Looking for a new life in the heart of the Mediterranean? Nestled between North Africa and Sicily, Malta’s multicultural archipelago has much to offer: sun for 300 days a year, a booming job market, an attractive tax system and a mosaic of cultural treasures to explore! If you’re dreaming of living on the Island of Honey, Foyer Global Health offers tips for a successful relocation!
Moving to Malta: some formalities
As a French, German or Spanish citizen, it is very easy to settle in Malta even after retirement! Indeed, members of the European Union (EU), as well as EEA, Switzerland and some other countries’ nationals do not require a visa or a work permit to enter and/or undertake paid work on the island. They must, however, apply for a residence permit if they intend to stay for more than three months. Residence permits for the purpose of employment are valid for a maximum of six months after which renewal is required. Requests to reside in Malta, without an employment permit, are generally granted for a minimum of 6 months.
Nationals from other countries will need a visa to enter, remain and work. These include transit visas, short stay visas or long stay visas.
It is possible to obtain a permanent residence permit if you have been living and working in Malta for more than five years without having left the island for more than six months at a time during any one year.
Working in Malta
In Malta, the industry sectors where skills are the most in demand are tourism, online gambling, international trade, the textile or pharmaceutical industries. In restaurants in particular, the number of job offers explode during the peak tourist season. In addition to these seasonal jobs, it is quite possible to find a well-paid job as an experienced professional, especially in multinational companies.
Good command of English is essential to be able to work in Malta as it is one of the official languages and it is widely used in world business. In addition, being able to speak other languages is certainly an immense advantage as the island population is quite international.
For economic, tax and language reasons, many expatriates choose to set up their businesses in Malta due to its strategic geographical position. The island is truly a business hub at the crossroads of cultures and languages: English, Arabic, Spanish, Maltese. The government of Malta also offers entrepreneurs and investors who set up their businesses in Malta very attractive working conditions, including simplified procedures for creating a company, tax credits up to 50%, and a significant tax allowance on company taxes.
Accommodation in Malta
On the island, the property market is thriving and dynamic, both for sales and rentals, with a broad range of options available. Once property ads are published, the properties are quickly snatched up. When looking for an apartment or house followup with the realtor in person and as soon as possible in order to best satisfy your accommodation needs: size, price and location.
Most rentals are furnished, no guarantor is required, but you will be required to give one month’s deposit, one month’s rent in advance and 50% of the rent to an estate agent, if applicable.
In Malta, rental prices vary according to the location of the property. Obviously, if you choose to live in Valletta, Sliema and St Julian’s, rents are more expensive than anywhere else on the archipelago. If you move away from the big cities, you may be able to find lovely apartments or houses for lowert rent.
Some useful links
Rental ads on Times Malta
Maltapark
Real Estate Agencies in Malta
Maltaproperty
Healthcare
Malta’s centralised and universal healthcare system is based on high quality and efficient public and private healthcare infrastructure and services. The public health insurance scheme is free for all residents regardless of their income or status; it covers patients for primary and secondary healthcare as well as for hospital care in the public sector. However, for more flexibility, freedom, and security, it is recommended to subscribe to an international health policy specially designed for expatriates. For more information, click here!
Education in Malta
Malta is home to many nursery, primary and secondary schools. Most schools are of a good standard and follow the British educational curriculum.
Malta’s schools are divided into three different categories:
- State schools: state schools are free of charge for EU citizens; lessons are in Maltese and English (taught as a foreign language)
- Independent schools (international and public schools): there are quite a few of these! You will have to pay school fees; tuition is in English up to the end of primary school; Maltese is taught solely in secondary school
- Church schools: bilingual Maltese/English education; the fees you’ll have to pay depend on your household’s financial means; restricted admission requirements
10 Top Reasons to Move to Malta:
- Sunshine all year around!
- Tax benefits for entrepreneurs
- Cost of living is lower than in major European countries
- Efficient healthcare system
- Rich historical, cultural and culinary heritage
- Multicultural environment
- Good quality of life
- Very good education system
- Outdoor activities (water sports, swimming, horse riding, golf, hiking…)
- The Maltese embrace celebration… all year round!
…. And Five Top Experiences:
- Stroll through the streets of Valletta or the alleys of the medieval Mdina
- Dive into the Mediterranean at the Blue Lagoon, St Peter’s Pool or Wied il-Għasri
- Explore the sea caves of Wied iz Zurrieq and the wreck of the Maori
- Take a trip to the Neolithic period at Hagar Qim and Mnajdra temples
- Taste the island’s eclectic cuisine: pastizzi at Rabat, lampuki dishes at Marsaxlokk, seafood and fish dishes at Tmun Mġarr…