The Biggest Surprises: 10 Things That Were Different for International Expats Moving to Malta – A Reality Check

After two years in Malta, I can promise you one thing: Forget everything you’ve read in Instagram posts and lifestyle blogs about moving to Malta. The reality is different. Very different.

In 2022, at 28 years old, I moved from Munich to Valletta as a Digital Marketing Manager. Full of dreams of sunshine, affordable living costs, and the famous work-life balance. Now, 24 months later, I’m still here – but my perspective has completely changed.

These are the 10 surprises I wish I’d known before moving to Malta. Not to scare myself off, but to be properly prepared. Malta is fantastic – if you know what you’re getting into.

Malta Housing Market: Why €1,200 for 40sqm is cheap

My first apartment in Malta cost €1,300 for 45 square meters in Gzira. Not a typo. In Munich, I paid €1,100 for a 65sqm place. Welcome to the Malta reality.

The shocking rental prices in Malta

The Maltese rental market is a complete nightmare for international expats. Prices have exploded in the past five years, mainly due to three factors: EU accession, the gaming industry, and tax incentives for high-net-worth individuals.

That’s just the base rent. On top, expect:

• Two months’ rent deposit (cash!)
• One month’s rent as agent fee
• No furniture (unless you pay €200-400 extra)
• Electricity and water (€50-150/month in summer)
• Internet (€30-50)

The Maltese Housing Market: Why is it so expensive?

Malta’s population density rivals Monaco’s, but apartments are built slowly. Every year, more EU citizens move to the island. Supply simply can’t keep up with demand.

Also: Maltese landlords are mostly small-scale investors treating property as a pension plan. They can afford to be picky and often prefer expats on permanent contracts over digital nomads.

Insider tips for apartment hunting in Malta

After six months of flat-hopping and countless viewings, I learned:

1. Malta Property Facebook Groups: Forget maltapark.com and similar portals. 80% of the best places are posted in Facebook groups.
2. Timing is everything: New posts usually appear between 9-11am and 6-8pm. Move fast – good flats are gone within 2-4 hours.
3. Same-day viewings: Say I can view today and have your documents ready (work contract, last three payslips, ID).
4. Negotiation works: For flats over €1,500, you can often negotiate €100-200 off, especially in the low season.

What does this mean for you? Budget at least 40-50% of your net income for rent. Anything less is unrealistic unless you move to Gozo or the southern villages.

Malta Bureaucracy: When offices close at 11:30am

My first trip to the ID card office was total culture shock. I arrived at 11:45am – the place was closed. We close at 11:30 for lunch break, the security guard told me. Until 2:30pm. On a Tuesday.

The Maltese bureaucracy reality

Malta has one of the least efficient administrations in Europe – that’s not just my opinion, it’s from the EU Commission’s 2023 Digitalisation Index. Here are the office hours of the key public offices:

Lunch breaks are sacred. At 11:30 sharp, the counter closes, even if 20 people are still in line. No exceptions.

EU registration: The paper war begins

As an EU citizen, you must register within three months. Sounds easy – but it’s not. You’ll need:

• Completed Form A (only in English, handwritten)
• Work contract or proof of self-employment
• Rental contract (notarised)
• Proof of health insurance
• Biometric photo (must be less than 6 months old)
• Passport photo for the file (in addition to biometric one)

My tip: Go at 8:00am. Officials are more relaxed and you’ll be done before lunch break.

The language of bureaucracy: Malti meets English

Malta has two official languages: Maltese and English. In theory. In practice, many clerks prefer to speak Malti among themselves and only switch to English reluctantly – especially at the tax office.

Documents are sometimes in English, sometimes in Malti, sometimes in both with different contents. My tax assessment was in Malti only – Google Translate became my best friend.

What does this mean for you? Always block out a whole morning for official business. Never go without an appointment, and always bring all documents in triplicate – you never know what extras they’ll want today.

Transport in Malta: Why you need a car but dont want one

Malta covers 316 square kilometers. For comparison: that’s smaller than Munich county. Still, the bus from Sliema to Mellieha takes 90 minutes. By car, it’s 25 minutes. Welcome to Malta.

The Maltese bus system: A love-hate relationship

Transport Malta replaced the old yellow vintage buses with modern Arriva buses in 2011. That’s the good news. The bad: the timetable is more wishful thinking than reality.

Here are the hardest facts about the bus system:

• Delays: 15-30 minutes are normal, 45+ minutes happen weekly
• Air Conditioning: Works in about 60% of buses – essential in summer
• Route 202 (Sliema-Valletta): Every 10 minutes on paper, really every 20-45 minutes
• Sunday Service: Reduced schedules, many routes don’t run
• Nights: Last bus usually between 9:00-11:00pm

A monthly pass costs €26 (2024), single tickets €2. Sounds cheap, but if you spend two hours a day on the bus, your maths changes quickly.

Driving in Malta: Adventure included

Many expats end up buying a car within six months. Not because they want to, but because they have to. Here’s the reality:

Add to that the road conditions: potholes like moon craters, roundabouts with no clear rules, and local drivers who think indicators are optional.

Alternative transport options

Smart people look for alternatives:

1. E-scooter: Bolt and Tier have conquered Malta. €0.20/minute, perfect for short Sliema/Valletta trips
2. Car sharing: GoTo Malta offers rentals from €8/hour including fuel
3. Bicycle: Only for the brave – no cycle lanes, aggressive drivers, lots of hills
4. Taxi apps: Bolt and eCabs, but expensive (Sliema-Airport = €15-25)

What does this mean for you? Budget €200-400 per month for transport. Less is only realistic if you live and work in Sliema/Valletta – or have lots of patience.

Malta Cost of Living: More expensive than you think, cheaper than you expect

Malta isn’t cheap. That was my first impression after my first supermarket trip: €4.50 for cheese, €6 for detergent, €8 for shampoo. But at the same time I paid €3 for lunch in Valletta and €2 for a Cisk beer. Malta doesn’t make sense – until you figure out the system.

Supermarket shock: Where Malta is really expensive

Many products are imported. You notice it at the checkout. Here are my monthly costs after two years of optimising:

The most expensive items:

• Dairy: €4.50 for 250g mozzarella
• Meat: €25/kg for regular beef
• Vegetables: €8/kg for peppers (out of season)
• Bread: €2.50 for a regular loaf
• Detergent: €12 for Persil (Germany: €6)

Where Malta is cheaper: Positive surprises

Not everything is more expensive. Some things cost less than in Germany:

• Local restaurants: Maltese pastizzi for €0.50, lunch from €6
• Hairdresser: Men €8-15, women €25-40 (vs. Germany: +50%)
• Fitness: Gym memberships from €25/month
• Alcohol: Local beer €1.50-2, wine from €4/bottle
• Cinema: €7-9 per ticket
• Doctor visits: Private doctors from €25

Smart Shopping in Malta: My survival tips

After two years, I’ve developed a system:

1. Lidl and Smart Supermarket: I buy 80% here, 20-30% cheaper than Welbees or Pavi
2. Tas-Sliema Market (Saturday): Fresh fruit and veg, 40% less than supermarket prices
3. Online shopping: Amazon UK delivers to Malta, often cheaper even with shipping
4. Bulk buying: Stock up on non-perishables during deals
5. Local apps: Wolt and Bolt Food often have 30-50% discount offers

What does this mean for you? Expect 40-50% higher living costs than in Germany, but 20-30% less than Switzerland. As a single, you’ll need at least €2,500 net for a comfortable lifestyle.

Malta Expat Community: Why everyone lives in Sliema

A huge percentage of international expats live within a 3km radius covering Sliema, St. Julian’s, and Gzira. That’s not an exaggeration – that’s reality. This creates a strange bubble that’s both fantastic and frustrating.

The Sliema bubble: Where everyone meets

In Sliema, you’ll find more Germans, Italians, and Scandinavians than Maltese. The reasons are practical:

• Everything walkable: Offices, restaurants, shops – all on foot
• English everywhere: You’ll survive with zero Malti
• International infrastructure: German pharmacy, Italian restaurants, Scandinavian kindergartens
• Transport hub: All major bus lines pass through Sliema
• Networking: Most expat events take place here

The downside: You live in an international bubble and never get to know real Malta.

Expat groups and networking in Malta

Malta has a super active expat scene. The main communities:

Events are almost daily: Networking drinks at Hugo’s Lounge, beach volleyball in Bugibba, Sunday roast at Palazzo Preca, poker nights at Casino Malta.

Integration vs. the expat bubble: The tricky balance

This is the biggest issue: It’s so easy to just stick with other expats that after years you may not speak a word of Maltese or have any Maltese friends.

Maltese locals are friendly but reserved. Most have lifelong friends from school and open up slowly to foreigners. My tips for real integration:

1. Join local clubs: Football teams, church groups, hobby groups
2. Learn basic Malti: Bongu (Hello), Grazzi (Thank you), Sahha (Bye) open doors
3. Support local businesses: Go to a Maltese barber, not the German one
4. Explore outside Sliema: Mdina, Marsaxlokk, Dingli – discover the real Malta

What does this mean for you? You’ll find friends in the expat community instantly, but real integration requires effort. Both have their perks.

Malta Business: When Siesta Meets Startup Mentality

Malta has two business worlds: the traditional Maltese, with long lunch breaks and famiglia structures, and the international gaming/tech scene with Silicon Valley ambitions. Navigating between those two worlds was one of my biggest learning curves.

The gaming industry: Malta’s cash cow

Malta is Europe’s gaming capital. Many companies have their EU license here. This brings both advantages and downsides:

Perks:

• High salaries: €45,000-80,000 for senior roles
• International teams: 15+ nationalities in one office
• Modern offices with rooftops and games rooms
• Flexible hours and remote work options
• Company events: Yacht parties in summer, Xmas parties in historic palaces

Downsides:

• High turnover: Average stay is 18 months
• Stress levels: Quarterly numbers rule everything
• Limited career paths: Few senior management jobs
• Ethics: Gambling sector isn’t for everyone

Salary structures in Malta: What to expect

Salaries in Malta vary greatly by sector and company nationality:

Usually there are extras: Health insurance, gym membership, laptop, sometimes a rental subsidy.

Work culture in Malta: Relaxed yet inefficient

The Maltese work culture is unique:

International companies (Gaming/Tech):

• 9-5, flexitime
• Flat hierarchies, quick decisions
• Meeting culture: 30% of time on calls
• Performance-based: KPIs are king

Maltese traditional businesses:

• 8-5 with 1.5h lunch
• Strict hierarchy, slow decision-making
• Relationships matter more than performance
• Famiglia mentality: Loyalty rewarded

Case in point: My first Maltese employer took four months to approve a new CRM because every department head had to agree and decisions are made face-to-face, never by email.

What does this mean for you? Gaming/tech jobs pay best but can be stressful. Old-school sectors are more relaxed but less innovative. Choose based on your priorities.

Malta Healthcare: Private is a Must, Not a Choice

Malta has a two-tier health system: free public care for locals and EU citizens, and private care for anyone who doesn’t want to spend six hours in the waiting room. Spoiler: you’ll want the private option.

Public vs private healthcare in Malta

In theory, EU citizens are entitled to free care. In practice, the public system is overloaded:

My reality check: In 2023, I needed an orthopedist for knee issues. Public waiting time: September 2024. Private slot: same week for €80. Easy decision.

Private health insurance in Malta: A necessity

Most expats get private health insurance. The most popular providers:

• Globality Health: €80-150/month, international cover
• MSV Life: €60-120/month, Malta focus
• Elmo Insurance: €45-90/month, basic cover
• German/Austrian insurers: €100-200/month, EU-wide

My tip: Choose a policy covering Mater Dei Hospital and Gozo General Hospital. These private clinics meet German standards.

Doctors and clinics in Malta

Many private doctors trained in the UK, Germany or Italy. Standards are high, costs are too:

Top private clinics:

1. St. James Hospital: Surgery and cardiology specialist
2. AMA Clinic Sliema: GPs and basic treatment

Typical costs without insurance:

• GP visit: €25-40
• Dentist (check-up): €40-60
• Dentist (filling): €120-200
• Blood test: €50-80
• Emergency: €100-300

What does this mean for you? Budget at least €100/month for health insurance. The public system really only makes sense for emergencies.

Malta Language Confusion: Malti, English, and Hand Gestures

Malta has two official languages: Maltese and English. Sounds simple but it isn’t. After two years, I still don’t fully understand when to use which – sometimes Maltese people use both at the same time.

The reality of Maltese bilingualism

Maltese (Malti) is most people’s mother tongue. Many speak English fluently, but not always willingly. Here’s how languages play out in different situations:

The mix is wild: Maltese switch languages mid-sentence. Illum we had a really busy day fil-office, so we decided to go għal-dinner. Totally normal.

Learning Maltese: Harder than it looks

Maltese is Europe’s only Semitic language, related to Arabic. The grammar is complex, the pronunciation tough. Examples:

• Bongu (Good morning) – pronounced Bon-ju
• Grazzi hafna (Thank you very much) – Grats-i hafna
• Fejn qiegħed il-bank? (Where is the bank?) – Fein ae-ed il-bank?
• Kemm tiswa? (How much is it?) – Kem tis-wa?

Duolingo doesn’t offer Maltese. Very few textbooks exist, usually in English. University of Malta runs evening classes for €200/semester.

English in Malta: British with an Italian accent

Maltese English is quirky:

• Italian intonation: Sentences often end on a rising note
• Word order: Where are you going to? instead of Where are you going?
• Tenses: I am knowing him instead of I know him
• Articles: I work in the finance instead of I work in finance

You’ll rarely misunderstand, but getting used to the accent takes time.

Practical language situations in daily Malta life

My experience after two years:

1. Supermarket: English always works
2. Bus drivers: 50/50 – some speak only Malti
3. Older people: Often limited English
4. Handymen: Usually Malti only, bring Google Translate
5. Restaurants: Tourist zone = English, village spots = Malti

What does this mean for you? You’ll get by perfectly in English, but knowing 10-15 Maltese basics opens doors and hearts. People love when foreigners make the effort.

Malta Climate: When 40°C and power cuts collide

Malta markets itself as a year-round sunny Mediterranean paradise. That’s true – but nobody mentions that 40°C in July, torrential rains in winter, and regular power outages in summer are part of daily life.

The Maltese seasons: a rollercoaster

Technically Malta has four seasons, but in reality there are only two: summer (April-October) and winter (November-March). Here are the facts:

Summer in Malta: Sweating comes standard

July and August are brutal. 35°C in the shade, feels like 45°C due to humidity. Add the Scirocco – a hot Sahara wind – and it tops 40°C.

Biggest summer challenges:

• Power cuts: Grid overloads during heatwaves, especially in Sliema and Gzira
• Water shortages: Warm water from the tap, sometimes no cold for hours
• Air-con bills: Power bills spike from €60 to €200-300 per month
• Public transport: Buses without working AC are torture
• Sleep issues: No AC = impossible, with AC = expensive

My first summer in 2022 was rough. Three days at 42°C, AC failed, no technician available – I slept in the office.

Winter in Malta: Underestimated and uncomfortable

Malta winters aren’t cold but they’re damp. Most homes lack heating and have poor insulation. When it’s 12°C outside, it’s 12°C indoors too.

Winter realities:

• Humidity: 80-90%, risk of mould in bedrooms
• Power bills: Electric heaters send bills soaring
• Storms and rain: When it rains, it pours – streets become lakes
• Vitamin D loss: Less sun than expected, especially Dec/Jan

Climate adaptation: My survival tips

After two years, here’s my strategy:

Summer survival:

1. Wake up early: 6-10am are the pleasant hours
2. Siesta: Stay indoors between 12-4pm
3. Plan AC time: Don’t run it 24/7 – just at night and for home office
4. Backup plan: Coworking space or shopping mall as heat escape

Winter survival:

1. Buy a dehumidifier: €50-100 investment, keeps mould away
2. Warm clothes: Yes, you’ll need sweaters in Malta
3. Vitamin D supplements: Dec–Feb gets dark
4. Plan indoor activities: Rain can last for days

What does this mean for you? The climate is amazing from March-June and September-November. Summer is hot and pricey, winter wetter than you’d expect. Plan accordingly.

Malta Culture Shock: Why Maltese Time Is Different

Geographically, Malta sits between Sicily and North Africa – and culturally, it does too. German punctuality meets Italian chill, British politeness meets Arab hospitality. The result is charming, but takes getting used to.

Maltese time: Punctuality is relative

Maltese Time is real. Appointments are guidelines, not promises:

• Private meetups: +15-30 minutes is normal
• Handyman appointments: Might be the next day
• Restaurants: Booking for 7pm means 7:30pm
• Events/parties: +1 hour is standard
• Business meetings: These are (mostly) punctual

My shock: Waited 45 minutes for an installer. When he came, he said, Sorry, had coffee with my cousin. No guilt. That’s Malta.

Family first: The famiglia factor

Malta is a small island with 500,000 people. Everyone knows everyone, and family comes before everything:

This has pros and cons: Networking is through personal relationships, but as a foreigner, building trust takes longer.

Communication style: Directness isn’t the norm

Germans are direct, Maltese are diplomatic. What’s honest to Germans sounds rude to Maltese:

Example – workplace criticism:

• German: This project isn’t going well, we need to change X, Y, Z.
• Maltese: The project is going well, but maybe we could consider some small improvements…

Germans may find Maltese politeness indecisive or insincere.

Religion and tradition: More Catholic than the Pope

Malta is predominantly Catholic, and it shows in daily life:

• Sundays: Many shops closed, family day
• Festa season (May–September): Every village celebrates its saint with fireworks and parades
• Easter: More important than Christmas, celebrated for three days
• Divorce: Only legal since 2011, still controversial
• Abortion: Illegal, big taboo

As an atheist or Protestant, I never had problems, but the Catholic influence is everywhere.

Social life: Small island, big dramas

Malta is one big village. Gossip travels faster than WiFi:

• Dating: Everyone’s dated everyone (or knows someone who has…)
• Job switch: Your new boss probably knows your old one socially
• Scandals: Everyone knows, but nobody talks
• Expat vs local dating: Complicated, but not impossible

My tip: Malta’s too small for drama. Be polite to everyone – you’ll meet them again.

What does this mean for you? Let go of German standards. Malta runs slower, more personally, and is family-centric. It’s both frustrating and charming.

Reality Check Malta: What Remains after Two Years

Malta isn’t the Instagram paradise shown in lifestyle blogs. It’s pricier, more bureaucratic, and more exhausting than expected. But it’s also livelier, more diverse, and more surprising than the clichés.

The hard facts: What Malta really costs

After two years, I can honestly say: Malta isn’t a cheap expat destination. Here are my real monthly costs as a single in Sliema:

You also face one-offs: €3,000 for moving, €2,000 for a car, €1,500 for furniture. Realistic minimum for a comfortable life: €2,500 net per month.

Who should move to Malta – and who shouldn’t

Malta is perfect for you if:

• Your net salary is at least €3,000
• You’re flexible and patient
• You enjoy working in international teams
• You love sunshine more than German efficiency
• You’re open to new cultures and languages
• You prefer city to rural living

Malta isn’t for you if:

• You earn less than €2,500 net
• You need punctuality and efficiency
• You want big flats and low living costs
• You’re impatient with bureaucracy
• You prefer solitude over communities
• You crave four seasons and changing weather

My personal Malta verdict

Would I move to Malta again? Yes. Would I recommend it to everyone? No.

Malta has taught me that quality of life is more than just efficiency and low costs. Life is slower here, but richer. The sun shines 300 days a year, I speak to five nationalities daily, and my commute is a ten-minute walk.

At the same time, I pay more for a 45sqm flat here than for a 70sqm one in Munich, wait ages for handymen and regularly get frustrated by Maltese laid-back attitudes.

Malta is a compromise. If you’re ready to swap German standards for Mediterranean lifestyle – and have the budget – it’s a fantastic adventure.

What does this mean for you? Come for a few months and try it out. Malta will show you quickly whether you’re a match or not.

Frequently Asked Questions about Moving to Malta

How much money do I need at a minimum for Malta?

As a single, you’ll need at least €2,500 net per month for a comfortable lifestyle. You can survive with €2,000, but only if you live in remote areas and are very frugal. For couples, budget at least €3,500 combined.

As an EU citizen, can I just move to Malta?

Yes, but you must register with the police within three months. You’ll need a work contract or proof of sufficient funds, a rental contract, and health insurance.

How hard is it to find an apartment in Malta?

Very hard, especially in Sliema/St. Julian’s. Good flats are snapped up within hours. Use Facebook groups instead of portals and be ready to view and sign instantly. Budget at least €1,200 for a 40sqm apartment.

Do I need a car in Malta?

Not essential, but highly recommended. The bus system is unreliable and slow. In Sliema/Valletta you can manage without a car, for everything else you’ll need patience or a taxi budget. Many expats buy a car after six months.

How good is the health system in Malta?

The public system is free but overloaded (6+ months for specialist appointments). The private system is excellent but pricey (€60-120 per specialist visit). Private health insurance from €80/month is basically essential.

Can I survive in Malta with just English?

Absolutely. Most Maltese speak fluent English, especially in tourist and business settings. A few Maltese basics (Bongu, Grazzi) open doors and are much appreciated.

How are the job prospects in Malta?

Excellent in Gaming, Tech and Financial Services. Salaries range from €35,000-80,000 for experienced professionals. Lower (€25,000-45,000) in traditional sectors. Remote work is widespread and accepted.

What’s the best time to move to Malta?

September to November or March to May. Pleasant weather, fewer tourists, easier to find housing. July/August is too hot, December/January surprisingly miserable and damp.

How expensive is life in Malta really?

30-40% more expensive than Germany for groceries and rent, but cheaper for restaurants and services. Imported items are very pricey (dairy, meat), local stuff is cheaper. Electricity is costly in summer due to aircon use.

Is Malta worth it for retirees?

Yes, with sufficient income (at least €2,000 pension). Tax benefits for non-dom status, good weather, English-speaking, solid private healthcare. But: high cost of living and noisy tourist centres.