Can I Live in Malta With a British Passport After Brexit?

To live in Malta with a British passport post-Brexit, you will need to qualify for residency. A British passport no longer ensures automatic rights to live and work in Malta, which is now part of the European Economic Area (EEA).

Impact of Brexit on British Residency Rights

As of this year, British citizens no longer have the automatic right to live and work in Malta or any other EEA country, including Malta. The EU rights that British citizens once enjoyed, such as the ability to reside and work freely, have been suspended after the UK's departure from the EU (Brexit).

Options for Residency in Malta

Despite these changes, several paths still allow British citizens to live in Malta:

Get a Job in Malta and Apply for Residence Permit

One of the most straightforward ways to obtain residency is to secure a job in Malta and apply for a residence permit. Many job positions are available, particularly in sectors like tourism, education, and finance.

Go to University in Malta

Another option is to study at a university in Malta. Students who obtain a study visa can stay in the country for the duration of their studies and, depending on the program, may be eligible for longer-term residency.

Marry a Maltese National or Someone with a Residence Permit

Marrying a Maltese citizen offers another pathway to residency. As the non-EU spouse of a Maltese citizen or someone with a residence permit, you can move to Malta and apply for a residence permit.

Invest in Malta’s Citizenship by Investment Program

A more financially intensive route is to invest in Malta’s citizenship by investment program. This program allows you to receive citizenship in exchange for significant investments in Malta, which then grants you the right to live and work there.

Extend Residency for Those Already in Malta

If you were already a resident in Malta before the Brexit (valid from January 1, 2021), you can apply for the right to remain and continue living in the country without needing to start from scratch.

Five Years of Transition

Five years ago, 17 million British citizens voted to leave the EU, which led to the revocation of automatic residency rights for all other British citizens. This decision, though it affects many, underscores the need for these alternative pathways to residency.

For anyone considering a move to Malta, it is crucial to understand the current residency requirements and take steps to meet them. Whether through employment, education, marriage, or investment, there are several avenues to explore for British citizens wishing to live in Malta.