Malta is growing in popularity as a place to live and work thanks to its climate, economy, and employment rate. A high-income country, Malta offers good job prospects for both high and low skilled workers across a variety of industries. The wages in Malta can be lower than average across Europe, but can go much further for you thanks to a generally lower cost of living than in other high-income countries. 88% of people in Malta speak English, making it a fantastic option for those who want to experience somewhere new while still being able to communicate with the people there.

What It's Like To Work In Malta

An archipelago just south of Italy and to the East of Tunisia, Malta enjoys a warm climate and friendly culture. Being so close to mainland Europe means it has excellent transport links to Italy, Greece, and Spain. It’s only three hours from London via plane, meaning you can maintain networks across different countries.

Malta has some of the best healthcare in the world, ranking fifth in the world according to the world Health Organisation. Like the NHS, it’s free, and this massively contributes to the overall satisfaction of living there, with lower levels of stress and more disposable income.

On top of this, food is cheaper than in most other European countries, and public transport is incredibly cheap. Unfortunately, the price of renting has risen over the last few years as more people have moved into the country, and this gets worse in more popular or urban areas. However, this is offset by cheaper utilities than you’d find across most of Europe.

What Foreigners Think Of Malta

Over a quarter (27%) of expats living in Malta describe themselves as ‘completely satisfied’, compared to the global average of just 16%. Amazingly, 50% of them said they would like to spend the rest of their lives in Malta. The incredibly low crime rate means that Malta seems much safer to those coming into the country. Malta is welcoming to visitors, with expats reporting feeling at home very soon after moving.

Job Prospects and Opportunities In Malta

Work permits are automatically granted to EU nationals. Third-country nationals must apply for a permit, with a special skill or area of expertise in which there is a demand for work. They must also send a job offer, a CV, a copy of their passport, a copy of their visa, and a copy of qualifications. Once there, you’ll need to get a Maltese ID card to ensure you’re fully authorised and registered to live and work there.

Malta has thriving finance and IT markets. Three quarters of all employment in Malta is in the services sector, with foreign workers a common sight. Satisfaction is high, thanks to a relaxed culture and a better work life balance than other EU countries.

Life in Malta can be a fantastic alternative to the rush and chaos of other overcrowded EU cities, and with a warm climate for around 300 days, it’s no surprise that many workers are looking at moving.

Read our guide to working in the EU, or read about the future of international technical recruitment.