Malta information hub
Retiring to Malta
Factual information for people considering retirement in Malta: housing options, healthcare access, cost of living, climate, accessibility, community and activities, transport, residency routes including the MPRP, and general tax considerations. No rankings or claims that Malta is 'the best'.
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We do not claim that Malta is the best place to retire. The facts below let you weigh it for yourself.
Key figures
Life expectancy at birth
83.0years
2024
Eurostat — European Commission (data transmitted by NSO Malta) · verified 01 Oct 2026
Annual mean temperature
19.5°C
1991–2020 normals
World Bank Group (CRU TS v4.07, University of East Anglia) · verified 01 Oct 2026
Inflation (HICP annual average)
2.4%
2025
Eurostat — European Commission (data transmitted by NSO Malta) · verified 01 Oct 2026
Old-age dependency ratio (65+ per 100 aged 15–64)
26.6%
2025
Eurostat — European Commission (data transmitted by NSO Malta) · verified 01 Oct 2026
Every figure shows the reference period and the publishing authority. Statistics are refreshed when the source publishes a new release; see the source register for document details.
| Indicator | Value | Period | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Life expectancy at birth | 83.0 years | 2024 | Eurostat — European Commission (data transmitted by NSO Malta) · demo_mlexpec, total · verified 01 Oct 2026 |
| Hospital beds per 100,000 inhabitants | 410 per 100,000 | 2019 (latest transmitted) | Eurostat — European Commission · hlth_rs_bds HBEDT · verified 01 Oct 2026 |
Property discovery
Properties in Malta and Gozo
Browse current listings on both islands; Gozo listings are typically quieter and lower-density.
Housing
Apartments with lifts in the harbour towns and the north coast suit people who want services on foot; houses of character and farmhouses in central villages and Gozo offer space but more stairs and more driving. See the property guide and explore properties in Malta and Gozo.
Healthcare
Public healthcare is free for entitled residents; retirees from the EU who are covered by their home state's pension scheme may use the S1 arrangement; others need private insurance (required under the MPRP). Mater Dei and private hospitals offer specialist care; life expectancy is 83 years. See Healthcare.
Cost of living
Housing dominates; utilities, food and leisure are moderate. Inflation was 2.4% in 2025. See the cost of living guide and the calculator.
Climate
Mild winters (daily highs 15–17 °C) and hot summers (28–32 °C), with most rain between October and March. Summer heat and winter humidity in older houses are the common complaints. See Climate.
Accessibility and transport
Residents travel free on buses with a tallinja card; buses are low-floor. Historic towns have steps and steep streets; newer developments have lifts and parking. Everything is within an hour's drive.
Community and activities
A large English-speaking retiree community, parish and village life, the University of the Third Age, walking, sailing, golf (Marsa), bridge and cultural seasons in Valletta.
Residency routes
EU citizens register as residents after three months with proof of means and insurance; non-EU citizens may use the Malta Permanent Residence Programme (no minimum stay requirement), the Malta Retirement Programme (tax-driven, with conditions) or other permits.
General tax considerations
Tax depends on residence and domicile status and on your pension's source country and the applicable double taxation agreement. See Tax and take professional advice.
Sources & Verification
Verified 1 October 2026 against the sources below- EU Institution
Eurostat — Population and demography (demo_pjan, demo_pjanind, demo_gind, demo_r_d3dens, migr_pop1ctz, demo_mlexpec, ilc_lvph01)
Eurostat — European Commission (data transmitted by NSO Malta)
Population on 1 January; population density; crude rates; citizenship; median age; life expectancy; household size
- Published
- 25 Sept 2026
- Effective
- —
- Last checked
- 01 Oct 2026
- Status
- Active
Reference: EUROSTAT-POPOfficial requirement - Institutional
World Bank Climate Change Knowledge Portal — Malta climatology (CRU TS 4.07, 1991–2020)
World Bank Group (CRU TS v4.07, University of East Anglia)
Monthly mean, maximum and minimum temperature and precipitation climatology, 1991–2020, country average
- Published
- —
- Effective
- —
- Last checked
- 01 Oct 2026
- Status
- Active
Reference: WB-CCKPOfficial requirement - Legislation
Social Security Act (Cap. 318), consolidated
Government of Malta — Laws of Malta
Chapter 318 of the Laws of Malta, consolidated
- Published
- —
- Effective
- —
- Last checked
- 01 Oct 2026
- Status
- Active
Reference: CAP-318Official requirement - Legislation
Malta Permanent Residence Programme Regulations (S.L. 217.26), consolidated
Government of Malta — Subsidiary Legislation under the Immigration Act (Cap. 217)
Subsidiary Legislation 217.26 — Malta Permanent Residence Programme Regulations, L.N. 121 of 2021 as amended by L.N. 57 and 310 of 2024 and L.N. 146 of 2025
- Published
- 29 Mar 2021
- Effective
- 22 Jul 2025
- Last checked
- 30 Sept 2026
- Status
- Active
Reference: SL-217-26Official requirement - Transport Authority
Malta Public Transport — Fares and tickets
Malta Public Transport (national scheduled bus operator)
Fares and tickets: single journey fares, 12 Single Day Journeys, Explore and Explore Flex cards, personalised tallinja card (free travel scheme)
- Published
- —
- Effective
- —
- Last checked
- 01 Oct 2026
- Status
- Active
Reference: MPT-FARESOfficial requirement
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Written by
Malta MPRP Guide Editorial Team
Research & editorial
The editorial team researches the Malta Permanent Residence Programme directly from the consolidated regulations (S.L. 217.26), the Legal Notices that amend them and the Residency Malta Agency's published material. Ever…
Reviewed by
Fact-check & source review
Responsible for reviewing published pages against the current text of S.L. 217.26 and the Agency's official pages, recording the verification date and flagging any page that needs an update after a legislative change. R…