Maltese Budget Seems to be Generous, even with Former Residents

Attention was drawn to this site by a recent social media post related to a budget measure regarding cheque distributions: a former resident, who is no longer living in Malta and no longer holds a Maltese bank account, is finding himself or herself unable to cash the chèque because he or she does not longer hold an account in Malta after having moved residence to Germany.

The individual explained that he or she received a €150 cheque from the Maltese government — almost certainly part of budget stimulus measures — but has no means of depositing it.

The post reads:

“I received a cheque from the government of 150€. However, I no longer live in Malta and I don’t have a bank account. Is there anything I can do to cash out the cheque? PS: I live in Germany now.”

While the government periodically issues cheques linked to cost-of-living adjustments, tax refunds, energy compensation, or budget relief, these payments are often sent automatically to anyone still registered on Malta’s tax or social-security systems, regardless of whether the person has since relocated abroad. More importantly, the perception is that these cheques are aimed at the Maltese. 

However, it appears that non-Maltese citizens who have previously lived or worked in Malta — most likely EU nationals — are also eligible for these generous benefits. The reason the person concerned is being treated as a foreigner rather than a Maltese national is that a Maltese national would typically maintain a bank account in Malta, even if they have left the islands. Moreover, the chances are that Maltese nationals would have relatives who would cash the chèque for them in case they no longer have a bank account. 

The situation becomes even more complicated. Many may still appear in government registries or tax databases, but once they leave the country, their Maltese bank accounts are often closed. Since Maltese government cheques cannot typically be cashed outside Malta, and most foreign banks do not process them, recipients abroad are left with no straightforward way of accessing the funds.

The issue highlights a broader administrative gap: budget measures designed for residents often fail to account for individuals who have legally departed the country but remain in administrative systems for months or even years. It also raises questions about whether government payments should be made through modern digital channels, rather than physical cheques that require a Maltese bank. Moreover, one may ask whether foreigners, who are non-Maltese, should benefit from these handouts. 

Whatever the case, a more flexible system — such as direct bank transfers, SEPA payments, or digital claims portals — is needed regarding government payments. For now, however, individuals living abroad who receive these cheques are often left without a practical solution. It is assumed that these foreigners are benefiting from these handouts, provided that they have been paying taxes here and have paid more than was due.