Moving to Malta: What You Can Really Expect

Germany has recently climbed the ranks to become the country with the second-highest number of immigrants per year, right behind the United States. While Malta naturally doesn't come close to Germany's absolute numbers (Germany's annual intake is roughly three times Malta's entire population), this island nation is incredibly popular. Brits, Italians, and Germans—like myself—are finding their new home here. So, what awaits these people? Generally speaking: reasonable living costs, low unemployment, and solid infrastructure.

Lower Rents (If You Know Where to Look)

In my experience, average rents in Malta are often lower than what you'd find in major German or UK cities. Of course, if you rent a seafront apartment or a house right on the coast, you're going to pay a premium—sometimes even more than back home. However, if you're willing to look a bit further inland (and often we are talking about a difference of just 500 metres), you can live much cheaper.

One crucial piece of advice when house hunting: approach it the right way. I always recommend sending a Maltese local "ahead" to enquire, as they often get better initial prices than expats. It also pays to negotiate. If you don't insist on living in the middle of St. Julian's but look at places like Zejtun (still one of the larger towns in Malta), you can find significant value. I've seen four-room apartments go for around €450 there—significantly cheaper than anything comparable in Germany (thanks to Ingo for that specific tip).

A Strong Economy and Low Unemployment

Economically, Malta is doing well. The financial crises of the past hit the island far less hard than many feared. The many foreign investors who benefit from the generous tax advantages in Malta have certainly contributed to this stability.

The unemployment rate is also impressive compared to the rest of the EU. Malta consistently ranks among the best performers, often sitting right behind countries like the Czech Republic and Germany with an unemployment rate of just around 4.8%. Youth unemployment figures are also among the best in the EU.

Leave Your Car Behind

If you've looked into importing your car to Malta, you've probably already realised it's an expensive headache. But honestly, while the fees are high, you can easily avoid the hassle altogether. especially if you settle in a central hub like St. Julian's, a car isn't strictly necessary. Most things are within walking distance or accessible by bus. When I head to the Dr. Werner & Partners office in the morning, I usually prefer to walk.

Sunny Weather—All Year Round

One thing that many entrepreneurs who have settled here value most is the combination of business opportunities and the weather. It might sound trivial at first, but in reality, it's one of the main drivers for people moving to Malta. You have a location with enormous business potential paired with a setting and climate that feels like a permanent holiday. There are very few places in Europe that can offer something similar. 300 days of sun a year, mild winters, warm summers, and the sea right on your doorstep. That is Malta.

Culture: Something for Everyone

What sets Malta apart—and what tourists love—is the immense cultural richness. Over the millennia, the island has been besieged, annexed, and civilised by various peoples, and every single one left a piece of their culture behind. This ranges from the historic UNESCO city of Mdina to the more than 350 churches scattered across the islands.

Crucially for international entrepreneurs, Malta is so popular because of the British colonial legacy (1814 to 1964). The most important remnant of this era is the English language. As an official language, it allows anyone who speaks English to navigate daily life and business here without any barriers.

Moving for Taxes Alone? Don't Do It.

The points I've mentioned above are just a few of the things you can expect when you move to Malta. Many people still view the tax advantages as the only reason to move south. But I'll be honest with you: if taxes are the only thing tempting you, I wouldn't recommend taking the plunge.

Malta is a country with its own quirks and character. In my opinion, you have to actually like these quirks to feel comfortable here. Don't get me wrong—the country makes it easy to enjoy life. Who doesn't like sun, reasonable rents, and history? But the specific international, island lifestyle isn't for everyone.

If you are thinking about relocating, you should definitely keep Malta on your radar. I think the points above give a fair picture of what to expect. If you have any specific questions about the move or the setup, feel free to reach out to me via the contact form.