Buying in Malta: the back story

About Buying in Malta: the back story

By the ULTIMATE Malta Editorial Team

Editor-in-Chief: Jai Michael

Malta is an English-speaking EU state, and it draws buyers from across Europe and beyond. Most foreign buyers look at the harbour towns, Sliema, St Julian’s, Ta’ Xbiex and Valletta, or at the farmhouses and village houses of Gozo. The rules depend on who you are and where you buy.

Who can buy

Buyers who are not EU citizens generally need a permit to acquire property, the AIP permit under Chapter 246 of the Laws of Malta. EU citizens who have lived in Malta for five years can buy without one (Malta Tax and Customs Administration, mtca.gov.mt).

Special Designated Areas

In the Special Designated Areas, developments approved for the purpose, no such restrictions apply (mtca.gov.mt). Ask your notary for the current list before you buy.

Check the permit rules before you fall in love with a house: they decide what you can buy.

Living here

Residence is a separate question. Residency Malta Agency runs the Malta Permanent Residence Programme, the Nomad Residence Permit and the Malta Startup Residence Programme (residencymalta.gov.mt); Identità issues residence documents (identita.gov.mt).

Where people buy

Sliema and St Julian’s for sea-front apartments and the city life of the harbour; Valletta for restored townhouses with timber balconies; the villages of the centre for space; and Gozo for farmhouses and quiet.

Our advice: use an independent notary and lawyer, and check permits before you sign the preliminary agreement. We never publish prices.

Opening hours, prices and seasonal openings change, so please check with Buying in Malta: the back story before you go.