New Developments in Special Areas of Malta

General Information About Malta

The weather in Malta is as good as anywhere else in the world. The temperature hovers around 23 degrees Celsius, and the island receives sunshine for about 3100 hours a year. Summer is warm and dry, autumn moderate, winter cool but not cold.

Malta has a small population of less than 500,000 people. You can travel from one end of the island to another within an hour. Maltese is the national language, but English is also officially recognized and used by nearly 90% of Malta's residents. The currency is the Euro.

SDAs in Malta

Special Designated Areas (SDA) projects on Malta represent real estate that allows foreigners to purchase premium property under the same rules as citizens. Citizens of the EU and non-EU members can buy real estate without obtaining a purchase permit (AIP). This means one buyer can purchase more than one property in Malta for rental; practically as many as they want — to live or rent out. There are no restrictions on renting other properties.

Malta has a favorable tax system that attracts non-citizens. EU citizens and non-EU members are not required to pay taxes on property ownership or wealth accumulation. Rental income is taxed at 15% when purchasing an SDA, which is ideal for investors. In other cases, there are no restrictions. Returns on real estate investment in Malta are stable. Very few bureaucratic obstacles make purchasing property there simple.

SDAs provide an environmentally clean environment without cars, with full access to the dock. All parking is underground. There are also restaurants, casinos, supermarkets, shopping centers, landscaped gardens, pools only for residents, gyms, spa zones and 24-hour security.

Permanent Residency Programs

Programs for obtaining permanent residency are available to EU citizens and non-EU members. One of the requirements is purchasing real estate such as SDAs in Malta that meet a specified investment level. Programs include the Malta Global Permanent Residency Program (MGRP) and the Malta Permanent Residency Program (MPRP).

Architecture

Malta is rich in various house styles — from modern townhouses to luxurious villas on hill slopes, ancient palaces, farmhouses in rural areas to modern apartments by the sea. The best option for EU citizens and non-EU members remains SDA real estate.

Malta's architecture varies from buildings inspired by Arab and Sicilian culture to popular baroque. Many houses are built from natural limestone found on Malta in a classic British style. SDAs remain the choice of many citizens and non-citizens.

Food in Malta

Malta mainly uses Mediterranean cuisine. This diet includes seafood, fresh vegetables, delicious fruits, cold olive oil and traditional bread. Cultures that influenced this style of eating include Italy, North Africa, Great Britain, and Spain. Much of the fresh produce and seafood is collected by local residents. Malta also produces clean sea salt.

Malta has gained international recognition for its exquisite cuisine. The island's name means 'honey' and comes from the Greek word 'miel'.

Cultural Attractions

If you want to learn about Malta's history, you can visit one of the three UNESCO World Heritage sites in the world which includes ancient temples. Malta also has a rich collection of art in several museums, most located in the Valletta region. Among the most famous works is The Crucifixion of Saint John the Baptist, painted in the seventeenth century by Caravaggio.

There are many beautiful gardens, historic villages with narrow streets and stunning chapels. You can easily walk to most of these places. Theater is also highly valued, and the Manuel Theatre in Valletta is worth seeing.

Sports and Recreation

Since Malta is surrounded by the Mediterranean Sea, water sports are very popular. The Royal Malta Yacht Club is for members only but EU citizens and non-EU members are free to apply. Other private clubs include the Royal Malta Polo Club and the Royal Malta Golf Club. Diving and yachting are popular. Rolex Mediterranean Races is an international sailing event held annually. You can rent a yacht at one of many docks or use your own and park it here.

Malta is a favorite place for living and even permanent residence for many EU citizens and non-EU members.