As the real estate landscape continues to evolve, Maltese investors are increasingly exploring international opportunities to diversify their portfolios. One destination that consistently draws global attention is Dubai. While Malta remains a secure and regulated EU property market, real estate growth in Dubai offers a level of scale, speed, and yield that’s hard to ignore.
For those looking to buy property in Dubai, the market presents a compelling mix of high returns, flexible ownership options, and long-term residency incentives. It’s not just about capital growth—it’s about accessing a global investment hub.
So how do the two markets actually compare?
Size and speed: A tale of two markets
Malta’s property sector is relatively small but stable. Annual price appreciation remains consistent, particularly in prime areas like Sliema, Valletta, and St. Julian’s. However, supply is limited, and much of the market is already saturated.
By contrast, Dubai’s real estate market is vast, fast-moving, and still expanding. In 2023 alone, Dubai recorded over 132,000 property transactions totalling more than AED 400 billion. This scale allows for greater liquidity, faster exits, and wider entry points for new investors.
Yields and tax efficiency
For many, the key reason to consider investing in real estate in Dubai is the return. Average rental yields in Dubai range between 6% and 8%—substantially higher than Malta’s typical 4–5%, especially after local taxes are accounted for.
In Malta, property owners face standard EU tax rules, including capital gains and inheritance tax. Dubai, on the other hand, offers zero property tax, no capital gains tax, and no inheritance tax, making it especially attractive for income-focused investors.
Ownership and regulation
Both markets offer legal protections and foreign ownership rights—but with different frameworks.
Malta allows full ownership to EU citizens without restriction. Foreigners from outside the EU may require special permits. Dubai, meanwhile, has designated freehold zones where foreign nationals can fully own property, often with fewer bureaucratic hurdles.
Regulation in Dubai has tightened significantly in the past decade, thanks to RERA (Real Estate Regulatory Agency), which governs transparency, escrow protections, and broker licensing.
Residency and lifestyle incentives
For investors considering relocation or second residency, both countries offer appealing visa options. Malta is well-known for its EU residency and citizenship-by-investment programs, though they’ve faced increased scrutiny in recent years.
Dubai counters with its 10-year Golden Visa, available to property investors with a minimum investment of AED 2 million. For Maltese nationals, the Golden Visa for Maltese investors offers an efficient path to long-term residency in the UAE.
Market stability vs. growth potential
Malta appeals to risk-averse investors seeking gradual appreciation and a solid legal environment. It’s ideal for long-term holding, particularly for locals or Europeans who want EU-based property.
Dubai, while subject to global macroeconomic cycles and past corrections, presents greater upside potential. For those who can accept some volatility in exchange for higher yield, larger asset appreciation, and fast resale, Dubai delivers.
Strategic diversification for today’s investor
For Maltese investors accustomed to the steady pace of the domestic property market, Dubai offers a different kind of opportunity—faster, larger in scope, and built for international scalability. While Malta provides security within the EU framework, Dubai delivers high-yield potential, flexible ownership, and a tax-efficient environment that appeals to both personal and institutional investors.
Ultimately, these two markets don’t compete. Adding Dubai property to a Malta-based portfolio gives investors access to global growth while maintaining the long-term stability of home-ground assets. And with attractive incentives such as the Golden Visa, you are buying into one of the world’s most investor-friendly ecosystems.