If you are looking for a change and have decided that you would really like to move to Malta, there is much to know before you arrive. This may even be the case if you have visited here for summer holidays when you had a chance to get a bit acquainted with the local culture. It’s a beautiful island in the Mediterranean and if you are looking for work in hospitality or the gaming industry, this is undoubtedly going to be a wonderful choice. With that said, it’s probably time to look at a few of the logistics you’ll need to consider before making the move.
Three Types of Residency Permits to Consider
Until the past decade, there were two types of residency permits to apply for: ordinary or permanent. However, there is now a third possibility called The Malta Global Residency Programme which is basically offered to third country nationals and comes with a special tax status. However, it is vital when entering the country under this programme that you understand that there are specific criteria that must be met if you seeking to rent or buy property in Malta. You can find amazing property for sale and property for rent, as would be expected on a Mediterranean island, but again, it is imperative to check out the rental criteria before setting out to live on Malta.
The Difference Between Ordinary and Permanent Residency
The first major difference is probably going actually going to revolve around the amount you are taxed when living and earning an income here. Ordinary residency applies to members of EU nations, and you will be taxed anywhere from 0 to 35 per cent of your income. Of course, you will be given a tax credit, which will reduce your taxes by that amount.
For those wishing to apply for permanent residency, you will need to renew your permit every year while ordinary residency needs to be renewed every five years. The Maltese government also recommends that you consult with a lawyer to see which residency best suits your needs because, as is usual with governments, much is only found in the small print.
Communication Should Not Be a Problem
There are actually two official languages spoken in Malta, both the Maltese language and English. In fact, more than 75% of the residents speak English, so you shouldn’t have any difficulty getting directions or information from the locals.
You may be less likely to find individuals who speak English in some of the more remote areas of the island, but even there you will find someone who at least speaks enough to give you directions if you get lost or are having difficulty reading Maltese maps.
Getting Around – Transportation
The one thing you will absolutely need to know is that there are no trains in Malta. However, the bus system is amazing and goes from on side of the island to the other. You can purchase a bus card that gives you discounts that will come in handy if you plan to do the majority of your travelling on the island by bus.
If you intend to live on the island with a permanent residency permit, you might want to invest in a car. This way you know you can get around 24/7 and will not be dependent on the schedules of Maltese buses. Although their bus system is said to be one of the finest anywhere on earth, a car would be much more efficient. Also, you may want to know that cars in Malta travel on the right side of the road, quite like England and South Africa.
An Island That Caters to Foreign Nationals
As mentioned earlier, hospitality and gaming are the two biggest industries, so you will always find a wide range of foreign nationals scattered throughout the country. There are more UK and European expats than from any other region of the world, but most continents are represented here as well.
If you want to get a closer look at the sheer number of countries with expats living and working in Malta, it is said you should try the casinos. Gambling is a huge draw in Malta, and this is why you will find a huge number of foreign nationals at the tables. You can strike up a conversation with most people because, again, English is widely spoken, but winning big is the same in any language. If you want to get a good idea of where most current residents are from, the casinos and gaming rooms are probably the biggest draw to the island alongside the beautiful Mediterranean climate you will enjoy all through the year.
Where Ancient Cultures Meet the 21st Century
Although technology is just as advanced in Malta as well as in any other country around the world, the one thing you will be thrilled to experience is how they pan for salt from the sea. If you use any amount of sea salt back home, chances are some of it was hand panned from the sea around Malta and you can spend a day in the coastal villages watching how they’ve collected sea salt since time immemorial on the island.
In the end, you may have chosen to live and work on Malta, but there is no reason why you can’t get a first-hand look at the entire island. From the architecture (highly Mediterranean) to the foods you will find in local grocery stores and restaurants, you will find Malta delightful.
