Before you move, make these decisions.

Start with your reason for moving

Working, studying, joining family and living from your own resources can involve different residence arrangements. Identità is the official starting point for working and residing in Malta; the relevant route depends on your circumstances. Do not use a holiday entry allowance as a substitute for checking residence and work requirements.

Create a folder for official instructions and the documents they request. Record when you checked each requirement. If your situation is unusual, ask the responsible authority or a qualified adviser rather than extrapolating from someone else’s experience.

Separate arrival from settling in

Our suggested order is to confirm the legal route, estimate your cash needs, arrange temporary accommodation, and view longer-term options after arrival where practical. This sequence gives you room to inspect a home and test your commute.

Prepare questions about deposits, bills, registration and the condition of the property. Malta’s official lease-registration service describes written lease information, including the premises, duration, payment and inventory. Read the current guidance before agreeing terms.

Use a decision checklist

A move contains several commitments that do not need to happen on the same day. Keep a list of what is confirmed and what is still an assumption.

• Check the correct official residence route.
• Confirm any work authorisation before starting work.
• Plan temporary accommodation and an emergency reserve.
• Inspect a long-term home and document its condition.
• Keep signed documents and official receipts.