Malta (MT)
Malta is a small EU island nation in the central Mediterranean — the smallest EU member state by area — celebrated for its extraordinary concentration of history (the Knights of St John, ancient megalithic temples older than Stonehenge), warm climate of 300+ sunshine days per year, English as a co-official language making it uniquely accessible for anglophone expats, a thriving iGaming and fintech sector, and a strategic location halfway between Europe and North Africa.
Leaving Malta
How to properly exit — protecting your finances, rights and records.
📅 General Timeline
Recommended timeline for leaving Malta: 3 months before departure — give notice to landlord; start job transition and review employment contract exit obligations. 2 months before — notify bank, utilities, and subscription services. 1 month before — file any outstanding tax obligations; arrange final tax return; obtain DSS pension contribution statement. 2 weeks before — request eHealth card deregistration; cancel remaining services. Departure week — complete final utility readings; handover rental property; collect deposit; keep documentation of everything. After departure — file final tax return with CFR for the year of departure; monitor bank accounts and forward any final mail through MaltaPost forwarding service.
Deregistration
There is no formal mandatory de-registration system in Malta equivalent to some northern European countries, but several practical steps are required. Notify Identità (expatresidence.gov.mt) of your departure if you hold an eResidence card or residence permit. Update your address on the electoral register if applicable. Cancel your Malta utility accounts (Enemalta electricity, Water Services Corporation). Notify your employer and Jobsplus of your cessation of employment. Notify your bank and update your address or close accounts. Cancel subscriptions to local services. EU citizens who return to Malta in future will need to re-register — the eResidence card cannot be used as a permanent open-ended permission once you have left.
Tax clearance
You should file a final income tax return with the Commissioner for Revenue (CFR) for the year of departure. If you are leaving mid-year, your income for the partial year must be declared. Request a tax clearance certificate from the CFR (cfr.gov.mt) if required for pension portability, property sale proceeds, or official purposes. Ensure all outstanding tax liabilities are settled. If you owned a property in Malta and sold it on departure, Capital Gains Tax (property transfer tax at 8% of transfer value, or 10% on certain gains) must be settled before leaving.
Pension portability
Malta's state pension (Two-Thirds Pension) is based on National Insurance contribution records. If leaving Malta: (1) EU/EEA citizens: Malta's pension contributions can be aggregated with other EU country pension systems under EU social security coordination rules (Regulation 883/2004). Your Maltese NI contribution years count towards the qualifying period for other EU pensions and vice versa. Contact the DSS (Department of Social Security) before leaving to get a statement of your NI contributions to date. (2) Non-EU nationals: portability depends on whether Malta has a social security totalisation agreement with your destination country. Malta has bilateral social security agreements with several non-EU countries — check with the DSS. (3) Occupational pensions from Maltese employers are typically vested and remain yours — contact your pension provider for transfer or withdrawal options. If you have contributed for less than 2 years, early withdrawal may be possible.
Health insurance
Your entitlement to the Maltese public healthcare system (free via eHealth card) ends when you cease to be a Maltese resident. Return your eHealth card or notify the health authority of your departure. If you have a private health insurance policy in Malta, cancel with appropriate notice (typically 1 month). Obtain an S1 certificate if moving to another EU country — this transfers your healthcare entitlement temporarily. Ensure you have travel/international health insurance for the transition period.
Bank account
Maltese bank accounts (BOV, HSBC Malta) can typically be maintained as non-resident accounts, but expect increased documentation requirements and possible fee changes. Many banks will ask you to convert to a non-resident account or close the account if you are no longer resident. Revolut/Wise accounts are not tied to Maltese residency and can continue. Complete any outstanding standing orders (direct debits) before closing your account. Notify the CFR of your new address so tax refunds or correspondence go to the right place.
Utilities
Cancel Enemalta (electricity) and Water Services Corporation accounts in writing, giving at least 2–4 weeks notice. Request a final meter reading and bill. Ensure your deposit (if any was paid) is refunded. Cancel internet/broadband with GO or Epic — check your contract for notice period (typically 1 month; some 24-month contracts have early termination fees). Cancel mobile phone contract or ensure portability to your new country.
Rental contract
Check your rental agreement for the notice period — typically 1 month for short-term lets, 3 months for long-term unfurnished leases. Give written notice to your landlord by the required deadline. Arrange a checkout inspection and document the condition of the property thoroughly (photos and video). Recover your deposit (typically equivalent to 1–2 months' rent) — the landlord must return it within a reasonable period after checkout, minus any legitimate deductions. Disputes can be taken to the Rent Regulation Board (Housing Authority).
Leaving the Country
Unlock the complete Leaving the Country guide for Malta — including every detail, document, tip and link you need.
Become a SupporterSupport the guide on Ko-fi · Unlocks every premium section, everywhere