A country with a resident population of just over 580,000 received more than 4 million inbound tourists in 2025.
Moreover, this momentum is continuing.
WorldWay Immigration noted that according to the latest data from the National Statistics Office of Malta, in the first half of 2026, Malta received a total of 2.1318 million inbound tourist arrivals, a year-on-year increase of 18.1%; tourist stays reached 11.8 million nights, and tourism expenditure was approximately 1.796 billion euros, representing a year-on-year increase of 14.8%.
For a small Mediterranean island nation, such international visitor traffic is quite impressive.
Beyond its tourism popularity, another side of Malta is also worth noting: as an EU member state, a Schengen Area member, a Eurozone country, a Commonwealth member state, with English as an official language, and an ever-increasing level of internationalization, it is not only a popular travel destination, but is also gradually becoming a favored location for European lifestyle and residency planning among many families.
I. Beyond Tourists
An Increasing International Population Coming to Malta
As of the end of 2025, the total population of Malta and Gozo was approximately 588,300, a year-on-year increase of 2.4%.
Among them, net migration reached 13,906 people in 2025, a year-on-year increase of 31%, with non-EU citizens accounting for 78.1% of the net migration count.
In other words, Malta attracts not only short-term tourists, but also an increasing number of people from different countries coming here to work and live.
For international families, the English-speaking environment lowers language barriers in daily life, children's education, and business communication; being in the EU and the Schengen Area also makes European travel more convenient.
From a tourism destination to an international lifestyle hub, another side of Malta is being recognized by more and more people.
II. GDP Growth of 4.5%
Malta Does Not Rely Solely on Tourism
While international population inflows continue, Malta's economy also maintains strong vitality.
On August 27, the National Statistics Office of Malta released economic data for the second quarter of 2026: real GDP grew by 4.5% year-on-year.
Among these, financial and insurance activities grew by 12.2%, information and communication sector grew by 9.2%, and professional, scientific and technical activities grew by 7.5%.
This also demonstrates that today's Malta is not merely a Mediterranean island nation dependent on tourism; industries such as finance, technology, and professional services continue to develop, making the economic structure more diversified.
From WorldWay's perspective, for families with long-term overseas residency plans, in addition to the application conditions and residency benefits of the program itself, a country's economic vitality, living environment, and degree of internationalization are equally worthy of attention.
III. From a Tourism Destination
To European Permanent Residency
For this reason, the Malta Permanent Residence Programme has consistently attracted significant attention from international families.
For Malta permanent residency holders, visa-free travel across 29 Schengen countries is permitted, with stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period, making both business trips and European travel more efficient and effortless.
At the same time, the program allows four generations of a family to be included in a single application. These benefits are indeed very tangible:
• Greater convenience for European travel and visiting relatives;
• An additional European educational and living environment for children's future;
• One person applies to include the spouse, children, parents, and grandparents of both spouses, achieving full family reunion.
In recent years, WorldWay has continued to specialize deeply in the Malta Permanent Residence Programme. From initial strategy planning and document preparation to subsequent landing, biometric collection, and residence card pickup, we have accumulated extensive experience in application and settlement services. Recently, multiple clients have successfully received their Malta permanent residence cards.
For families planning for European residency, now is an opportune time to establish your European identity: one investment allows four generations of a family to apply for Malta permanent resident status. WorldWay has launched a limited-time promotional offer: from now until September 30, 2026, all new and existing clients applying for the Malta Immigration program can enjoy major discounts. For details, please contact your dedicated WorldWay consultant or customer service representative.
As a Top 500 Asian Brand with over 20 years of dedication to immigration, WorldWay Group started in Hong Kong in 1998 and has been rooted in Hong Kong for over two decades, operating professional companies in both Hong Kong and the Chinese mainland. As an active promoter of European investment immigration programs, WorldWay has maintained excellent interactions with the Maltese government for many years, making it your trusted choice for Malta immigration.
For inquiries in the Chinese Mainland: 400-138-2929; Hong Kong Customer Service Center: (852)2802 8798