If you are LGBTQ and planning to move abroad, it is helpful to check if the country you are going to live in is an LGBT-friendly location or not. Almost all European countries are taking significant steps towards providing equal opportunities to LGBT individuals. But deciding on our new home can be daunting, considering the social acceptance and anti-discrimination laws.
At this point, Malta stands at the top of the list with a score of 88.83 according to the ILGA Europe Rainbow Map in 2025. Plus, this is not the first time; it has been several years since it took its place. Let’s quickly analyze all the highlights that put Malta on top of the list.
What to Discover in This Guide?
- Is Malta a LGBT-Friendly country in 2025?
- How Gay-Friendly is Malta?
- Why is Malta LGBTQ-Friendly?
- The History of Gay Rights in Malta
- LGBT Rights in Malta: 6 Things to Consider
- LGBT Friendly Neighborhoods in Malta
- Malta Permanent Residence Programme For Gay Couples
- Malta Citizenship by Investment For Gay Couples
Is Malta a LGBT-Friendly country in 2025?
When you look at the LGBT rights in Malta, you will see a clear glimpse of how strong legal recognition is:
| LGBTQ Rights in Malta | |
|---|---|
| Category | Status |
| Homosexuality | Legal |
| Censorship | No censorship |
| Changing Gender | Legal, self-determined (18+) |
| Non-Binary People Recognition | Recognized |
| Housing Protections | Protected under anti-discrimination laws |
| Anti-discrimination protections | Strong |
| Military Service | Open to LGBTQ+ and transgender people |
| Same-Sex Marriage | Legal (since 2017) |
| Gender-Affirming Care | Accessible and legally supported |
| Adoption by LGBTQ+ | Legal for individuals and couples |
| Intersex Infant Surgery | Banned without medical necessity |
| Blood Donation | Legal |
How Gay-Friendly is Malta?
As per the 2025 ILGA Rainbow Europe Map, Malta is the most LGBTQ friendly country for expats. And it is not the first time that Malta has topped the list. It has been at the number 1 spot for the last several years.
The country has an outstanding and friendly LGBTQ community. No matter what a person’s sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, and sex characteristics are, social acceptance is quite high. You can show affection in public with your partner. However, please keep in mind that there is also a tiny chance that you may encounter people who are prejudiced and ignorant of same-sex relationships.
If you are considering moving here, as an LGBTQ expat, you can find many job opportunities that require a foreign language. Plus, although many speak English, you can learn a basic level of Maltese and join the local communities.
When it comes to healthcare, you will not have access the free healthcare in the first year if you become a resident. During this process, you can get private health insurance for you and your partner, but make sure the policy covers the essential needs. After the first year, you can access free healthcare and treatments like HRT. However, you have to pay for PrEP and PEP treatments.
Why is Malta LGBTQ-Friendly?
Here are some key points that prove that Malta is an LGBT friendly country:
- Malta permits gender-affirming treatment.
- Same-sex sexual relationships have been legal since 1973, and same-sex partners have been allowed to marry since 2017.
- The discrimination against LGBT individuals is illegal in Malta, with equal rights as well as heterosexuals.
- LGBT individuals can serve openly in the Maltese military.
- Same-sex adoption is legal in Malta.
- Since 2022, gay and bisexual men legally donate blood in Malta provided that they have had one partner over the past 4 months.
Lastly, there are strict laws for LGBT discrimination in Malta.
The History of Gay Rights in Malta
Today, Malta is one of the top countries for the LGBTQ community. However, it has come a long way to make this possible.
Though same-sex sexual activity has been legal since 1973, several changes in the legal procedures have occurred since then. For instance, the Malta Gay Rights Movement organized and presented a petition to Parliament in February 2008. The petition asked the parliament to introduce some measures to protect LGBT people through the law.
Further, in 2012, parliament changed the criminal code that stood to protect LGBT people from hate. The amendment enhanced the penalty for the culprits.
Finally, the year 2014 saw the approval of a bill in favor of the LGBT community. It was proposed to protect the LGBT community from discrimination based on gender identity and sexual orientation.
LGBT Rights in Malta: 6 Things to Consider
Malta has been a frontrunner as far as equality for LGBT is concerned, with its strong anti-gay discrimination laws. If you are planning to move to Malta, here are the LGBT rights that you’re entitled to!
1. Same-Sex Marriage in Malta
In April 2017, the Maltese parliament gave a green light to the Cohabitation Act 2016. Further, in July, the parliament passed a bill for the legalization of same-sex marriage. This bill was signed by President Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca on Aug. 1, 2017. It was finally made law on Sept. 1, 2017.
Hence, LGBT marriage became legal in 2017 in Malta.
2. Adoption Rights For Same-Sex Couples in Malta
The government of Malta allows adoption rights to same-sex couples and LGBT singles. The bill was approved on April 14, 2014. For a smooth adoption process, a court ruling is required for every child.
The first official adoption took place in July 2016, proving that the law was successfully enacted.
3. Gender-Affirming Care in Malta for Transgender People
As the first country that ban conversion therapy, Malta offers LGBTQ individuals the legal right to change legal gender. You can legally change your gender through a quick and easy process that fully respects your right to self-identify. It offers gender-affirming care through both its public and private healthcare systems.
The primary public provider is the Gender Wellbeing Clinic, established in 2018. Its services include hormone therapy, puberty blockers for adolescents, voice therapy, and some gender-affirming surgeries such as mastectomy, orchiectomy, and hysterectomy.
However, bottom surgeries like vaginoplasty or phalloplasty, as well as facial surgery and hair removal, are not available through the public system.
4. IVF For LGBT Couples in Malta
If an LGBT couple wants to access IVF (in vitro fertilization), the Maltese government permits them to do so. The bill regarding the same was introduced in April 2018 and came into effect on October 1, 2018.
5. Hate Crime and Hate Speech in Malta
Malta has pretty strong protections when it comes to hate crimes and hate speech considering LGBTQ people. It is illegal to incite violence or hatred based on someone’s gender identity or sexual orientation, as it applies the same rights to heterosexual people.
6. Malta Citizenship by Investment Program for Same-Sex Couples in Malta
As per the Malta CBI Program, same-sex couples can apply jointly through one application. Along with this, you’ll be required to submit a marriage or a civil union certificate.
On the other hand, if you and your partner are not married, you are required to show evidence that you’re in a relationship.
LGBT Friendly Neighborhoods in Malta
If you’re planning to buy real estate and live in Malta, note that you’ll be comfortable in every neighborhood. Still, we’ve brought together some options for you.
1. Valletta
Valletta is the capital city of Malta, which is perfect for LGBT couples. It has spacious properties that have all that you need. It also has various dedicated LGBT bars and clubs, one of which is Monaliza Lounge. Also, note that Gay Pride is held in mid-September every year in Valletta.
You can choose to buy anything among penthouses, townhouses, apartments, palazzos, etc. The cost of almost all of these properties is over €100,000, which has one bedroom and one bathroom. Further, it goes over €1 million if you are opting for more than one bedroom or one bathroom.
2. Rabat
Rabat is another popular neighborhood for gay community. The place has a perfect blend of all types of properties, ranging from apartments to villas. When it comes to the prices of these properties, they cost less than those in Valletta.
The price of a furnished apartment in Rabat lies between €200,000 to €400,000 for a minimum of two bedrooms and two bathrooms. On the other hand, the price can also go over €400,000 if you opt for a penthouse.
The Birdcage Lounge in Rabat is the ideal club for LGBTs.
Malta Permanent Residence Programme For Gay Couples
If you’re looking for residency by investment in Malta, you can do it through the Malta Permanent Residence Programme. It is a program based on government contributions, donations, and property acquisition/property lease.
Malta Residency by Investment at a glance:
- Buy a property in Malta for €375,000. If you buy a house in the south of the island or Gozo, the amount drops to €300,000.
- Rent property in Malta for €14,000 per year. If the property is in the south of Malta or Gozo, the amount drops to €10,000.
Apart from property investment, there are other fees, such as government contributions and donations.
Malta Citizenship by Investment For Gay Couples
Apart from a residency program, Malta CBI also offers a citizenship program, eligible for same-sex couples. This program grants you to get Maltese passport between 12-36 months, depending on the scheme you prefer.
Malta Citizenship by Investment at a glance:
- You buy a property that is worth at least €700,000, or
- You make a 5-year lease agreement for a residential property at a minimum value of €16,000 per year
The program also requires you to make a contribution, which is:
- €600,000 with a 36-month residence requirement, or
- €750,000 with 12 12-month residence requirement
Note: The European Court of Justice has ruled that Malta must stop this program, and this could affect similar programs in other countries.
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Frequently Asked Questions on Malta’s LGBTQ Friendliness
How gay-friendly is Malta?
With an 88.83 ILGA Europe index and high social acceptance, it can be said that Malta is one of the most gay-friendly countries in the world. The country allows same-sex relationships, gay marriage, the right to adopt a child, and more.
Does Malta have gay clubs?
There are many gay-friendly clubs in Malta with lively nightlife and events for gay people. These include:
- Michelangelo Club
- Axm (Unfortunately closed)
- Lollipop
- Strait Street
- Pride
How many LGBT people are in Malta?
According to MaltaToday, around 11,073 people in Malta identified as LGBTIQ+ in the 2021 census. This includes both Maltese citizens and foreigners, with 5.5% of the foreign population identifying as LGBTIQ+. In Gozo, about 1.8% of the population identified as LGBTIQ+.
Is Malta the safest for gays?
With a low level of crime rates and progressive anti-discrimination laws, Malta is one of the safest countries for LGBTQ individuals.
