As of 2026, Malta continues to be one of the more resilient and actively growing economies among European Union member states. Recent statistics and forecasts show that output levels, labour market indicators, and international rankings place Malta in a strong position relative to broader EU performance. This overview sets out the key indicators shaping Malta’s economic standing.
GDP Per Capita and Malta’s Position Within the EU
In 2024, Malta’s GDP per capita reached one of its highest levels in recent history, reflecting sustained economic expansion. According to CEIC data, Malta’s GDP per capita was approximately $43,941 (USD) in 2024, compared with about $40,871 in 2023.
Eurostat also reports that Malta’s GDP per capita in nominal terms was around €39,350 in 2024, slightly above the European Union average.
These figures show Malta’s per-capita output remains robust relative to broader EU averages, underlining continued productivity within the economy.
Economic Growth Forecast for 2025–2027
Official forecasts indicate that Malta continues to operate ahead of EU growth averages as Europe enters a slower economic phase.
According to the European Commission’s projections:
- Real GDP growth in 2025 is estimated at approximately 4.0 percent
- Real GDP growth in 2026 is projected at approximately 3.8 percent
- Real GDP growth in 2027 is projected at approximately 3.5 percent
These growth rates remain above projected EU averages over the same period. Growth is supported by private consumption, investment activity, tourism, and services, as outlined in official forecasts.
Inflation is projected to moderate during this period, declining from 2.4 percent in 2025 to around 2.1 percent in 2026, broadly in line with wider EU price trends.
Labour Market
Labour market data further supports Malta’s frontier positioning within the EU.
In mid-2025, Malta’s unemployment rate stood at approximately 2.5 percent, placing it among the EU member states with the lowest unemployment levels. This reflects sustained labor demand and participation entering 2026.
Housing and Rental Market Trends
Recent reporting highlights continued activity in Malta’s housing and rental market, based on national and EU-level data.
According to recent reports by Times of Malta, rental prices in Malta increased by approximately 41 percent over the past decade, reflecting sustained demand within the residential market and different pricing dynamics compared with broader EU averages.
More recent data shows that between 2022 and 2024, the average rent for a two-bedroom apartment increased by 28.3 percent, while average national salaries increased by 12.4 percent over the same period. These figures are based on a tenants’ union study drawing on official Housing Authority and national statistics.
Together, these data points provide an overview of recent rental market trends in Malta, as reflected in published reporting.
Global Standing: Mobility Rankings in 2026
Alongside economic data, Malta’s international standing remains strong.
- The Nomad Capitalist Passport Index ranks Malta first globally, based on a composite assessment of mobility, perception, and freedom indicators.
- The Henley & Partners Passport Index places Malta among the top-tier passports worldwide, with visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to approximately 185–187 destinations.
These rankings are current as of late 2025 and remain unchanged entering 2026, reinforcing Malta’s position on global mobility metrics.
Malta Vision 2050
Alongside current economic indicators and international rankings, Malta has also outlined a long-term national framework to guide its development in the coming decades.
Launched for public consultation in 2025, Malta Vision 2050 sets out strategic priorities aimed at supporting sustainable economic growth, productivity, innovation, skills development, infrastructure, and quality of life. The framework establishes long-term objectives extending beyond short-term economic cycles and electoral timelines.
As of 2026, Vision 2050 serves as an official reference point for Malta’s longer-term direction, providing context for how current economic performance aligns with the country’s stated goals for mid-century development.
Summary: Malta at the EU Frontier in 2026
Malta’s economic indicators place it toward the forward end of EU performance across several measurable areas. While growth across the European Union remains uneven, Malta continues to record outcomes that compare favorably with broader EU averages.
Taken together, consistent economic performance, strong global mobility rankings, and the presence of a long-term national framework through Vision 2050 position Malta at the EU frontier in 2026, reflected in alignment between near-term outcomes and longer-term direction.
