Living in Malta
Opening a Bank Account in Malta
Which banks, what documents, and how long it takes
Practical guidance
You need a Maltese bank account to receive your salary. Most employers pay by bank transfer, not cash. Expect the account opening process to take 2–4 weeks due to compliance checks.
Required Documents
You will typically need: your residence card (or passport if the card hasn't arrived yet), your employment contract, proof of address (a utility bill or rental agreement), and sometimes a reference letter from your employer. Requirements vary by bank.
Main Banks
The largest banks in Malta are Bank of Valletta (BOV), HSBC Malta, APS Bank, and BNF Bank. BOV and HSBC have the most branches and ATMs. APS has a reputation for being more accessible to non-Maltese residents. Some fintech options like Revolut are widely used as interim solutions.
Timeline and Process
Book an appointment online or walk in to a branch. The application itself takes about 30 minutes. The compliance review (KYC checks) can take 1–4 weeks depending on your nationality and the bank. Some nationalities face longer processing times — ask upfront.
While You Wait
Until your bank account is active, you can use a Revolut or Wise account for daily spending and receiving international transfers. Some employers can make the first salary payment to a foreign account — ask HR.
Practical Tips
Need a bank account before your Maltese account opens?
Tip
SponsoredMaltese bank accounts take 2–4 weeks due to KYC checks. Open a Revolut account before you land — it takes 10 minutes and works for salary payments.
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