A growing number of Britons are trading life in the UK for a sun-drenched Mediterranean island that offers a surprising taste of home alongside significantly better weather and more favourable tax conditions.
Why Malta Feels Like a Home Away From Home
The island of Malta is proving to be an irresistible destination for those seeking a new life abroad. For Louise Burley, 46, and her husband Kevin, 70, from Wakefield in West Yorkshire, the decision to relocate to the village of Ta' Xbiex was an easy one. Speaking to The Times, Louise highlighted the many familiar comforts that made settling in seamless.
"They drive on the same side of the road, there are red postboxes, HSBCs on the corner and they have Marks & Spencer," she explained, as reported by the Express. The couple felt the financial strain in Britain was becoming too much. "I don't think we could have coped with being in the UK much longer. We were getting... squeezed every day, taxed on everything," she revealed.
A Tax System That Attracts British Expats
Beyond the cultural similarities and the warm climate, where temperatures can reach a pleasant 21C even in November, Malta's taxation framework is a major draw. The island's tax residency programme allows participants to benefit from a flat 15% tax rate on overseas income brought into the country.
Furthermore, profits from foreign assets remain tax-free, and there is no inheritance, wealth, or estate tax liability. Jamie Favell from the Tax Advisory Partnership confirmed Malta's appeal, noting its "straightforward" tax system is a legacy of its history as a former British colony. This has led many to choose Malta over other popular destinations like Dubai, Italy, and Portugal.
Easy Integration and a Royal History
With English as one of the country's two official languages, integration for British expats is remarkably straightforward. Malta's capital, Valletta, is just over a three-hour flight from London, making travel back to the UK convenient.
The island also boasts a deep connection with Britain, having been under British rule from 1814 until its independence in 1964. The late Queen Elizabeth II even lived on the outskirts of Valletta for two years before her ascension to the throne.
For expats like Bradley Thurston, 54, who moved permanently to Xemxija earlier this year, the decision was a "no brainer." He told The Times that the move also helped his family avoid a costly UK visa renewal. "We will never come back. The only thing I miss is the football," he said, summing up the sentiment of many who have made the leap to this Mediterranean haven.
