Bilateral relationship
Australia and Malta continue to enjoy a strong and enduring bilateral relationship, underpinned by deep people-to-people links and shared values. Australia is home to the largest Maltese diaspora in the world, with 234,402 people claiming Maltese ancestry according to the 2021 Census, including 35,413 Australian residents born in Malta.
Migration from Malta to Australia began in the early 19th century, with the first arrivals as convicts in 1810, followed by free settlers in 1838. The most significant wave of migration occurred during the 1950s and 1960s. Australia established an immigration presence in Malta in the 1950s and opened its High Commission in Valletta in 1967. Malta maintains a High Commission in Canberra (established in 1964), along with Consulates-General in Sydney and Melbourne, and Honorary Consulates in Queensland, South Australia, Victoria, and Western Australia.
In 2024, Australia and Malta marked 60 years of diplomatic relations, celebrating decades of cooperation and friendship.
At the international level, both countries actively support international rules and norms and collaborate through multilateral organisations such as the United Nations, the Commonwealth, and the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE). Notably, Malta served as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council (2023–2024) and chaired the OSCE in 2024, reflecting its commitment to multilateralism.
Recent high-level engagements have further strengthened ties. In October 2023, then President of Malta, H.E. Dr George Vella, visited Australia, meeting with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and then Governor-General David Hurley.
Foreign policy
Since joining the European Union in 2004 and the Eurozone in 2008, Malta has remained deeply engaged with EU institutions and member states. Malta last held the Presidency of the Council of the EU in 2017.
In 2025, Malta is presiding over the Council of Europe from May to November, coinciding with the 60th anniversary of its membership in the organisation. The presidency has focused on protecting children, combatting discrimination, empowering youth, and defending democracy and the rule of law.
Malta maintains a long-standing commitment to multilateralism, actively participating in the United Nations, the Commonwealth, the EU, and the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE). Malta’s two-year term as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council concluded in December 2024, during which it championed initiatives on climate security, children and armed conflict, and women, peace and security. Malta presided over the Council twice and authored several valuable resolutions, including those enabling humanitarian corridors and enhancing child protection.
In 2024, Malta also served as Chair of the OSCE, navigating institutional challenges and reinforcing the organisation’s resilience amid geopolitical tensions. The 31st OSCE Ministerial Council, hosted in Valletta, achieved consensus on leadership appointments and reaffirmed the OSCE’s role in promoting peace, democracy, and human rights.
Fast facts
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Maltese visitors to Australia (2022)
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1,250
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Australian resident returns from Malta (2022)
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5,360
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Australian residents born in Malta (2021 Census)
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35,413
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Australian residents of Maltese descent (2021 Census)
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198,989
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Maltese students in Australia (2022)
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23
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Maltese working holidaymakers in Australia (2024)
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80
High level engagements
- 2024 – Foreign Minister Penny Wong met with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Borg at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Samoa.
- 2023 – President of the Republic of Malta. H. E. Dr George Vella, visited Australia and met with Prime Minister Albanese and Governor-General Hurley.
- 2018 – Malta’s Prime Minister Dr Joseph Muscat and Mr Carmelo Abela, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade Promotion, visited Australia for bilateral meetings and to attend the opening of the Commonwealth Games
- 2015 – then Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull visited Malta for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting
Agreements with Malta
Australia and Malta have bilateral agreements in place covering immigration (1970), double taxation (1985), health services (1988), social security (1991 and revised in 2004), working holidays (1996) and air services (1996).
Texts of bilateral agreements are available at the Australian Treaties Database.
Trade and investment
Trade between Australia and Malta is modest, reflecting geographical distance and the relatively small size of the Maltese market. In 2024, two-way goods and services trade was valued at approximately $951 million, with Australian exports to Malta totalling $701 million, primarily comprising services trades. Malta’s exports to Australia were valued at $250.9 million, mainly comprising services, medical instruments and musical instruments.
Malta’s economy is driven by a vibrant services sector, particularly in tourism, financial services, maritime transhipment, and digital technologies. The country offers a consumer market of over 536,000 people, including a significant number of foreign workers.
Malta continues to attract foreign investment through a combination of low corporate tax rates, competitive operating costs, and a highly educated, English-speaking workforce. In 2025, the government is prioritising digital transformation, green technologies, and innovation, with targeted support for sectors such as FinTech, blockchain, cybersecurity, and EdTech.
Malta remains a leading jurisdiction for blockchain and crypto regulation, having enacted comprehensive legislation in 2018. In 2025, the country hosts a growing number of blockchain startups and platforms, including Binance, StablR, and Chiliz, which contribute to its reputation as a hub for digital finance and i-gaming.
More economic and trade information [PDF 304 KB].
ANZAC links
Malta played a significant role in the First World War. Around 800 Maltese directly supported the Gallipoli campaign. Malta was known as ‘the Nurse of the Mediterranean’ as many thousands of sick and wounded allied servicemen were evacuated to, and treated in, Malta. Australian servicemen and women were also involved in the defence of Malta during the Second World War.
There are 202 Australians and 79 New Zealanders buried on the island. ANZAC Day has been commemorated in Malta since 1916. The annual ceremony is open to the public, and usually held at Pieta Military cemetery.
Visitors to Malta can follow the 'ANZAC Experience in Malta' Self-Guided Tours.
Australian High Commission in Malta
Ta ‘Xbiex Terrace
Ta ‘Xbiex XBX 1034, Malta
Ph: +356 2133 8201
Email: consular.malta@dfat.gov.au
Travel
See Smartraveller for Information on travelling to Malta.