Whether you’re searching for a modern apartment, a family home, or a quieter coastal lifestyle, Malta Property will help you find a rental that fits the way you want to live.
For many South Africans, Malta feels familiar. English is widely spoken, the lifestyle is social and family-oriented, and daily life is centred around community, coastline and accessibility.
What often begins as a search for greater security or European access quickly becomes a lifestyle decision. In Malta, the sea is never far away, weekend travel across Europe becomes realistic, and many families appreciate the ability to live closer to schools, restaurants, beaches, and work.
There’s also a growing South African community already established in Malta, particularly among professionals working in finance, tech, remote business, iGaming and international services. Families, retirees, and investors are increasingly choosing Malta because it is stable, safe, and offers a Mediterranean way of life within the EU.
There’s also a growing South African presence on the island, with active Facebook groups and community organisations helping newcomers build friendships and professional connections. Groups like the South Africa Association of Malta (SAAM) regularly organise networking events, sports watch parties, beach gatherings, braais, karaoke nights, sip-and-paint events, and social meetups throughout the year. For many South Africans, this existing community helps Malta feel welcoming from the beginning.
Safety is one of the main reasons many people consider moving to Malta from South Africa. According to Numbeo’s 2026 Crime Index, Malta has significantly lower perceived crime levels than South Africa. For many expats, the difference is felt in everyday life, from walking outdoors at night to a greater sense of ease in residential areas.
English is one of Malta’s official languages and is used throughout schools, workplaces, contracts, healthcare, and government processes. For South African families and professionals, this removes much of the stress that often comes with international relocation.
Living in Malta means weekend trips to Italy, France, Greece, or Spain are realistic rather than a once-a-year holiday.
Malta’s location in the Mediterranean also makes it an attractive long-term base for people wanting EU access while still enjoying island living.
Malta enjoys over 300 sunny days a year. Outdoor dining, swimming, walking by the coast, and spending time outside become part of normal life rather than something reserved for holidays.
For many South Africans, the climate feels familiar, although Malta’s winters are far milder than many expect from Europe.
If you’re planning on moving to Malta from South Africa, it’s important to understand the difference between residency and citizenship early in the process. Most South Africans relocating to Malta begin with residency rather than citizenship.
Citizenship is not automatically granted through property ownership or by relocating to Malta. Buying real estate, including properties for sale in Malta, doesn’t give you Maltese citizenship.
For many South Africans, citizenship is a longer-term pathway that usually requires several years of legal residence in Malta, alongside strict eligibility criteria. Some people may later qualify through long-term residency routes or specialised investment programmes.
Residency allows you to legally live in Malta long-term. South African passport holders can visit Malta and the wider Schengen Area for up to 90 days within a 180-day period, but permanent residency requires a permit or visa route that matches your circumstances.
There are several residency options available from Department for Citizenship and Expatriates Affairs, depending on whether you’re relocating for work, retirement, remote employment, or investment purposes. Residency gives you the ability to live in Malta, access local services, and either rent or purchase property.
Many South African expats initially choose to rent in Malta while settling in, and then buy a property once they know the island better. Others relocate directly into long-term family homes or lifestyle developments suited to international buyers.
Your residency route will depend on how you plan to live and work in Malta. Most South Africans moving to Malta fall into one of these categories:
For many professionals, employment is the most common route to Malta residency. If you secure a job locally, your employer will usually assist with the work permit and residency application process.
If you work remotely for a company based outside Malta, the Nomad Residence Permit allows you to live in Malta while keeping your existing overseas employment or business. This route is popular with South African entrepreneurs, consultants and remote workers who want an EU lifestyle without changing employers. Applicants must meet minimum income requirements and prove that their income comes from outside Malta.
This is popular with remote professionals who want to relocate without changing employers.
The Malta Permanent Residence Programme is often used by high-net-worth individuals and families looking for long-term residency security within the European Union.
This programme is based on financial eligibility and investment requirements rather than employment. It is popular among South Africans looking for stability, European access and the ability to establish a long-term base in Malta.
Malta is also becoming increasingly attractive to South African retirees looking for a Mediterranean lifestyle, English-speaking healthcare services, and year-round sunshine.
Retirement residency routes are generally based on pension income or proof of financial independence and are suited to those planning to settle in Malta long-term.
Relocating internationally is a major life change, especially when you’re moving your career, family, finances or business interests across continents. Most South Africans who successfully relocate to Malta approach the process step by step, using an initial visit to understand how life on the island actually feels before committing long-term.
Before making the move permanent, many South Africans visit Malta to experience different parts of the island first-hand. Malta may be small geographically, but each area has a very different atmosphere and lifestyle. To visit, you will need to apply for a Schengen visa before travelling to Malta.
This stage is useful for:
Finding the right home is one of the first practical steps after deciding to relocate. Many South Africans begin with properties for rent in Malta so they can settle in and learn more about different neighbourhoods before buying. Long lets are especially popular among professionals and families relocating for work or school commitments.
Once you have accommodation arranged, the next stage is formalising your residency status.
Depending on your visa or residency route, you’ll generally need:
After arriving in Malta, most expats focus on setting up the practical side of life. This usually includes opening a bank account, arranging utilities, securing internet and mobile services, and understanding local tax obligations.
Because many South Africans retain overseas assets, pensions, or income streams, financial planning often forms an important part of the relocation process.
Malta’s rental market is fast-moving, particularly in popular expat locations, so many new arrivals begin their property search before relocating.
Some South Africans prefer to begin with a short lets property before committing to a long-term rental agreement. This gives you time to explore different neighbourhoods, attend property viewings in person, and understand which areas suit your lifestyle best. It also allows families and professionals to organise residency paperwork, schooling, transport, and other practical arrangements before settling into a permanent home.
Most South Africans relocating permanently choose long lets, which are rental agreements that usually run for at least 12 months. Renting long-term gives you more stability while settling into work, schools and everyday life in Malta.
Professionals relocating for work often choose central areas like Sliema, St. Julian’s, Gżira, and Ta’ Xbiex because they are close to business hubs, restaurants, and coastal promenades.
Families tend to prefer quieter residential areas like Mellieħa, Naxxar, Mosta, Attard, and parts of Gozo, where homes are often larger and the atmosphere is more relaxed.
To secure a rental property in Malta, landlords will usually ask for:
Most long-term residential leases in Malta must be registered with the Housing Authority, which helps provide legal protection for both tenants and landlords.
South Africans relocating to Malta are often drawn to homes that combine outdoor living, security, and practical family space.
Whether you’re searching for a modern apartment, a family home, or a quieter coastal lifestyle, Malta Property will help you find a rental that fits the way you want to live.
Malta’s property market is especially appealing to international buyers because the purchasing process is conducted in English, ownership laws are well established, and there is strong demand across both the rental and resale markets
Yes, South Africans can purchase property in Malta. Non-EU buyers usually need an Acquisition of Immovable Property (AIP) permit when buying outside certain designated developments, although the process is common and straightforward with the right guidance.
Many international buyers choose homes within Malta’s Special Designated Areas, often referred to as lifestyle developments. These developments allow foreign buyers to buy more easily and are particularly popular among expats relocating to Malta.
Properties within these developments often include shared amenities like pools, gyms, concierge services, underground parking and additional security.
From modern seafront apartments to spacious villas and lifestyle developments, Malta Property helps South African buyers find homes that fit both their lifestyle and long-term plans.
If you enjoy the energy of Cape Town’s Atlantic Seaboard, areas like Sliema and St. Julian’s will probably feel familiar. These coastal towns are modern, social, and fast-paced, with seafront apartments, cafés, restaurants, gyms, marinas, and nightlife all within walking distance.
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.
For buyers and renters drawn to heritage properties and older architecture, Valletta and The Three Cities (Senglea, Cospicua, and Vittoriosa) offer a completely different side of Malta.
With narrow streets, waterfront views, restored townhouses and centuries of history, these areas appeal to people who enjoy culture, dining and a more European atmosphere rather than modern suburban living.
Mellieħa is often popular with South African families who want a calmer environment with more space around them. The area is known for its sea views, larger homes, quieter atmosphere and proximity to some of Malta’s best beaches.
In some ways, it reminds people of parts of Ballito, Somerset West, or quieter coastal areas around the Western Cape where lifestyle and outdoor living are a big part of daily life.
Naxxar and Attard attract many families relocating from suburbs around Johannesburg, Durban, or Pretoria who want a more residential setting rather than apartment-focused coastal living.
These areas have a strong neighbourhood feel, larger family homes, local cafés, schools, and easier access to different parts of the island. Many South Africans living here enjoy the balance between convenience and a quieter day-to-day routine.
Settling into Malta is usually less of a culture shock than many South Africans expect. English is spoken everywhere, the climate is familiar, and there’s a strong social culture centred around food, family, cafés, beaches, and outdoor living.
At the same time, there are everyday differences that take some adjustment. Malta is smaller, more densely populated and operates at a different pace to South Africa. Understanding these lifestyle changes early helps many South Africans settle in more comfortably.
Malta’s work culture is generally more relaxed and relationship-focused than many corporate environments in South Africa. Networking matters, industries are closely connected and business communities can feel surprisingly small.
Many South Africans move to Malta for work in sectors like iGaming, finance, technology, compliance, hospitality and remote business services. Because English is widely spoken, most professionals adjust quickly to the workplace environment.
Healthcare is often seen as one of Malta’s strengths. The country has both public and private healthcare systems, with many expats choosing private health insurance for faster access and additional flexibility.
Private healthcare costs are typically lower than what many South Africans are used to paying for premium private medical care back home.
While Malta’s school system is not identical to South Africa’s, the overall progression from early education through to university will feel familiar to most South African families:
Education is compulsory in Malta between the ages of 5 and 16.
Families in Malta usually choose between three types of schools:
State schools are government-funded and free for residents. Teaching is in Maltese and English, although English is widely used across most subjects.
Church schools are also free to attend but are highly sought after and usually operate through a lottery system because demand is high.
Private and international schools are fee-paying and are particularly popular with expat families moving to Malta from South Africa. These schools often follow British curriculums, teach entirely in English, and have internationally recognised qualifications.
The Maltese school year usually begins in late September and runs through to late June.
There are breaks during:
Summer holidays are much longer than what many South African families are used to, with schools typically closing from late June until September.
School days in Malta are shorter than in South Africa, especially in younger year groups.
Many schools operate roughly between 8am and 2pm, although this varies depending on the school and age group. Some private schools and international schools provide extended hours, after-school activities, sports programmes, and childcare services for working parents.
One of the easier adjustments for South Africans is that Malta also drives on the left-hand side of the road.
South Africans can usually drive in Malta using their South African licence for an initial period after arriving, particularly while establishing residency. Once officially resident in Malta, most long-term residents eventually apply for a Maltese driving licence.
Driving in Malta feels different because of the island’s size and road network. Distances are short, but roads can feel busy during peak hours, especially around central areas.
Salaries in Malta can sometimes feel lower than what highly skilled South Africans earn in Johannesburg or Cape Town, particularly in senior corporate roles. However, many expats feel the lifestyle trade-off is worthwhile because of safety, European access, and overall quality of life.
The cost of living in Malta depends on where you choose to live and the type of lifestyle you want. Coastal hotspots and international school zones are usually the most expensive, while more residential towns can be better value.
Some aspects of life in Malta, particularly rent and international schooling, can cost more than South Africa. However, Malta’s public healthcare system, shorter travel distances, and everyday Mediterranean lifestyle are often seen as major quality-of-life advantages.
The comparison below gives a rough idea of how day-to-day costs in a family-oriented Maltese town like Naxxar compare to those in Durbanville in Cape Town.
Expense | Naxxar (avg) | Durbanville (avg) |
3-bed apartment rent (monthly) | R26,127.23 | R16,000 |
Utilities (monthly) | R1354.75 | R2149.68 |
Cinema Ticket | R140.31 | R145.00 |
Basket of food: Milk, bread, eggs, cheese, tomatoes, potatoes, bananas, bottle of wine. | R517.63 | R427 |
Mid-range dinner for two | R1354 | R800 |
International Primary school fees (annual) | R165,796.62 | R89,710.00 |
Figures are based on data from Numbeo in May 2026. Actual costs vary depending on currency movement and personal spending habits.
South Africans relocating to Malta often get professional advice around tax residency, overseas income, pensions, and international banking before making the move.
Malta has taxation agreements with South Africa, and proper financial planning can make a significant difference depending on your employment structure or source of income.
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.
South Africans can move to Malta permanently through several residency routes. The right option depends on if you’re relocating for work, retirement, remote employment, business or investment purposes.
No. English is one of Malta’s official languages and is used throughout business, schools, healthcare, contracts, and everyday life.
For many South Africans, this bilingual environment feels quite familiar. In the same way that Afrikaans and other South African languages are often spoken alongside English, Maltese and English are used side by side in Malta. Many locals switch naturally between the two depending on the setting.
While learning some Maltese phrases is appreciated socially, most expats live and work comfortably in Malta using English alone.
Yes. Malta is one of the Schengen countries, which makes travelling across much of Europe far easier once you’re legally resident in Malta.
Many South Africans living in Malta regularly travel to countries like Italy, France, Spain, Greece, and Germany for short holidays, business trips, or weekend breaks because flight times are relatively short compared to travelling from South Africa.
Your exact travel rights still depend on your residency status and passport circumstances, so it’s always worth checking current Schengen area travel rules relevant to your permit type.
Malta has a Mediterranean climate with long, hot summers and mild winters. Many South Africans find the weather very comfortable, particularly those coming from Cape Town, Durban, or coastal regions.
Summers in Malta are generally hotter and more humid than most parts of South Africa, especially during July and August. Winters are shorter and milder, although homes in Malta can feel cooler indoors because central heating is less common than many expats expect.
Supermarkets in Malta are generally smaller than what many South Africans are used to, especially compared to large shopping centres and grocery stores in cities like Johannesburg or Cape Town.
Imported products are widely available, although some South African brands and speciality foods can be harder to find or more expensive. Over time, many expats adapt to buying more local Mediterranean products, seafood, fresh produce, and European imports.
South Africans also often notice the taste of Malta’s tap water quite quickly. While the water is safe to drink, many residents prefer bottled water or install filtration systems at home because of the mineral taste.
Yes, many South Africans relocate to Malta with pets, although the process does require preparation and paperwork.
Pets entering Malta must usually meet EU import requirements, which can include:
Because Malta is an island and follows EU animal import regulations, it’s recommended to begin planning well in advance and work with a professional pet relocation company where possible.
In most cases, yes. If you plan to move to Malta from South Africa for work, you will usually need a job offer before applying for residency and a work permit.
For employment-based relocation, the employer often assists with parts of the residency process and provides supporting documentation for your application. The exact process depends on your nationality, job sector, and residency route.
Remote workers, business owners, and self-employed professionals may qualify through different residency programmes instead of a traditional employment permit.
Relocating internationally comes with far more questions than simply finding a house. You’re trying to understand areas, schools, commuting, rental contracts, residency timelines, and what daily life in Malta will actually feel like once you arrive.
At Malta Property, we help South Africans navigate that process with local knowledge, honest advice, and access to one of the island’s largest portfolios of rental and sale properties.
Whether you’re searching for a short let while you settle in, a long-term family rental, or a permanent home in Malta, our team will help you find the right property in the right location for your lifestyle and relocation plans.
Speak with Malta Property to explore rental homes, properties for sale in Malta, and the areas that best match your lifestyle, family plans, or work opportunities.
© Copyright 2025 Malta Property – All rights reserved · Privacy Policy | Disclaimer
