The sunny archipelago of Malta lies off the southern coast of Italy, like a gem in the Mediterranean Sea. Due to its accessible location and rich history, Malta is a nation infused with the various cultural and architectural influences of Italy, North Africa, and England.

Getting acquainted

You will quickly get acquainted with the essence of Malta by visiting its host of museums, tapas restaurants, beautiful beaches, renowned snorkeling spots, hiking trails, and ancient ruins—some of the oldest in the world. The local Maltese are friendly and welcoming, and most speak English. You’ll soon feel at home.

Accessibility

With its pleasant year-round climate, excellent health care, and abundance of activities, Malta is an attractive retirement destination. As families become more global, it’s a good idea for retirees to live in a place that is safe, easily accessible and fun for the family to visit. The capital city of Valletta, is just a two-hour flight from most European capitals making it an ideal retirement spot.

Safety

Malta is rated as one of the safest places to live in the EU (travelsafeabroad.com), but petty crime such as pick pocketing can occur, so it’s best to use common sense with your valuables.

Transport

Getting around the country is easy with its relatively cheap and reliable public transport system of buses, and its first-rate taxi services. If you choose to drive your own car, you’ll find that the roads are in a good condition.

Healthcare

Although expats cannot access the public health system, they can enjoy one of the excellent and relatively inexpensive private health insurance options available to them. Premiums are around €100 per month, depending on your cover, but out of-pocket costs are quite low—around €20 for a basic visit to see a GP and €65 for a specialist appointment.

The Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP)

Highly recommended Programme for Non-EU citizens. In order to qualify for this programme applicants would need the following:

• Government once-off contribution is dependent on whether the applicants choose to purchase or rent qualifying property and is set accordingly;
  • A government contribution of €68,000 should the applicant purchase property
  • Or, In the case of the applicant renting a property, the contribution is €98,000
• Property may be leased or purchased and must be retained for a minimum of 5 years according to the following minimum values;
  • A minimum rent of €10,000(1) or for a minimum of €12,000 (2)
  • Or, purchase a property having a minimum value of € 300,000 (1) or for a minimum purchase value of €350,000 (2)
• A donation of €2,000 is to be made to a local registered NGO.
• Eligibility criteria include that the applicant possesses a minimum capital of €500,000; of which €150,000 should be financial assets.

Property areas and values stipulated (1) in Gozo, North/South Malta (2) other areas of Malta

The Malta Retirement Programme

The MRP is a programme designed to attract nationals of the EU and (more recently) Non-EU, who are not in an employment relationship and are in receipt of a pension as their regular source of income. Individuals benefitting from this Programme may hold a non-executive post on the board of a company resident in Malta. This implies that the beneficiary would be prohibited from being employed by the company in any capacity.

Cost of living – the basics

When compared with other top-rated retirement destinations, Malta fares well. Expect to spend around €900 per month on rent for an average one-bedroom apartment in a central area and around €100 on utilities. Generally, rents vary depending on where you live, sea view and features.

What’s not to like?

Malta’s great weather, laid-back lifestyle, friendly locals, affordable living costs and accessible location, make this charming country the perfect place to retire.

NOTE: Merle will be available in South Africa in April for appointments and presenting seminars – Click below to find out more