Are you considering moving to Malta? This will open many opportunities, both for the younger crowd looking for a job and retirees looking for a peaceful European environment where they can settle. This is a popular tourist destination, and it is also multinational when it comes to residents, making it easy for expats to adapt. If you’re interested in relocating to Malta and experiencing all of its offerings, this article can help you understand the whole relocation process.
Is Moving to Malta a Good Idea?
Before relocating to this charming place that has a rich history, beautiful architecture, lovely pathed streets, and many interesting amenities and cultural monuments, learn some facts:
- It is a small European nation located in the South Mediterranean, close to Italy.
- It spreads across three islands – Gozo, Comino, and Malta
- The capital city is Valletta.
If living overseas interests you, you can easily fit in because it is well known for its multinational citizens and many expat communities. National languages are both English and Maltese, so it shouldn’t be that hard to learn a new language abroad and break the barrier.
When it comes to business opportunities – it offers many, especially when it comes to tourism. Relocating here might be suitable for different age groups and people with various interests, so you should definitely consider relocation here as a good opportunity.
#1 Can I Just Move to Malta? Moving to Malta From the Us Is Possible If You Have a Visa
Is it hard to move to Malta? Immigration to Malta is possible for US citizens, and it can come with many benefits. The process itself isn’t very complicated. Some of the benefits you can get from it include:
- The free and efficient healthcare system,
- High life quality,
- Good work and study opportunities,
- Maltese passport in one year,
- Opportunity to travel freely (without a visa) to 183 countries.
How to Apply For a Visa?
US and Canadian citizens can visit this country and stay up to three months with just a passport. If you want to extend your stay, apply for an additional three months at the Maltese Ministry of Foreign Affairs. And for a longer stay, you can apply for a permanent resident visa under some of the scheme programs. Documents needed to travel abroad and to get the visa include:
- Proof that you have over $25,597 in your bank account or 31,044 as a married person.
- Proof of health insurance,
- Rental agreement or mortgage contract.
You should also file a Maltese tax return and have no criminal record. Once you fulfill all of these requirements, you’ll get an e-Residence card. This will allow you to travel freely around the Schengen zone as any member of the European Union. If you stay a legal resident for five years, you can apply for permanent residence. For additional information and possible changes due to Corona pandemics, please visit the government website and find out all the details about the process.
#2 How Much Money Do You Need to Live in Malta? Cost of Living Is Lower Than in the US
Good news for those relocating on a budget – rental prices in Malta are about 34% lower than in the US. You can find a decent apartment for about $1,000 in the capital city – Valletta. When it comes to groceries, some imported products can be more expensive, but when it comes to local ones, you can find amazing options at affordable prices.
If you are more interested in eating out, we have more great news – restaurants here are amazing and quite affordable as well. You can get a nice dinner for two for about $35. Estimated costs for a family of four without rent for a month are about $3,000, judging by Numbeo reviews. Basic utilities for a 915sq ft apartment are about $100 per month, while a monthly ticket for public transportation costs about $30.
Purchasing a Real Estate Might Be a Best Investment If You’re Moving to Malta
If you decide to buy a property within the borders of this country, you can get citizenship quite easily. The real estate market is rapidly growing, and it offers incredible housing options, including farmhouses, apartments, villas, bungalows, and terraced houses. If you’re curious about the pricing range, here are some basic information:
- One-bedroom studio for about $200,000,
- Three-bedroom apartments for about $450,000,
- Four-bedroom villa for about $1,700,000.
#3 Explore Some of the Amazing Places Around These Mediterranean Gems
Planning to live abroad and want to find out more about the best places around this beautiful country? You have plenty of options, and none of them will disappoint you. Depending on your personal preferences, you can choose from some of the following options:
- Valletta – Capital city, known for its vibrant atmosphere, incredible landmarks, and plenty of places to go out for drinks and fine-dining. It is also known as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Paul – An extremely popular destination for expats from all around the world. With its cozy atmosphere and idyllic location, we’re sure you’ll feel at home as soon as you step on its patched streets.
- Mdina – This small and peaceful medieval town in the North of Malta might be perfect for retirees and expat families.
- Victoria – the Capital city of Gozo island, is well known for its relaxing atmosphere, nice amenities, and historical monuments.
#4 Most Healthcare Services in Malta Are Free
When it comes to healthcare, services around this country are highly regarded. The system is divided into two sectors – private and state sector with the Ministry of Health, Elderly and Community Care governing. Depending on your reason for staying as an expat, you must be insured either through a basic public insurance system, a private one, or the combination of these two options. Private insurance might be the best option, so it’s recommended that you invest in this fund.
Paying Out of Pocket Is Also Available If You’re an Expat Living Here
You can also choose the “pay as you go” medical bills payment system. Paying out of pocket is common among Maltese residents. Some of the main hospitals are located in the towns of Msida near Valletta and on the island of Gozo. Some of the pharmacies also offer primary healthcare services on specific days of the week.
#5 Business Opportunities Are Numerous
In case you’re moving across the world and planning to start your own business, consider some of the following options that can be most beneficial for your pocket. Opening a restaurant can be an amazing opportunity because you can find great local products at affordable prices, plus numerous tourists will probably be your guests.
Other great options are bars and nightclubs, also highly attractive for visitors. You can also consider opening some shops or a supermarket. It’s not unusual that people relocating here open virtual business offices and handle various businesses. If you’re planning a bigger investment, you can also buy some of the existing companies located here – the company can easily apply for bank loans, plus it probably already has local customers, so you can grow your business more quickly.
#6 Schooling Options Are Good For International Pupils
When it comes to the schooling system, you should’ve known that primary education is compulsory for children between the ages of 4 and 6. Homework is usually part of the system, regardless of the schooling option. You can choose from public and private schools – international ones are also an attractive option, especially for expats.
It’s not unusual that children apply for extracurricular activities outside the school as well. Keep in mind that learning a language abroad is made easier by many international programs, including the ones in English.
University Students Are Always Welcome – You Don’t Have to Know Maltese
About 11,000 pupils attend the University of Malta and have access to higher education. It is located in Msida and includes around 650 international students. Education is promoted by the Maltese government that is funding it. Residents have access to a wide range of classes and courses free of charge, so that’s another reason to move here. If you are thinking about applying to some of the international courses, you should check if you’re eligible for their programs before trying to enroll in them.
#7 Public Transportation Is Simple to Understand
When it comes to public transportation, the only option currently is a system of route buses. There is no metro service. The bus routes are operated by Malta Public Transport, and you can get basically anywhere around there between 5:30 am and 11 pm by using their numerous options.
Night service is also available on weekend nights and holidays. As we already mentioned, this service is decently affordable – about $30 for a monthly pass. This is a small country so you can easily explore it and travel to different areas without worrying you’re getting lost if you move abroad. This video might help you understand everything about this system.
#8 With Mediterranean Climate, You Don’t Need to Bring Winter Clothes
If you’re making a moving abroad checklist and want to find out more about the climate around here, here’s the drill. This country is located in the south Mediterranean sea, so it has a Mediterranean climate, meaning that summers are hot and winters are mild.
If you wonder what to pack when moving abroad and want to ensure your moving day preparation goes right, ensure to bring some lighter clothes, including a lot of shirts and bikinis. If you want to move overseas without experiencing any relocation stress, you can always hire an international moving company. A trained team of movers will prevent things from breaking and ensure everything gets to your new home quickly.
#9 Best Things to Do After Moving to Malta
When it comes to living in another country and things to do in your free time, Malta is full of options no matter what your main interests are. Beginning with Valetta, the capital city that is home to many historical monuments and museums and enchanting views over the sea and neighboring towns.
Some of the best places to visit are Saint John’s Co-Cathedral and its magnificent paintings from Caravaggio. While you’re there, you also shouldn’t miss the tombs of the Grand Masters of Malta. Another amazing place is Grandmaster’s Palace, with a collection of over 5,000 armors and weapons that used to belong to knights and grandmasters.
You will also love Republic Street and Merchant Street as the main commercial streets in this city, The Manoel Theater (one of the oldest in Europe), and The Fort Saint Elmo with the National War Museum. The main city in Gozo – Victoria, also offers plenty of beautiful options such as Marsalforn and Ramla Bay beach. This video might give you more ideas about beautiful places to visit.
Now That You Know Everything About This Place the Only Thing Left Is to Plan Your Move
No matter if you’re moving abroad alone or with your family, there is no need to worry about culture shock and adapting to this magnificent country. You will enjoy experiencing everything that life here has to offer, so the only thing left is to plan your move. With suitable international moving services, you’ll be there before you notice – sipping a cocktail on a dreamy beach or wandering picturesque streets that will inspire you to achieve great things daily.
