Life in Malta: Tips for Expats from Healthcare to Schools

What makes a place feel like home? For many expats, it’s the balance between opportunity, safety, and quality of life. Malta, a sun-soaked island in the Mediterranean, offers exactly that.

Known for its rich history, English-speaking community, and welcoming culture, the country is a top choice for individuals and families looking to relocate. Many choose to do so through the Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP), a residence by investment option that has become increasingly flexible in recent years.

Before diving into practical details, it’s worth looking at the essentials that matter most to expats, starting with healthcare.

How Does Healthcare in Malta Work?

Healthcare is one of the main priorities for expats moving abroad, and Malta provides strong reassurance in this area. The country’s healthcare system is highly respected, with the World Health Organization once ranking it fifth worldwide.

Malta has a dual healthcare system, which means residents can use both public and private services:

• Public healthcare: Funded through taxes and available to residents who contribute to social security, Malta’s public system is reliable and wide-ranging. Major facilities include Mater Dei Hospital, the Sir Anthony Mamo Oncology Centre, and 10 health centres spread across the islands.
• Private healthcare: Many expats prefer private care because it offers shorter waiting times and a more personalised service. Leading hospitals such as Saint James and Saint Thomas are well known, and there are specialised clinics for treatments in areas like eye care, aesthetics, and rehabilitation.

For those relocating under residence by investment, private health insurance is required. Plans can be adapted to cover basic needs or more advanced treatments, giving expats peace of mind about medical care for themselves and their families.

What Should Families Know About Education in Malta?

Education is another key concern for expats, and Malta provides solid options across public, private, and international schools.

• Public schools: Free for residents and EU/EEA citizens, public schools offer education in Maltese and English. Textbooks and transport are included, while families cover uniforms and stationery. School placements are linked to the family’s residential area.
• Private and international schools: For families wanting an English-speaking environment or international curriculum, schools like Verdala International School, St. Edward’s College, and San Anton School are popular choices. Fees usually range from €6,000 to €10,000 per year.
• Higher education: Malta also has well-regarded universities and colleges, such as the University of Malta, MCAST, and the Institute of Tourism Studies, giving students a wide choice of academic and vocational courses.

For expat families, the availability of English-speaking education is a major benefit, helping children settle quickly while keeping their studies consistent.

Lifestyle and Culture in Malta

One of Malta’s greatest attractions is its Mediterranean lifestyle. With more than 300 sunny days each year, expats can enjoy outdoor living, whether at the beach, exploring historic towns, or spending weekends on nearby islands like Gozo and Comino.

The local food culture mixes Mediterranean tastes with British and North African influences, offering plenty of variety. Malta is also compact, making it easy to explore the islands without long journeys.

Malta also offers:

• Family-friendly living: Malta is known for low crime rates and a safe, welcoming community, making it ideal for raising children.
• Cultural richness: From UNESCO heritage sites to traditional festas, Malta blends history with vibrant modern traditions.
• Language: English is an official language, which makes day-to-day life simpler for expats.

Altogether, these features make it easy for newcomers to feel at home on the island.

Why Choose Malta for Long-Term Residence? 

Beyond lifestyle, Malta offers security, stability, and excellent connections to Europe. As an EU member and part of the Schengen Zone, residents enjoy easy travel to 26 European countries. The island is also politically and economically stable, giving expats confidence about their future.

Its central Mediterranean location makes it a convenient base for both business and leisure, with direct flights to major European cities. Add to this an established international community, and new arrivals find it easier to build support networks and settle in long-term.

Spotlight on the Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP) 

For non-EU nationals, the Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP) offers a clear and dependable way to make Malta home. It is one of Europe’s most practical residence by investment programmes.

Recent changes have made the programme more attractive:
• Faster relocation: By paying €15,000 upfront, applicants now get a one-year residence card almost immediately. This allows families to move to Malta, enrol their children in schools, and settle in while their full application is still being processed.
• Simpler fees: The administration fee has been reduced to a single flat contribution, whether you choose to rent or buy property. This makes budgeting easier and clearer.
• Family-friendly rules: Spouses and children under 18 no longer pay administrative fees, while costs for other dependents have been lowered. This makes the programme one of the most inclusive in Europe.
• Property Flexibility: Families who rent or buy can now sublet their homes after a certain period, transforming their property into a smart investment that generates rental income and delivers a solid return on investment.

These updates show Malta’s focus on making residency easier, more practical, and family-oriented.

Conclusion: Your Next Step Toward Life in Malta

With its healthcare, schools, lifestyle, and stability, Malta brings all the key elements together for a safe and fulfilling expat experience. For families and professionals who want to make the island their long-term base, the Malta Permanent Residence Programme is a reliable starting point and a leading residence by investment pathway in Europe.

At DZ Advisory, we understand that moving abroad is about more than filling out forms. Since Malta first launched its residency and citizenship programmes, our team has been helping clients take this important step and settle successfully on the islands.

Why work with us?
• Proven experience: More than ten years of practical knowledge in Malta’s residency and citizenship programmes.
• Complete support: Help not only with applications but also with tax, compliance, property, and future planning.
• Multilingual team: Advisors who speak several languages, making the process smoother for clients from different backgrounds.
• Client-first service: Discreet, professional, and adapted to the needs of each family.

Relocating to Malta is a big decision, but with the right guidance, it becomes a straightforward journey. Visit DZ Advisory's MPRP page or contact our team today to explore your options. Let us help you and your family build a secure and fulfilling future in Malta!