As a matter of policy, the Government of Malta encourages non-Maltese to purchase property for use as a residence or holiday home. To this end, successive Governments have implemented schemes which make Malta an attractive destination. Financial advantages of owning propety and/or taking up residence in Malta include the following:

1. Property in Malta is exceptionally good value for money and residents enjoy a relatively low cost of living.

2. There are no annual property rates or taxes in Malta.

3. Malta has a double Taxation Agreement with most Western Countries and these generally ensure that a move to Malta results in tax advantages. Pensions are freely transferable to Malta.

4. Relations with the European Union are particularly close and in some cases, besides a Double Taxation Agreement, there exist Reciprocal Health Agreements resulting in treatment at nominal cost.

5. Financial conditions for residence permits are modest and this permit offers appreciable tax advantages.

6. There is a sizeable community of foreign residents, mainly British and Continentals, who are warmly welcomed by the Maltese people, most of whom speak English. Integration in the local social and cultural scene is easy.

7. Death duties have been abolished with effect from 24th November, 1992, however, on immovable property, a transmission tax of 7% is payable by the estate on the share of the deceased. In the case of a residence, the first Lm10,000 are exempt .

8. Mortgage facilities are available in Malta usually at an interest rate of approximately 7-7.5%.