between each area and will guide you towards locations that suit your routine.
We also support you beyond the search. From arranging viewings to explaining the rental or buying process, we keep everything clear so you can move forward with confidence and settle in quickly.
No matter if you’re planning a full relocation or starting with a trial move, the right property will shape how quickly Malta begins to feel like home. Explore available homes across Malta and Gozo or speak with our team for personalised guidance.
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