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UK citizens are no longer EU citizens, which means you will need to apply for a visa or residence permit to stay in Malta for more than 90 days within a 180-day period. The type of visa or permit depends on your reason for moving, such as work, study, or retirement.
 
Brexit has made moving to Malta more complex, as British citizens will now need to obtain a visa and residence document to live in Malta on a long term basis. British expats who were living in Malta prior to the end of free movement will still obtain their residence status due to the protections afforded to them under the withdrawal agreement.
 
British citizens in Malta who upgrade to permanent residence can leave for up to five years without losing their status. This is especially beneficial for those needing to care for family in the UK or take overseas job opportunities. Upgrading to permanent residence is a crucial step for British citizens in Malta to secure their rights and future stability. By securing permanent residence under the Withdrawal Agreement, British citizens can benefit from greater flexibility and reduced bureaucracy.

The majority of British Nationals in Malta are now classed as having temporary residents permits. If you have this type of residents card you will not be able to access certain care and services. Anyone who wishes to be considered for Permanent Residency in 2025 need to contact Identita directly by email using brexit.identita(at)gov.mt
 
Applicants will then be asked to provide the following:
 
- The new Identita Brexit Application Form with the box ticked for permanent residency
- Copy of valid Residence Card
- Copy of Bio Page of valid passport
- 5 consecutive years evidence of stay in Malta – Such as bank statements, utility bills, rental agreements - 6 months in a year (2018-2023). Starting from the 1st of September, 2024 any property lease agreement presented as part of a residence permit application must be officially attested by a Notary, Lawyer, or Legal Procurator.
- If you are young enough to be working you need to provide evidence of work contract including FS3 documentation.
 
Once your application has been emailed to the unit, you will get an automated response and then they will respond either to ask for further information or to let you know that your application has been accepted. You will then receive a code linked to your application, which you will need to quote when using the on-line appointment booking system when booking your biometrics appointment. The link to the appointment system will on the email you received from Identita.
 
If you're a British citizen living in Malta under the EU-UK Withdrawal Agreement, it's time to start preparing for Permanent Residence (PR).

What does this mean for you?

Security: Permanent Residence guarantees you the right to live, work, and access services in Malta for as long as you want, on largely the same basis as Maltese citizens.
Peace of Mind: It's a step towards long-term stability after Brexit, putting your right to continue living here on a more solid footing.

Can British Citizens Retire to Malta?
 
British citizens can retire to Malta under the Malta Retirement Programme, which offers a number of benefits for retirees wanting to create their base on the island. Those applying for the program must meet a number of requirements, including purchasing a property for more than EUR 220,000-EUR 275,000 or renting it for EUR 8750- EUR 9600, depending on where it is located. Additionally, health insurance is required, as is the obligation to live in Malta for over half the year, to pass due diligence requirements, and to pay a 15% tax on pensions remitted to the country.
 
Additional annual fees and a one-off registration fee are also payable. Even for those who do not receive a pension, there are opportunities to retire under the Residence Scheme, as long as certain property, income, and donation obligations are satisfied.
 
Malta has a population of 549,000 with around 22% of the population being made up by expatriates. Of the 22% British Nationals account for around 9% of the expat community. This number can fluctuate, however, as many come and go throughout the year or staying for the winter and leaving in the summer.
 
Despite Brexit, Moving from the UK to Malta can still be an easy process for residents of the United Kingdom due to the two countries’ common history, language and cultural ties.
 
Do not hesitate to contact us for more information. Our immigration lawyers can assist you to emigrate from the UK.
 

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