Malta – Maternity and Giving Birth

What maternity care options are available in Malta?

Malta’s publicly funded healthcare system encompasses the full range of essential services, maternity care firmly among them. The overall structure is broadly similar to national health services found elsewhere in Europe in that it delivers an integrated, end-to-end pathway through pregnancy and childbirth — though unlike the UK’s NHS model, which typically assigns a named community midwife from the early stages of pregnancy, Malta’s public system directs most antenatal check-ups through hospital outpatient clinics rather than community settings.

When you discover you are pregnant in Malta, the first practical step is to book an appointment with a GP. Your doctor will prescribe folic acid if you are not already taking it, offer guidance on diet, physical activity, supplements, and medication safety during pregnancy, and issue a referral to Mater Dei Hospital (MDH) — or Gozo General Hospital (GGH) for those living on Gozo.

Following that referral, a consultant obstetrician at MDH or GGH will be assigned to oversee your care. You are free to express a preference for a particular consultant; if you have none, one will be allocated at random. If you already have a private obstetrician who does not hold a public hospital practice, they may be able to suggest a suitable colleague.

Between 30 and 36 weeks of pregnancy, appointments are scheduled fortnightly, then move to weekly visits until your due date, and may become daily if you pass it. This structured timetable ensures that monitoring remains consistent throughout the later stages of pregnancy.

You may choose to conduct all your antenatal appointments through the public system or to go privately with an obstetrician or midwife of your choosing. A free antenatal education programme called Parentcraft runs at both MDH and GGH and covers topics spanning early pregnancy through to labour and delivery.

The vast majority of births in Malta take place in hospital. Home births are an option, though hospital delivery is by far the norm. There are no freestanding midwife-led birth centres of the sort common in several northern European countries, so the practical choice comes down to a public hospital birth or a private one. Two private hospitals — St James (Capua) Hospital in Sliema and St James Hospital in Zabbar — offer water birth facilities.

One particularly valued feature of Malta’s maternity provision is the government’s offer of four postnatal visits conducted at home. These visits give new mothers direct support in the days following discharge from hospital, with the visiting midwife assessing the wellbeing of both mother and newborn and providing practical guidance on infant care. Around six weeks after delivery, a GP appointment is recommended to review the health of both mother and baby.

Expats in legal employment in Malta pay into the social security system, which entitles them to the same healthcare access as Maltese citizens. To use public health services, expats must register with the Health Entitlement Unit (HEU) and present residency or employment documentation; they are then issued with a card confirming entitlement. Those who have not yet completed this registration process, or who are not yet contributing to social security, should arrange private health insurance promptly.

How much does it cost to give birth in Malta?

For those who qualify for the public healthcare system, treatment in Maltese public hospitals carries no charge. National insurance covers the management of pregnancy and birth in full, meaning that eligible citizens, employed expats, and qualifying residents can access antenatal appointments, scans, hospital delivery, and postnatal care without any direct financial outlay.

EU nationals visiting Malta on a temporary basis may use a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) to receive free treatment, including routine appointments. That said, if you intend to give birth in Malta, it is advisable to contact your home country’s health authority and apply for prior authorisation via form S2 to confirm that your costs will be covered. It should be emphasised that the EHIC is not a replacement for comprehensive health insurance.

Those who choose private care face considerably higher costs. Reports from expat community forums indicate that a private birth in Malta runs to approximately €4,000, although this should be treated as a rough guide only, since the final figure depends on the chosen hospital, the nature of the birth, the duration of admission, and any additional specialist charges. Contact St James Hospital Group or other private providers directly for up-to-date pricing before making decisions. Individual private obstetrician consultations during pregnancy typically come to around €100 per visit, though rates vary.

Access to the public system is not always immediate — residency permits can take months to process rather than weeks. Choosing private care from the outset ensures you have coverage in the meantime. Private facilities in Malta are generally well resourced, tend to offer shorter waiting times, a wider range of services, and greater scheduling flexibility.

International health insurance can fund private maternity care in Malta, but it is essential to examine policy terms carefully for waiting periods before maternity benefits become active. Many insurers apply a waiting period of between 10 and 12 months before maternity cover kicks in, making it vital to arrange cover well in advance of becoming pregnant. International plans can also cover treatment elsewhere in Europe alongside medical evacuation, outpatient care, and optional dental benefits. Read your policy documentation thoroughly and speak with your insurer to clarify exactly what is included.

What is the standard of maternity and neonatal care in Malta?

Malta’s healthcare system has a well-established track record and commands considerable confidence, with the country ranked 18th out of 196 nations in the CEOWORLD Healthcare Index 2024. A national life expectancy index of 83.36 years — four years above the European average — provides a broader indication of strong health outcomes that encompasses maternal and neonatal care.

The island’s primary hospital is Mater Dei, a teaching hospital that opened in 2007. It functions as the central public maternity unit and handles the bulk of births in Malta, including higher-risk pregnancies and newborn cases requiring specialist intervention. Mater Dei is equipped with a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) capable of supporting premature and clinically complex babies. For those living on Gozo, Gozo General Hospital provides local maternity services, with transfer arrangements to Mater Dei in place for cases needing a higher level of specialised care.

Private hospitals in Malta can offer mother and baby the comfort of a private room, while public hospital patients are typically accommodated on shared wards. Private clinics generally provide faster appointment access and a broader selection of specialist services. In terms of clinical capability, the public hospital is widely regarded as highly equipped — particularly for emergencies — and some parents with experience of both systems in Malta recommend combining private antenatal consultations with delivery at Mater Dei, precisely because of its specialist resources.

Pain relief options available during labour at Maltese hospitals include Entonox (gas and air), pethidine, and epidurals. Doulas operate in Malta, though in public hospital settings they may not be permitted to be present during delivery itself; they can attend home births and births in private clinics.

Language is unlikely to present much of a barrier for most expats. English is one of Malta’s two official languages and is used throughout the healthcare system — by doctors, nurses, and midwives alike. Medical paperwork, consent documentation, and antenatal education classes are generally provided in English.

What should expats know about maternity rights and leave in Malta?

Pregnant employees in Malta are entitled to a total of 18 weeks of maternity leave. The employer is responsible for paying the first 14 weeks, while the remaining weeks are not employer-funded. Throughout the maternity leave period, employees are entitled to receive a government maternity allowance equivalent to the average weekly wage. An employer must hold the employee’s position open during this time and is prohibited from treating her less favourably as a result of her pregnancy or leave.

The structure of maternity leave is as follows: six weeks must be taken compulsorily in the period immediately following delivery; four weeks must be taken immediately before the expected due date, unless a different arrangement is agreed between employer and employee; the remaining eight weeks may be taken in full or in part either before or after these fixed periods, at the employee’s discretion.

Based on the most recently published government figures, the Maternity Benefit is paid at a flat rate of €132.05 per week for 14 weeks for employed women, while self-occupied women receive €213.54 per week. Visit the Department of Social Security website for the latest benefit rates, as these are reviewed from time to time.

Second parents are entitled to paternity leave to support their partner following the birth or adoption of a child. The entitlement amounts to 10 working days taken without any reduction in pay. There is no minimum length-of-service requirement to qualify, meaning this right applies from the outset of employment regardless of how recently someone has joined an employer.

Both mothers and fathers have the right to paid parental leave totalling four months, of which two months are paid at the sickness benefit rate under the Social Security Act. This leave may be taken at any point up until the child reaches eight years of age.

All of these entitlements extend to legally employed foreign nationals in Malta on the same terms as Maltese workers. To qualify for the government Maternity Benefit, an applicant must be a Maltese citizen, or married to or cohabiting with one; or a citizen of an EU Member State or a signatory country of the European Social Charter; or hold refugee status; and must be ordinarily resident in Malta or Gozo. Third-country nationals living with a Maltese or EU citizen must produce a registered cohabitation certificate; in other circumstances, third-country nationals are generally not eligible for the Maternity Benefit.

The government Maternity Benefit is also available to women who are self-occupied or self-employed, as well as to employed women who do not take maternity leave from work. Self-employed workers in the strict legal definition should review their eligibility carefully. For definitive guidance on entitlements, consult the Department of Social Security and, for employment rights queries, the Department of Industrial and Employment Relations.

How do you register a birth in Malta?

Both parents bear the responsibility of notifying the Public Registry of the birth within fifteen days of the date of delivery. Should neither parent be in a position to do so, this duty falls to the physician, surgeon, midwife, or any other person present at the birth. Registering promptly is essential, as the birth certificate is required for numerous subsequent steps — including applications for passports and notifications to your home country’s authorities.

The standard procedure for registering a birth in Malta is as follows:

1. Collect the relevant hospital documentation. The person notifying the birth must bring their identity card along with any paperwork issued by the hospital. This typically includes the medical birth notification completed by the attending midwife or doctor.
2. Attend the Public Registry. For births on the Maltese mainland, registration takes place either in person at the Identity Malta Agency Office at Mater Dei Hospital, Triq id-Donaturi tad-Demm, l-Imsida, or by sending an email to [email protected]. Births occurring on Gozo may also be registered at the Public Registry in Victoria.
3. Fill in the notification form. Completing the birth notification is a quick and uncomplicated procedure. It typically takes only a few minutes, and a member of staff from the Public Registry’s Local and Foreign Notifications Section is on hand throughout to guide the applicant.
4. Receive the birth certificate. Once all required details have been submitted, the parents are issued a certified copy of their child’s birth certificate — the foundational document needed for every step that follows.
5. Notify your home country’s embassy or consulate. As a foreign national, you will generally be required to report the birth to the embassy or consulate representing your country of origin in Malta, submitting the Maltese birth certificate together with any other documentation they specify. This is how your child’s nationality is formally established in your home country and is normally a prerequisite for obtaining a passport.
6. Apply for your newborn’s passport. Get in touch with your home country’s embassy or consulate for details of the current application process and associated fees. Since processing times differ considerably, it is wise to initiate this step as soon as registration has been completed.

Refer to the official Malta Government birth registration page for the most current list of required documents and any applicable fees. Contact your home country’s embassy or consulate in Malta directly for nationality-specific guidance.

What nationality will my child have if born in Malta?

For children born in Malta after August 1989, citizenship is determined by the principle of jus sanguinis — that is, a child is only recognised as a Maltese citizen if at least one parent is a Maltese citizen or was born in Malta. Maltese law does not confer citizenship automatically on the basis of birth on Maltese soil (jus soli). A child born in Malta to two parents who are both foreign nationals will not acquire Maltese citizenship at birth.

For expat parents, the practical consequence is that your child’s nationality will be governed by the citizenship laws of your own country or countries of origin, not by the geographic fact of being born in Malta. Many countries apply their own form of jus sanguinis, automatically passing citizenship to children born abroad to a national parent, but the precise rules, any registration requirements, and any restrictions on transmission across successive generations differ substantially from one country to another. You should clarify your individual situation with your home country’s embassy or consulate as early as possible — ideally before the birth.

Typical steps for establishing a child’s citizenship include registering the birth with your home country’s authorities via the embassy or consulate, submitting the Maltese birth certificate, furnishing evidence of your own nationality, and completing any citizenship registration forms required by your country. Some countries impose a time limit on this registration, making it important to act promptly.

Nationality law can be intricate and may raise questions about dual citizenship, restrictions on transmitting nationality to children born overseas, and specific documentary demands. Always confirm your situation with the relevant embassy or consulate and, where your circumstances are particularly complex, consult a qualified legal adviser specialising in immigration and nationality law.

What are the laws and attitudes around abortion in Malta?

In Malta, abortion is unlawful except in circumstances where the pregnant woman’s life is directly at risk. Prior to 2023, it was prohibited without any exception whatsoever. Malta maintains the most restrictive abortion legislation in Europe, a position it shares with Andorra, Liechtenstein, and Monaco. This is a significant practical consideration for anyone planning to relocate to Malta, especially those accustomed to broader legal access to termination services in their country of origin.

Outside of the narrow exception for immediate risk to the mother’s life, carrying out a termination of pregnancy in Malta is a criminal offence. Where the medical exception applies, the decision must be taken by a qualified medical practitioner and confirmed by a second one. The penalty for performing an abortion that does not meet the legal criteria is imprisonment for up to three years.

The 2023 legislative amendment was deliberately limited in scope: it introduced a medical exception for situations in which the pregnant woman’s life is in immediate jeopardy, but it created no wider right of access on grounds such as foetal abnormality, sexual violence, or personal choice. As of 2025, abortion in Malta remains illegal except in immediate life-threatening situations, and no termination services are available through either the public health system or private providers for any other indication.

The Maltese Constitution affirms that “the life of the unborn is sacrosanct,” reflecting values deeply embedded in much of Maltese society through a long and influential Catholic tradition. Abortion remains a highly charged subject in Malta, with strong views held across the spectrum of opinion. Expats who might require access to termination services beyond the narrow legal exception need to understand that such services simply do not exist in Malta and that travel abroad would be the only alternative.

For the most up-to-date legal position, consult the Malta Ministry for Health and Active Ageing. Anyone facing a specific medical or legal situation should seek the advice of a qualified medical professional and, where necessary, a legal adviser.

Frequently asked questions

Can I give birth in Malta if I am not a Maltese citizen?

Yes. Maternity care forms part of the public healthcare system, is fully accessible to legal residents including expats, and is provided free of charge. If you are legally resident in Malta and contributing to social security, you can use public maternity services on exactly the same basis as Maltese nationals. If you are not yet eligible for public care, private maternity services are available directly or through international health insurance.

Do I need health insurance to give birth in Malta?

The Maltese government recommends that all new residents take out a private health plan, though this is not a legal requirement or a condition of residency. If you are contributing to the national social security system, public maternity care is free. However, expats gain access to this benefit once they have their residency permit in hand; in the period before that, an international private health insurance policy provides important protection. Always confirm whether your policy includes maternity cover and check what waiting periods apply.

Which hospital do most people give birth at in Malta?

The majority of deliveries in Malta take place at Mater Dei Hospital in Msida, the country’s main public teaching hospital and the central facility for maternity and neonatal services. Your GP will issue a referral to Mater Dei Hospital or to Gozo General Hospital if you are based on Gozo. Private births are most commonly conducted at facilities within the St James Hospital Group.

How long do I have to register a birth in Malta?

Parents are required to notify the Public Registry of the birth within fifteen days of the delivery date. The registration procedure itself is quick and uncomplicated. Alongside this, expat parents should contact their home country’s embassy or consulate as soon as practicable to register the birth there as well, since separate deadlines and documentation requirements are likely to apply.

Will my baby automatically be a Maltese citizen if born in Malta?

No. For children born in Malta after August 1989, citizenship is governed by jus sanguinis, meaning a child is only considered Maltese if at least one parent is a Maltese citizen or was born in Malta. A child born in Malta to two foreign-national parents will not hold Maltese citizenship. Their nationality will instead be determined by the citizenship laws of their parents’ countries of origin.

How much maternity leave is a working mother entitled to in Malta?

Pregnant employees in Malta are entitled to 18 weeks of maternity leave in total. The first 14 weeks are paid by the employer; the weeks beyond that are not employer-funded. Throughout the leave period, the employee is entitled to a government maternity allowance equivalent to the average weekly wage. These rights apply equally to legally employed foreign nationals working in Malta.

Is abortion legal in Malta?

Abortion in Malta is illegal except where the pregnant woman’s life is at immediate risk. Before 2023, there were no exceptions of any kind. No termination services exist within either the public or private health system for any other circumstance. Expats who are accustomed to wider access to reproductive healthcare in their home countries should be fully aware of this significant legal restriction before moving to Malta.

What happens after the birth — is there any postnatal support?

Yes. The government provides four postnatal home-visit appointments, offering genuine reassurance and hands-on support for new mothers in the days following their return home from hospital. A breastfeeding walk-in clinic at Mater Dei is also available for questions about feeding and general infant care. Around six weeks after the birth, new mothers are encouraged to see their GP for a check-up covering the health of both mother and baby, in line with standard practice in many countries.