Relocating abroad to sunnier climates is on most people's bucket lists but why relocate to Malta? I finally made the decision, having pondered the idea for the last few years with my husband. We made the move to Malta earlier this year and so I am writing this article from my own personal experience. Malta is one of the smallest countries in the world being 316 km2 and has a population of about 426,000 people. The island offers beautiful sunny weather, diverse culture and an opportunity to achieve a good work/life balance while living and working in the Mediterranean.
Moving to Malta is especially popular among expats from the UK, Italy, Serbia, Poland Romania, Sweden and the Philippines who are attracted by the sunny lifestyle with around 3,000 hours of sunshine per year and also the fact that 88% of the Maltese population speak English, are all contributing factors. The beach is never far away, and the island is consistently named in surveys taken by the Telegraph and Internations as one of the safest countries in the world in terms of natural disasters and low crime rates.
Malta attracts a considerable number of international candidates, especially in the online gaming, financial, IT and tourism sectors. 75% of the employment in Malta is in the services industry, while 22% is in the manufacturing sector and 3% in agriculture.
As an EU country, Malta grants full access to the labour market to EU citizens. Nonetheless, with a booming economy, non EU citizens, or third country nationals, often make it to the local market. This is granted through obtaining an employment license, if you are a third country national (Non-EU citizen) the process is slightly complicated, but if you have a good command of the English language and a highly demanded skill, such as an IT specialists, then your chances are good.
One of the schemes that make the process an easier one is the ‘Key Employee Initiative’ (KEI). This provides a fast-tracked service to third-country nationals who have specialized skills such as IT and are offered employment in Malta. The scheme facilitates the issuing of work/residence permits to applicants within five working days from the date of submission of the application. This scheme is applicable to managerial or highly sought-after skills which require the relevant qualifications or specific experience related to the job being offered. Applicants have to provide information to the Expatriates Unit within Identity Malta to confirm the following eligibility conditions:
- Annual gross salary of at least €30,000 per annum
- Certified copies of the relevant qualifications, warrants or the necessary work experience
- Declaration by the employer stating that the applicant has the necessary credentials to perform the duties being assigned, along with a contract of employment
Summarising, there are many reasons for taking the plunge and relocating to this stunning Island but these are my top five:
1. Malta is sunny all year round
As the island is surrounded by the sea, it has a climate of very mild winters and hot, dry summers. Summer is said to last around 8 months, from mid-April up until November, with temperatures ranging from 17-23 degrees Celsius during the day and 11-20 degrees Celsius at night - meaning that you can enjoy warm, sunny days for most of the year!
2. The economy is stable
Malta's economy remains strong with an appropriate balance between lowering public debt and sustaining economic growth, especially within the iGaming industry
3. No language barrier
English is most people’s second language in fact 88% of the Maltese population speak English.
4. You're never too far from the sea… or anywhere on the island
If you don’t live right by the sea, then you are no further than a 10 to 15-minute drive away from it. So, if you fancy a spontaneous swim or dive in the clear blue Mediterranean Sea during the day, want to watch the glorious sunset over the sea or make last minute plans with friends’ time is no problem.
5. Maltese people are naturally friendly and welcoming
You will feel welcomed almost immediately!
Once your decision is made, what do you do next?
Get a job
Securing employment is important, it would be ideal to have this sorted before you relocate. Make your life easier and contact one of our extremely helpful, knowledgeable and professional recruiters for assistance in finding a job here in Malta. More information can be found on the Konnekt website here.
Book your flight and get packing
Make the decision and book a date.
Find accommodation
From apartments to villas, there are many options for accommodation on the rental market with a range of prices to fit any budget!
Check out hospitals, health service, and schools
Depending on your situation there are various options, in both private and public sectors.
Enjoy the Maltese lifestyle!
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Sophie Colbeck
IT & iGaming Recruitment Specialist
For IT or Gaming job opportunities through Konnekt, click here to find out more and apply.