Family Relocated Internationally: From Munich to Malta with Two Kids – Our Honest Reflection After 2 Years

Why We Chose Malta as Our New Home

From Munich to Malta: The Motivation Behind It

Let’s be honest: who doesn’t dream of waking up to a sea view instead of staring at the neighbor across the street? But our motivation went deeper than just “sun and sand.” After 15 years in Munich, we were tired—tired of paying €1,800 cold rent for 85 square meters, tired of nursery spots you have to register for before you even conceive, and tired of a tax rate that seemed to eat up every raise we got. Malta offered us a combination that sounded almost too good to be true: EU member (no visa hassles), English as an official language (the kids would instantly understand what was going on at school), and a tax system far more family-friendly than Germany’s. The Non-Dom status (Non-Domiciled regulation for non-Maltese nationals) meant for us as freelancers: foreign income isn’t taxed as long as it’s not transferred to Malta.

Malta vs. Other Expat Destinations for Families

Why not Portugal or Spain? Good question. We loved Portugal, but the NHR (Non-Habitual Resident) program was already crowded by 2022 and property prices had exploded. Spain? Gorgeous, but the language barrier with two school-age kids felt too risky. Malta scored high with three key advantages: – International schools with British or American curriculum – Compact size: everything is reachable in 30 minutes (if the bus shows up) – Established expat community: you’ll always find someone who’s faced the same struggles What does that mean for you? Malta is perfect if you want to move abroad but still crave some security. It’s Europe—but with 300 days of sunshine a year.

Moving to Malta: Planning and Preparation with Family

Timeline and Bureaucracy: Plan for a 6-Month Lead Time

Spoiler alert: never underestimate Maltese bureaucracy. What’s complicated in Germany is… well, still complicated in Malta, just differently. Identity Malta (the local immigration office) isn’t as digital as the German system yet, but the people there are genuinely helpful. Our timeline looked like this: – 6 months prior: Research and apply to schools (yes, that early!) – 4 months prior: Start searching for an apartment (online, then on-site) – 3 months prior: Book a moving company and deal with German paperwork – 2 months prior: Sign lease, transfer deposit – 1 month prior: Final appointments, deregistration, packing The most important tip: Visit Malta for a week before you plan the move. Tourism and everyday life are two different worlds. What seems romantic at 40°C in August can be sobering in November during a storm.

What Does a Family Move to Malta Really Cost?

Here are the raw numbers nobody likes to talk about:

There are hidden costs, too: electricity in Malta is about €0.20 per kWh (Germany: €0.30), but the AC runs nonstop from May to October. Our first summer bill: €280 for two months. Ouch.

Documents and Registration Procedures

Malta doesn’t make it easy, but it’s not impossible either. As an EU citizen, all you theoretically need is your ID card. In reality, you won’t get far without these documents:

• Apply for Residency Card: Mandatory after 3 months, takes 2–4 weeks
• Tax registration: At the Malta Tax Authority (IRD)
• Open a bank account: Utility bill required as proof of address
• Sort out health insurance: EHIC is sufficient to start with
• Complete school registration: With German report card and translation

The trick: go to the offices in person. Online applications sometimes vanish into the digital void, but a friendly smile works wonders face-to-face.

Maltas School System: International Education for Our Kids

Private vs. State Schools: How We Decided

Malta’s school system is trilingual: Maltese, English, and another foreign language (usually Italian). Sounds great, but it was a culture shock for our kids. Public schools are free and solid, but as Germans with no Maltese, the kids would’ve had a hard time. So we opted for an international private school. The options in Malta: – American International School of Malta: American curriculum, very international – QSI International School: Also American, smaller classes – Verdala International School: British system, a bit more traditional – San Andrea School: International Baccalaureate, very academic

Costs of International Schooling

Here’s where it gets pricey, but you get quality:

We currently pay about €18,000 per year for both kids. That sounds like a lot, but in Munich we would’ve paid similar amounts for private schools—and here, the sea is at the doorstep.

Integration and Language Learning

Our experience: the kids settled in faster than we expected. After three months, both spoke fluent English; after six months, they had Maltese friends; after a year, they could even manage a few phrases in Maltese. Kids are amazingly adaptable. The school bus picks them up in the mornings, class sizes are small (15–20 students), and teachers come from around the world. Our son had a Canadian teacher in Grade 6, an Australian, and a math teacher from Germany. That’s real international flair. What does this mean for you? If you’re willing to invest in education, Malta offers your kids an international perspective they wouldn’t get in Germany.

Living in Malta: Family-Friendly Areas and Rental Prices

The Best Residential Areas for Families with Kids

Malta is small, but the differences between regions are huge. After two years, here are my personal pros and cons for the different areas: Sliema/St. Julians: Malta’s answer to Manhattan. High-rises, restaurants, nightlife—also loud, overpriced, and a tourist mecca in summer. Not great for families unless you love city life with a sea view. Valletta and surrounding areas: Gorgeous, but most apartments are in old buildings with no elevator. A nightmare with kids and strollers. And parking? Forget about it. Mosta/Naxxar/Birkirkara: Malta’s suburbia. Locals live here, normal supermarkets, and no expat premium. We chose Mosta and haven’t looked back. 15 minutes to Valletta, 20 minutes to the beach, and the kids can still ride their bikes safely. Mellieha/Bugibba: The north is quieter and cheaper, but more remote. Perfect if you want peace and quiet, challenging if you rely on public transport.

Rental Prices and Apartment Hunting: The Reality

Rental prices in Malta have exploded in recent years. Here are the current average rates for a 3-bedroom apartment (2024):

We pay €1,600 for a 140-square-meter flat in Mosta with three bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a rooftop terrace. In Munich, the same money would barely get us 90 square meters in a new development.

What to Watch Out for When Apartment Hunting

Malta-specific pitfalls no one warns you about:

• Dampness: Malta is an island. Basements are damp, ground floors too. Always check for mold.
• Water pressure: An issue in many buildings. Test the showerhead!
• Parking: Never take it for granted. In many areas it’s just luck.
• Air conditioning: A must-have. Check it works, and who pays for repairs.
• Internet: Malta has good broadband, but not everywhere. Test in advance if you’re a remote worker.

Our tip: use local Facebook groups like “Malta Rentals” or “Expats in Malta.” You’ll often find better deals than on the big platforms.

Cost of Living in Malta: What a Family Really Spends

Our Monthly Budget: The Honest Breakdown

After two years, I keep a meticulous record of our expenses. Here are the real numbers for a family of four in Malta (2024):

What’s More Expensive in Malta (and Why)

Almost everything is imported in Malta. You’ll notice it as soon as you go shopping: – Dairy products: A pack of German butter costs €4.50 (Germany: €2.20) – Meat: Good EU quality is 30–40% more expensive – Electricity: AC makes up 60% of the summer bill – Cars: Imports make new cars 15–20% more expensive than in Germany On the other hand, restaurants and services are often cheaper. Dinner for four at a good restaurant: €60–80 (Munich: €100–120).

Malta Shopping: Where to Buy What?

After two years, I know the best family-shopping spots: Supermarkets: – Lidl/PAVI: Cheapest, but limited selection – Welbees: Wide range, prices similar to Rewe – Tower Supermarket: Premium, but you’ll find almost everything Weekly markets: Saturday in Marsaxlokk for fresh fish, Sunday in Valletta for vegetables. Prices are 30–40% cheaper than the supermarket. Online: COVID also digitized Malta. Bolt Food and Wolt deliver just about anything—for a surcharge, of course. What does this mean for you? Plan on spending 10–15% more for groceries, but save on restaurants and services.

Social Integration: Making Friends as an Expat Family

The Maltese Expat Community

One of our biggest worries before moving: would we make friends? Spoiler: Yes, but it takes time. Malta has a huge international community, but it’s often very fluid. Many people stay just 1–2 years before moving on to Spain or back home. German expats in Malta generally fall into three groups: – The Digital Nomads: Young, flexible, mostly childless – The Tax Optimizers: Entrepreneurs and freelancers with Non-Dom status – The Quality of Life Seekers: Families like ours fleeing the German rat race

Where We Found Our Best Friends

International schools: A jackpot for family friendships. Waiting at the school bus you meet other parents, and school events spark connections. Our best friends in Malta: an Italian family and an American-Maltese couple—all met through the school. Sports clubs: Malta loves football and water sports. Our son plays for Hibernians FC (local club), our daughter at Malta Swimming Club. Sports connect you—even across language barriers. Facebook groups: – Germans in Malta (1,200 members): For all German-related questions – Expat Families Malta (3,400 members): International, very active – Malta Mums & Dads (5,000 members): Local and international parents

Integrating into Maltese Society

The Maltese are friendly but reserved. You’ll always be treated politely, but making real friendships with locals takes time. Our neighbors always greet us warmly, but it took 18 months before we got invited to a BBQ. Tips for better integration:

• Take a Maltese class: Shows respect and opens doors
• Attend local festivals: Village festas are the heart of Maltese culture
• Become a regular at local cafés: Maltese people love their routines
• Get kids into Maltese activities: You’ll meet other parents through your children

What does it mean for you? Allow 6–12 months for real social integration. The expat community helps you get started, but lasting friendships come through shared activities and time.

Malta with Kids: Leisure and Activities

Beaches and Water Sports: Paradise at Your Doorstep

If you move to Malta with kids, water will become your new best friend. Our kids were reluctant swimmers in Germany, now they’re practically fish. The best family-friendly beaches: Golden Bay: Sandy beach, shallow water, lifeguards in summer. There’s parking, but arrive early! Mellieha Bay: Malta’s longest sandy beach. Perfect for kids, as the water gets deeper very gradually. Restaurants and cafés are right on the beach. Ghajn Tuffieha: Stunning, but the walk down is steep. Tough with young children. St. Georges Bay: In St. Julians, touristy but convenient. Good bus service, everything you need nearby.

Leisure Activities Beyond the Beach

Malta is small but surprisingly diverse. Our family favorites: Historical sites: – Valletta: UNESCO World Heritage Site, but only interesting for kids in small doses – Hypogeum: Prehistoric underground burial—thrilling for teens, a bit dull for little kids – Mdina: The “Silent City”—perfect for an afternoon out Outdoor activities: – Climbing and hiking: Dingli Cliffs have amazing views – Cycling: Only safe in a few areas—Malta is NOT bike-friendly – Horseback riding: Several stables offer lessons for kids Indoor alternatives (vital in stormy weather): – Malta Aquarium: Small but nice, 2–3 hours’ worth of fun – Esplora Interactive Science Centre: Hands-on museum, perfect for ages 6–14 – Bowling/Cinema: Eden Cinema in St. Julians, latest movies in English

Costs of Kids’ Activities

It sounds like a lot, but keep in mind: in Munich we’d have paid more just for a pool membership, and here the kids can swim in the sea for eight months of the year.

Challenges and Honest Downsides

What No One Tells You: The Darker Side

After two years in Malta, I’m still in love with the island, but I wouldn’t be honest if I ignored the problems. Here’s what still regularly drives me mad: Traffic and Transport: Malta has the worst traffic system in Europe. Period. Buses are late or don’t show, the apps are unreliable, and driving is stressful thanks to narrow roads and aggressive drivers. Our 8-year-old takes the school bus—45 minutes for a route that should take 15 by car. Bureaucracy and Services: “Tomorrow” is a flexible concept in Malta. Our internet was supposed to be installed in a week? It took three. The AC repair was to take “a few days”? Plan for two weeks. You really learn to always have a Plan B. Environment and Sustainability: Malta has a serious waste problem. Recycling exists in theory, but in reality a lot still ends up in the sea. As an eco-conscious family from Germany, this was a real culture shock.

The Healthcare System: Reality Check

The Maltese healthcare system is… complicated. All EU citizens are covered via EHIC, but: – Waiting times: Specialist appointments take 3–6 months – Language barriers: Not every doctor is fluent in English – Private alternative: Costs extra, but far more efficient We have a private health insurance policy for €320 a month (for the family), and it’s well worth it. When our son broke his arm, we were at the private hospital in 30 minutes, and home after two hours—with x-rays, a cast, and everything sorted.

Social Isolation: The Hidden Issue

Malta might have a large expat community, but it’s often superficial. Most acquaintances remain at the small-talk-about-the-weather level. Deep, long-lasting friendships take years, not months. The first months we were all homesick. The kids missed their friends back in Germany, and we missed our families. Skype helps, but it’s not the same as dropping by the grandparents’ on a whim.

Weather: Not Always Sunshine

“300 days of sun a year” is technically true, but Malta gets some wild storms. Winter 2023 saw three weeks of continuous rain and storms—very depressing. And the summer heat is more brutal than we expected—42°C with high humidity is just no fun. What does this mean for you? Go to Malta with realistic expectations. It’s not paradise on earth, but for us, the pros definitely outweigh the cons.

Frequently Asked Questions About Moving to Malta as a Family

Is Malta safe for children?

Malta is one of the safest countries in Europe. Crime rates are low and violent crime is rare. Our kids walk to school and activities alone—something we never allowed in Munich. That said, traffic is chaotic, so you do need to be careful.

How does health insurance work for EU citizens?

With the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), you have access to the state healthcare system. For comprehensive coverage, I still recommend private add-on insurance. It costs about €250–350 per month for a family.

Can German kids transition back to the German school system after years in Malta?

That depends on the school. International schools with a German or International Baccalaureate curriculum make the transition smoother. Purely English-language schools can make re-entry harder, especially in German and science subjects.

What are the real living costs?

For a family of four, budget €4,500–6,000 per month, including private schools. Without school fees, €3,000–4,000 is enough for a comfortable standard of living. The biggest expenses are rent and education.

Do you need a car in Malta?

Theoretically no, practically yes. Buses are unreliable and inconvenient with kids. A car makes life much easier, even if parking is a nightmare. Budget €300–500 per month for car, insurance, and fuel.

How difficult is it to find work in Malta?

Malta suffers from a labor shortage in many sectors. IT, gaming, finance, and tourism all offer solid prospects. The average salary is €25,000–35,000 gross—a lot less than Germany, but taxes are also lower.

What if there’s a Brexit-like scenario?

As an EU member, Malta is stable, but political changes could affect the tax system. The Non-Dom status has already been adjusted several times. Never base long-term plans only on tax perks.

Is Malta suitable for German retirees?

Absolutely. Many German retirees happily live in Malta. The healthcare system is adequate, the climate is easy on the joints, and living costs are manageable. The north (Mellieha, Bugibba) is especially popular among seniors.

How good is the internet for remote work?

Surprisingly good. GO and Melita offer fiber optics with 100–1000 Mbps. We get 200 Mbps for €35/month in our apartment. Video calls work flawlessly—only local storms occasionally cause outages.

Are international schools worth the money?

In our experience: yes. The classes are small, the attention is personal, and our kids have grown more confident and open-minded in two years than in six years of German primary school. But it’s a pricey investment—budget at least €15,000 per child per year.