Whether you’re planning a full relocation, spending time in Malta as a remote worker, or settling into island life with your family, our team can help you find the right rental property for your lifestyle and budget.
If you’re thinking about moving to Malta from Brazil, you may be looking for a safer lifestyle, easier access to Europe, better English-language opportunities and a Mediterranean setting that still feels warm, social and family-focused.
Malta can feel familiar in some ways. Catholic traditions, village festas, football culture, summer events and friendly local routines all play a part in daily life. At the same time, Malta gives Brazilian professionals, remote workers and families a very different base: compact, English-speaking, well-connected to Europe, and easier to get around without long city commutes.
Safety is one of the biggest reasons Brazilians consider Malta. Daily life tends to feel more manageable, especially for families used to taking extra care in larger cities. Walking along the seafront, using public transport, going out with children in the evening, and living close to schools or amenities can feel far simpler than in many major urban areas in Brazil.
English is one of Malta’s official languages, alongside Maltese, and is widely used in business, education, government services and property agreements. This makes Malta especially appealing for Brazilians who want to improve their English while living in Europe.
Malta gives Brazilian residents a base in the Schengen Area, making travel to Italy, France, Spain, Germany and other EU countries much easier once the right residency route is in place. Brazilian passport holders can already travel visa-free for up to 90 days within the Schengen Area, but living in Malta long term can make regular European travel much more practical for work, holidays, and family trips without repeatedly arranging flights from Brazil or needing separate visas for different countries.
Malta is small, which means people often get to know neighbours, colleagues, school parents and local shop owners quickly. For Brazilians used to warm social connections, this can make settling in feel easier. There is also a Brazilian expat presence in Malta, with groups and events listed through InterNations and Facebook.
For most people moving to Malta from Brazil, residency is the starting point. Citizenship is a separate process that normally only becomes relevant after many years of legally living in Malta.
The right route depends on why you want to relocate. Some Brazilians move for work opportunities or remote working flexibility, while others are focused on long-term family plans, lifestyle changes, safety or establishing a European base for travel and investment.
Brazilian nationals can travel freely into the Schengen Area for short visits, including Malta, without arranging a visa in advance for tourism or business trips. That flexibility helps many people visit Malta first before they decide if they want to move permanently.
Once the move becomes long-term, residency permission becomes necessary. Having legal residency status in Malta makes it much easier to organise important parts of everyday life, including:
A lot of Brazilians initially explore properties in Malta for rent while learning which areas best suit their lifestyle. Others arrive with plans to purchase immediately, especially buyers interested in properties for sale in Malta and Gozo for retirement planning, investment, or family relocation.
Permanent residency and citizenship are two completely different things in Malta.
Buying property, including luxury properties for sale in Malta, doesn’t automatically lead to citizenship. Property ownership can support certain residency applications, but citizenship itself is governed through separate legal criteria linked to long-term residence and government approval.
The way you apply for residency in Malta will depend on the reason behind your move. Some Brazilians relocate after accepting a job locally, while others move as remote workers, retirees, business owners, or families planning a long-term lifestyle change in Europe.
Malta has several residency pathways available for non-EU nationals, each with different financial requirements, visa conditions, and long-term rights connected to living on the islands.
Many Brazilian nationals relocate after receiving employment with a Malta-based company. Malta’s international industries continue to attract foreign workers, especially within sectors like technology, gaming, tourism, finance, aviation, and multilingual customer support.
Employers commonly assist with work permit applications and employment documentation before arrival.
Remote workers have become a growing part of immigration to Malta from Brazil.
Malta’s Nomad Residence Permit allows non-EU nationals to live in Malta while working remotely for companies or clients based abroad. This route is great for freelancers, digital professionals, consultants and online business owners who want an English-speaking European lifestyle.
Applicants must show qualifying remote income earned outside Malta.
The Malta Permanent Residence Programme is often attractive to financially independent applicants who want long-term stability in Europe without needing local employment.
This residency route works well for internationally mobile families, retirees, and property buyers who want the freedom to spend time between countries while maintaining residency rights in Malta.
Some Brazilians are drawn to Malta later in life because of the warmer climate, Mediterranean coastline, English-speaking environment, and slower pace compared with larger cities.
Residency routes aimed at retirees are generally linked to pension income, savings, or proof of financial self-sufficiency and are best suited to people intending to make Malta their primary long-term home.
Relocating from Brazil to Malta usually happens in stages rather than all at once. Between organising immigration paperwork, arranging accommodation, managing finances and planning work or school arrangements, most people prefer to build the move gradually.
Many Brazilians begin by visiting Malta first to understand how daily life feels before making long-term decisions around residency or property.
Spending time in Malta before relocating permanently can make the transition much easier. Although Malta is small geographically, different areas suit very different lifestyles.
Some locations are centred around nightlife, international offices, and apartment living, while others are quieter residential areas popular with families or buyers looking for more space near the coast.
An exploratory trip gives you time to:
Young professionals and remote workers often prioritise areas close to business hubs, cafés, coworking spaces, and the seafront. Families may focus more on schools, parks, quieter streets, and larger homes with outdoor space.
Some people initially choose long let rental accommodation while they get familiar with the property market. Others begin searching for properties for sale in Malta straight away, especially if they are relocating permanently or exploring luxury properties for sale in Malta in lifestyle developments or coastal locations.
Once relocation plans become more definite, most people begin organising residency paperwork and financial administration before arriving.
Depending on the residency route, applications may require documents including:
Visa requirements vary depending on the permit or residency programme being used.
Many Brazilians also speak with tax advisors before relocating, particularly if they plan to maintain financial connections, businesses, investments, or property in Brazil while living in Malta.
After arriving in Malta, most new residents focus on practical day-to-day setup tasks. This usually includes opening a bank account, setting up mobile and internet services, registering utilities, learning the public transport system and understanding how healthcare and taxation work locally.
For many Brazilians, one of the biggest adjustments is Malta’s smaller scale. Journeys are shorter, communities feel more connected and it becomes easier to build routines and social connections within local neighbourhoods.
Malta has a wide range of rental properties available, from compact apartments close to business districts to larger family homes, penthouses and villas in quieter residential locations.
Some Brazilians initially choose short-let accommodation after arriving in Malta. This can work well if you’re still arranging residency paperwork, attending property viewings, job hunting or deciding which part of the island suits you best.
Short-term rentals are often fully furnished and commonly found in central areas close to restaurants, supermarkets, language schools, beaches, and public transport connections.
For people planning to live in Malta full time, long-let agreements are usually the most practical option.
Long-term rental contracts commonly run for at least 12 months and are widely used by expats, remote workers and families relocating to Malta. Many properties in Malta for rent already include furniture, appliances and air conditioning, making it easier to settle quickly after arriving.
Before signing a rental agreement, landlords will usually ask for supporting documents and financial information.
This commonly includes:
Long-term residential contracts are normally registered through Malta’s Housing Authority.
The type of property people choose often depends on work arrangements, lifestyle priorities and family size.
Popular options include:
Whether you’re planning a full relocation, spending time in Malta as a remote worker, or settling into island life with your family, our team can help you find the right rental property for your lifestyle and budget.
For many Brazilians, buying property in Malta is part of a longer-term lifestyle plan rather than simply a real estate investment. Some buyers relocate immediately after purchasing, while others buy a second home in Europe for future retirement plans, family use or extended stays throughout the year.
The Maltese property market includes everything from modern city apartments and seafront penthouses to traditional houses, lifestyle developments, and luxury properties for sale in Malta with private pools and outdoor living space.
Brazilian nationals can buy property in Malta, although non-EU buyers normally need an Acquisition of Immovable Property (AIP) permit when purchasing outside certain approved zones.
The process is well established, and most international buyers complete the purchase with support from their estate agent, notary, and legal representatives throughout the transaction.
Many overseas buyers begin by viewing properties remotely before travelling to Malta for in-person visits and final decisions.
A large number of foreign buyers focus their property search around Malta’s Special Designated Areas, also known as lifestyle developments.
These developments are especially attractive to non-EU nationals because properties can usually be purchased without needing an AIP permit.
Lifestyle developments are commonly found in sought-after coastal and marina locations and often include features including:
They are particularly popular with remote workers, internationally mobile families and buyers wanting a lock-up-and-leave property with modern amenities.
Malta Property helps international buyers explore properties for sale in Malta and Gozo before relocating.
Sliema and St. Julian’s are among the most popular areas for international residents living in Malta. These neighbouring coastal towns are especially attractive to younger professionals, remote workers, and people relocating for international employment. Apartments here are close to cafés, gyms, coworking spaces, restaurants, language schools, and nightlife, with easy access to many of Malta’s business districts.
The area also has a strong rental market, modern seafront developments, and luxury apartments overlooking the Mediterranean.
Msida and Gżira are centrally located and popular with expats who want good transport connections and slightly more practical rental prices compared with some waterfront locations nearby.
These areas are close to universities, office hubs, marinas and the Valletta ferry, making them convenient for professionals and students. Apartments are often modern and well-suited to remote workers or couples relocating to Malta for work.
Northern Malta appeals to people looking for a more relaxed coastal lifestyle. Mellieħa is especially popular for its sea views, sandy beaches, larger homes, and quieter atmosphere. Nearby St. Paul’s Bay and Qawra combine coastal living with a large international community, waterfront promenades, restaurants, and a wide choice of apartments for rent and sale.
These locations are popular with remote workers, families, and buyers searching for properties for sale in Malta near the sea.
Families relocating from Brazil often look towards residential towns, including Naxxar, Attard and Mosta. These areas tend to have larger apartments, maisonettes, and villas, together with quieter streets, schools, supermarkets, sports clubs, and easier parking. They are well-positioned for reaching different parts of Malta without living directly inside the busiest tourist and nightlife areas.
Healthcare is an important consideration for Brazilians planning a long-term move, especially families relocating with children or people used to private healthcare systems in cities like São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro or Curitiba.
Malta has both public and private healthcare available, and English is widely spoken throughout hospitals, clinics, pharmacies and medical services. Many expats choose private health insurance because private clinics often provide faster appointments and easier access to specialists.
Compared with Brazil, one noticeable difference is how compact Malta is. In larger Brazilian cities, appointments can involve long journeys across busy urban areas. In Malta, most hospitals, clinics and pharmacies are within relatively short driving distance, even from quieter residential towns.
The main public hospital, Mater Dei Hospital, is centrally located, while private hospitals and clinics are spread across Malta in areas including Sliema, Birkirkara, Mosta and St Julian’s.
The main difference is scale. Clinics, hospitals, and pharmacies are all close by, so appointments and prescriptions are easier to manage.
Malta appeals to many Brazilian families because daily life tends to feel safe, social, and community-driven.
Children often spend more time outdoors throughout the year thanks to Malta’s Mediterranean climate. Beaches, village festas, playgrounds, waterfront promenades, football nurseries, dance schools, scout groups, and local cafés become part of normal weekly family routines.
For Brazilians coming from large urban centres where long commutes are common, Malta’s smaller scale can feel like a major lifestyle change. Parents are often able to spend less time in traffic and more time together as a family.
Education in Malta is divided into:
Families can choose between state schools, church schools, private schools and international schools, depending on budget and educational preferences.
English is the main teaching language in many schools, which is one of the reasons Malta attracts international families looking for opportunities to improve their children’s English fluency while living in Europe.
Driving in Malta is usually one of the bigger adjustments for Brazilians. Malta drives on the left-hand side of the road, and roads are often narrower, busier, and more tightly packed than many people expect.
That said, distances are far shorter than in most Brazilian cities. A journey that could easily take over an hour in São Paulo traffic may take 15 to 25 minutes in Malta, depending on the time of day.
Many residents combine driving with taxis, Bolt or Uber-style apps, ferries and Malta’s bus network. The Tallinja public transport system is widely used because it is affordable and covers most parts of Malta and Gozo.
For many Brazilians, parts of Maltese culture feel surprisingly familiar.
Catholicism still plays an important role in Malta, with churches at the centre of many towns and village festas celebrated throughout the year. Feast weeks often include fireworks, marching bands, outdoor dining, processions, and late-night street celebrations, which can feel familiar to Brazilians used to religious festivals, carnival atmospheres, and strong local communities.
Social life in Malta is also quite community driven. People tend to build routines around cafés, family gatherings, football, waterfront walks, and meeting friends outdoors, especially during the warmer months.
At the same time, there are some cultural adjustments. Malta generally has a slower nightlife culture outside entertainment areas like Paceville, and many restaurants close earlier than Brazilians may expect, particularly during the week. Malta’s humid summer climate can also take some getting used to, especially during July and August.
Because Malta is small, many expats find it easier to build social circles over time through work, schools, gyms, churches, sports clubs, language schools, and local events.
The cost of living difference between Malta and Brazil depends heavily on where you currently live and the kind of lifestyle you’re used to.
Compared with São Paulo, rental prices in Malta can still feel high, particularly in popular expat areas and newer developments. Dining out is also noticeably more expensive in Malta, especially in central coastal locations and tourist areas.
At the same time, some everyday expenses can be lower than many Brazilians expect. Supermarket basics are often comparable or cheaper, international school fees can be lower than premium private schools in São Paulo, and the smaller scale of Malta can reduce transport and commuting costs significantly.
One important difference is salary levels. Average net salaries in Malta are considerably higher than average salaries in São Paulo, which changes affordability for many residents working locally.
Expense | Sao Paulo (avg) | Mosta (avg) |
3-bed apartment rent (monthly) | R$7,129.52 | R$10,320.26 |
Utilities (monthly) | R$517.37 | R$620.68 |
Cinema Ticket | R$50 | R$58.42 |
Basket of food: Milk, bread, eggs, cheese, tomatoes, potatoes, bananas and a bottle of wine. | R$174.16 | R$127.97 |
Mid-range dinner for two | R$250 | R$467.33 |
International Primary school fees (annual) | R$79,544.44 | R$64,258.23 |
Figures are based on data from Numbeo in May 2026. Actual costs vary depending on currency movement and personal spending habits. Coastal areas like Sliema and St Julian’s are generally more expensive than residential towns including Mosta, Attard, Naxxar and parts of Gozo.
Brazilians relocating to Malta often get professional advice around tax residency, overseas income, investments, pensions and business structures before making the move.
Malta has double taxation agreements designed to reduce the risk of income being taxed twice, although financial obligations depend on residency status, income source and how much time is spent in each country.
People keeping businesses, property, or investments in Brazil while living in Malta usually benefit from speaking with international tax specialists before relocating.
There are currently no regular direct flights from Brazil to Malta. Most journeys involve one connection through European hubs including Lisbon, Madrid, Rome, Paris, Frankfurt, or Istanbul.
Flights from Brazil to Malta are most commonly available from São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, with total journey times usually ranging between 14 and 20 hours depending on connections.
For many Brazilians, safety is one of the biggest lifestyle differences after moving to Malta.
While no country is completely crime free, Malta generally has lower levels of violent crime than many major Brazilian cities. Everyday routines often feel less stressful, particularly around walking at night, using public transport, dining outdoors, or allowing children greater independence in local neighbourhoods.
Yes, Brazilians can work in Malta if they have the correct residency and work authorisation.
Many international workers in Malta are employed within hospitality, aviation, finance, customer support, technology, and iGaming industries. English-speaking roles are common, although the level of English required depends on the position.
Yes. English is one of Malta’s official languages and is used widely across business, education, healthcare, government services, and daily life.
Many Brazilians choose Malta partly because it allows them to improve their English naturally while living in Europe without needing to learn a completely new language immediately.
Malta has a Mediterranean climate with hot summers and mild winters.
Compared with southern Brazil, winters in Malta are usually warmer. Compared with tropical parts of Brazil, Malta has more seasonal variation and lower rainfall overall. Summer humidity can still feel intense at times, particularly during July and August.
Moving internationally comes with a lot of decisions, especially when residency planning, rental searches, and property purchases all happen at the same time. Malta Property helps Brazilians relocating to Malta understand the local market and narrow down the areas, property types, and lifestyle options that best fit their plans.
Whether you’re searching for properties in Malta for rent near business hubs, looking at family homes in quieter residential towns, or exploring luxury properties for sale in Malta and Gozo, our team can guide you through the process before and after your move.
Browse the latest properties for sale in Malta, lifestyle developments and long-term rental homes across Malta and Gozo, or speak with our team for tailored guidance on locations, property types, and settling into life on the islands.
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