Living in Malta

Coronavirus

You should follow the advice of the Maltese Government and your local authority. You can also read our Malta travel advice for our latest guidance.

For information on getting a COVID-19 vaccine as a UK national in Malta see our coronavirus travel advice.

Stay up to date

You should:

• sign up for email alerts to get the latest information.
• follow the British High Commission Malta on Facebook and Twitter

Attend a citizen outreach meeting

The British High Commission regularly hold events across Malta for UK nationals. Attend one of our citizen outreach meetings to keep up to date on working and living in Malta.

You can also:

• call the Maltese government helpline on Freephone 153
• read updates on the Identity Malta Facebook page

The Withdrawal Agreement

TheIf Withdrawal Agreement sets out the terms of the UK’s withdrawal from the EU and provides for a deal on citizens’ rights. It sets out a transition period which lasts until 31 December 2020. During this time you canwere continuelegally toresident live, work and study in theMalta EU broadly as you did before 311 January 2020.

If2021, you are resident in Malta at the end of the transition period, you will be covered by the Withdrawal Agreement, and your rights will be protected for as long as you remain resident in Malta.

Any rights that are not covered by the Withdrawal Agreement. willYou bemust theapply subject of future negotiations. Read this guidance page for more information.

In the meantime, make sure you are registered as a residentnew inresidence Malta.status Weby will30 updateJune this2021 guidanceto assecure soonyour as more information becomes available.rights.

You should also read our guidance on living in Europe.

Visas and residency

Check the entry requirements for Malta.

Residency

If you arewere resident in Malta on or before 311 DecemberJanuary 2020,2021, you will be able to stay. You will need to obtainapply for a new residency card by 30 June 2021, in line with the Withdrawal Agreement.2021.

If you have been living in Malta for three months or more and have not yet registered for residency, or if your residence document has expired, you should contact Identity Malta by emailing eu.ima@gov.mt.

If you have previously registered for residency, you will receive a letter from Identity Malta by 31 December 2020 about your new card. The letter will tell you when and where to go to apply for it, as well as what documents you will need to take with you.

Read the Maltese government’s guidance on residency on the Identity Malta Facebook page.

Due to the impact of coronavirus, Identity Malta temporarily paused some parts of this service. The full application process re-launched on 1 July 2020:

• if you have already received a letter to obtain your new card, you should attend your appointment

• if you have already registered but have not yet received a letter,letter Identityyou Maltashould willcontact sendIdentity oneMalta to you.book Youan should attend the appointment stated in the letter to apply for your new card

For information on visas and residency you can:

• read information about visas and residency in Malta on the Maltese government website

• read our guidance on moving or retiring abroad

Passports

Additional support

UK nationals who were resident in Malta before 1 January 2021, and travelneed help to complete their residence application, can get support from organisations funded by the UK Nationals Support Fund.

TheThis rulessupport onis travelonly willavailable stayto people who need additional help to secure their rights under the sameWithdrawal untilAgreement. They may include pensioners, disabled people, people living in remote areas or people who have mobility difficulties.

Support available includes:

• answering questions about residence applications, such as the transitiondocuments periodyou endsneed onand 31how Decemberthe 2020.application Duringprocess thisworks
• guiding timeyou through the process, if necessary
• support if you canexperience continuelanguage tobarriers travelor difficulty accessing online information and services

If you, or someone you know, are having difficulty completing residence paperwork or have any questions, contact the IOM:

• IOM Malta website
• email: UKnationalsMT@iom.int

Moving to countriesMalta

Check inthe entry requirements for Malta and read the SchengenMaltese areagovernment’s guidance on visas.

Passports and travel

You should carry your residence card (EU card or elsewhereeResidence incard), theas EUwell withas your UKvalid passport.passport when you travel. If you have applied but not yet received your card, carry your certificate of application.

YouIf canyou applyhave not yet applied for a residence card, you should carry evidence that you are resident in Malta. This could include a tenancy agreement or renewa utility bill in your Britishname, passportdating from Malta.2020.

If you cannot show that you are resident in Malta, you may be asked additional questions at the border to enter the Schengen area, and your passport may be stamped on entry and exit. This will not affect your rights in Malta.

Passports

Check your passport is valid for travel before you book your trip. YourYou can apply for or renew your British passport shouldfrom beMalta.

You validmust forhave theat proposedleast duration6 months left on an adult or child passport to travel to most countries in Europe (not including Ireland). This requirement does not apply if you are entering or transiting to Malta, and you are in scope of yourthe stay.Withdrawal Agreement.

You’llIf needyou renewed your current passport before the previous one expired, extra months may have been added to renewits expiry date. Any extra months on your passport over 10 years may not count towards the 6 months needed.

Renew your passport before travellingbooking your travel if you do not have enough time left on it.

WeAs a non-EEA national, different border checks will updateapply thesewhen pagestravelling withto detailsother ofEU anyor changesSchengen area countries. You may have to theuse rulesseparate aslanes soonfrom asEU, informationEEA isand available.Swiss Youcitizens shouldwhen signqueueing. upYou formay updatesalso need to thisshow guidance.a return or onward ticket.

Driving

Entry requirements

You can travel to other Schengen area countries for up to 90 days in Malta

Drivingany licence180-day rulesperiod willwithout staya thevisa samefor untilpurposes 31such Decemberas 2020.tourism.

IfTo youstay arelonger residentthan 90 days in Malta,any you180-day shouldperiod, exchangeto yourwork UKor licencestudy, or for abusiness Maltesetravel, oneyou must meet the entry requirements set out by completingthe Transportcountry Malta’syou DRV30are form.travelling to. This could mean applying for a visa or work permit.

IfPeriods youof aretime residentauthorised inby Malta,a youvisa or permit will not becount abletowards your 90-day visa-free limit.

Different rules will apply to renewEU acountries lost,that stolenare ornot expiredpart licenceof withthe Schengen Area. Check each country’s travel advice page for information on entry requirements.

Travel to the UK Driver and VehicleIreland Licensingwill Agencynot (DVLA).change.

Driving in Malta

You should therefore exchange your UK driving licence for a Maltese one beforeby your1 UKJuly licence expires.2021.

For information on driving in Malta, you can read our guidance on:

• what you need to drive abroad
• driving rules in Malta

You can also read the EU’s guidance on exchanging or renewing your driving licence.

Driving in the UK with a Maltese licence

You can use your Maltese licence in the UK for short visits, or exchange it for a UK licence without taking a test. We will update these pages if there are any changes to the rules, as soon as information is available.

Bringing a UK-registered vehicle to Malta

Read our guidance on taking a vehicle out of the UK.

Once you’re resident in Malta, your imported car must have Maltese number plates.

Read the European Union’s guidance on car registration and taxes in Malta. You may be exempt from some of these taxes. If so you will need certificates of exemption.

Healthcare

If you are living in Malta or move there permanently before 31 December 2020, you’ll have life-long healthcare rights in Malta as you do now, provided you remain resident.

If you are legally resident in Malta and paying into the Maltese Social Security System, you will be entitled to full access to healthcare and you will be able to apply for a Maltese EHIC.

If you don’t qualify for healthcare cover through your national security contributions, you should check if you are eligible to apply for the Maltese RHA Entitlement Card.

Your RHA Entitlement Card allows you to register at your nearest health centre on the Maltese government website and make GP appointments. You will need to bring an identity card or passport.

RHA Entitlement Card holders are not entitled to long-term care and treatment outside Malta and are not eligible for thea Maltese European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)(EHIC).

In froman Malta.emergency, go directly to Mater Dei Hospital or Gozo General Hospital.

Read our guidance on who can access healthcare in Malta and make sure you are correctly registered.

If your UK employer has sent you to Malta temporarily, your access to healthcare is different. Find out how to registeraccess healthcare as a posted worker.

State healthcare: S1

If you livehave ina Maltaregistered S1 form and receivewere anliving exportablein UKMalta pension,before contribution-based1 EmploymentJanuary Support2021, Allowanceyour orrights anotherto exportableaccess benefit,healthcare youwill maystay currentlythe besame entitledfrom toif stateyou healthcareare paideither:

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• receiving Yousome willother need‘exportable tobenefits’
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  in the UK

YouRead canour applyguidance foron how to get an S1 certificateform throughto theensure Businessyou Servicesare Authority.correctly registered for healthcare.

Visiting the UK as an S1 holder

If you visit the UK whilst residing abroad and require medical treatment, you must provide a copy of your S1 certificate. In some EU member states the S1 certificate is requested and retained in order for you to receive healthcare. If you do not have a copy or need to get a new certificate, you must contact the Overseas Healthcare Service on +44 191 218 1999.

European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)

If you are resident in Malta, you must not use an EHIC from the UK to access healthcare in Malta.

WhenIf you travelwere fromliving Malta for a temporary stay in anotherMalta Europeanbefore Economic1 AreaJanuary (EEA)2021, countryyou ormay Switzerland,be youeligible canfor usea annew UK-issued EHIC toif accessyou’re:

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• a country.UK DuringState thatPensioner shortwith stay:
  a registered S1

  • thea EHICfrontier coversworker treatmentwith thata isregistered medicallyS1

  Apply necessarynow untilfor youra plannednew returnUK homeEHIC.

• anAn EHIC is not a replacement for comprehensive travel insuranceinsurance.

• forFor more information read our travelguidance adviceon pageshealthcare when travelling in Europe and advice on foreign travel insurance.

There will be no changes to your healthcare access before 31 December 2020. You canshould also continueread toguidance use your EHIC, as you did before, during this time.on:

In

• finding an emergency, go directly to Mater Dei Hospital or Gozo General Hospital.

  You can find English-speaking doctors in Malta.

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• checkchecking your prescriptions are legal in Malta.
  Malta.]

Working and studying in Malta

If you arewere registeredlegally as a resident in Malta,Malta before 1 January 2021, you have the right to workwork, inas Malta.long Youas canyou readremain ourlegally resident.

If you are planning to come to Malta to work, you may need a visa. Read the Maltese government’s guidance on workinghow into anget EUa countryvisa and other necessary documents.

When looking for work, you may need to:

• apply for a UK criminal records certificate
• visit the Maltese government website to check if your qualifications are recognised in Malta
• provide a Maltese conduct certificate

Eligibility for financial support requires a minimum of 5 years residency in Malta.

Frontier workers

If you arelive resident in Malta onand were regularly commuting to work in another EU or EFTA country, before 311 DecemberJanuary 2020,2021 youryou rightmay need a permit to workshow oryou studyare a frontier worker. You must also apply for a new residency card.

Studying in Malta

You will notbe change,eligible for the same tuition fees as Maltese nationals, as long as you remainwere legally resident in Malta.Malta before 1 January 2021. You must apply for the eResidence card.

EligibilityRead forour financialguidance supporton:

• continuing requiresyour astudies minimumin ofthe 5EU
• healthcare yearsfor residencystudents in Malta.
  Malta

Money and tax

The UK has a double taxation agreement with Malta to ensure people do not pay tax on the same income in both countries. You can ask the relevant tax authority about double taxation relief.

Existing double taxation arrangements for UK nationals living in Malta have not changed following the UK’s withdrawal from the EU.

You can read guidance about:

• tax if you leave the UK to live abroad
• tax on your UK income if you live abroad
• tax in Malta on the Maltese Inland Revenue Department website

For advice on paying tax in Malta, you can find an English-speaking lawyer.

National Insurance

Find out if you canneed to pay National Insurance whilein abroadthe UK or social security contributions in orderMalta.

Banking

Whether UK banks can provide services to protectcustomers yourliving UKin Statethe PensionEEA andis entitlementa tomatter otherof benefitslocal law and allowances.

Ifregulation. Your bank or finance provider should contact you areif employedthey orneed self-employedto inmake any changes to your product or the EUway andthey provide it. If you have aany UK-issuedconcerns A1/E101about form,whether you willmight remainbe subjectaffected, tocontact UKyour legislationprovider untilor seek independent financial advice.

Read the endMoney dateand Pension Service guidance on thebanking, form.insurance and financial services changes for more information on cross-border banking.

Pensions

Read our guidance on entitlement to UK benefits and pensions while you are living in Malta.

You will need to tell the UK government offices that deal with your benefits, pension and tax if you are moving or retiring abroad.

If you retire in Malta, you can claim:

• your UK State Pension or new UK State Pension. Contact the International Pensions Centre to claim

• your Maltese and UK State Pension from Malta’s Department of Social Security and the International Relations Unit

• pensions from working abroad, if you have worked in other EU countries

Read the Money and Pension Service guidance on pension and retirement changes for more information on cross-border pensions.

Life certificates for UK State Pensions

If you get a ‘life certificate’ from the UK Pension Service, you need to respond as soon as possible. Your payments may be suspended if you don’t.

Pensions after 31 January 2020

Benefits

ThereRead willour beguidance no changes before 31 December 2020 to the rules on claimingentitlement the UK State Pension in the EU, EEA or Switzerland as a result of the UK leaving the EU.

You can continue to receive your UK Statebenefits Pension if you live in the EU, EEA or Switzerland and youpensions canwhile still claim your UK State Pension.

If you are living in the EU, EEA or Switzerland by 31 December 2020 you will get your UK State Pension uprated every year for as long as you continue to live there. This will happen even if you start claiming your pension on or after 1 January 2021, as long as you meet the qualifying conditions explained in the new State Pension guidance.Malta.

If you are living in Malta by 31 December 2020, you will be able to count future social security contributions towards meeting the qualifying conditions for your UK State Pension.

If you work and pay social security contributions in Malta, you will still be able to add your previous UK social security contributions towards your Maltese pension. This will happen even if you claim your pension after 31 December 2020.

Read our guidance on benefits and pensions in the EU.

Benefits

You will need to tell the UK government offices that deal with your benefits, pension and tax if you are moving or retiring abroad.

YouCheck maywhich still be able to claim some UK benefits like child and disability benefits if you live in Malta. You should:

• read our guidance on which benefits you can claim ifwhile you live abroad
• use ourand toolhow to check which benefits you can claim while you’re abroad

them.

If you’re abroad for more than 4 weeks, many income-related benefits such as pension credit and housing benefit cannot be paid to you.

You can request proof of the time you’ve worked in the UK from HMRC if you are asked for this.

Maltese benefits

You may be eligible to claim some Maltese social security benefits. You should:

• read the EU’s guidance on claiming benefits in Malta
• contact Malta’s Department of Social Security, and the International Relations Unit

Benefits after 31 January 2020

There will be no changes before 31 December 2020 to the rules on claiming UK benefits in the EU, EEA or Switzerland as a result of the UK leaving the EU.

If you are living in the EU, EEA or Switzerland by 31 December 2020, you will continue to receive any UK benefits you already receive. This will continue for as long as you live there and meet all other eligibility requirements.

If you work and pay social security contributions in Malta, your previous UK social security contributions will be taken into account when applying for Maltese contributions-based benefits. This will happen even if you claim contributions-based benefits after 31 December 2020.

Read our guidance on benefits and pensions in the EU.

Voting

You can vote in local municipal elections. You cannot vote in general elections in Malta or European Parliament elections.

You may be able to vote in some UK elections. You can:

• check if you are able to vote

• register as an overseas voter

Births, deaths and getting married

If your child is born in Malta, would will need to register a birth abroad.

If someone dies in Malta, you can:

• read our guidance on what to do after someone dies abroad
• read guidance for UK nationals on bereavement information in Malta
• find a list of English-speaking funeral directors in Malta

Find out how you can get married abroad.

Accommodation and buying property

Read our guidance on renting and buying property in Malta.

You may need to meet certain eligibility requirements when purchasing property in Malta, including applying for an Acquisition of Immovable Property [AIP] Permit.

Read the Maltese government’s guidance on buying property for more information. You may also wish to seek legal advice.

Pets

CurrentIf you have a pet passport issued by Malta or another EU member state, you can use it to travel ruleswith willyour staypet theto sameGreat untilBritain 31and Decemberelsewhere 2020.in the EU.

IfA you’reGB-issued travellingEU withpet yourpassport petis not valid for travel to the firstEU timeor youNorthern mustIreland. visitYou should speak to your vet before you travel to get athe necessary pet passport.travel documents and ensure you’re compliant with the EU Pet Travel Regulations.

Read guidance on on:

• bringing your pet to GB
• travelling with your pet in the UK.EU
• travelling to Northern Ireland with your pet

Check the rules of the country you’re travelling to for any additional restrictions or requirements before you travel.

Emergencies

The emergency number in Malta is 112.

If you need urgent help, are the victim of crime, have been arrested, or are affected by a crisis in Malta, contact the British High Commission Malta.

Returning to the UK

Essential actions to take before leaving Malta:

• contact the Identity Management Office to cancel your residency permit
• contact the Social Security Department to end any benefits
• contact the Malta Inland Revenue to complete any tax-related formalities
• contact the Automated Revenue Management Services (ARMS) to cancel utilities
• contact Transport Malta to organise vehicle export
• inform your child’s school you’re leaving well in advance, so they can organise any documents the new school needs

To move your pension to the UK, contact the International Pension Centre.

If you receive healthcare in Malta through the S1 form, you must contact the Overseas Healthcare Team on +44 191 218 1999 to make sure your S1 is cancelled at the right time.

Read the guidance on returning to the UK permanently which includes information on, amongst other things, tax, access to services and bringing family members.

Disclaimer

This information is provided as a guide only. Definitive information should be obtained from the Maltese authorities. The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) will not be liable for any inaccuracies in this information.