Our team understands the areas most popular with international buyers, retirees, remote workers, and expats, and we can guide you through the rental process before and after your move to Malta.
Trading snow shovels for sea views is becoming an increasingly attractive idea for Canadians looking for a different pace of life.
For some, Malta is a retirement destination where winter jackets are replaced with waterfront walks and outdoor lunches in February. For others, it’s a European base that makes travel easier, daily life simpler, and property ownership more attainable than many major Canadian cities.
Moving to Malta from Canada also gives you access to an English-speaking country with a relaxed Mediterranean lifestyle, established expat communities and strong international connections. Whether you’re planning a full relocation, splitting your time between countries, or searching for a second home in the sun, Malta offers flexibility that appeals to professionals, retirees, and families alike.
Canada and Malta may be very different in size, climate, and pace of life, but that contrast is exactly what attracts many Canadians to the islands. Malta gives people the chance to enjoy Mediterranean living while still feeling internationally connected and comfortable in an English-speaking environment.
For many Canadians, the appeal starts with the weather. Malta’s mild winters and sunny climate completely change daily life compared to the long, cold seasons in Canada.
Even during winter, people spend time outdoors enjoying waterfront cafés, morning walks, swimming, and village events. That year-round outdoor lifestyle is one of the biggest reasons many Canadians begin considering moving from Canada to Malta.
English is spoken throughout Malta and is used across business, healthcare, education, legal processes and property transactions. That familiarity makes settling into life in Malta much smoother for Canadian expats.
Malta also has a growing Canadian community of over 1,700 Canadian nationals. Alongside Malta’s wider international population, this creates an environment that feels welcoming, connected, and easy to settle into for newcomers from Canada.
Living in Malta makes travelling around Europe far more practical. Instead of long-haul international flights, destinations like Rome, Paris, Barcelona, and Athens are only a short journey away.
Many Canadians buying second homes or considering permanent residency in Malta see the islands as an ideal Mediterranean base for both travel and long-term living.
Life in Malta tends to feel more relaxed and less time-consuming. Commutes are shorter, coastal towns are walkable, and social life often revolves around the sea, restaurants, marinas and outdoor spaces.
For Canadians coming from larger cities, daily routines often feel simpler and more balanced, particularly for retirees and remote workers looking for a better quality of life.
If you’re moving to Malta from Canada, residency is normally the first step. Citizenship is a completely separate legal status that usually only becomes relevant after spending many years living in Malta.
For most Canadians relocating to the islands, the priority is finding the right residency pathway based on retirement plans, remote work, financial independence, or long-term lifestyle goals.
Canadian passport holders can visit Malta and the wider Schengen Area for short stays of up to 90 days in any 180-day period without needing a visa beforehand. However, anyone planning to spend extended periods living in Malta will need an approved residency route.
Residency gives you the legal right to live in Malta long-term and helps with practical matters like:
Many people relocating to Malta from Canada initially rent before deciding where to buy. Others begin searching for properties for sale in Malta straight away, particularly buyers looking for retirement apartments, lock-up-and-leave homes, or apartments for sale in Malta with a sea view.
Citizenship is not automatically granted through residency or property ownership.
Even if you purchase one of the many luxury properties for sale in Malta, citizenship is handled separately and involves strict eligibility rules, including long-term residence requirements established by the Maltese government.
For most Canadians moving to Malta from Canada, residency and long-term lifestyle planning are the main focus rather than immediate citizenship applications.
There are several ways Canadians can legally relocate to Malta, depending on their work situation, retirement plans, income source, and how much time they intend to spend living on the islands.
Some Canadians move to Malta after securing employment with a Maltese company, particularly within industries like finance, aviation, technology, hospitality, and iGaming.
In most cases, the employer helps coordinate the work permit and residency application process before relocation. This route is typically best suited to professionals planning to live and work in Malta full-time.
The Nomad Residence Permit has become increasingly popular with Canadians working remotely for overseas companies or running online businesses.
This permit allows non-EU nationals to live in Malta while continuing to earn income from outside the country. It appeals to remote employees, consultants, freelancers, and business owners who want a Mediterranean lifestyle while remaining connected to Canadian or international clients and employers.
Applicants must meet minimum income thresholds and show that their income is generated outside Malta.
The Malta Permanent Residence Programme is often the most attractive option for Canadians looking for long-term residency security within Europe.
Rather than being tied to employment in Malta, the MPRP is designed for financially independent individuals and families. It is popular with retirees, second-home buyers, and internationally mobile families looking for permanent residency in Malta together with easier access to travel across the Schengen Area.
Many Canadians are drawn to this route because it provides flexibility to split time between Malta and Canada while establishing a stable European base.
Malta is appealing to Canadians approaching retirement or looking for a more relaxed lifestyle abroad.
The islands appeal to retirees searching for warmer weather, coastal living, English-speaking healthcare services, and a slower pace of life throughout the year.
Retirement-focused residency routes are generally linked to pension income, savings, or proof of financial independence and are best suited to Canadians planning to spend substantial time living in Malta rather than relocating for local employment.
Moving internationally takes planning, especially when you’re balancing property decisions, residency applications and finances at the same time.
Many Canadians moving to Malta approach the process gradually, starting with an exploratory visit before deciding whether to rent, purchase property, or apply for permanent residency in Malta.
If possible, it’s worth visiting Malta before making a permanent move. Although the islands are compact, different towns have very different lifestyles depending on what matters most to you.
Some areas are better suited to retirement and quieter coastal living, while others are more popular with professionals, remote workers, or buyers looking for luxury waterfront property.
An initial visit gives you the opportunity to:
Choosing the right location is one of the biggest lifestyle decisions when moving from Canada to Malta. Many Canadians initially choose long let properties in Malta while becoming familiar with different areas before purchasing a permanent home later on.
Once your relocation plans become more concrete, the next stage is preparing your residency application and financial arrangements.
Depending on your chosen residency route, you may need:
The requirements vary depending which visa you apply for. Many Canadians also speak with tax specialists and financial advisors before relocating to understand how living in Malta may affect pensions, investments, tax rates, and estate planning.
After arriving, most newcomers sort out practicalities like opening a local bank account, registering utilities, arranging internet services and understanding Malta’s healthcare and tax systems.
From modern seafront apartments to spacious villas in quieter residential areas, there are rental options across Malta and Gozo for different budgets and lifestyles.
Some Canadians begin with short-term accommodation while arranging residency paperwork, viewing homes or spending part of the year in Malta before deciding on a permanent base. Many short-term rentals come fully furnished and are located in central coastal areas close to cafés, supermarkets, and the seafront.
Long let properties in Malta usually involve rental agreements of at least 12 months and are the most common option for Canadians planning to live on the islands full time.
To rent a property, a landlords will usually ask for:
Most long-term residential agreements need to be registered with Malta’s Housing Authority.
Canadian expats often look for homes that combine comfort, outdoor living, and low-maintenance Mediterranean living.
Popular rental choices include:
Our team understands the areas most popular with international buyers, retirees, remote workers, and expats, and we can guide you through the rental process before and after your move to Malta.
From modern coastal apartments to luxury villas and properties for sale in Malta with sea view, the islands attract buyers searching for holiday homes, retirement properties, investment opportunities, and European second residences. Some Canadians purchase property before relocating permanently, while others buy as part of a longer-term plan to spend more time living in Malta later on.
Canadian citizens can buy property in Malta. As non-EU nationals, you will require an Acquisition of Immovable Property (AIP) permit when purchasing outside certain approved zones.
The process is straightforward and commonly handled with guidance from your estate agent, lawyer, and notary throughout the purchase process.
Some international buyers choose homes within Malta’s Special Designated Areas (SDAs), often referred to as lifestyle developments.
These developments are especially popular with overseas buyers because non-EU nationals can purchase property within them without needing an AIP permit.
Many lifestyle developments are located in premium waterfront areas and include amenities like:
Buying from abroad? Malta Property helps Canadians explore properties for sale in Malta remotely through personalised shortlists and expert guidance across Malta and Gozo before making the move.
Popular with Canadians looking for a lively coastal lifestyle, Sliema and St. Julian’s combine modern apartments, waterfront living, restaurants, marinas, and easy access to business districts. These areas are especially attractive to remote workers, professionals, and buyers searching for luxury apartments close to the sea.
This part of Malta is especially popular with professionals, remote workers, and younger expats moving to Malta for work because it’s close to many international companies and business hubs.
Mellieħa appeals to Canadians looking for more space, sea views and a quieter Mediterranean atmosphere. Located in northern Malta, the area is known for villas, family homes, sandy beaches, and a slower pace of life that suits retirees and second-home buyers.
St. Paul’s Bay and Qawra attract many international residents looking for coastal living with more accessible property prices. The area has a strong expat community, seaside promenades, restaurants, and a wide range of apartments popular with both renters and buyers.
Healthcare is often an important consideration for Canadians relocating abroad, especially retirees and people planning long-term residency in Malta.
Malta has both public and private healthcare systems, with English widely spoken throughout clinics, hospitals and medical services. Many expats and international residents choose private health insurance because appointments and specialist access are often faster and more flexible.
Compared to Canada, one major difference is scale. Malta’s healthcare system is much smaller, with fewer hospitals and shorter travel distances. While you may not have the same number of large medical networks as cities like Toronto, Vancouver or Montreal, appointments and healthcare facilities are generally easier to reach because the islands are compact.
Malta is often attractive to Canadian families because English is already part of daily life and the islands have a strong sense of community.
Compared to many Canadian cities, family life in Malta can feel more outdoors-focused and less centred around long commutes, winter weather, and driving between activities. Beaches, promenades, village squares, and outdoor dining become part of normal family routines for much of the year.
Education in Malta follows a structure familiar to many Canadian families:
Families can choose between public, church, private and international schools depending on their preferences and budget.
Driving in Malta is one adjustment Canadians generally adapt to quickly because, like Canada, Malta drives on the right-hand side of the vehicle with left-hand traffic rules inherited from the British system.
The main difference is road size and traffic flow. Malta’s roads are narrower, parking can be limited in busy coastal areas and driving styles tend to feel faster-paced than in many parts of Canada.
That said, commuting distances are significantly shorter. A drive that might take an hour or more in Toronto or Vancouver could take 15-25 minutes in Malta depending on traffic conditions.
Many residents combine driving with taxis, ferry connections, walking and ride-sharing apps, particularly in central coastal locations.
For many Canadians, Malta can feel more affordable in some areas while more expensive in others.
Property prices and rental costs in prime coastal areas can still be high, but many buyers find properties for sale in Malta have better lifestyle value compared to major Canadian cities, especially when considering sea views, outdoor space and proximity to the coast.
Some everyday expenses, particularly imported goods and electricity during peak summer months, may feel higher than expected. Dining out, local produce, domestic help and travel within Europe are often considerably more accessible than in Canada.
Expense | Toronto (avg) | Sliema (avg) |
3-bed apartment rent (monthly) | C$3,713.80 | C$4,390.99 |
Price Per Square Meter to Buy an Apartment in the City Centre | C$11,463.94 | C$7,710.62 |
Utilities (monthly) | C$192.11 | C$147.06 |
Cinema Ticket | C$18.50 | C$14.44 |
Basket of food: Milk, bread, eggs, cheese, tomatoes, potatoes, bananas and a bottle of wine. | C$57.65 | C$45.80 |
Mid-range dinner for two | C$120.00 | C$120.37 |
International Primary school fees (annual) | C$30,549.67 | C$13,748.72 |
Figures are based on data from Numbeo in May 2026. Actual costs vary depending on currency movement and personal spending habits. Sliema is one of the more expensive locations in Malta, so the cost of living will be different in other locations across the island.
Questions around tax residency, pension income, overseas investments, and Canadian reporting obligations are common when relocating internationally.
Malta has double taxation agreements designed to help prevent income being taxed twice, but every situation is different depending on your residency status, income sources, and how much time you spend in each country.
There are currently no regular direct flights to Malta from Canada year-round, although seasonal routes occasionally operate. Most journeys connect through major European hubs like London, Frankfurt, Paris, Rome or Amsterdam.
English is one of Malta’s official languages and is widely used across daily life, including business, healthcare, schools, banking and property transactions.
The Nomad Residence Permit may allow Canadians to live in Malta while working remotely for overseas employers or businesses, provided income requirements are met.
Malta has long, hot summers with temperatures regularly exceeding 30°C between June and September. Winters are mild compared to Canada, with daytime temperatures often remaining between 15-20°C. Many Canadians relocate specifically to avoid long winters and spend more time outdoors year-round.
Many Canadian qualifications are recognised in Malta, especially in industries like finance, technology, hospitality, marketing, remote business services, and iGaming.
For regulated professions, including healthcare, law, engineering, teaching and accounting, Canadians may need formal recognition or licensing from the relevant Maltese authority before working locally.
Requirements vary by profession but can include:
Because English is widely used in Malta, Canadian professionals often adapt easily to local workplaces. It’s still recommended to check recognition requirements before relocating or accepting employment in Malta.
Whether you’re planning a retirement move, searching for a second home in Europe, or exploring permanent residency in Malta, Malta Property helps Canadians understand the local market and find the right area for their lifestyle and long-term plans.
From coastal apartments and lifestyle developments to family homes and properties for sale in Malta with sea views, our team can guide you through both rentals and property purchases across Malta and Gozo.
Browse the latest properties for sale in Malta and rental homes across Malta and Gozo, or speak with our team for personalised guidance on the best locations for your lifestyle, budget, and future plans.
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