Moving to Malta

Living in Malta as an expat

Malta's breathtaking island landscapes, centuries-old architecture and quality of life have lured many an expat to the country's sunny shores ­– whether to find work or spend their retirement lounging on the beach.

Working in Malta

Located south of Italy, east of Tunisia, and north of Libya, Malta is strategically located between Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. This makes it a fantastic base for multinational businesses.

The manufacturing, tourism, film, online gaming, and financial services sectors are some of the country’s biggest employers, drawing expats from the EU and beyond.

Working in Malta

Maltese culture

English is the official language of Malta, along with Maltese. Ninety percent of the population is fluent in English, while many locals also speak Italian. Speaking a local language is hugely beneficial, both professionally and personally.

Maltese locals are known for being welcoming and hospitable, though it can take some time to truly become friends. If you're invited to a social event, make sure to attend. With consistent effort, you're sure to find some like-minded people.

Local Culture in Malta

Finding accommodation in Malta

There's plenty of high-quality accommodation available in Malta, though finding something suitable during the high season can be difficult due to demand. A wide variety of charming accommodation types can be found here, from countryside cottages to traditional Maltese houses of character.

Finding Accommodation in Malta

Cost of living in Malta

The cost of living in Malta is relatively affordable compared to other European countries. Accommodation outside the city centres is reasonably priced, though this is changing owing to Malta’s growing expat population. 

Education will likely be the highest expense expat parents will face, as international schools can be quite steep. Fortunately, groceries and dining out are fairly inexpensive, provided expats stick with local products.

Cost of Living in Malta

Living in Malta with children

Malta is an ideal destination for raising children. The island’s small-town feel combined with its strong family values and the plethora of excellent healthcare and schooling options makes it perfect for expat families. 

There is also plenty for expat families with children to do in their leisure time. Thanks to the island country’s abundance of picturesque green spaces and convenient access to the Pacific Ocean, sports and outdoor activities are sure to become expats' favourite pastimes. There are also plenty of historical sites, aquariums, and museums to explore.

Healthcare in Malta

Finding a school in Malta

The island country offers free public education for all. Most state schools teach in Maltese, while the independent and church schools offer English-language instruction at a lower cost than international schools. 

On the other hand, international schools can be a great option for expat parents who want their children to continue in their home country’s curriculum or learn a global syllabus such as the International Baccalaureate.

Education and Schools in Malta

Climate in Malta

Malta is blessed with warm weather all year round. Its Mediterranean climate ensures that summers are hot and dry, while winter is mild with little rainfall. Perhaps the only downside to Malta’s weather is the Sirocco winds that may bring unseasonably hot temperatures during the summer months. 

Climate Charts for Malta

With so much to love about Malta, many expats end up staying far longer than they intended. The relaxed lifestyle, rich culture and friendly locals make for a pleasant and laid-back life.

Fast facts

Population: Around 545,000

Capital city: Valletta

Neighbouring countries: Malta is an island nation and shares no physical borders with any other country, but is located south of the Italian island of Sicily, east of Tunisia and north of Libya.

Geography: Malta is an archipelago in the Mediterranean Sea. It has three inhabited islands: the main island and the smaller islands of Gozo and Comino. 

Political system: Unitary constitutional parliamentary republic

Major religion: Roman Catholicism

Main languages: Maltese and English

Currency: Malta's currency is the Euro (EUR), which is divided into 100 cents. Opening a bank account in Malta is relatively easy for expats, though there is a fair amount of bureaucracy involved.

Tipping: Tipping is customary in Malta. Between 5 and 10 percent is common if a service charge isn't already included.

Time: GMT+1 (GMT+2 from the last Sunday in March to the last Sunday in October)

Electricity: 230V, 50Hz. Flat three-pin plugs are standard.

Internet domain: .mt

International dialling code: +356

Emergency contacts: 112

Transport and driving: Cars drive on the left-hand side of the road. Malta has an established transport network consisting of buses.