The Top Benefits of Moving to Malta

Wondering what life could be like in Malta? Unpack the benefits of moving to Malta with us, where the sun shines year-round, English eases your transition, and living costs remain inviting. Here’s a snapshot of the true value Malta offers beyond its scenic allure—from practicality in daily life to enticing work-life balance, set within its historic shores. Get ready to transition from curiosity to clarity as we explore what makes Malta an ideal relocation choice.

As experts in turning relocation dreams into reality, at Simpsons International Removals, we understand the nuances of moving from the UK to Malta. From the ease of settling in a place where the historical charm meets modern living, to finding the perfect work-life harmony amidst the backdrop of azure seas and ancient cities—Malta promises a kaleidoscope of experiences. Let’s delve into the heart of what makes Malta not just a place to live, but a place to thrive, as we help you navigate this exciting transition with ease and confidence.

Should you need help with removals to Malta, please reach out to our team. We possess extensive experience and are ready to assist you. Read below to find out the top benefits of moving to Malta.

The Allure of Malta’s Climate

Malta, a small island nestled in the Mediterranean Sea, is blessed with a Subtropical-Mediterranean climate.

It’s characterized by mild winters and warm to hot summers, which is one of the warmest climates in Europe.

The island gloats approximately 3,000 hours of sunshine annually, making it a sunny destination like no other.

Daytime temperatures in Malta average around 23 °C, while nighttime temperatures hover around 16 °C. The capital city, Valletta, experiences the warmest winters among European capitals, making it perfect for those who seek good weather all year round.

Year-Round Outdoor Activities

The mild weather in Malta allows for a variety of outdoor activities throughout the year. Whether you’re into swimming, hiking, or water sports, Malta offers an array of activities catering to a wide range of interests and ages. Imagine enjoying mild winters with temperatures sometimes reaching 20 °C and ample daylight throughout the year, providing excellent conditions for outdoor activities in every season.

The beautiful coastal environment of Malta is a haven for water sports enthusiasts. From parasailing and jet skiing to kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding, there’s an adventure waiting for every water lover. Not to mention the snorkeling tours that allow you to explore the rich marine life of the Mediterranean Sea. What’s more? Outdoor activities are also a focal point for socializing, with organizations like Malta Social organizing hikes and various events that bring together residents and tourists alike.

The Beach Experience

No Mediterranean living experience is complete without the beach, and Malta does not disappoint. The island is gifted with beautiful beaches, favored with about 3,200 hours of sunshine each year, making them perfect locations for relaxation and sunbathing.

Malta is home to family-friendly spots like Golden Bay and Mellieha Bay. These beaches offer golden sands and shallow turquoise waters, alongside well-trained lifeguards and clear signage, ensuring a safe and enjoyable beach experience for families. The sea temperature averages 20 °C across the year, encouraging swimming and other beach activities even in cooler months.

What’s more, Malta’s beaches, some of which are Blue Flag certified, adhere to strict environmental management, offering beautifully maintained sands and a clean and safe environment for beachgoers.

Multilingual Environment

One of the many perks of living in Malta is its bilingual environment. English and the Maltese language are the official languages of Malta, making communication convenient for expats. Whether it’s daily life or social interactions, the presence of English eases the transition for newcomers, while the opportunity to speak Maltese is also available for those interested in learning the local language.

Notably, English also simplifies conducting business in Malta as it’s the main language of communication in the workplace. This blend of languages makes Malta a unique cultural melting pot and an easy place for people, especially from the UK, to get by.

Affordable Living

When it comes to living expenses, Malta offers an affordable lifestyle. The cost of utilities for a standard apartment is relatively low, with an average monthly cost of around €94. Moreover, there’s no tax on property ownership in Malta, further reducing the cost of living for homeowners.

Groceries for a fresh and healthy diet average around €400 per month per person, and household cleaning services cost between €8 and €15 per hour. Affordable grocery shopping can be done at stores like Lidl and larger shopping centres such as Pavi and Pama, offering competitive prices for various items. Despite certain items, such as cars and imported goods, being overpriced compared to other countries, Malta’s cost of living remains lower than many European countries and has seen a decrease since the pandemic.

Moreover, tax benefits in Malta include increased non-taxable pension income and additional allowances for married pensioners, enhancing affordability for those who retire in Malta.

Housing Options

Housing in Malta caters to different budgets and preferences. Whether you’re looking for modern apartments or traditional villas, Malta offers a variety of options. The cost of buying an apartment in the city centre is about 351.50€ per square foot, whereas outside the city centre, the price drops to around 275.36€ per square foot.

Expats seeking accommodation in Malta can utilise the services of companies like Globexs, which helps find the perfect housing solution aligned with their needs and budget. This convenience in finding housing options contributes to the ease of moving to Malta.

Cost-Effective Transportation

Getting around in Malta is affordable and convenient, thanks to the low cost and effective public transportation system. A two-hour bus ticket costs approximately €0.75, indicating an affordable option for commutes. For regular commuters, monthly public transportation passes are available at a typical cost of around €26.00.

For those looking to explore beyond Malta, ferry services to Sicily offer both vehicle and passenger transport and are a popular means of travel. Ferry ticket prices vary by operator, season, and ferry type, but discounts are often available throughout the year. The regularity of ferry connections adds flexibility for residents and visitors to explore nearby regions such as Sicily, adding to the charm of living in Malta.

Rich Cultural Heritage

Malta’s rich history and cultural heritage is another factor that makes it a desirable destination for expats.

The remnants of Malta’s prehistoric and Neolithic past, represented by Ħaġar Qim and Mnajdra megalithic temples, offer a unique glimpse into human history.

The medieval city of Mdina, known for its blend of medieval and baroque architecture, stands as a testament to Malta’s historical significance. And the Hypogeum of Hal Saflieni, a crucial subterranean structure, offers insights into Malta’s ancient history.

Not to forget, the Knights of St. John have left a lasting legacy in Malta, including the founding of the capital city Valletta.

Historical Sites and Architecture

Malta’s historical sites and architecture further add to its charm. Valletta, the capital of Malta, is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, symbolizing its global historical importance. The city showcases exquisite Baroque architecture, signifying its rich cultural and aesthetic history.

Valletta has a history that spans over 7000 years. It houses numerous well-preserved historical sites that attract visitors worldwide, making it a popular tourist destination. The blend of historical sites and modern amenities in Valletta truly encapsulates the essence of Malta.

Unique Maltese Cuisine

One cannot talk about living in Malta without mentioning the unique Maltese cuisine. It’s a flavorful blend of European and North African culinary traditions, characterized by fresh ingredients and a variety of seasonings.

From Lampuki Pie (fish pie), Rabbit Stew, Bragioli (beef olives), to Tympana (macaroni and meat pastry), and Sicilian-inspired cannoli with ricotta and candied peel – Maltese cuisine offers a culinary adventure. Casual dining or snacks often include Bigilla (broad bean pate with garlic) and ‘hobz biz-zejt’, a traditional sandwich made with olive oil, ripe tomatoes, tuna, onion, and capers. Seafood also plays a significant role in the local cuisine. Dishes such as Aljotta (fish soup), and various pasta sauces incorporating octopus and squid, are often inspired by the catch of the day from Marsaxlokk fish market.

And for the sweet tooth, Maltese desserts include treats like Kannoli, fried pastry tubes filled with ricotta, and Helwa tat-Tork, a sweet confection made from almonds.

Business and Employment Opportunities

Beyond its natural beauty and cultural allure, Malta is also a land of opportunities.

The island’s economy is experiencing growth with key industries such as tourism, finance, and online gaming identified as strategic growth areas.

Malta’s membership in the European Union also offers stability and certain advantages to businesses and employees.

The technology, gaming, and finance sectors, in particular, offer ample career opportunities. While the job market can be limited in scope, and the insular nature of the business community might present challenges for new expats, the growing economy still offers promising prospects. On top of that, Malta encourages business with a favorable environment and low tax pressure for companies. And for those from the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland, there’s no need for a work permit in Malta.

Work-Life Balance

While career opportunities abound in Malta, it’s not all work and no play. The Maltese work culture emphasizes a laid-back lifestyle and a good work-life balance.

Expats in Malta report high levels of job satisfaction, with 70% satisfied in general and 27% completely satisfied, within a work environment that is characterised as warm and welcoming.

Employers in Malta are mandated to provide a yearly pay increase proportionate to the cost of living, which contributes to the financial wellbeing of employees. The small size of the country also allows most people to enjoy minimal commute time to work, which supports better management of work and personal life. All these factors contribute to the overall life satisfaction of individuals residing in Malta.

Accessible European Location

Another factor that makes Malta an ideal home for expats is its strategic central position in the Mediterranean Sea. This location affords easy access to a number of major European cities and countries, making travel for leisure or business a breeze.

A wide network of flights connects Malta to various destinations across Europe, including cities in other European countries such as:

• Italy
• France
• Germany
• Spain
• United Kingdom

Key European cities such as London, Paris, Istanbul, Barcelona, and Rome are only a short flight away from Malta, requiring merely a few hours of travel time. This proximity to European capitals, along with affordable flights, makes weekend trips and business travel very convenient.

Travel Opportunities

Beyond its borders, Malta’s position in the central Mediterranean provides strategic access to a variety of European destinations. Residents of Malta benefit from short flight times to numerous European countries, enhancing travel convenience.

The Malta International Airport serves as a hub with a vast network of direct flights that traverses across Europe. Airlines such as Air Malta and Ryanair provide residents with frequent flights to key European capitals and various regional locations. This network of flights makes exploring Europe a breeze for those living in Malta.

Quality Healthcare System

When it comes to healthcare, Malta ranks high among other countries. The World Health Organisation ranks Malta 5th among over 100 countries in terms of the quality of healthcare, and the quality of healthcare in Malta compares favourably to that of other EU countries.

Expats from EU countries, also known as EU citizens, can use their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) to access public healthcare in Malta under the same conditions as Maltese nationals. Public healthcare in Malta is also accessible to expats who have paid into the system, ensuring a broad accessibility to healthcare services. Once expats acquire Malta citizenship, they can access state medical services for free and benefit from the ability to receive treatment in other EU countries without charge. For those who prefer shorter waiting times and more personalised service, private healthcare is also available, albeit at higher costs.

The government of Malta invests significantly in healthcare, with approximately 10% of the country’s GDP spent on this sector.

Expat Community and Networking

Moving to a new country can be daunting, but in Malta, an island nation, you’re never alone. The island is recognized for its diverse international community, creating an inviting global village atmosphere that is conducive to a tight-knit expat experience.

There is a substantial UK expat community in Malta, providing a sense of familiarity and a strong support network for newcomers adjusting to a new country. The international working environment in Malta provides expats with ample opportunities for networking and contributes to successful entrepreneurship through valuable global connections.

Language learning and cultural exchanges are enhanced by Malta’s multicultural and multilingual society, with various social opportunities such as expat meet-ups and volunteering enriching the expat experience. Through Malta’s ‘golden visa’ scheme, expatriates are offered pathways to citizenship malta by investing in the economy and qualifying for support with preliminaries of living like finding properties and jobs.

Social Events and Meetups

In Malta, connecting with locals and other expats is easy, thanks to the plentiful social events and meetups. Malta Social is a public group on Meetup.com that organises social events for expats and locals in Malta, with over 2,400 members.

These events serve as a platform for expats to connect and engage with the local community. In addition to Meetup.com, Malta Social is active on Facebook and Instagram, offering additional platforms for expats to connect. These social events and platforms help foster a sense of community among expats in Malta.

Retiring in Malta

Malta isn’t just a paradise for the active and adventurous. It’s also a haven for retirees. The island is a popular retirement destination for UK expats due to its pleasant climate, relaxed lifestyle, and high quality of life.

Malta offers attractive retirement schemes for EU nationals, including tax incentives and other benefits that make it financially appealing for retirees. The retiree-friendly environment, coupled with the attractive retirement schemes, makes Malta a popular choice for those seeking to spend their retirement years in a Mediterranean paradise.

Vibrant Nightlife and Festivals

The island life in Malta doesn’t dim as the sun sets. From lively bars and clubs to traditional village festas with fireworks and music, Malta has a vibrant nightlife and cultural scene.

Malta also hosts numerous festivals throughout the year, celebrating everything from food and wine to arts and music. These festivals provide endless entertainment, adding to the vibrancy of life in Malta. Whether you’re a night owl or a culture enthusiast, Malta’s nightlife and festivals offer something for everyone.

English Influence – A home from home

For UK expats, Malta offers a home away from their home country. The island bears many remnants of British influence, from English-style pubs to red telephone boxes, adding a touch of familiarity for UK expats.

These familiar touches blend well with the local culture, creating an environment that’s both exotic and homely. It’s this blend of British and local culture that makes Malta an easy place for UK expats to call home.

Moving to Malta?

In conclusion, Malta offers a unique blend of Mediterranean charm, rich cultural heritage, a welcoming expat community, and a plethora of opportunities. Whether you’re seeking adventure, yearning for a laid-back island lifestyle, or looking for a welcoming place to retire, Malta has something for everyone. So why wait? Make your Mediterranean dreams come true and embrace the Maltese lifestyle!

Ready to turn your Maltese dreams into reality? Simpsons International Removals is at your service, bringing years of expertise in facilitating smooth transitions to Malta for individuals and families alike. Each year, we help countless people embrace the Maltese way of life with ease and confidence.

Let us be your trusted partner in this exciting journey. Contact us today to receive a personalised quote tailored to your unique moving needs, or click here for more information about our comprehensive removals services to Europe. With Simpsons International Removals, your Maltese adventure is just a step away.