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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.

Capital: Valletta
Region: Europe
Language: Maltese
Currency: EUR (€)
Cost of living: Moderate (index 62)
Emergency: 112
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Bringing Pets to Malta

Requirements, costs and process for relocating with your pets.

Microchip
Required
Health certificate
Required
Import permit
Required
Quarantine
Not required

Vaccinations

Rabies vaccination (mandatory — minimum 21 days before travel, maximum 1 year before entry for dogs/cats/ferrets) For dogs entering from outside the EU or from high-risk countries: additional requirements may apply Routine core vaccinations (distemper, parvovirus, hepatitis for dogs; feline panleukopenia, herpesvirus, calicivirus for cats) — not mandated by Malta customs but strongly recommended by vets

Restricted Breeds

American Pit Bull TerrierTosa InuDogo ArgentinoFila BrasileiroPerro de Presa CanarioNote: Malta's Animal Welfare Act and subsidiary legislation lists restricted breeds. Check with the Malta Veterinary Regulation Directorate for the most current list before travel.

💰 Costs

Approximate costs: EU pet passport (from your home vet): €40–80. Rabies vaccination: €30–60. Health certificate from vet before travel: €50–100. Import permit from Malta Veterinary Services: check current fee at agriculture.gov.mt. Veterinary inspection upon arrival (Malta airport): may be required. Annual rabies booster: €30–50. First Maltese vet registration: €40–80.

📋 Relocation Process

1. Microchip your pet (ISO 11784/11785 chip — 15-digit number required). 2. Vaccinate against rabies — must be at least 21 days before travel and within the validity period. 3. Obtain an EU pet passport (if travelling from within the EU) or an official animal health certificate (if coming from outside the EU). 4. Apply for an import permit from the Veterinary Regulation Directorate (agriculture.gov.mt) — required for all animals entering Malta. 5. At arrival at Malta International Airport, proceed to the Veterinary Services inspection point with all documents. 6. Register with a Maltese vet within the first few weeks. Malta is an island with strict bio-security — documentation must be complete and correct. Any missing document can result in your pet being refused entry or quarantined at your expense.

Malta is an island nation with heightened bio-security — pet import rules are enforced more strictly than some continental EU countries. Never attempt to bring a pet without the correct documentation. Key point: if travelling from a non-EU country (USA, UK, Australia, etc.), different rules apply and additional requirements (blood titre test, extended waiting periods) may be required for rabies — start planning 4–6 months in advance. UK post-Brexit: UK pets need an AHC (Animal Health Certificate) issued by an official vet, as UK pet passports are no longer valid in the EU. Malta does not have a national dog tax. Microchipping of dogs is mandatory under Maltese law for dogs born in Malta after 2012 — ensure compliance for locally acquired dogs. The climate is excellent for dogs and cats — but the summer heat (July/August 35–40°C) requires shade, fresh water, and limited outdoor activity during peak hours. Never leave pets in cars in Maltese summer.