Retire in Malta
Your complete guide to financial independence in Malta for 2026
English-speaking Mediterranean island with tax efficiency for remittances.
💰
68%
Cost of Living
vs NYC baseline
🏠
$1,200
Average Rent
per month
📊
0.0%
Capital Gains Tax
on investments
🛡️
9/10
Safety Score
security rating
How Much Do You Need to Retire in Malta?
Lean FIRE
€408,000
For €1,360/mo lifestyle
Moderate
€612,000
For €2,040/mo lifestyle
Comfortable
€816,000
For €2,720/mo lifestyle
Luxury
€1,020,000
For €3,400/mo lifestyle
Note: These calculations use the 4.0% safe withdrawal rate and include Malta's 0.0% capital gains tax.
Visa & Residency Options
Available Visas
Global Residence Program / Nomad Permit
Cost by Location Type
Urban
€1,560
30% more
Suburban
€1,200
baseline
Rural
€960
20% less
Cheaper Alternatives to Malta
Compare with More Expensive Countries
Frequently Asked Questions about Malta
Geo-arbitrage is the strategy of earning a strong currency (like USD or EUR) while living in a country with a lower cost of living. In 2026, this is the fastest way to achieve FIRE, allowing you to reduce expenses by 40-60% without lowering your quality of life.
The Freedom Clock calculates your exact 'Freedom Date' based on your savings, income, and the real-time cost of living in your target country. It accounts for 2026 inflation rates and tax laws to give you a precise timeline for early retirement.
A 1-year renewable permit for non-EU citizens earning at least €3,500 gross per month from foreign employers or clients.
As of late 2023/2024, digital nomads pay a flat 10% tax on their 'authorised work' income, which is much lower than standard rates.
No, the Nomad Permit does not lead to PR. You would need to switch to a different work or investment permit and live there for 5 years.
Private healthcare is mandatory for the visa and is high-quality. A standard policy for a healthy adult costs €400–€800 per year.
Malta was the first EU country with a nationwide 5G network. Fiber internet is standard and very reliable for remote work.
Very safe. It is a family-oriented society with low violent crime, though traffic and construction noise are common complaints.
A 1-bedroom apartment in popular areas like Sliema or St. Julian's costs €1,100–€1,500/month. Utilities are roughly €80–€120/month.
Yes, English is an official language alongside Maltese. All government forms and daily business are conducted in English.
Yes, spouses and children are included. The €3,500 income requirement currently remains the same regardless of family size.
Processing by the Residency Malta Agency usually takes 3 to 5 months from the date of submission.
Calculate Your Personal Freedom Date
Use our interactive calculator to see exactly when you can retire in Malta based on your current savings and income.
Try the Freedom Calculator →