Malta - A Top Residence Destination in Europe

Malta has a history of attracting expatriates to its shores on the promise of a mild climate and a calm Mediterranean way of life. The experience of first time visitors often exceeds these expectations. The Maltese Islands abound with cultural heritage, bearing witness to the melting-pot of cultures that have dominated its history and still permeate the island today for cultural and lifestyle reasons. A stroll down any street in Valletta, Malta’s capital, sheds light on the impact the Knights of St John left on the Island, leaving, for one, a testament to the highest standards of design and architecture of the Middle Ages and the earliest form of structured urban planning in the modern world. Furthermore, Malta is a safe touristic destination and, English being an official language, Maltese English Language schools compete seriously with London schools in the competitive English training sector.

Malta Residence Schemes

Having carved an important niche within the EU as a reputable financial services centre, a safe banking centre and a leading jurisdiction for e-business and online gaming, Malta attracts professionals, entrepreneurs, investors and retirees from all continents.

European nationals seeking to partake in the buzz of Malta's multi-national gaming community move to Malta and obtain Malta residence permits in the form of employment licences under European freedom of movement.  Highly qualified gaming executives occupying top executive positions and specialised roles in LGA-regulated online gaming companies are able to qualify for special tax status under the Highly Qualified Persons Rules for Gaming Executives.

Malta's vibrant financial services industry attracts finance specialists from all corners of the world, partly on account of Malta's world class regulatory and legal infrastructure for financial services businesses but also thanks to a number of schemes intended to attract the brightest talent to Malta.  Highly qualified financial services expatriates relocating to Malta to take up senior positions at MFSA licensed financial services companies in Malta are eligible for special tax status at 15% under the Highly Qualified Persons Rules for Financial Services Executives.

Retirees may benefit from the Malta Retirement Programme, an attractive proposition for retirees in receipt of 75% of their income in the form of a pension.  Approved candidates are eligible for a flat rate of 15% on the whole of their pension and their pension must amount to at least 75% of their full Maltese taxed income.  The scheme imposes a minimum stay requirement of 90 days per year averaged over 5 years.

The Malta Permanent Residence Scheme remains one of the most attractive schemes and we are eager to hear what changes will be announced to adjust the requirements downwards and widen the eligibility of the rules to attract more expatriates.

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