Why Malta remains a stable jurisdiction for QROPS

Malta has built and maintained a reputation as one of the most stable and respected jurisdictions for QROPS, and its appeal continues to grow among advisers supporting internationally mobile clients. The island’s status is not the result of any single advantage, but rather a combination of regulatory depth, international cooperation, and a long-standing commitment to maintaining transparent and well-governed pension structures. In an environment where global mobility continues to rise (UN data shows that more than 280 million people now live outside their country of birth). With this being true, suitable, internationally recognised pension jurisdictions have never been more important.

Central to Malta’s strength is the Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA). The MFSA’s approach emphasises robust governance, detailed reporting standards, investment oversight and consistent monitoring of pension scheme operations. This creates a supervisory environment that advisers can rely on, particularly when clients hold significant pension assets or expect their retirement journey to span several jurisdictions. The MFSA’s alignment with EU-derived rules adds an extra layer of rigour, offering clarity for advisers who need certainty around long-term regulatory consistency.

Malta’s extensive Double Taxation Agreement (DTA) network is another defining feature of its stability. With treaties covering more than 70 countries, Malta’s network is one of the broadest among international pension centres. For clients who may live, work or retire in multiple countries over the course of their lives, this breadth provides a meaningful advantage. DTAs help prevent pension income being taxed twice and offer clarity on where taxing rights lie. For advisers, this predictability is invaluable when mapping long-term retirement income strategies for clients whose residency may change more than once.

In addition to technical strengths, Malta offers an environment that is accessible and internationally familiar. As an English-speaking EU jurisdiction, it benefits from a legal and administrative framework that aligns with widely recognised standards. Pension legislation incorporates EU directives on transparency, consumer protection and conduct, helping ensure that providers operate within systems that international advisers understand and trust.

Malta’s role as a financial services centre has continued to evolve alongside global mobility trends. The jurisdiction has consistently demonstrated a commitment to strengthening governance and ensuring that pension rules remain aligned with international expectations. While regulatory scrutiny across Europe has increased in recent years, Malta’s willingness to adapt ensures that its pension sector remains resilient and forward-looking. This adaptability is particularly important in a world where tax rules, regulatory obligations and cross-border requirements continue to shift.

For advisers focused on long-term suitability, Malta’s value lies in its clarity and consistency. The jurisdiction provides a regulatory environment designed to support pension stability over decades—not just in the near term. That reliability allows advisers to focus on broader client priorities such as retirement location, income sustainability and cross-border investment considerations, rather than concerns about regulatory volatility in the pension jurisdiction itself.

As international mobility becomes more common and clients expect greater flexibility in their retirement planning, Malta remains a strong foundation for advisers seeking a well-regulated, internationally recognised and consistently governed home for QROPS arrangements.

This article is not to be construed as giving tax, financial or legal advice. Members should discuss their individual needs on the selection of a pension scheme / jurisdiction which meets their needs and circumstances.