Want to live and work in Malta?

Malta has a population of nearly 550,000 people living in a very small territory, making it one of the most densely populated countries in Europe. Most live on the main island, especially in the urban areas of Valletta, Sliema, St. Julian's, and Birkirkara.

Foreigners make up a significant portion of the population. Italians, British, Serbs, Filipinos, Indians, and Nigerians are among the largest communities. The iGaming (online gambling) sector brought in many professionals from Eastern Europe, especially from Serbia, Hungary, and Poland.

Maltese is the national language, spoken at home by most natives. But English is omnipresent: in schools, government, commerce, and services. Italian is also understood by many, especially given the proximity to Italy and exposure to Italian television.

The Maltese economy has diversified considerably in the past 20 years: financial services (banking, fund management), iGaming (more than 300 licensed companies, including Betsson, Tipico, Kindred Group), blockchain and crypto (Binance was headquartered here), tourism, manufacturing (electronics, pharmaceuticals), and maritime are its pillars. Valletta and its neighboring cities (Sliema, St. Julian's) concentrate offices.

The iGaming sector alone employs more than 12,000 people in Malta, with above-average European salaries. English is the working language for most qualified positions, which opens the door to professionals from all over Europe. Healthcare, education, retail, and tourism absorb a large part of the workforce. Construction is growing with real estate investment.

The minimum wage is about 925 euros gross per month (USD 1,000). The average annual salary is around 22,000 euros gross. Tech and iGaming professionals in senior positions can earn 60,000 to 100,000 euros per year. EU citizens have no restrictions. Non-EU citizens need a Single Permit (work visa), with relatively fast processing when there is a contract with a locally accredited company.

Malta has a universal, free public healthcare system funded by taxes. The main hospital is Mater Dei in Msida, with modern infrastructure considered one of the best in the Mediterranean. There are also regional clinics and primary health centers across both main islands.

EU citizens have direct access with the European Health Insurance Card. Non-EU residents can enroll in the system after registering, or take out a private plan. Private plan prices are well below those in the United States, and services are available in English.

Medical tourism is growing, with packages for dental, ophthalmological, and orthopedic procedures. European retirees often use Malta as a base because of the climate and the functional healthcare system. Foreigners who move permanently typically take out initial insurance until they obtain a local health card.

Malta has a typical Mediterranean climate. Summers (June to September) are long, sunny, and dry, with temperatures exceeding 30 degrees Celsius (86°F). In July and August, the heat can be intense, and the Sirocco wind blowing in from the Sahara makes some days feel oppressive.

Winter (December to February) is mild, with temperatures ranging between 10 and 17 degrees Celsius (50 to 63°F). Snow does not occur. Rainfall is concentrated in autumn, particularly in October and November, arriving in short bursts. Spring is considered one of the best times to live on the island, with blooming flowers and long days.

Humidity from the sea can be taxing for those unaccustomed to it, and air conditioning is standard in modern apartments. Older limestone houses tend to stay cool in summer and cold in winter. Heating via gas or reverse-cycle air conditioning is common.

Malta's economy grew rapidly after joining the EU. Financial services and iGaming (regulated online gambling) are modern pillars, attracting companies such as Betsson, Tipico, and Kindred. Favorable regulation and official English are key advantages.

Tourism is traditional and important. Millions of European visitors arrive each year for beaches, diving, and historic heritage. Cruise ships use Valletta as a regular port of call. Luxury hotels and resorts dominate Sliema, St. Julian's, and parts of Mellieha.

Other sectors include maritime logistics (Malta has one of Europe's largest flag registries), aviation, pharmaceutical manufacturing, and professional services (law, accounting, consulting). More recently, blockchain and crypto were regulated, generating interest from global companies.

Malta has one of the highest proportions of immigrants in the European Union: about 24% of residents were born outside the country. The largest community is British, a legacy of history (Malta was a British colony until 1964) and a recent flow of retirees taking advantage of the mild climate and shared language. Italians, mainly Sicilians, form a large community due to geographic proximity.

Indians and Filipinos have grown considerably in healthcare, hospitality, and services. Serbs, Bulgarians, and Romanians make up a large part of the construction sector and the iGaming industry, which employs thousands in Malta. The island has become a European hub for online gambling and blockchain, attracting technology professionals from across Europe, Israel, and Eastern Europe.

The Citizenship by Investment programs (Malta Permanent Residence Programme and Maltese Exceptional Investor Naturalisation) attract families from Russia, China, the Middle East, and the US. Digital nomads use the Nomad Residence Permit, created in 2021, with a minimum income of about 3,500 euros per month. Integration is eased by English being an official language alongside Maltese: practically all of daily life functions in English. Communities live mainly in Sliema, St. Julian's, Msida, and Gzira.