Malta Property can help you find short-term or long-term rental homes across Malta and Gozo, from central apartments to family homes and villas.
Looking for a European base that still feels close to the Mediterranean way of life? For many people, moving to Malta from Turkey feels like a great option, as it’s social, sunny, close to home and is English-speaking. Malta is a compact island, with familiar café culture, coastal living, family-focused communities and a growing Turkish presence already making its mark.
For thousands of British nationals, Malta is no longer just a holiday destination. It is home to more than 10,000 Brits across the islands. In Gozo, the connection runs even deeper, with British nationals making up over one in four of the foreign population.
These established expat communities include families starting a new chapter, professionals advancing their careers, and retirees embracing a more fulfilling pace of life.
If you are considering moving to Malta, you are looking at a country where British nationals are already settled, connected and thriving.
Many Turkish nationals find Malta is a practical European move without a complete cultural reset. The climate, coastal routines, café culture and family-focused lifestyle feels familiar, especially for people from Istanbul, Izmir, Antalya or Bodrum. The difference is that Malta is smaller, English is widely spoken and daily life is easier to navigate, making it appealing for families, professionals and retirees.
Travel access is a major reason Turkish citizens look at Malta. Turkish passport holders often face visa requirements for parts of Europe, which can make business trips, holidays, school visits and family travel harder to plan. Malta’s position in the Schengen Area makes it attractive to Turkish nationals who want a stronger European base.
Many Turkish families are drawn to Malta because of its reputation for safety, stability and a manageable pace of life. Parents often value the calmer environment, shorter distances and the chance for children to spend more time outdoors through beaches, parks, sports clubs and local activities. Malta is also a multicultural country with communities from many backgrounds, which can help international families feel more comfortable as they build a new routine.
Turkish life in Malta is more established than many newcomers expect. Turkish restaurants, food markets, cultural events, music, theatre and social gatherings give new arrivals familiar places to connect. Malter Haber, a Turkish-language news and community portal based in Malta, also helps residents follow local updates in Turkish. For people moving from Turkey, these community links can make the first months feel easier.
As Turkey is outside the EU, long-term stays, work, study, retirement plans and property-led relocation need to be planned carefully. For most people moving to Malta from Turkey, residency is the starting point. Citizenship is a separate matter and usually only becomes relevant much later.
Ordinary Turkish passport holders generally need a Schengen visa before travelling to Malta for tourism, business, property viewings or school visits. Once granted, a short-stay Schengen visa usually allows travel for up to 90 days within a 180-day period, but it doesn’t give the right to settle, work or live in Malta long term.
Once the move becomes more permanent, Turkish nationals need the correct residence permission for their situation. Having legal residence status makes it much easier to arrange long-term accommodation, healthcare, school applications, banking, utilities, tax planning and future property decisions.
Some Turkish nationals start by exploring properties in Malta for rent while they get used to the island, compare school runs, test commute times and decide which areas feel right. Others arrive with plans to buy straight away, especially those looking at properties for sale in Malta and Gozo for retirement, investment, family relocation, or a longer-term European base.
Permanent residency and citizenship are separate in Malta, so it helps to think of them as different steps. For many Turkish nationals, the first goal is simply to secure the right to live in Malta long term, then build daily life around work, school, property and family plans. Buying property may form part of this plan, but it doesn’t automatically give you permanent residence or a Maltese passport.
Citizenship is a longer-term matter with its own rules and government checks. If permanent residency, citizenship, tax planning or investment is part of your move, speak with qualified legal, tax and residency specialists before making decisions.
The right residency route depends on why you’re moving from Turkey to Malta. Some Turkish nationals relocate after accepting a job, while others move for education, remote work, retirement, business reasons or long-term family security.
Because Turkish citizens are non-EU nationals, the paperwork should be planned early. The process can feel document-heavy, especially for families buying property, moving with children, or keeping income and assets in Turkey.
The Malta Permanent Residence Programme is often explored by Turkish families, retirees and investors who want a longer-term European base with Schengen travel access.
This route is especially relevant for people planning to buy property, move family members, or create a stable base outside of Turkey. It has strict financial, property, contribution and due diligence requirements, so applicants should speak with licensed residency specialists before committing to the move.
A large number of Turkish nationals move to Malta for English-language education. Malta is well known for its English schools, international learning environment and relatively accessible Mediterranean lifestyle, making it popular with Turkish students and young adults.
Turkish students attending long-term English courses, colleges or higher education programmes will need a student visa linked to their approved educational institution. To get this visa, they will usually need evidence of their study like proof of enrolment, accommodation arrangements, financial means, health insurance and passport validity.
Turkish remote workers, consultants and online business owners may look at Malta’s Nomad Residence Permit. This route is aimed at non-EU nationals who want to live in Malta while working remotely for employers, clients or businesses based outside Malta.
It can suit people who already earn internationally and want a European base without taking local employment. Applicants usually need to show qualifying income, valid health insurance, suitable accommodation and proof of remote work.
Many Turkish professionals move to Malta after securing employment with a Malta-based company. International industries like technology, finance, iGaming, aviation, tourism, hospitality and business services regularly employ non-EU workers.
In most cases, the job offer and work authorisation need to be arranged together. Turkish applicants should check what documents are needed before travelling, as employers may require proof of qualifications, work experience, police conduct records, health insurance and passport validity.
Moving from Turkey to Malta usually works best when it is planned in stages. For Turkish nationals, the visa process, residency route, property search, finances and family arrangements all need to line up properly.
Many people start with a short visit to Malta before making firm decisions. This gives you time to see how different towns feel, compare properties, understand school options and decide if renting first or buying straight away makes most sense.
A viewing trip can be especially useful for Turkish buyers because Malta’s property market moves quickly and areas can feel very different in person. Sliema, St Julian’s and Gżira are busy and central, while Naxxar, Attard, Mosta and Mellieħa feel more residential.
During this trip, many buyers view properties for sale in Malta, meet agents, visit schools, compare commute times and speak with a notary. It is also a good time to understand whether a lifestyle development, apartment, villa or older Maltese home suits your plans.
The best area depends on how you plan to live. Professionals often prefer Sliema, St Julian’s, Gżira, Msida or Ta’ Xbiex for offices, cafés, gyms, marinas and evening life. Families often look towards Naxxar, Attard, Mosta, Swieqi and Mellieħa for schools, larger homes and quieter streets.
Retirees and second-home buyers may prefer Mellieħa, St Paul’s Bay, Marsaskala or Gozo, where the pace is calmer and coastal living is easier to enjoy day to day.
Before relocating, Turkish nationals should start gathering documents early. Depending on the route, this may include passports, birth or marriage certificates, police conduct records, employment contracts, proof of savings, health insurance, accommodation details and translated documents.
This is also the time to speak with tax, legal and residency specialists, especially if you own property, run a business, receive rental income, hold investments or plan to transfer funds from Turkey to Malta for a property purchase.
After arriving, most new residents focus on their practical setup:
For Turkish families, everyday life often feels easier once routines are in place. The island is small, English is widely used, and local neighbourhoods can quickly become familiar through schools, cafés, markets, sports clubs, beaches and community events.
Some Turkish nationals rent first before buying, especially if they are still waiting for residency paperwork, comparing schools or deciding which area best suits their family. Renting also makes sense if you want to get to know the island through everyday life before committing to a purchase.
Malta has a wide rental market, from central apartments close to business areas to larger family homes, penthouses and villas in quieter residential towns.
Short-term rentals can be useful during the first stage of moving to Malta. They give Turkish families and buyers time to attend property viewings, visit schools, meet advisors and understand daily routines without rushing into a long contract.
These homes are usually furnished and easier to move into quickly. They are often found in central or coastal areas, including Sliema, St Julian’s, Gżira, Valletta, St Paul’s Bay and parts of Gozo.
For Turkish nationals planning to live in Malta for a year or more, a long-let property is usually the more practical option. These contracts commonly run for at least 12 months and can provide a stable base while residency, schooling, work and property purchase plans are arranged.
Many long-let properties come furnished, with air conditioning, appliances and basic household items already included. Families may prefer maisonettes, larger apartments or villas in quieter areas with schools, supermarkets and parking nearby.
When renting in Malta, landlords will usually ask for proof that you can cover the rent and meet the terms of the lease. Turkish tenants should be ready to provide a valid passport, proof of income or employment, visa or residence documents where applicable, a deposit and the first rent payment.
Long-term residential leases are normally registered with Malta’s Housing Authority. Your agent can explain the usual process before you sign.
The type of property people choose often depends on work arrangements, lifestyle priorities and family size.
Popular options include:
Malta Property can help you find short-term or long-term rental homes across Malta and Gozo, from central apartments to family homes and villas.
For many Turkish nationals, buying in Malta is part of a wider plan: a safer family base, a second home in Europe, retirement planning or long-term investment. Buying can also feel more stable than renting if you already know you want Malta to become your main home.
The market has a wide variety, from modern apartments and seafront penthouses to villas, lifestyle developments and old properties for sale in Malta with traditional stonework, courtyards and Maltese balconies.
Turkish citizens can buy property in Malta, although rules apply because Turkey is outside the EU. In many cases, non-EU buyers need an Acquisition of Immovable Property, often called an AIP permit, when buying outside certain approved zones.
This should not put buyers off, but it does mean the process needs proper guidance. A notary, estate agent and legal advisor can help check the property, confirm the permit position and make sure the purchase is handled correctly.
There are minimum value thresholds set by the government for properties purchased with an AIP permit, and these may be updated periodically.
Many Turkish buyers look closely at Malta’s lifestyle developments, also known as Special Designated Areas. These are popular with non-EU buyers because purchasing rules are usually simpler, and buyers can often purchase without an AIP permit.
Lifestyle developments are usually found in prime areas and may include communal pools, gyms, underground parking, security, landscaped spaces, concierge services and marina access. They suit buyers who want a modern lock-up-and-leave home, especially if they travel often between Turkey, Malta and other parts of Europe.
For buyers who like character, old properties for sale in Malta can be especially appealing. Traditional townhouses, houses of character and converted homes may include limestone walls, patterned tiles, wooden balconies, internal courtyards and high ceilings.
These homes can feel familiar to Turkish buyers who appreciate historic neighbourhoods and traditional architecture. However, older properties need careful checks. Before buying, it is sensible to review structure, permits, renovation potential, damp issues, access, parking and any heritage restrictions.
If your move from Turkey includes buying a home, Malta Property can help you compare homes across Malta and Gozo, and focus your search around the properties that genuinely match your lifestyle, budget and long-term goals.
Sliema and St. Julian’s are popular with professionals, couples and investors who want a central coastal base. These areas have seafront apartments, restaurants, gyms, shops, private clinics and easy access to business districts. They also suit buyers looking for modern apartments or lifestyle developments with strong rental appeal. The pace is busier, so they work best for people who want convenience and social life close by.
Gżira, Msida and Ta’ Xbiex suit buyers who want to stay central without choosing the busiest parts of Sliema or St Julian’s. These areas are close to offices, marinas, the University of Malta, public transport and Valletta ferry links. Apartments are the main property type, with some higher-end homes near the waterfront. They can work well for professionals, students, rental investors and families who want a practical base.
Mellieħa and St. Paul’s Bay appeal to Turkish nationals who want a coastal lifestyle with a more relaxed feel. Mellieħa is known for larger homes, sea views, villas and access to sandy beaches, while St Paul’s Bay, Qawra and Buġibba have a large international community and a wide choice of apartments. These areas are popular with retirees, remote workers, families and buyers wanting properties for sale in Malta near the sea.
Naxxar, Attard and Mosta are strong choices for Turkish families moving with kids to Malta. They feel more residential, with supermarkets, schools, pharmacies, sports clubs, cafés and larger homes available. Buyers can find apartments, maisonettes, townhouses and villas, often with more space than in central coastal areas. These towns suit people who want a family routine, easier parking and good access to different parts of the island.
Malta has both public and private healthcare, which may feel familiar to Turkish nationals used to combining state hospitals with private clinics in Turkey. English is widely spoken in hospitals, pharmacies and medical centres, and many Turkish residents choose private health insurance at first while arranging residency or understanding which public services they can access.
Compared with large Turkish cities like Istanbul, Ankara or Izmir, healthcare in Malta is more compact and easier to navigate. Appointments, pharmacies and clinics are usually close by, and travel times are shorter because the island is small. Mater Dei Hospital is the main public hospital, while private clinics and specialists are available across many towns.
Moving with kids to Malta can be attractive for Turkish families because English is widely used in education and daily life. Malta’s education system is divided into early years, primary, secondary and post-secondary stages. Kindergarten usually starts around age three, primary school runs from roughly ages five to eleven, and secondary education continues until around age sixteen. Students can then move into sixth form, vocational colleges or other post-secondary education before university.
Families can choose between state, church, private and international schools, depending on residence status, budget and preferred curriculum. State schools in Malta generally teach in both English and Maltese, although English is heavily used for subjects like maths, science and business studies. Maltese language lessons are normally compulsory in state education.
Church schools also commonly use a mix of English and Maltese, while many private and international schools teach mainly in English. International schools are often the easiest transition for Turkish children who don’t speak Maltese, especially if they are moving during secondary school years. Some schools follow British-style curricula, while others offer International Baccalaureate or mixed international programmes.
The school day, application process and academic year may feel different from Turkey, so it helps to research early. School places in popular areas can fill quickly, especially in international and private schools. Many parents rent first while comparing school locations, commute times, after-school activities and neighbourhoods that feel right for family life.
One of the biggest adjustments for Turkish drivers is that Malta drives on the left. Roads are also narrow, parking can be limited, and traffic can build quickly around school and work hours.
Turkish citizens can usually use a valid Turkish driving licence for a limited period after arriving in Malta, although the exact rules depend on residency status and how long they stay. Many long-term residents eventually exchange or convert their licence according to Maltese regulations. In Malta, the minimum driving age is 18 years for cars.
The benefit is distance. Malta is far smaller than Turkey, so even a busy journey is usually shorter than crossing Istanbul, Ankara or Izmir. Many residents use a mix of driving, buses, taxis, ferries and walking, depending on where they live.
Malta is mainly Roman Catholic, but freedom of religion is protected and the island has Muslim, Orthodox, Protestant, Jewish and other faith communities. For Turkish nationals of different backgrounds, this means daily life can be shaped around personal preferences, family routines and community connections.
There are also Turkish restaurants, markets, cultural events and community links that help new arrivals feel grounded. Over time, many Turkish residents build social circles through schools, work, cafés, sports clubs, religious communities and local events.
Living costs in Malta are usually more expensive than in Turkey, especially for rent, dining out and day-to-day services. The difference can feel noticeable for Turkish families moving from coastal cities like Antalya, where a Mediterranean lifestyle may cost less than in a popular Maltese town.
That said, Malta may still feel worthwhile for buyers who are prioritising safety and a high standard of living, English-speaking education, Schengen access, healthcare and property ownership in the EU. Areas like Mosta can also give families better value than Sliema or St Julian’s while still keeping schools, shops, clinics and central Malta within easy reach.
Expense | Antalya, Turkey | Mosta, Malta |
3-bed apartment rent (monthly) | ₺40,978.23 | ₺94,302.94 |
Utilities (monthly) | ₺3,557.59 | ₺5,671.52 |
Cinema Ticket | ₺300.00 | ₺533.79 |
Basket of food: Milk, bread, eggs, cheese, tomatoes, potatoes, bananas and a bottle of wine. | ₺801.28 | ₺1169.38 |
Mid-range dinner for two | ₺2,000.00 | ₺4,270.32 |
International Primary school fees (annual) | ₺514,168.02 | ₺587,169.28 |
Figures are based on data from Numbeo in May 2026. Actual costs vary depending on currency movement and personal spending habits.
Turkish nationals settling in Malta can find familiar ingredients, restaurants and community-led food businesses, although the choice may be smaller than in Turkey. Turkish restaurants and markets are especially helpful during the first few months, when small daily comforts make a big difference.
Malta also has a wide mix of Mediterranean food, local bakeries, fresh produce shops, supermarkets and international stores. Many families quickly build routines around local cafés, weekly shopping, seaside walks and weekend meals out.
Turkish nationals can work in Malta if they have the correct work and residence permission. In most cases, non-EU nationals need a Single Permit, which combines the right to live and work in Malta. This is usually linked to a specific job, so it is important to understand the permit process before accepting an offer or moving your family.
Malta’s job market is strongly international, with foreign workers working across many sectors. Turkish professionals may find opportunities in finance, technology, iGaming, aviation, tourism, hospitality, customer support, logistics, healthcare, construction, education and business services.
English is widely used in workplaces, which can make Malta easier for Turkish applicants than countries where fluency in another European language is expected. Turkish can also be useful in customer-facing, trade, tourism, import/export or multilingual support roles, especially where companies work with Turkish-speaking clients.
Turkish nationals moving to Malta should get tax advice before relocating, especially if they will keep income, property, investments, pensions or business interests in Turkey. Where you pay tax can depend on your residence status, how long you spend in Malta, where your income comes from and whether you’re working locally or remotely.
Malta and Turkey have a double taxation agreement in place, which is designed to reduce the risk of the same income being taxed twice. This can be relevant for employment income, pensions, dividends, interest, royalties, business income and some investment income.
If you’re weighing up a move from Turkey to either Malta or Cyprus, the right choice for you depends on your priorities. Malta may appeal more if you want an English-speaking EU base, Schengen access, a compact island lifestyle and a strong international property market. Cyprus may appeal to those who want a larger island, closer regional ties or a different cost structure.
Malta has a Mediterranean climate, with hot, dry summers and mild winters. It may feel familiar to Turkish nationals from coastal areas like Antalya, Izmir or Bodrum, although Malta is smaller, windier and more humid at times. Compared with Istanbul or Ankara, winters in Malta are usually milder, with less cold weather and more outdoor days throughout the year. Rain tends to fall mainly in winter.
Malta is a great place to raise children, especially if outdoor living and English-language education are priorities. Children can grow up with beaches, swimming, snorkelling, fishing, paddleboarding, football, parks and village activities close by. Schools range from state and church schools to private and international options, and English is widely used. Malta’s smaller size can also make family routines, school runs and weekend plans easier to manage.
Turkish nationals may be able to use the Malta Retirement Programme if they meet the residency requirements. This route is designed for people who want to retire in Malta and receive a pension as their regular source of income. It may suit Turkish retirees who want a Mediterranean lifestyle, English-speaking services, healthcare access and a long-term base within the EU. Applicants should speak with a qualified tax or residency specialist before making plans.
Turkish nationals may be able to immigrate to Malta through the Malta Global Residence Programme, as it is aimed at non-EU, non-EEA and non-Swiss nationals who want residence and a special tax status in Malta. It may be relevant for people with overseas income, international assets or long-term relocation plans. This route has conditions linked to property, tax, health insurance and residence, so specialist advice is needed before applying.
There are direct flights between Malta and Istanbul. As of May 2026, Turkish Airlines and KM Malta Airlines operate non-stop flights from Malta to Istanbul. These flights take around two and a half hours. Schedules can change by season, so Turkish nationals planning regular travel between Malta and Turkey should check airline timetables before booking. Istanbul also gives onward connections to cities across Turkey, including Ankara, Izmir, Antalya and Bodrum.
Turkish nationals should not assume they can buy Maltese citizenship through a property purchase or investment. Malta’s previous citizenship-by-investment scheme is currently paused indefinitely following legal and regulatory changes, so new applicants should not expect this route to be available in the near future.
There are still other possible routes to Maltese citizenship, including long-term residency programmes and naturalisation, but these involve strict eligibility rules, residency periods, background checks and government approval. For most Turkish families and investors, the more realistic starting point is residency, like the Malta Permanent Residence Programme, followed by long-term planning. Anyone considering Maltese citizenship should speak with a licensed citizenship and residency specialist before making financial commitments.
Moving to Malta from Turkey is easier when you have local guidance on the property market, neighbourhoods, rental options and buying process. Malta Property helps Turkish families, professionals, retirees and investors understand where to live, what to budget for, and which property types best fit their plans.
From short-term rentals while you settle in, to properties for sale in Malta and Gozo for a longer-term move, our team can help you compare locations, arrange viewings and narrow the search around your lifestyle, family needs and future goals.
Explore the latest properties for sale in Malta, browse rental homes across Malta and Gozo, or speak with Malta Property for guidance on finding the right base for your move from Turkey.
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