Living in Malta: the ultimate expat guide

Relocating to Malta involves completing certain formalities to live and work legally on the archipelago. Procedures vary depending on your nationality and length of stay.

💡 Main steps:

1. Residence registration: mandatory for stays exceeding 3 months, through Identity Malta.
2. Work permit: required for non-EU nationals; often arranged by the employer.
3. Tax Identification Number (TIN): necessary for any paid activity and tax obligations.
4. Social security registration: enroll with the Department of Social Security to access local benefits.
5. Bank account opening: useful for receiving salary and managing local expenses.

Some procedures can be completed online, but it's recommended to prepare your documents before arrival to save time.

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Malta offers a dynamic job market driven by growing sectors and a business-friendly environment. English as an official language facilitates professional integration.

Main hiring sectors

1. iGaming and information technology
2. Finance and business services
3. Tourism, hospitality, and catering
4. English language teaching (EFL)
5. Construction and real estate

Starting a business: key points

1. Quick registration procedures through Malta Business Registry
2. Attractive corporate tax system
3. Favorable ecosystem for startups and foreign investors

Employment figures in Malta

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Malta offers quality higher education, recognized across Europe, and attracts students from around the world each year. English as an official language facilitates integration and access to programs.

💡 Good to know:

1. The University of Malta is the main public institution, offering courses in arts, sciences, law, health, engineering, and more.
2. Presence of specialized institutes: hospitality, tourism, business, or IT schools.
3. Teaching is predominantly in English, with some courses in Maltese.
4. Degrees are internationally recognized as they're aligned with the European Bologna process.
5. Tuition fees are free for Maltese and EU citizens in public programs, paid for non-EU students.
6. Student life is very enjoyable: active campuses with numerous associations organizing cultural and sports events.

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Malta attracts many retirees thanks to its sunny climate, quality healthcare system, and advantageous tax treatment for certain pensions. Safety, proximity to Europe, and widespread use of English facilitate settlement.

💡 What to remember:

1. Mild climate year-round, conducive to an active lifestyle
2. Access to public and private healthcare, with possible coverage via EU or private insurance
3. Mediterranean living environment, rich in culture and activities
4. Specific tax programs for eligible foreign retirees
5. Choice of living in lively areas or quieter settings, depending on preferences

Key figures

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Malta has a modern and stable banking sector, with services accessible to residents and expatriates. With the euro as the local currency, transactions within the eurozone are simplified.

Malta has a public and private healthcare system renowned for its quality. Public healthcare is free for residents registered with social security, while the private sector offers shorter waiting times.

💡 Good to know:

1. Residents and contributing workers have access to public healthcare
2. The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) is valid for temporary stays of EU citizens
3. Malta has numerous private hospitals and clinics, especially in urban areas
4. Pharmacies are well distributed, some open for on-call service
5. The country's sunny climate is beneficial to health, but caution is needed during summer heat
6. Private health insurance is recommended for faster access to specialists

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Malta offers an education system inspired by the British model, accessible to children from age 5. Classes are taught in Maltese and English, depending on the institution, and education is free in public schools. There are about ten private establishments, mainly around Valletta and Sliema, where programs are in English and class sizes are limited.

The Maltese property market is dynamic, with strong demand in urban and tourist areas. Rents vary according to location, property size, and proximity to services.

💡 What to remember:

1. High concentration of properties in Sliema, St Julian's, Valletta, and Gżira
2. More affordable rents in southern Malta or on Gozo island
3. Rental contracts are generally signed for 6 to 12 months
4. Typical security deposit represents 1 month's rent
5. Buying property in Malta is possible for foreigners, subject to certain conditions
6. Real estate agencies and online platforms are widely used for finding accommodation
7. Average property search takes 2 to 4 weeks

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Preparing a move to Malta requires anticipating formalities, transporting your belongings, and settling in. As the archipelago is an EU member, procedures are simplified for European citizens.

💡 What to remember:

1. Most personal effects arrive by container or shared maritime shipping.
2. No customs duties for EU citizens; specific procedures for non-EU nationals.
3. For your pets, EU health regulations must be followed, a veterinary certificate will be required.
4. Local registration of your personal vehicle is mandatory if staying more than 6 months.

Malta offers a wide range of activities for all tastes, thanks to its sunny climate and rich heritage. The archipelago combines outdoor pursuits, cultural discoveries, and vibrant nightlife.

💡 Our recommendations

1. Water sports enthusiasts will be delighted: diving, snorkeling, sailing, and boat excursions to Comino and Gozo.
2. Malta's historical heritage is rich: megalithic sites, UNESCO-listed Valletta, fortresses, and museums.
3. Don't miss the festas (traditional festivals), music festivals, and exhibitions.
4. For nightlife, visit bars, clubs, and restaurants in St Julian's, Paceville, and Sliema.
5. For nature and hiking lovers, we recommend the Dingli Cliffs and Gozo's coastal trails.

Living in Malta combines the comfort of a European lifestyle with the relaxed Mediterranean atmosphere. Daily life is marked by pleasant weather, a strong international community, and a slower pace than continental Europe.