Why you should relocate to Malta

Imagine for a second that you are on the job hunt and you have just found an interesting job opportunity in Malta. 🤩

What would you do!?!? 🤓

Apply straight away OR search for good reasons to relocate to Malta?! 🌟

Either way, we have got you covered! 👇

• Malta fun facts 🙊

• Top 8 reasons for why you should relocate to Malta

• Employment scene in Malta

• Nordic speaking jobs in Malta

• Cost of living in Malta

• Map of Malta

• Visa & work permit + residence card in Malta

• Checklist before relocating to Malta

Fun facts about Malta ✨

• Did you know that in Malta people drive on the left side of the road?🚙 Say what?! Yup, it’s one of the legacies of former British rule. 

• Did you know that Malta is home to the oldest freestanding structures in the world? Known as the Megalithic Temples, dating back to 3600 BC and 700 BC these temples are considered to be the oldest free-standing structures on earth! 🤯

• Did you know that Malta is a popular filming location? 🍿 Several scenes from Gladiator, World War Z and Game of Thrones were filmed in Malta.

Reasons to relocate to Malta 🏆

1) Sun, sun, sun! 🌞

Malta has the typical Mediterranean climate. Hot and humid summer, warm autumn and chilly winter. They say the sun shines 300 days every year in Malta but we guess that’s an understatement, because it feels like summer all year long.

2) Great food! 😍

If you are a foodie and you looove tasting Mediterranean cousin, Malta is the place to be! The Maltese cousin is adapted by the availability of the local ingredients while being influenced by a variety of different countries and regions, everything from the French to Spanish, Greek to Sicilian, North African to Middle-Eastern. 

3) They speak English! 🙌

English is the second official language after Maltese in Malta and it is estimated that around 88% of the population speak fluent English, some even speak fluently Italian and French!

4) Party like a rock star!💃

Late night clubbing, open-air clubs, festivals, events, Djs, dancing until the sunrise, Malta offers a unique and vibrant nightlife!

When relocating to Malta you will also notice that the Maltese LOVE to celebrate. They have 14 national holiday’s throughout the year, one of the highest numbers amongst EU countries, and they celebrate their patron saints around 60 times a year! 🤯

5) Beach please🌴

Golden sand, red sand, rocks, blue lagoons, inside seas, you name it, Malta has beaches for everyone! If you are a beach bum and dream about swimming in crystal clear water relocating to Malta might not be a bad idea.

6) Rich history! 👑

Malta has a very rich history due to its location in the Mediterranean Sea and at one point in their history St John, Arabs, Phoenicians, Romans and French all ruled here. You are still to this day able to find the remains of the mixed influences all over Malta.

7) Close connections! ✈️

Be prepared, your family and friends will most likely visit you more than you expect them to because Malta is well connected by flight.

Another plus side about relocating to Malta is the possibility to travel to destinations all over Europe through various budget airlines who operate from Malta International Airport.

8) Biiig expat community! 🌍

Malta offers a vibrant expat community bursting with excitement. The country is without a doubt a multicultural melting pot were people from all over the world come together.

Whether you are into Facebook groups, networking events or language exchange programs, connecting, networking and making friends from different countries in Malta is super simple.

Employment opportunities in Malta 🥳

Malta isn't just a pretty face! 😍 It's also a place full of awesome career opportunities for expats and Nordic language speakers interested in relocating to Malta.

Backed by a strong economy, the job scene at Malta has been buzzing. Not only for English-speaking workforce but also for Swedish, Finnish, Danish and Norwegian language speakers.

As an expat you are able to find job opportunities in these booming industries in Malta:

• iGaming 🎰 - online gaming operations, support and software development

• Finance 💰 - banking, crypto, insurance, and financial services

• Tech 👩‍💻 - software engineering, cybersecurity and data analytics

• Tourism 😎 - event management, tour operations and hospitality

Combining your Swedish, Norwegian, Finnish or Danish + English language skills with relevant qualifications will definitely make you a popular candidate in Malta’s dynamic job scene. 🌟

Nordic speaking jobs in Malta ✨

Nordic speaking jobs in Malta ✨

The cost of living in Malta 🤑

To help you understand the cost of living in Malta, we have shared numbers provided by Numbeo. We always recommend you to have a look at the cost of living numbers when you are moving to another country.

*These numbers are estimated numbers and can change due to various factors.

• Meal at an inexpensive restaurant 15.00 € 🍣

• Cappuccino (regular) 2.26 € ☕(Restaurant)

• Water (0.33 liter bottle) 1.22 € 💧(Restaurant)

• Domestic Beer (0.5 liter) 1.54 € 🍺

• Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) 6.00 € 🍷

• Water (1.5 liter bottle) 0.88 € 💧

• Monthly rent for a room (shared appartment) 300-500 € 🏠

• One-way Ticket (Local Transport) 1.50 € 🚎

• Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff) 2.00 € 🚕

• Gasoline (1 liter) 1.37 € ⛽

• Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult 58.48 € 💪

• Monthly Internet (60+ Mbps, Unlimited Data) 34.30 € 🌐

Map of Malta! 📍

 

Admin work you should know before relocating to Malta

1) Visa and Residence Permit

• Check if you need a visa or residence permit to live and work in Malta.

• Contact the Maltese embassy or consulate in your home country for accurate information and guidance.

* Have in mind that everyone who comes from a non-EU/EEA country needs to apply for a visa to work in Malta.

Meanwhile, EU/EEA/Swiss citizens can both live and work in Malta without a work permit. However, within three months after arriving, they must register with the Department for Citizenship and Expatriate Affairs.

2) Residence Permit/Card

No matter where you come from, you must apply for a residence permit/card if you intend to stay in Malta for more than 90 days.

This will make your life a whole lot easier and the permit/card serves as proof of residence for both local and foreign banks.

Applying for a residence card is relatively easy for EU citizens, just follow these steps:

1. Proof of a residential address - having a rental agreement will justify the residency requirement. Make sure your landlord includes their personal information (ID number) in the contract and registers the contract.

2. Signed employment contract - in addition to proof of identity and address, you must also prove that you are employed in Malta.

3. Apply for a Social Security number - this application is done online and you must attach a copy of your passport and your employment contract.

   A social security number entitles you to various benefits such as sickness and unemployment benefits, etc. It is also required for the payment of social security contributions.

4. Apply for an e-Residence card - once you have completed the previous steps, you can apply for a residence card by sending an email to the Identity Malta Agency (IMA) eu.ima@gov.mt.

   You must attach the following documents to your application:

• A copy of your passport

• A copy of your employment contract

• A copy of your rental contract

• Form A - Application for residence documentation

• Form ID1A - Identity registration form

• GDPR form - General Data Protection Regulation form

After your application, you must wait for a response from the IMA.

If all documents are in order, you will receive a confirmation email and a date when you can come by their office to take biometric data (i.e. picture, fingerprints, height, etc.). After a few weeks, you should receive a letter to your home address with another appointment date to collect your residence card free of charge at a facility in Msida or Gozo.

3) TIN (Tax Identification Number)

The Tax Identification Number also known as TIN is used for income tax, salary, payroll tax and withholding tax.

Once you have received your social security number, you will automatically receive a TIN (Tax Identification Number) within 2-3 working days.

*The information can change due to various factors, make sure you stay updated through the government pages and embassies.

** We know it may look like a lot of work but if you are relocating due to a job offer, the hiring companies will normally help you out with these steps. Just make sure you ask them about this process during the interview and if it’s relevant to you.

Checklist before relocating to Malta

If you are planning to relocate to sunny Malta ☀ it’s always great to prepare yourself. what you need to know for a smooth transition regarding important stuff:

2. Employment

• Explore job opportunities before moving. Go online and search for relevant job portals and recruitment agencies in Malta.

• Polish your CV, update your LinkedIn profile, and showcase your skills and experience.

3. Housing

• Start hunting for accommodation early. Use online platforms, local rental agencies, or connect with expat groups on social media.

• Consider the location, budget, and commuting options while choosing a place to live.

4. Language

• While English is widely spoken, it could be fun and exciting to learn some basic Maltese. Make sure to you find language classes or download language-learning apps.

5. Finances

• Sort out your finances before you leave. Notify your bank about your relocation plans and research the best way to transfer money internationally.

• Familiarize yourself with the cost of living in Malta and plan your budget.

6. Healthcare

• Make sure you have comprehensive health insurance that covers you during your time in Malta.

• Familiarize yourself with the Maltese healthcare system and find a local doctor or clinic.

7. Networking

• Join expat communities and connect with fellow Nordic expats in Malta. It's a great way to meet new friends, share experiences, and find support.

8. Culture and Customs

• Embrace the Mediterranean lifestyle and learn about Maltese customs, traditions, and etiquette. It'll help you settle in quicker and show respect for the local culture.

9. Exploration

• Explore the beautiful islands of Malta during your free time. Visit historical sites, beaches, and enjoy the local cuisine. It's all part of the amazing expat experience!

Remember, moving to a new country can be an exciting adventure. With a little preparation and an open mind, you'll be enjoying the laid-back Maltese lifestyle in no time. Good luck!

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