Malta’s strategic location at the heart of the Mediterranean has long been one of its defining advantages. Positioned between mainland Europe and North Africa, the island offers residents a combination of Mediterranean living, access to European markets and opportunities for international travel.
The latest figures from Malta’s National Statistics Office (NSO), published on 4 November 2026, highlight the growing number of overseas trips undertaken by Malta residents, reinforcing the importance of international mobility as part of life on the island.
Overseas Travel by Malta Residents Continues to Grow
According to the NSO’s Outbound Tourism report for the third quarter of 2026, Malta residents made 284,486 overseas tourist trips between July and September, representing an increase of 5.1% compared with the same period in 2025.
Total nights spent abroad reached approximately 2.1 million, an increase of 1.3%, while the average length of stay was 7.5 nights.
Italy remained the most popular destination, accounting for 38.9% of all outbound tourist trips. Travel to other European Union destinations increased by 3.1%, while trips to non-EU countries rose by 11.5% year-on-year.
The figures also reveal that 200,558 trips were made for holiday purposes, while 53,021 involved visiting friends and relatives.
Looking at the first nine months of 2026, outbound tourist trips reached 704,426, an increase of 6.6% compared with the previous year. Total estimated expenditure on overseas travel amounted to €691.4 million.
These figures demonstrate the scale of international travel undertaken by Malta’s resident population and reflect the importance of overseas connections for leisure, family visits and other activities.
Source: National Statistics Office – Outbound Tourism: Q3/2026
Malta’s Strategic Position in the Mediterranean
Situated between Europe and North Africa, Malta occupies a geographical position that has historically made it an important centre for trade, travel and international connections.
Today, its location continues to offer practical advantages for individuals and businesses with interests across different countries.
Malta International Airport provides connections to numerous European destinations, while ferry services link Malta with Sicily, offering another option for travel between the islands and mainland Europe.
For residents who maintain family, professional or business relationships overseas, these transport connections are an important consideration when choosing where to live.
The popularity of Italy as a destination among Malta residents also reflects the close geographical relationship between the two countries.
The Advantages of Living in an EU and Schengen Country
Malta’s membership of the European Union, the eurozone and the Schengen Area adds another dimension to its appeal as a location for international residents.
As one of the 29 countries within the Schengen Area, Malta forms part of a region where routine internal border checks have largely been removed, facilitating travel between participating countries.
For qualifying non-EU nationals holding a valid Maltese residence permit, this can allow short visits to other Schengen countries, generally for up to 90 days within any 180-day period, subject to applicable entry conditions.
This can be particularly relevant for internationally mobile individuals and families who wish to maintain a European base while travelling regularly for personal or professional reasons.
However, Maltese residence status does not automatically provide unrestricted travel rights worldwide or the right to reside and work in other European countries.
Malta as a Base for International Families
Beyond its geographical position, Malta offers a combination of lifestyle and practical advantages that appeal to individuals and families considering residence in Europe.
English is an official language, making everyday communication, education and business activities accessible to many international residents.
The island also offers an established healthcare system, a choice of educational institutions, a Mediterranean climate and a diverse international community.
For families with connections across different countries, the ability to combine a stable European residence with opportunities for international travel can be an important factor in long-term planning.
The latest NSO statistics provide an indication of how frequently Malta residents travel overseas, while the country’s location and European integration contribute to its broader appeal as a place to live.
Exploring Residency Opportunities in Malta
For non-EU nationals considering Malta as a long-term base, the country offers several residence options, subject to eligibility requirements.
These include the Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP), which provides qualifying applicants and eligible family members with permanent residence status in Malta, subject to the programme’s applicable conditions.
The MPRP allows eligible non-EU, non-EEA and non-Swiss nationals to establish permanent residence in Malta through a combination of qualifying property, government contributions and other financial and due diligence requirements.
For internationally mobile families, the programme offers flexibility, including the possibility of maintaining residence in Malta without a general minimum annual physical stay requirement. Beneficiaries can also travel within the Schengen Area for short stays of up to 90 days in any 180-day period, subject to applicable conditions.
Selecting the appropriate residence option requires consideration of personal circumstances, financial requirements, family eligibility and long-term objectives.
How Can Vertex Alliance Help?
Vertex Alliance provides professional guidance and assistance to individuals and families exploring residency opportunities in Malta.
As a licensed agent of the Residency Malta Agency, our experienced team can help prospective applicants understand the available residence options, assess eligibility requirements and navigate the application process.
With Malta’s strategic location, European connections and Mediterranean lifestyle, the island continues to offer an appealing option for internationally mobile individuals and families.
To learn more about residency opportunities in Malta and how Vertex Alliance can assist, contact us at info@valtd.com.
