Malta: the Ultimate Luxury Destination for Golf Enthusiasts
Malta offers a unique golfing experience with the historic Royal Malta Golf Club. Its strong economy, attractive tax regime, and residency programs make it appealing for affluent golfers. Beyond golf, the island boasts luxurious living, pristine beaches, and a rich cultural heritage.
Malta has long been a favourite for high-net-worth individuals drawn to its attractive tax incentives, strategic location, and robust residency programs. But beyond the financial and legal advantages, Malta offers a lifestyle that effortlessly blends luxury, history, and leisure. For affluent golf lovers, Malta stands out as a Mediterranean jewel, offering a unique golfing experience while serving as a gateway to the region’s premier courses..
A Golfer’s Paradise in Malta
Malta’s golfing scene is centred around the Royal Malta Golf Club (RMGC), a historic institution established in 1888. This 18-hole parkland course combines the best of tradition and modernity, offering challenging play amidst well-maintained greens and fairways. The club’s facilities include a driving range, practice areas, a pro shop, and an elegant clubhouse that doubles as a social hub.
RMGC is not just a golf course—it is a community. Its annual calendar includes international tournaments, charity events, and social gatherings, attracting business leaders, diplomats, and expatriates. For many affluent residents, RMGC offers more than a place to play; it is an avenue for networking and forging connections with Malta’s elite.
Membership at RMGC comes with prestige, exclusivity, and access to coaching for all levels, ensuring both novices and seasoned golfers feel at home. With Malta’s Mediterranean climate, golf can be enjoyed year-round, setting it apart from other European destinations.
Regional Golfing Escapes
While Malta’s golfing scene is intimate, the island’s central location offers proximity to some of Europe’s most renowned courses. Within a short flight, players can access:
- Verdura Golf & Spa Resort in Sicily, featuring two 18-hole courses and a 9-hole par-3 course designed by Kyle Phillips.
- Costa del Sol, Spain, home to championship courses like Valderrama, a favourite on the European Tour.
- The Algarve, Portugal, boasting premium golfing destinations such as Quinta do Lago and Vilamoura.
For Malta-based golf enthusiasts, these nearby courses provide diversity and the opportunity for extended golfing adventures while keeping Malta as a luxurious base.
Boating and the Coastal Lifestyle
Malta’s allure extends beyond the greens to its vibrant boating scene. As a prominent maritime hub, Malta offers state-of-the-art superyacht marinas at Portomaso, Msida, and Grand Harbour Marina in Vittoriosa. These marinas not only cater to global elites but also host events such as the prestigious Rolex Middle Sea Race, solidifying Malta’s position as a Mediterranean yachting capital.
Affluent residents and visitors alike can indulge in private yacht charters to explore Malta’s scenic coastline, secluded bays, and neighbouring islands like Gozo and Comino. This seamless blend of land and sea leisure ensures a well-rounded luxury lifestyle.
Real Estate Tailored for the Ultra-Rich
Golf lovers relocating to Malta can choose from an impressive range of luxury properties designed for the discerning. Notable examples include:
Legal, Tax, and Immigration Advantages for Foreign Golfers in Malta
Malta’s attractiveness extends to its robust legal and financial offerings. Programs such as the Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP) and the Malta Global Residence Programme (GRP) provide streamlined pathways for residency, coupled with tax benefits like the remittance-based Res Non-Dom Tax System. The Maltese Citizenship by Direct Investment Rules provide a path to Maltese citizenship, within as little as one year for a significant investment. Malta allows Dual Citizenship.
High-net-worth individuals in specialized roles can also benefit from Malta’s Highly Qualified Persons (HQP) Rules, which offer a flat 15% tax rate on employment income in eligible sectors. Learn more about these benefits in this guide.
We took some comments from a senior partner of a leading Malta Law Firm Chetcuti Cauchi Advocates known for his legal representation of several global families in Malta for over 25 years. Dr Chetcuti explains Malta’s growing appeal:
“Malta is developing rapidly while retaining the charm of a history-packed Mediterranean island. It offers an unparalleled lifestyle for the ultra-rich, combining exclusivity, financial security, and leisure in a way few other countries can match.”
Dr. Jean-Philippe Chetcuti
Social and Cultural Offerings
Beyond golf and boating, Malta’s affluent residents enjoy a rich cultural life. From attending performances at the Teatru Manoel, one of Europe’s oldest theatres, to dining at Michelin-starred restaurants like Under Grain and ION – The Harbour, Malta offers a refined social scene.
Malta’s unique blend of golfing, coastal living, and financial advantages creates an irresistible proposition for affluent foreigners. Whether it’s perfecting your swing at RMGC, docking your yacht at a world-class marina, or leveraging Malta’s tax-efficient frameworks, the island offers a lifestyle that seamlessly merges leisure with opportunity.
For those seeking a haven in the heart of the Mediterranean, Malta proves there’s no need to choose between work, play, and indulgence—it’s all here.