Living and working on Malta
Many people that made the decision to start living and working in Malta, didn’t look back afther. The island enchants many young expats, who end up staying longer than they had originally planned.
Malta is famous for being one of the most sunny destinations in all of Europe. It has amazing nature, beautiful beaches, and a vibrant nightlife. On this page we give you all the information you need about living and working on Malta.
Latest available jobs on Malta
Swedish PPC Specialist in St. Julian’s, Malta | JobSqd
Swedish PPC Specialist job in Malta for Swedish speakers. Boost your career by working in the iGaming sector. Career growth with Job Squad.
German Team Leader – Financial Service Sector in Malta | JobSquad
Apply for a German-speaking team leader role in Malta. Sales and financial services sector. Career growth via JobSqd.
English speaking Sales Department Shift Manager in Malta
Apply for an English-speaking sales manager role in Malta. Lead international sales teams in the customer acquisition sector. Career growth via JobSqd.
Dutch Customer Support Agent in Sliema, Malta | Jobsqd
Apply for a customer support role in Sliema, Malta. Support online gaming customers in the iGaming sector. Career growth via JobSqd.
German Training and QA Specialist – Malta
Training and QA Specialist job in Malta for German and English speakers. Join a customer support team and grow your career abroad with JobSquad.
Finnish Speaking Hybrid Responsible Gaming Analyst – Malta
We offer a valuable job in iGaming in Malta! Apply if you are looking for an adventure abroad and if you speak fluent Finnish!
Currency
Malta uses the Euro (€) as its official currency
Famous people
Some notable Maltese people are Ira Losco, Joseph Calleja and Marama Corlett
Population
Malta has a population of ~518,500 thousand people
Typical food
Lampuki pie (fish pie), rabbit stew, kapunata (Maltese ratatouille), amqaret (date cakes), Qaghaq tal-Ghasel (Maltese honey rings)
Avg. working week
Malta has a 40-hour work week, which is about 8 hours daily
Location
Malta is located in the Mediterranean Sea, south of Sicily (Italy), and consists of the islands Malta, Gozo, and Comino.
Languages
The official languages on Malta are Maltese and English
Healthcare
The standards of Maltese healthcare are considered fairly high and most state healthcare services are free.
What you need to know about living and working on Malta
Living and working in Malta is for you if the following things excite you:
- Living near beautiful coasts, crystal clear water, charming buildings and lots of life and activity;
- The small island nation is in rapid development and an attractive location for business founders and young people which creates a fascinating environment of small start-ups with lots of international employees;
- The Maltese are open and welcoming people, and it is guaranteed that it will not be long before you feel at home on Malta;
- 300 days of sunshine a year, an exciting work environment and lots of new and fun experiences.
Read Julie’s story to find out what it is like for a young expat to be working in Malta.
Working on Malta: culture and opportunities
- Malta has for many years had a growing economy with plenty of job opportunities;
- Due to the attractive conditions for businesses, many founders have had great start-up experiences, especially within the iGaming industry;
- These companies often look for employees who speak a foreign language besides English;
- The environment is young and international, and on Malta, experiences of a lifetime await. Feel free to contact us if you want to hear more about the many exciting opportunities on Malta.
How to find housing on Malta
When you start working on Malta, finding housing is the first important thing to fix. This is how you do just that:
- Explore various expat groups and local websites and feel free to make an appointment to see your potential new apartment as soon as you arrive in the country;
- Check out shared housing options. It saves you money on rent and gives you daily social contact with housemates;
The average housing prices on Malta are something like this:
- A 1-bedroom apartment in the city center: €850-€1,200 a month
- A 1-bedroom apartment outside of the city center: €600-€900 a month
- Room in a shared apartment in the city center: €400-€600 a month
- Room in a shared apartment outside of the city center: €300-€500 a month
Taxes on Malta
Taxes on Malta depend on your residency status, meaning that if you spend more than 183 days living and working on Malta you’re considered a resident. This means:
- That your’e obliged to pay taxes there;
- The tax rates goes from 0% to 35% depending on your income.
- Expats that are non-residents don’t have to pay taxes on Malta from foreign sources, and they only pay a 15% tax rate for a Maltese income greater than €85.016.
Expat tax rates can be a bit different to taxes for residents. It’s good to know which one you are when working in Malta.
Things you need to fix when moving to Malta
When you make the move to Malta, there are a couple of important things you have to fix, before you can start enjoying the sunny island life:
- Register for residence permit; If you’re an EU citizen, you need to apply for the eResidence card after you find housing.
- Set up your tax & social security; If you’re employed, your employer usually registers you.
- Open a Maltese bank account;
- Get a Maltese SIM-card;
- Register for healthcare; EU citizens can use the EHIC first, then switch to Malta’s public healthcare once employed or registered.
Popular cities on Malta
Speak to one of our recruiters
Life on Malta
Life on Malta is a blend of Mediterranean charm, rich history, and breathtaking beauty:
- Your eyes will meet turquoise waters, ancient fortresses, and friendly locals, which will create unforgettable moments.
- Just imagine waking up to the sound of waves and stepping outside to explore the picturesque streets of Valletta, Malta’s capital city.
- The waterfront areas also have a selection of bars and restaurants where you can enjoy drinks and live entertainment.
- During the summer months, open-air clubs and beach parties are common, offering a unique nightlife experience.
- Overall, Malta offers a diverse range of nightlife options to suit different tastes and preferences.
Malta's history
Malta has got a very interesting and long history. Many different countries and cultures influenced modern Malta. Some of the most important facts about the islands history:
- Malta was home to one of the world’s earliest advanced civilizations, known for its megalithic temples, some older than the pyramids.
- Arab rules over malta (870–1091): the Arabs influenced Malta’s language, agriculture, and place names.
- French occupation (1798–1800): Napoleon briefly took Malta, but local resistance and British support pushed the French out.
- British rule (1800–1964): Malta became a crucial naval base, especially during WWII. It later developed strong political institutions and the English language tradition
- Malta became independent in 1964. Ten years later, Malta became a real republic, completely liberated from Britain, and in 2004 the island state became part of the EU.
Experience the special atmosphere of Valletta
On Malta, there is always something to experience. Valletta is worth exploring:
- It is one of the world’s smallest capitals, but also because it has a very special history and atmosphere.
- The city is on the UNESCO World Heritage List and the modest size means that everything can be reached by foot and that you will find a unique, condensed version of the long history and unique culture that the country offers.
- The city is also located on a headland, which means that on most sides you are surrounded by water. In the evening you can enjoy the sight of the many boats coming back to the harbour at sunset.
Explore the Maltese cuisine
The culinary traditions of Malta reflect Maltese history, and you will therefore find elements from both Italian and Spanish cuisine, just as it has also been influenced by the British food traditions:
- The country’s many years of imports from other countries and its location in the middle of important trade routes have opened up the influence of many different places. The food is very versatile due to this.
- The traditional dish, stuffed tal-fenek, which is a form of stew with rabbit meat, is often considered to be the national dish of the country.
- Other classic Maltese dishes are:
- Pastizzi (crispy pastry filled with ricotta or curried peas)
- Lampuki Pie (seasonal fish pie)
- Kapunata (Maltese ratatouille)
Still not convinced about Malta?
Living on Malta means embracing a relaxed and friendly lifestyle:
- You can enjoy walks along the promenades, soak up the sun on the beautiful sandy beaches, and be captivated by the sunsets that paint the sky in hues of gold and pink.
- Malta’s crystal-clear waters are a true paradise for beach lovers and water enthusiasts. Dive into the underwater world and explore the vibrant coral reefs and shipwrecks along the coasts.
- Snorkel in the legendary Blue Lagoon, a secluded bay with azure waters that will transport you to a blissful state of relaxation.
Malta offers a wide range of attractions and places to see and things to do:
- Start with the capital city, Valletta, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its rich history, stunning architecture, and panoramic views from the fortified walls.
- Visit the ancient city of Mdina, also known as the “Silent City,” with its narrow streets and middle age architecture.
- Don’t miss the beautiful Blue Grotto, a series of sea caves renowned for their crystal-clear waters and vibrant blue hues.
- Additionally, the island Gozo, with its picturesque landscapes, charming villages, and historic sites, is worth a visit.
- Paceville is known for its numerous bars, clubs, and late-night venues, offering a lively atmosphere and a variety of music genres.
- Maltese festivals are a spectacle of colour and tradition. Join in on the lively celebrations of the Malta International Fireworks Festival, where the night sky illuminates with breathtaking pyrotechnic displays.
- Or experience the vibrant carnival parades, where costumes, music, and dancing fill the streets with an electric atmosphere.
- Explore the best beaches in Malta, like Golden Bay or Mellieħa Bay. Perfect spots for chilling on the beach or doing all sorts of water sports.
FAQ
No, if you are an EU or EEA citizen you do not need a work permit to work on Malta. If you stay for longer than three months it is mandatory to register your residence.
The cost of living on Malta can vary depending on various factors, such as location, accommodation type, lifestyle choices, and personal preferences. Generally, these are the living costs for a fun expat life on Malta:
- Groceries: €220-€300 a month
- Main dish at a mid-range restaurant: €12-€18
- Espresso in a coffee shop: €1,50-€2,00
- Beer at a bar: €3-€5
- Entry fees to many museums or heritage sites: €10–€15
Malta enjoys a Mediterranean climate, which means this for the different seasons:
- Summer: 28–32°C. Hot, dry, and very sunny, with almost no rain.
- Autumn: 20–27°C. Warm early on, cooling later. But the sea stays warm!
- Winter: 13–16°C. Mild but humid. Mix of sunny and rainy days.
- Spring: 17–23°C. Sunny, fresh, and pleasant.
Malta has a well-developed public transport system that consists of buses as the main mode of transportation. The public buses cover most areas of the islands, including major towns, tourist destinations, and residential areas. The bus routes are operated by the public transport company. Prices for public transport passes in Malta:
- 12-journey ticket: €19
- 7-day unllmited pass: €25
- Personalised Tallinja Card: one time €25, after that regular day/night/special bus routes are free
Malta has an excellent healthcare system, where most state healthcare services are free of charge.
Maltese is the official language on Malta, but English and Italian are also widely spoken in this beautiful country. Maltese is quite an intriguing language and the best way to learn it is by practice since it has specific pronunciations such as the ‘għ’, ‘ż’ and ‘ie’ that may not sound familiar for many Europeans.