The British Community in Malta Today

The British community in Malta remains one of the most established foreign communities on the islands. Estimates suggest that there are over 15,000 British expatriates living in Malta, making it one of the largest expatriate communities in the country. This figure includes retirees, workers, families, and long-term residents who settled in Malta both before and after Brexit. A significant proportion of long-term residents benefited from the Withdrawal Agreement, having already been living in Malta by the end of the Brexit transition period and successfully securing their residence status under the Agreement.

In Malta, it often feels like everyone knows one or two Brits (I know I do). Beyond the official residence statistics, the British community on the islands is highly visible, socially active, and exceptionally well organised. From long-established retirees to young families and professionals, UK nationals have built strong networks that make settling into life in Malta easier and far less daunting.

Numerous social groups and online communities allow British residents to connect, swap practical advice, and support one another. Facebook groups dedicated to British residents in Malta and Gozo are particularly lively, with regular discussions covering everything from residency rules and healthcare to property, schooling, taxation, and local events. For many newcomers, these groups quickly become a go-to resource (sometimes even a lifeline) during the relocation process.

This strong sense of community, paired with Malta’s English-speaking environment and relaxed lifestyle, continues to draw British nationals to the islands. That said, when it comes to staying in Malta, timing now matters more than ever. The legal framework depends entirely on when someone arrived, with different rules applying to those who moved before Brexit and those who came after.

The British community in Malta is long established, well integrated and supported by strong social networks that continue to play an important role in daily life on the islands.

Article 50 Withdrawal Agreement Residence Card in Malta

The Article 50 residence card, also known as the Withdrawal Agreement residence card, protects the rights of UK nationals who were legally resident in Malta before 31 December 2020. Issued by Identità, this residence document confirms beneficiary status under the EU–UK Withdrawal Agreement and allows eligible British citizens, along with their family members, to continue living in Malta after Brexit under protected conditions.

The scheme is now closed to new applicants. However, the rights of existing beneficiaries remain secure, provided that the relevant conditions continue to be met.

Rights Granted

Holders of the Article 50 card may:

These rights are retained as long as the beneficiary continues to meet the residence conditions.

Renewal and Conditions

The Withdrawal Agreement residence card is issued for 10 years and is renewable. To renew, applicants must demonstrate continued lawful residence in Malta, meaning they still qualify as one of the following:

Continuous residence must be maintained, and absences should generally not exceed permitted limits. Holders who have obtained permanent residence under the Withdrawal Agreement benefit from more flexible absence rules.

There is no fee for the issuance or renewal of the Article 50 Withdrawal Agreement residence card in Malta.

British nationals Moving to Malta after Brexit

UK nationals who moved to Malta after 1 January 2021 are treated as non-EU nationals. They do not benefit from the Withdrawal Agreement and must apply for residence through Malta’s standard immigration routes How to Apply for Malta Golden Visa Programme, such as Single Work Permit, the Nomad Residence Permit, or Investment-based programmes.

Long-Term Security

While the presence of a strong British community in Malta continues to attract interest from the UK, the legal framework for residence in Malta has clearly changed. Only those who were resident before 31 December 2020 benefit from Withdrawal Agreement protections, while British nationals arriving after that date must rely on Malta’s standard third-country national residence routes.

Understanding this distinction is essential. It allows long-term residents to safeguard their rights through timely renewals and compliance with residence conditions, while helping new arrivals plan realistically under the current immigration system. In this way, both established residents and future expats relocating – can make informed decisions about building their lives in Malta.

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