Malta is quickly becoming one of the top choices of expats in 2024. The country with its rich history, varied culture, picturesque landscapes, and ideal Mediterranean climate is a perfect destination for expats and families to call home.
The small island country of Southern Europe is a popular spot because it checks a lot of boxes.
Favorable Climate: Climate is a key factor that attracts expats to Malta. Malta experiences summer from June to September with average temperatures of 35°C, autumn from October to November with mid-20s to low 30s°C, winter from December to February with average temperatures of 15°C, and spring from 15°C to 25°C. The summers are hot and mild, and the winters are mostly snowless. January and February are the coldest months of the year, while July and August are the hottest.
Relaxed Lifestyle: Malta offers a relaxed and Mediterranean lifestyle that is quite welcoming to expats from all around the world. The island country has an outdoor-oriented lifestyle. The Maltese lifestyle blends traditional values, celebration, and family ties, embracing both past and present influences, creating a timeless yet welcoming environment. Along with a relaxed lifestyle, Malta has also been recorded as one of the safest countries when it comes to disasters.
Healthcare: Both citizens and expats have access to excellent healthcare facilities. The country has strong and high-quality healthcare from offering both public and private options. Malta’s healthcare system offers bilingual professionals, personalized care, and EHIC access for EU citizens and non-EU expats, meeting European standards with strong preventive care and accessible services.
Economy: According to the 2023 Index, Malta’s economy is considered “moderately free”. The Maltese economy’s expansion had guided the country into a boom, which in turn had produced a robust labor market that reduced unemployment and raised incomes. In 2015, Malta’s life expectancy at birth rose to over 82 years, which is comparable to the average life expectancy of industrialized nations across the globe, thanks to their combined contributions to a higher standard of living. Malta’s GDP in 2023 was $20.96 billion, driven by tourism, financial services, and technology. With a 5.6% growth rate, it is expected to reach $21.89 billion by 2025.
Convenient transport system: Malta’s transport system primarily relies on buses, with the main hub being Valletta. Buses are frequent and cost around €2 in summer and €1.50 in winter. Driving is popular but can be challenging due to high traffic and narrow roads. Taxis are available for shorter journeys, with white taxis as official and private ride-hailing services like Bolt and eCabs. Ferries are another practical and scenic transport option, connecting Malta’s islands and coastal locations. Walking is ideal for exploring historic areas, but high summer temperatures can make walking less comfortable.
English-speaking country: Luckily for expats, both English and Maltese are the official languages of Malta. As English is extensively used all around the country, it is quite easy for expats to interact with the locals. Expats generally do not have to learn Maltese because most of the population communicates in English. Languages such as Italian and French are also spoken by the population in Malta.
Lowest crime in the EU: Malta is considered a safe place to live comfortably, and the crime rates are relatively low compared to other European countries. The island is generally safer because of its strong sense of community and the visible presence of law enforcement. According to Eurostat and additional local data sources, Malta has one of the lowest crime rates within the EU.
Low tax rates: Malta is often described as a tax-efficient jurisdiction. With corporate tax rates that essentially decrease from 35% to as low as 5% after refunds for specific companies, Malta provides a tax-friendly environment. Expats benefit from a remittance-based system, which means they only have to pay tax on local income or money brought into Malta, even though personal income tax can reach 35%. There are no inheritance, estate, or wealth taxes. Malta is a favorable base for companies and wealthy people because it offers advantageous tax treatment for holding companies, intellectual property, and cryptocurrencies.
