- JĂĽrgen Hofmeister
With the InterNations group on Malta, I found some expat guys to go sailing and snorkeling together.
Join Our Community of Expats in Malta and Get Connected!
Malta is a Mediterranean gem that’s become a hotspot for expats looking for something new. Whether it’s the growing tech and gaming industries, the relaxed island vibe, or the fact that you can easily get by with English, there are many reasons to love living here.
We’ve got first-hand insights to give you full picture of expat life in Malta — the ups and downs — so you know what to expect. From getting settled in the first months to making Malta feel like home, we’ve got you covered. Plus, if you want to meet people, make new friends, and start building your network, InterNations events are the perfect starting point!
Pros & cons of living in Malta as an expat
We’ve gathered insights from our Expat Insider survey, the largest of it’s kind, to help you understand both the highlights and the challenges of living on this beautiful island. Overall, expats rank Malta 46th out of 53 global destinations in 2024. Read on for the key pros & cons.
Pros:
Enjoyable mediterranean climate: With around 300 sunny days each year, Malta has mild winters and long, warm summers. It’s not surprising that 84% of expats are happy with the climate and weather!
Rich history & culture: The island is full of history, including sights such as Valletta, Mdina, and many more. There are also exciting festivals every year, ranging from the Malta Carnival to the Isle of MTV, which attracts international artists and music lovers from around the world. In our survey, 60% of expats are happy with the culture and nightlife here.
Job & business opportunities: If you’re interested in tech, finance, or tourism, Malta may have good options for you. The island has become a go-to spot for jobs in software development, AI, and customer support, thanks to supportive policies around iGaming and blockchain. Finance is also big here, with plenty of roles in banking, fintech, and law. Malta’s low taxes and business incentives make it easy for entrepreneurs to get started. In fact, 51% of expats say that moving here improved their career prospects. And Malta ranks 23rd out of 53 for the local job market in our survey.
Quality healthcare services: Malta has a solid healthcare system, with both public and private options available. The system is backed by highly trained professionals and modern facilities, making it one of the top healthcare systems in the Mediterranean. In our survey, 68% of expats are happy with the quality of medical care.
Welcoming expat community: The foreign resident community is large, and English is widely spoken. This makes it easy for newcomers to settle in and make friends, with 57% of expats saying they feel welcome here.
Cons:
**Frustrating roads & traffic: Driving can be frustrating due to heavy traffic and poorly maintained roads, with 55% of expats in Malta rating the road infrastructure negatively. The narrow streets, especially in older areas, can make commuting challenging. Traffic congestion during peak hours is common.
Limited public transportation: Malta ranks 45th out of 53 destinations for travel and transit in our survey. Although it’s cheap, relying only on the bus system will be inconvenient.
Higher food prices: Grocery shopping can be expensive due to the island’s reliance on imports. While local markets offer some good options, the overall cost of food can add up quickly. In general, 41% of expats rate the cost of living in Malta negatively.
Occasionally extreme summers: Even though the climate is generally pleasant, summers can get really hot, with temperatures often hitting over 40°C. Sudden rain or thunderstorms are known to happen as well.
Bureaucratic hurdles: Getting permits, filling out paperwork, or even registering for services can be slow and confusing. There are often a lot of steps, and you might have to visit multiple offices to get things done. It’s not surprising that Malta ranks 52nd out of 53 destinations for admin topics.
Crowded living: Malta’s small size can lead to crowded conditions, especially in tourist areas, so if you’re someone who values space and tranquility, you might want to look for a home in more residential or rural areas.
Join our events for expats & make new friends
Imagine enjoying the lively atmosphere of Malta with other expats … that’s exactly what InterNations Events are there for! Our awesome Ambassadors host amazing get-togethers in fantastic places, making it super easy to connect with people from all over the world. Whether you’re looking for professional networking just want to make some new friends, we’ve got your back. We can’t wait to welcome you!
Want to see all the upcoming events in Malta?
Frequently asked questions about living in Malta
Welcome to our Q&A about life in Malta! We’re excited to answer your questions about moving to the island. We’ll cover everything you need to know, from visas and living costs to healthcare, safety, and finding your ideal home. Plus, we’ll share handy tips on getting around, job opportunities, and making new friends along the way.
Living in Malta is more affordable than many Western European countries. Housing and food prices can be higher in tourist areas, but the overall cost of living is lower than in places like the UK or Germany.
For example, grocery shopping can be pricier, with items like strawberries costing around 8 EUR. However, many expats love the low public transportation costs and favorable tax rates, which help balance out living expenses.
Popular areas for expats include Valletta, Sliema, Marsaskala, and Mellieha. Valletta is full of historical sites, while Sliema offers more modern amenities and lively nightlife. Marsaskala has a relaxed beach vibe, and Mellieha is known for its beaches. Housing costs vary widely; in Sliema and Valletta, a one-bedroom apartment can range from 800 to 1,200 EUR per month, while Marsaskala and Mellieha are slightly cheaper.
Malta has an affordable bus network that connects most towns and attractions. Getting a “Tallinja” card can make travel easier, offering discounted rates compared to cash tickets. However, some expats find that buses can be delayed or infrequent during peak hours and are sometimes overcrowded. Some routes are better than others.
If you prefer driving, keep in mind that traffic can be heavy, and the roads are not in the best condition. You can explore Maltas offers for public transportation here: Malta Public Transport
Malta has a solid healthcare system, with both public and private services. The public system covers everything from hospital care to specialist treatments and emergencies, all funded through taxes. If you prefer private care, there are plenty of private hospitals and clinics that offer quicker appointments and more personalized treatment.
Public healthcare is affordable but wait times can be long for non-emergency situations. Many expats prefer private health insurance for quicker access and higher standards of care. Check out providers like SafetyWing.
Yes! Malta has several international schools offering British and American systems. The International School of Malta and St. Martin’s College are popular among expats.
Malta’s job market is growing, so young professionals and skilled workers who speak English can find good job prospects. The low tax rates make it appealing for international companies and entrepreneurs, too. Here’s a helpful resource: Jobs in Malta
EU/EEA citizens need a residence card, while non-EU/EEA citizens require a visa. The application involves submitting documents like proof of employment and financial stability. Check out Identita
Starting a business is relatively easy. Just register with the Companies Registry and get the required permits. Malta has low corporate tax rates and great incentives for startups. You can also find helpful resources from local business support organizations.
Malta has a friendly tax system, with low personal income tax rates and great incentives for businesses. Depending on your residency status, you might be eligible for special tax rates. It’s a good idea to consult a tax professional to make sure you’re following the rules and getting the most benefits. Use Malta Salary Calculator to calculate your net salary.
Yes, Malta is one of the safest countries in Europe. Crime rates are extremely low, with most reported crimes considered to be petty. It also has one of the lowest murder rates in the entire world.
You can use both Maltese and English to communicate. Maltese is the national language, but English is widely spoken and used in education, business, and everyday life, making it easy for expats to settle in.
It’s helpful to know what to expect when it comes to living expenses. Below, you’ll find a breakdown of typical monthly costs, covering everything from rent and utilities to groceries and fun outings.
| USD per month | EUR per month | |
1-bedroom apartment | 850 USD | 800 EUR |
3-bedroom apartment | 1,320 USD | 1,300 EUR |
Utilities | 95 USD | 90 EUR |
Public transportation | 2 USD | 2 EUR |
Sports & leisure | 60 USD | 60 EUR |
Dining out (per dish) | 16 USD | 15 EUR |
Phone & internet | 60 USD | 60 EUR |
Connect with Like-Minded Expatriates in Malta
Meet other expats like you in Malta
Our Global Partners
Pursue your hobbies with amazing new friends
What’s better than meeting folks who share your passions? Whether you’re new or a long-time expat, InterNations Groups are a fun way to explore Malta and meet like-minded people.
Want try local food? The Malta Culinary Exchange Group has you covered! Looking to practice your Maltese or English? Join the Language Exchange Group. And if you want to explore all Malta has to offer, from wine-tastings to festivals, the Malta City Trotters will be your go-to group. Join the community to find the ideal groups for you.
Share your hobbies and interests with expats in Malta
Find Friends and Build Your Network in Malta with InterNations!
InterNations is a safe and secure network. Every member of the community has gone through an approval process prior to becoming a part of the network, in order to ensure that the platform remains a safe place where respect, friendliness, truthfulness, as well as being open and welcome to others are care values. As part of this secure network, you can tap into real life events and groups that are taking place in Malta through the InterNations Community. From the Cinema and Theatre Group to the Rugby Nations Group, whatever your interests and hobbies were at home you have the chance to continue you them in Malta, with your new expat friends.
- JĂĽrgen Hofmeister
With the InterNations group on Malta, I found some expat guys to go sailing and snorkeling together.
- Natasha Jakov
I like tha, among the many expats on Malta, the members of InterNations are really reliable people, who are willing to help you out.
