Sliema, St Julian's and Gżira
The largest international community.
Seafront promenades, every service available in English, restaurants, and dense apartment living. Convenient and busy.
Typical couple’s budget: $3,400 per month
Where Expats Live in Malta for American Retirees
Where Expats Live in Malta
Where Americans have actually settled in Malta, who each place suits, and the practical detail that decides whether you enjoy living there.
Gozo
Retirees who want quiet.
Rural, green by Maltese standards, far less dense, with lower property thresholds under the retirement programme and a slower pace. A ferry ride from the airport and the main hospital.
Typical couple’s budget: $2,400 per month
Mellieħa and the north
A mixed community drawn by beaches and space.
The best beaches on the island, more open landscape and somewhat lower prices.
Typical couple’s budget: $2,700 per month
Practical detail
Climate
Mediterranean, with hot dry summers frequently over 33 degrees Celsius with high humidity, and mild wet winters around 12 to 16 degrees. Malta gets more sunshine hours than almost anywhere in Europe. The islands have essentially no natural fresh water and rely on desalination.
Safety
Very safe, with low violent crime. Petty theft in tourist areas is the realistic risk.
Language
English is an official language and is used throughout government, healthcare and business. Maltese is the other official language and is spoken socially. This is the single greatest practical advantage Malta has over the rest of the EU for an American.
Banking
Maltese banks are thorough on due diligence and account opening can be slow, but everything is conducted in English. A residence document makes it considerably easier.
Driving
Malta drives on the left, which surprises Americans. A U.S. licence can be used initially and residents exchange it for a Maltese licence. Traffic congestion is one of the most common complaints from residents.
Internet
Excellent fibre coverage across both islands.
Bringing pets
Standard EU rules: ISO microchip, rabies vaccination and a USDA-endorsed EU health certificate within ten days of travel.
Shipping your belongings
Duty-free import of used household effects on transfer of residence from outside the EU, with an inventory.
Presence requirements
At least 90 days a year in Malta averaged over five years under the retirement programme, and no more than 183 days in any other single jurisdiction.
Where Expats Live in Malta: common questions
Should I buy or rent first?
Rent, for at least six to twelve months. Neighbourhoods that look identical online differ enormously in noise, water pressure, internet reliability, walkability and winter light, and none of that is visible from a listing. Almost every experienced expatriate gives this advice and almost every new arrival ignores it.
How do I choose between these places?
Work backwards from healthcare and climate, which are the two things you cannot change once you arrive. Then weigh community, cost and language. Most people over-weight cost at the start and under-weight distance from a hospital that can handle something serious.
Verified Sep 7, 2026 Primary sources: residencymalta.gov.mt, cfr.gov.mt, identita.gov.mt
This resource is provided free by Federal Apostille as an educational tool. It is not legal, tax, immigration or financial advice, and no attorney-client relationship is created by using it. Immigration rules, income thresholds, fees and processing times change frequently and often without notice, and consulates apply them differently. Always confirm current requirements with the official government source and the specific consulate that has jurisdiction over your U.S. state of residence before you act. Every figure on this site carries the date we last verified it and a link to the primary source.
