Malta offers U.S. citizens permanent residency rights, 300 days of sunshine, a safe environment with one of the lowest crime rates in Europe, English as an official language, and 7,000 years of history. Few European countries combine these attributes so effectively, which is why Americans increasingly evaluate Malta as a second home destination.
For any U.S. citizen, the first consideration is a legal route to residence in Europe. Malta provides one of the most structured options through the Malta Permanent Residence Programme. Administered by the Residency Malta Agency, the programme grants permanent residence rights after a thorough due diligence process. Successful applicants receive a residence certificate and card, which secure settlement in Malta and allow visa-free travel for up to 90 days within a 180-day period across the 29 Schengen countries.
To qualify for residence under the MPRP regulations, applicants must hold qualifying property, which can be purchased or rented. If purchased, the property value must be a minimum of €375,000 for a property situated in a Malta or Gozo Special Designated Area (SDA) development. Owners may rent the property as an investment for periods when they are not using it, subject to a maximum number of rental days per year. If rented, the lease value must be at least €14,000 per year for a property situated in Malta or Gozo. For discerning clients seeking exceptional property, Malta Sotheby’s International Realty, in partnership with CSB Group, offers access to Malta’s most exclusive residences, enabling buyers to find a luxury home that suits their lifestyle, whether in a vibrant city or serene countryside surroundings.
Applicants must also make a government contribution of €37,000 regardless of whether they purchase or rent, make a donation of €2,000 to a local non-governmental organisation registered with the Commissioner for Voluntary Organisations (or as otherwise approved by the Agency), and pay an administrative fee of €60,000 for the family application plus €7,500 for each adult dependent who is not the spouse. CSB Group is a licensed Agent by Community Malta and the Residency Malta Agency, managing applications, verifying supporting documents, and representing clients throughout the process to ensure compliance and efficiency.
Once residency is secure, integration into daily life becomes the next priority. Language plays a central role, and Malta offers a clear advantage here. English is an official language alongside Maltese and is used in government, business, education, and healthcare. American families find reassurance in the fact that schools in Malta are reputable and well regarded within the international community. Everyday interactions with doctors, banks, and public offices happen seamlessly in English, which simplifies relocation and reduces barriers.
Malta also stands out for its exceptional safety. The island consistently ranks among the lowest-crime nations in Europe. Both residents and visitors report a strong sense of security in daily life, whether walking urban streets or enjoying remote coastal areas. For American families seeking peace of mind, Malta offers a rare combination of Mediterranean charm and genuine safety.
With legal and linguistic foundations in place, lifestyle becomes the natural focus. Malta records around 300 days of sunshine each year, with average summer temperatures of 31°C (88°F) and mild winters averaging 15°C (59°F). The 120-mile coastline supports year-round sailing, swimming, and diving. Outdoor cafés, open-air concerts, and marinas shape daily routines. Many Americans appreciate the Mediterranean diet, which emphasizes fresh fish, olive oil, sun-ripened fruits and local produce. The climate and food together support a healthier and more active lifestyle compared to many U.S. metropolitan areas.
Living in Malta also means living amid history. The islands preserve an unbroken cultural record spanning 7,000 years, offering residents a daily connection to Europe’s heritage. Valletta, the capital city and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was founded in 1566 by the Knights of St. John and still displays remarkable Baroque architecture. The Ġgantija temples on Gozo, built around 3600 BCE, predate Stonehenge and the pyramids of Egypt. The Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum, another UNESCO site, reveals advanced prehistoric engineering. Museums and national institutions curated by Heritage Malta integrate history into modern life, allowing residents to balance contemporary comforts with cultural depth.
For professionals and entrepreneurs, lifestyle blends with opportunity. Malta belongs to the European Union and the Eurozone, offering direct access to a single market of over 440 million people. The corporate tax rate stands at 35%, yet the shareholder refund system can reduce the effective rate to 5% in certain cases. More than 70 double taxation treaties, including one with the United States, provide clarity for cross-border planning. Because U.S. citizens remain subject to worldwide taxation, expert guidance becomes critical. CSB Group supports clients with tailored tax strategies that align Maltese obligations with U.S. requirements, creating confidence for investors and business owners. To support business operations and remote working, premier business centers, like Regus, part of IWG Plc and an associated brand of CSB Group, offer flexible office spaces and professional business services across Malta, ensuring seamless connectivity and efficiency for international entrepreneurs.
Malta’s position at the center of the Mediterranean extends beyond land. The country operates the largest ship registry in the European Union and ranks among the top ten registries worldwide by tonnage. Particular strength lies in leisure and commercial yacht registration, supported by the Malta Commercial Yacht Code and efficient administration under Transport Malta. Owners benefit from competitive registration fees, robust legal protections, and full EU recognition. CSB Group assists with yacht registration, Yacht VAT Leasing & Efficient Solutions, Yacht Financing, and Temporary Importation and Onward Supply Relief, ensuring that clients benefit from Malta’s maritime reputation. UNICO Yachting, a luxury yacht brokerage and charter company associated with CSB Group, complements these services by offering bespoke yachting solutions that enhance Malta’s appeal for leisure and commercial yacht owners.
These elements—residency, language, lifestyle, culture, business, and maritime services—tie together into a comprehensive value proposition. Americans who seek a second home want not only legal certainty but also everyday convenience, a welcoming environment, professional opportunity, and international recognition. With over 35 years of experience, CSB Group delivers practical solutions across all these areas, guiding U.S. citizens in making Malta a secure, rewarding, and vibrant second home.
This article was originally published on Île Maison Issue 21 Fall 2025 Edition in October 2025.
