How to Retire in Malta from Canada
Malta's Malta Retirement Programme, English as an official language, EU membership, and Mediterranean lifestyle — here's the complete guide for Canadian retirees.
Published by CanIRetireCanada.ca
Educational information. Sources and correction policy.
Read our full Malta retirement guide for tax details and comparisons.
6–12 mo
Timeline to Move
MRP application takes time
€7,500/yr
MRP Pension Min.
~$11,000 CAD/year
15%
MRP Tax Rate
Flat rate on remitted income
$18–35K
Startup Costs
CAD (property requirement)
Why Malta Appeals to Canadians
English is an official language — one of only two EU countries (along with Ireland) where English is official
Malta Retirement Programme (MRP) offers a 15% flat tax on foreign pension income remitted to Malta, with a minimum tax of €7,500/year
EU membership means access to Europe's healthcare networks and freedom of movement across the Schengen Area
Safe, Mediterranean climate with 300 days of sun, rich history, and a relaxed pace of life
Small islands (Malta and Gozo) — everything is close, no car required in many areas
Step-by-Step Guide to Retiring in Malta
Apply for the Malta Retirement Programme (MRP)
The MRP is administered by Residency Malta Agency. Requirements: must not be an EU/EEA/Swiss national (Canadians qualify), must have at least €7,500/year in regular foreign pension income (+€500/year per dependent), must purchase or rent property in Malta or Gozo (purchase minimum €275,000; rent minimum €9,600/year), must not work in Malta, must have a Maltese bank account with at least €250,000 in financial assets OR comprehensive health insurance. Application fee: €2,500.
Residency Malta — Official PortalNotify the CRA of Your Departure
File NR73 if you want a formal CRA residency determination. Malta and Canada do not have a bilateral tax treaty (as of 2024). Without a treaty, Canada withholds 25% on CPP/OAS/RRIF income to non-residents — you cannot reduce this to 15% via NR5. Malta then charges 15% on foreign pension income remitted to Malta. Check whether the Canadian 25% withholding can be credited against Malta's 15% rate — the absence of a treaty makes this uncertain. Consult a cross-border advisor.
CRA — Leaving CanadaFind Your Property in Malta or Gozo
MRP requires property purchase (min. €275,000) or rental (min. €9,600/year). Sliema, St. Julian's, and Valletta are popular with expats — rent for a 2BR apartment: €1,500–2,500/month. Gozo (Malta's quieter sister island) is more affordable and relaxed — rent: €800–1,400/month for a 2BR. You can use a Special Designated Area for lower purchase minimums in some cases. Maltese property market has been rising steadily.
Open a Maltese Bank Account
You'll need a Maltese bank account for the MRP (€250,000 in assets, if you're not using health insurance as an alternative). Major Maltese banks: Bank of Valletta (BOV), HSBC Malta, APS Bank. You can open an account as a non-resident initially, then convert once you have your eResidence card. Required: passport, proof of address, source of funds documentation.
Bank of VallettaGet Your Maltese eResidence Card
After MRP approval, you receive an eResidence Card (identity card for third-country nationals). This is your primary ID for living in Malta. Register with Identity Malta (now Agency for the Welfare of Asylum Seekers — AWAS). You'll also get a Maltese Tax Identification Number (TIN) from the Commissioner for Revenue.
Commissioner for Revenue — MaltaRegister for Healthcare
MRP applicants without €250,000 in assets must have comprehensive health insurance. Once resident, you can access Malta's public healthcare (Mater Dei Hospital). GPs (primary care) in the public system are free; hospital stays are low-cost. Many expats prefer private healthcare for faster access — cost: €80–200/month. Malta has a reciprocal healthcare agreement with the EU, so you can use the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) when travelling in Europe.
Ministry for Health — MaltaFile Your First Maltese Tax Return
Under the MRP, you pay a minimum of €7,500/year in Maltese tax, regardless of income level. If 15% of your remitted foreign pension income exceeds €7,500, you pay 15%. If your pension is low (less than €50,000 remitted), the minimum applies. File with the Commissioner for Revenue. Income NOT remitted to Malta (kept in Canadian bank) is generally not taxable in Malta.
Malta Commissioner for Revenue — Income TaxEmbrace Malta Life
Malta offers a unique lifestyle: Mediterranean warmth (avg 300 sunny days), rich history (ancient temples, Valletta as European Capital of Culture), and a very English-speaking population. The islands are small — you'll drive 30 minutes to reach any corner of Malta. Gozo (the smaller island) is quieter and very popular with older retirees. Ferries run frequently between islands (€4.65 round trip). Malta's food scene, beaches, and festivals make it a genuinely enjoyable place to retire.
Related Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a tax treaty between Canada and Malta?
Yes — Canada and Malta have a tax convention in force since 1990. It limits Canada's withholding on CPP, OAS, and RRIF to 15% for Maltese residents. This is better than no-treaty countries like Thailand or Costa Rica (25% withholding). Malta's MRP then charges 15% on remitted foreign income, but allows a foreign tax credit for the Canadian 15% — meaning they theoretically cancel out, subject to the €7,500 minimum.
What is the €7,500 minimum tax and who does it actually affect?
Malta's MRP charges 15% on foreign income remitted to Malta, with a minimum annual tax of €7,500 (~$11,000 CAD). If 15% of your remitted income is less than €7,500, you pay €7,500 regardless. This minimum only kicks in if your remitted foreign income is below €50,000 (since €50k × 15% = €7,500). For most Canadian retirees with incomes under $70,000 CAD, the €7,500 minimum is the effective Maltese tax — making Malta more expensive than Portugal or Mexico for modest incomes.
Can I travel freely throughout Europe from Malta?
Yes. Malta is a full EU member state and part of the Schengen Area. As a Maltese resident, you can travel freely throughout all 27 EU member states and 26 Schengen zone countries without passport checks. Direct flights from Malta connect to Rome, London, Amsterdam, Frankfurt, and most major European hubs. For Canadians who want to explore Europe in retirement, Malta's central Mediterranean location is ideal.
Is Malta a good option if I have a large TFSA?
Better than Spain, but not as good as Mexico or Portugal. TFSA withdrawals have 0% Canadian withholding. Malta's MRP charges 15% on remitted foreign income — including TFSA withdrawals if you transfer them to Malta. However, the MRP only taxes what you 'remit' to Malta — funds kept in a Canadian account are generally not taxable. Careful planning with a Maltese tax advisor can minimize the impact.
Do I need to hire a licensed MRP agent?
Yes. The Malta Retirement Programme application must be submitted through a Malta-licensed intermediary — it is not a DIY process. Budget €2,000–5,000 CAD for professional agent fees on top of the €2,500 government application fee. The good news: English is an official language in Malta, so the entire process can be conducted without a translator.