Ask the Author

This is where you ask me questions--and I will try to answer them.  Or I might ask myself a question and try to answer it.  I am looking to answer questions about the experience of planning to become an expatriate or what it's like to be an expatriate in Malta, based on my personal experience or opinions.

Please note:  I am not giving legal, immigration or other official advice about moving to Malta.  What I tell you here is based on my own research for myself. The facts may change at any time.  The information here is no substitute for contacting a lawyer or immigration officer.  The first thing I will ever do is refer you to an official department in Malta to seek advice.  I am not liable for any information that is incorrect on this site.

 

 

Here's our first question:

From Carla in Somerville, MA--

"I am 44 and have 2 school age boys and have been daydreaming about moving to Malta for all the reasons that you referenced.  It has become such a hassle to live in Boston, the expense, health care etc.  I work in the financial services sector which is pretty iffy right now - so it might be a good time to try something different for a few years.  My intention wouldn't be to move permanently but to stay a decent period of time.  It would be a bit easier for me because my husband still has family there and I can work (I believe - hope)...  I also know that the health care is supposed to be terrific - I wonder if I would be covered because of my husband?  Maybe not - but I believe that my children are." 

 

Answer:

Dear Carla,

My first advice is to contact the Entitlements office at the Ministry of Health on www.sahha.gov.mt or telephone from the USA at 011-356 22992345.

 

Because you are married to a Maltese, I believe that you and your sons may be entitled to the free Malta healthcare in Malta if you move there.   Generally speaking,  Maltese residents, persons married to Maltese residents, persons paying national insurance contributions in Malta or in possession of an E111 form or certificate of entitlement would be entitled for free treatment.

 

However, if you wanted to be treated outside Malta in any other part of the European Union, you would still have to buy private health insurance.  The one problem with private health insurance is that while it's much less expensive in Malta than the USA, it does not cover you or any of your family members for any pre-existing conditions.  If someone in your family had asthma, for example, you would have to pay for the doctor visits and any medications involved with the condition.  Then again, if you are covered by the free Maltese healthcare system, that could be adequate for you and your family.

 

As for working in Malta, just because you are married to a Maltese does not mean you can work there without a special work permit--even if your husband is entitled to work in Malta.

 

Good luck and keep in touch!

 

Contact the Entitlements office at the Ministry of Health on www.sahha.gov.mt or telephone from the USA at 011-356 22992345.

 

Comments

[Tim]

Hi Ilene,

I'm an American in a relationship with a European, but we are not yet ready to be married. We are currently together in Belgium where she works. I have applied for residency here and should get a decision soon, but in the meantime, I want to be looking at other options in case my application gets denied. Residency is necessary so that I can legally stay in the EU beyond 90 days without having trouble when leaving or re-entering.

From what I've read, it would be possible for me to become a Permanent Resident in Malta under the "Permanent Residence Scheme." They don't care how much time I actually spend in Malta as long as I comply with the requirements.

Is this the path you took? Would I receive some type of "resident's permit" with this scheme that would be recognized by other EU countries?

Also (and maybe this gets too personal), are you claiming the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion with your US taxes? I am in the same situation (working remotely for US clients). Frankly, it seems too good to be true to be able to claim this exclusion even though I would only be paying minimal taxes in Malta, but it seems perfectly legal.

Anyway, if you are able to answer one or both of these questions, that would be awesome; and even if not, thanks for the great blog!

Tim

[Sennuwy (an ancient Egyptian name)]

Hi Tim--Thanks for your kind comment. And welcome aboard the residency
train where you never know where to get off. As I usually do, I direct you
to look up the page on my web site about residency requirements where you'll
find official numbers you should contact. I'm not a lawyer, accountant or
immigration specialist, so I can only tell you what I did.

It's possible to apply for permanent residency through the residency scheme
in Malta. I don't know how that would affect your status in the rest of
Europe. I did *not *go this route because I would not be able to work in
Malta if I did. To become a permanent resident this way, you have to meet
all the income requirements. As far as claiming taxes in either the US or
Malta, yes, there is the possibility to claim the Foreign Tax Income
Exclusion, but you MUST consult a US accountant before assuming you can do
it. Everyone's situation is different.

Wishing you the best of luck with becoming a resident in Malta!---Ilene

On Wed, Sep 30, 2009 at 10:49 AM, wrote:

[David Crowder]

Dear Ilene,

I am an American citizen married to a Bulgarian national/citizen and our daughter is a dual Bulgarian/US citizen. We are planning to move to Malta in March under the EU residency rules. I understand that I have the right to live there by virtue of marriage to an EU national (the Maltese consulate in Washington D.C. has confirmed this, though they are sketchy about how much income or assets we would need to be able to prove). I have been told that I will be allowed to work, and that we can file for ordinary residence, again as EU nationals and spouse. How long do you think it will take for me to get the papers to look for a job there? I understand that my wife can work almost immediately.(?) Also, how big is the US embassy there in Malta? I have been in contact with them about possible employment, and they have had me send my resume to them and have been encouraging. Do you have any ideas about other decent paying work for Americans there, beyond the average $11,000 a year income most Maltese make (don't see how anyone can raise a family on that salary even if they have free housing and no car!)? As of now, I have some consulting jobs that pay around $15,000 a year that I perform over the internet that I plan to keep doing there until I find something better. Any thoughts on all this and our moving over process? Thank you for your invaluable information on moving to and living in Malta! Your website is fantastic!

[Sennuwy (an ancient Egyptian name)]

Thanks, David, for your kind comment. I think youve been doing great research on your own and I dont have anything to add.  As far as how long papers take, they take a very long time. Thats all I can say. Im still waiting for my ID card that I was supposed to get six months ago.  All the best for you and your family in the New Year and in Malta--Ilene