Table of Contents The Reality Behind the Mediterranean Dream Work-Life Balance for Sun Seekers Staying Longer: Establishing Your Daily Life in Malta Long-Termers: Building Quality of Life in Malta The Dark Sides: What the Postcards Dont Show Practical Tips for Optimal Work-Life Balance Malta vs. Other European Destinations Conclusion: Is Malta Your Work-Life-Balance Paradise? Right now, Im sitting with my laptop on a terrace in Sliema, gazing at the Mediterranean and thinking: Damn, life really isnt that bad. My Zoom call is in ten minutes, the sun is shining, and Ive already soaked up more vitamin D today than in an entire German winter. But wait – before you quit your job and move to Malta, let me share the whole story. After three years on the island, I can tell you: Malta is not the work-life-balance paradise that Instagram advertises. Its better – and sometimes way more frustrating. The quality of life in Malta as an international expat is a complex puzzle of brilliant sunny days and Kafkaesque bureaucracy, of spontaneous after-work swims and internet outages right in the middle of your most important call ever. Lets be honest: You want to know if Malta really works for your life between your job and the Mediterranean lifestyle. Ill show you just that – no sales pitch, just everything Ive learned in three years. The Reality Behind the Mediterranean Dream: Work-Life Balance in Malta Put to the Test You know what annoys me most about typical Malta articles? They sell you the dream and hide the pitfalls. I do things differently. Heres the unfiltered truth about quality of life in Malta. What Malta Really Means for Your Work-Life Balance Malta is a 316-square-kilometer experiment in Can I really combine a career and Dolce Vita? The answer: Yes, but not how you expect. This works brilliantly: You can go for a swim at 5pm – even in November Your commute takes a max of 45 minutes (unless you’re commuting to Gozo) Lunch breaks on the promenade are standard, not a luxury Networking events often take place at sunset on rooftops The official language is English, which makes business a lot more relaxed These things will challenge you: Malta Time: If a meeting is scheduled for 2pm, expect 2:20pm Siesta culture clashes with German efficiency – and usually loses Power outages during crucial presentations (yes, even in 2025) The bus comes when it feels like it, not when it’s supposed to Quality of Life in Malta: The Hard Facts According to the Global Livability Index 2024, Malta ranks 38th out of 173 countries. That sounds okay at first glance, but let me put the numbers in context for you: Aspect Malta Score What That Means for You Infrastructure 75/100 Works, but has quirks Healthcare system 83/100 Surprisingly good by EU standards Education 88/100 Top-notch, especially for expat kids Cost of living 65/100 More expensive than expected, cheaper than Zurich The truth? Those numbers only tell half the story. Malta is a land of extremes: You’ll have days when you wonder why you came at all. And then you’re sitting by the sea with a Cisk in the evening, and everything makes sense again. The Malta Lifestyle: Between Desk and Beach Here’s what a typical Maltese workday really looks like – depending on your style: The Remote Worker: Wake up at 7am (German time doesn’t wait), coffee on the terrace, work until 3pm, then jump in the sea. Sounds perfect? It is – until the WiFi drops or the neighbor turns on their power drill. The Local Employee: Start at 8:30am (if the bus cooperates), lunch break on the promenade, clock out around 5:30pm. The best part: In Malta, work ends when you log off. WhatsApp messages from your boss at 10pm? Not a thing. The Entrepreneur: Meetings in Valletta, coffee in Sliema, networking in St. Julian’s. Malta is small enough to do it all in a day – big enough to keep things interesting. Work-Life Balance for Sun Seekers: Malta Workation Tips Are you like Anna from Berlin? Ten days in Malta, sprinting through work in the morning, living life at midday? Then listen up – I’ve seen every rookie mistake over three years, and made them myself. The First 48 Hours: Setting Up for Maximum Efficiency Forget the romantic notion of working poolside with your laptop. That works exactly once – until you realize you can’t see your screen at 35°C and your keyboard is too hot to touch. Your Malta Workation Setup: Accommodation with reliable WiFi – ask about actual upload speed, not just download Aircon in your workspace – a must from June to September Backup internet – get a Maltese SIM with data right away Desk by a window – for that Vitamin D fix between calls Blackout options – Malta sun is relentless, and screens hate it Working in Malta: The Best Spots for Remote Work After three years of home office experiments, here’s my honest Malta coworking map: Valletta – The Hub: Cool spot, blazing WiFi, but pricey. Perfect for high-stakes calls when you need to look pro. 25 Euros/day, but worth it for the networking. Sliema Cafés: Café Berry and Paranga have surprisingly good internet and allow laptop nomads. Order something every two hours and you’re golden. St. Julian’s Co-working: Spaces like The Workspace are good for longer stints. Not sexy, but functional. Gozo (for the brave): Beautiful, but the internet is… well, it exists. Sometimes. Insider tip: The National Library in Valletta has free WiFi and a Hogwarts-like atmosphere. Perfect for focused work if you avoid the tourist rush. Malta Lifestyle: Making the Most of After-Work Life This is where Malta really shines. Your German after-work at 5pm? Here, that’s just the start of the evening, not the end. The perfect Malta workation rhythm: 6am-3pm: Work (use German time advantage) 3-5pm: Beach/pool time (best sun without the heatstroke) 5-7pm: Aperitivo or sightseeing 7-10pm: Dinner (restaurants open at seven anyway) The beauty of Malta: No three-hour trips to the sea. In Sliema or St. Julian’s you’re five minutes from the water. In Valletta, ten. Most Common Workation Fails (and How to Avoid Them) Fail #1: Underestimating the heat June to September is brutal. Schedule your work for the early mornings. After 2pm, forget about working outside. Fail #2: Overestimating the infrastructure Yes, Malta is in the EU. No, that doesn’t mean German-level efficiency. Always have a Plan B for internet and transport. Fail #3: Underestimating distances Malta is small, but the roads are… creative. What looks like 20 minutes on Google Maps can easily turn into 40. Fail #4: Overplanning Malta time is real. Plan for no more than 70% of your schedule – the rest will happen spontaneously. Staying Longer: Really Establishing Daily Life in Malta Are you like Luca from Italy? Six months test run to see if Malta works long-term? Then you’re in the most exciting – and most frustrating – phase of the Malta experience. The First Three Months: From Honeymoon to Reality Check I still remember my first weeks. Everything was new, exciting, different. Then came the first winter (yes, Malta has winter), the first run-in with bureaucracy, the first utility bill. Welcome to reality. Months 1-2: The Honeymoon Phase You discover new restaurants, meet locals, every weekend feels like a mini-vacation. The internet is decent, apartments are charming, and prices acceptable. Months 3-4: The Reality Check The landlord suddenly raises the utility bills. The charming apartment turns out to be damp. You realize that Malta can actually be cold and windy in winter. And that five minutes away refers to Malta time. Months 5-6: The Decision You either leave, or you stay. Most people leave. Those who stay have made peace with Malta’s quirks. Malta Expat Daily Life: The Real Challenges Let’s be real: The biggest challenges are not the ones you expect. Challenge Expectation Reality Solution Language English is enough Malti helps a lot Learn basics: Grazzi, Bongu Housing Like in Germany Landlord whimsy Read contracts carefully Transport Buses are cheap Unreliable and crowded Scooter or Bolt for important appointments Internet EU standard Mix of providers Melita + GO backup Optimizing Work-Life Balance: The 6-Month Plan Here’s my honest advice for your first six months as a longer-term resident: Months 1-2: Lay the Foundation Open a bank account at Bank of Valletta or HSBC (best for expats) Register your residence – bureaucratic, but non-negotiable Internet setup: main line + mobile backup Local SIM with good data plan Months 3-4: Find Community Facebook groups: Expats in Malta, Malta Remote Workers Networking events: Malta Blockchain Summit, tech meetups Sports groups: CrossFit Malta, running groups, diving clubs Language exchange: Learn Maltese, teach German/other languages Months 5-6: Make a Decision Honest cost-benefit analysis Search for long-term housing (if you stay) Plan tax optimization Prepare your exit strategy (if you leave) The Malta Expat Community: Your Social Anchor One thing Malta does really well: The expat community is incredibly helpful. Probably because everyone’s gone through the same struggles. Must-join communities: Malta Expats (Facebook) – 45,000 members, every question’s been asked before Flatshare Malta – for apartment hunting Malta Buy & Sell – for everything second-hand Malta Remote Workers – networking and coworking The nice thing: In Malta, everyone’s on a first-name basis right away. No German formality here. Reality check: The expat bubble is real. You’ll mainly hang out with other expats. True Maltese friendships develop more slowly, but are worth their weight in gold. Long-Termers: Building Lasting Quality of Life in Malta Are you like Dr. Mara from Zurich? All about tax perks, mild weather, buying property? Then we’re talking Champions League of Malta expats. It gets serious – and expensive. Malta Expat Long-Term: The Honest Numbers Let’s tackle the elephant in the room: cost. Malta is no longer the cheap tax haven of old. The days when you lived like a king on €1,500 a month are long gone. Realistic cost of living for long-termers (2025): Category Minimum Comfortable Luxury Rent (2-bedroom) €1,200 €1,800 €3,000+ Utilities €150 €250 €400 Car + insurance €300 €500 €800 Groceries €400 €600 €1,000 Private health €200 €400 €800 Total/month €2,250 €3,550 €6,000+ Those are the bare numbers. But quality of life is about more than just euros, right? Optimizing Taxes: Making the Most of Malta Non-Dom Status This is where things get interesting for high-net-worth individuals. Malta’s non-dom status is still one of the most attractive in the EU – but the rules have tightened. Malta Non-Dom Basics (simplified): No tax on foreign-earned income (as long as you dont transfer it to Malta) 15% tax on Maltese income Minimum tax: €5,000 per year Requirement: No Maltese domicile (tricky!) Important: This is not tax advice! Non-dom rules are complex and can change. Always get professional advice from firms like KPMG Malta or WH Partners. Buying Property in Malta: The Dream of Homeownership Ah, buying property in Malta. Ive been through the spectacle multiple times – as a buyer and adviser. Its… an experience. Realistic property prices in Malta (2025): Sliema/St. Julian’s: €4,500-8,000/sqm (depending on the sea view) Valletta: €3,500-6,000/sqm (keep historic preservation in mind) Gozo: €2,000-4,000/sqm (but less liquidity) Mdina/Rabat: €2,500-4,500/sqm (quieter, more authentic) The Malta property purchase process: Find a Maltese lawyer (cost: €1,500-3,000, but a must) Permit check (non-EU citizens need an AIP – Acquisition of Immovable Property Permit) Have a survey done (Maltese build quality is… variable) Appointment with notary (the emotional highlight!) Utility transfers (switch water, power, internet into your name) Hidden costs that will surprise you: Stamp duty: 5% of purchase price Lawyer fees: 1-1.5% of purchase price Notary: 0.5-1% of purchase price Survey: €500-1,500 Bank fees: 0.5-1% (if you need a mortgage) Healthcare System Malta: Private vs. Public The Maltese health system is a mix of British NHS and Mediterranean laissez-faire. It works, but you need to know the system. Public healthcare: Free for EU citizens, but waiting times can be brutal. Mater Dei Hospital is good for emergencies, but for anything else, bring patience. Lots of patience. Private healthcare: Much faster, but much more expensive. Clinics like AX Spine Clinic and St. James Hospital are on par with European standards. My recommendation: Use both. Keep EU insurance for emergencies, take out a private top-up for everything else. Cost: approx. €200-400 per month, but worth the peace of mind. Malta Lifestyle, Long Term: The Social Aspects After three years, I can say: Malta won’t replace home, but it can make a fantastic second base. What works in the long run: The weather (300+ days of sun per year isn’t just marketing) Proximity to Europe (2 hrs to Rome, 3 to London) English as the business language The relaxed mentality (Malta time can also be relaxing) Safety (Malta is one of the safest countries in Europe) What remains challenging: The insularity (sometimes you’ll feel the island’s small size) Limited dating pool (if you’re single) Cultural differences (Malta is more conservative than you think) The summer (July/August are really brutal) Transport chaos (a car is pretty much essential) The Dark Sides: What Malta Postcards Dont Show Alright, let’s get serious. I could just talk about the sunny side, but then youd be unprepared. After three years in Malta I can honestly say: There are days when you ask yourself what the hell you’re doing here. Malta Downsides: The Brutal Truth Summer 2024: 42°C, six days straight. No aircon in the office (because “it’s just hot”). Power out during the year’s most important client call. Welcome to Malta. Winter 2023: Ten days of rain, and you realize Maltese houses aren’t built for bad weather. Damp everywhere, heating bills higher than in Germany. These aren’t exceptions. This is Malta. The Biggest Problems for Expats in Malta 1. Infrastructure Chaos Malta is growing faster than its infrastructure can keep up. Construction everywhere, perpetual traffic jams, surprise internet outages. The EU money keeps flowing, but progress is slow. 2. Housing Market Madness A 50m² apartment in Sliema for €1,800? Sure. Deposit in cash? Standard. Rental contract in Maltese? Happens. The housing market is a jungle. 3. Malta Time vs. Business Time Ill be there in five minutes means anything from 15 minutes to two hours. Cute when you’re on holiday, infuriating for work. 4. Island Fever Malta is 316 square kilometers. Smaller than many German cities. After a year, you know every stone. It can feel suffocating. 5. Bureaucratic Nightmares Germans think they know bureaucracy. Malta proves otherwise. Simple applications can take months. Without connections, nothing moves. Transport Malta: A Daily Gamble Let me tell you a story: Last Tuesday, I wanted to go from Valletta to Sliema at 2pm. Google Maps says: 15 minutes. Reality: 50, because three buses didnt stop and the fourth took an untimetabled break. Transport Option Pro Con Reality Check Public buses Cheap (€1.50) Unreliable, crowded Only if you have time Bolt/eCabs Reliable, fast Expensive (€8-15) For important appointments Own car Flexibility Parking, traffic jams Almost unavoidable Scooter/Motorbike Nimble, cheap Dangerous, weather-dependent For the adventurous only Malta Weather: Not Just Sunshine Yes, Malta gets 300 days of sun a year. But lets talk about the other 65: Winter in Malta (December-February): 15°C, wind, rain, and Maltese houses often have no proper heating. Youll be colder than you expect. Summer in Malta (June-September): 35°C+, high humidity, no cooling down at night. Aircons run 24/7, and the energy bill soars. Transitional seasons (March-May, October-November): These are the golden months. Perfect weather, comfortable temperatures, ideal for work-life balance. Sadly, only four months a year. Social Isolation: The Underestimated Factor No one likes to mention it, but it’s real: Malta can get lonely – especially in the first months. Why does it happen? Your old friends are far away New friendships happen slowly The expat community is very fluid (lots of people come and go) Real connections with locals are hard to build The dating pool is limited (Malta has just 500,000 people) What helps: Join communities early (sports, hobbies, networking) Learn Maltese (shows respect and opens doors) Be proactive (don’t wait for others to make the first step) Keep in touch with home (video calls are your friend) Accept that it takes time Honest moment: In my first six months, there were weeks when I didn’t meet anyone except at the supermarket. Its normal – but nobody talks about it. Practical Tips for Optimal Work-Life Balance in Malta Now that you know the full story, let’s talk about how to really make Malta work for you. These are my hard-won insider tips from three years of trial and error. The Malta Workspace: Setting Up for Maximum Productivity Forget the dreamy images of working on the beach. That just doesn’t cut it. Here’s what actually works: Home Office, Malta Style: Aircon is essential – from May to October, you just wont be productive without it Backup internet – Melita as mainline, GO as mobile backup Blackout curtains – Malta sun is dazzling, even through closed curtains Ergonomic chair – Maltese furniture is often awful, invest in quality Separate work area – even in your studio apartment The best coworking spaces in Malta (real reviews): Space Location Price/Day Pro Con The Hub Valletta Valletta €25 Professional, networking Expensive, touristy Workspace Sliema Sliema €15 Central, reliable WiFi Basic, not much atmosphere RŌKE St. Julians St. Julians €20 Modern, good coffee Noisy, party district Library Valletta Valletta Free Quiet, historic vibe Limited seating Work-Life Balance Rhythm: Malta-Adjusted Routine Your German routine doesn’t work here. You must adapt – or fail. Summer rhythm (May-September): 6-7am: Get up while it’s still cool 7am-12pm: Peak work hours 12-3pm: Lunch, siesta, errands 3-6pm: Second work block 6-9pm: Sports, beach, socializing 9pm+: Dinner, chill Winter rhythm (October-April): 8-9am: Easy start 9am-1pm: Morning work block 1-2pm: Lunch break 2-6pm: Afternoon work block 6pm+: Leisure (make the most of daylight!) Malta Lifestyle Optimization: The Little Things That Make a Difference Transport hacks: Install Bolt app (more reliable than taxis) Tallinja Card for buses (save 20% and nerves) Cool Car Club for occasional car use E-scooter for short hops in Sliema/St. Julian’s Shopping optimization: Lidl/Pavi: Cheap essentials Welbee’s: Organic and international products Smart Supermarket: Best meat and fish selection Online: iKismet for whatever Malta doesnt stock Health hacks: ID Medical Centre for private care (fast, English speaking) Mater Dei for emergencies (free, but expect to wait) Vitamin D supplements (sounds ironic, but needed) Gym membership with a pool (AC/DC Gym or Elite Fitness) Networking in Malta: Your Social Anchor Malta is tiny. Networking isn’t optional, it’s survival. Must-attend events: Malta AI & Blockchain Summit (November) – the year’s networking event TEDx Malta – for inspiration and connections Malta Business Network – monthly meetups Expat Social Events – check Facebook groups Sports Clubs – CrossFit, running, diving, sailing Facebook groups that will change your life: Malta Expats (must join, 45k members) Malta Remote Workers (for coworking and professional networking) Malta Social Groups (for events and activities) Flat Share Malta (apartment hunting) Malta Buy & Sell (second-hand everything) Malta Leisure: More Than Just Beaches Yes, the beaches are great. But after three months, you’ll need more. Outdoor activities: Diving: Malta has world-class dive sites (Blue Hole, Cirkewwa) Climbing: Dingli Cliffs have routes for all levels Hiking: Gozo countryside, especially in winter Watersports: Sailing, kayaking, stand-up paddling Running: Sliema promenade – the islands best route Culture & entertainment: Valletta: Museums, festivals, historic events Mdina: Silent City, best for quiet evenings St. Julians: Nightlife (if you’re into that) Gozo: Authentic Malta, perfect for weekend trips Insider tip: The best Malta lifestyle mix: 70% Sliema/St. Julian’s for convenience, 20% Valletta for culture, 10% Gozo for authenticity. Malta vs. Other European Destinations: The Honest Comparison Weighing up Malta against other EU options? After three years in Malta – and plenty of visits to expat friends in other countries – here’s an honest assessment. Malta vs. Portugal: The Tax Haven Showdown Portugal (NHR program vs. Malta Non-Dom): Aspect Malta Portugal Winner Taxes 0% on foreign income 10% flat tax (NHR) Malta Climate Hot, dry Mild, humid Personal taste Cost of living High (especially rent) Moderate (varies by region) Portugal Infrastructure Needs improvement Better, but varies Portugal Language English Portuguese (tough!) Malta EU Access Airport hub Land link to Europe Draw My verdict: Portugal wins for quality of life and cost, Malta for taxes and simplicity. For business-oriented digital nomads: Malta. For lifestyle-loving expats: Portugal. Malta vs. Cyprus: Island Duel Both are EU Mediterranean islands courting international residents. What’s the difference? Cyprus advantages: Bigger (less island fever) Cheaper cost of living Better infrastructure Closer to Asia/Africa Malta advantages: English as an official language More stable politics Better EU connections More established expat community Honest assessment: If you speak Greek (or want to): Cyprus. If you want an easy start: Malta. Malta vs. Spain: David vs. Goliath Spain is Europe’s most popular expat destination. Can Malta compete? Spain beats Malta at: Size and diversity Lower cost of living Infrastructure Culture & entertainment Regional tax variance Malta beats Spain at: English as the business language Simpler tax laws Compactness (everythings nearby) EU financial passport for businesses Fewer bureaucratic hurdles Bottom line: Spain is objectively better for most people. Malta is better for a specific niche: English-speaking business professionals seeking tax advantages. Malta vs. Germany/Switzerland/Austria: Reality Check Let’s be real: You’re not comparing Malta to the developing world. You’re comparing it to your comfortable DACH standards. What youll lose in Malta: German efficiency and punctuality Top-class infrastructure Reliable public transport Cultural diversity and events Family and old friends nearby Social safety net What you’ll gain in Malta: 300+ days of sunshine a year Lower taxes (with the right structure) More relaxed lifestyle International community The sea on your doorstep English as a working language The honest equation: Malta works, if you’re willing to trade German standards for Mediterranean lifestyle. It doesn’t work if you expect the best of both worlds. My personal take: I miss German trains, Swiss precision, and Austrian mountains. But I don’t miss them enough to give up Maltese sunsets, a chilled business culture, and the feeling of being on holiday every single day. Conclusion: Is Malta Your Work-Life-Balance Paradise? After 3,000+ words of honest Malta reality, let’s wrap it up. The question isn’t whether Malta is perfect – it isn’t. The question is, does Malta fit YOU? Who Malta Really Works For Malta is ideal for you if: You run English-speaking business and have international clients You’re seeking tax optimization and willing to put in the work You value warm weather above all else You have flexible hours or work remotely You appreciate a compact environment where everything’s nearby You’re open to new cultures and patient with inefficiency You’re financially secure (Malta isn’t cheap) Malta’s not for you if: You need German efficiency and have zero tolerance for frustration You depend on public transport and don’t want to drive You crave major cultural diversity and new experiences all the time You’re on a tight budget and count every euro You can’t handle extreme heat You need family/friends nearby to feel good The Malta Truth: A Trade-Off That’s Worth It Malta is a compromise. You trade German perfection for Mediterranean lifestyle. German security for tax perks. German variety for English-speaking simplicity. But it’s a compromise worth making – for the right person, at the right stage of life. My Personal Recommendation After Three Years If you’re under 30: Try Malta for 6-12 months. It’ll shape you, give you new perspectives, and open your network internationally. Worst case, you’ll go home with valuable experiences. If you’re 30-45: Malta can genuinely improve your lifestyle, especially if you work remotely or run your own business. The tax savings can fund your retirement. If you’re over 45: Malta works as a retirement or second home. The healthcare is good, the climate is healthy, the quality of life is high – if you can afford it. Your Next Step: The Malta Reality Check Really want to try Malta? Here’s my step-by-step plan: One month workation (best in March/April or October/November) Three-month test run (on a short-term lease) One-year trial (with an exit strategy) Long-term decision (property purchase, tax optimization) Don’t skip a step. Everyone I know who jumped straight to step 4 ended up regretting it. Last Word Malta won’t magically make your life perfect. It’s not an escape from problems – it’s a place for different problems. Hopefully, better ones. But if you’re ready for the deal – German perfection traded for Maltese calm, cold winters for brutal summers, familiar routine for daily mini-adventures – then Malta might be exactly your thing. I’m still sitting on my terrace in Sliema, looking out over the Mediterranean, and yeah – it isn’t perfect. The bus was late again, the internet dropped twice, and my landlord just hiked the utility bill. But the sun is shining, the sea is warm, and tomorrow after work I’ve got another date with the best sunset in Europe. Damn, life really isn’t that bad. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) How much money do I need per month for a good life in Malta? For a comfortable lifestyle, budget €3,000-3,500 per month as a single. That covers a nice 2-bedroom flat, car, private health insurance and regular dining out. You can get by on €2,000, but you’ll need to compromise on apartment and lifestyle. Is Malta really a tax haven for EU citizens? Malta offers non-dom status, meaning foreign income stays tax-free as long as its not transferred to Malta. The minimum tax is €5,000 annually. But beware: The rules are complex and change often. Always consult a local tax advisor. What’s the internet like in Malta for remote work? Mixed bag. In Sliema, St. Julian’s, and Valletta it’s mostly stable (50–100 Mbps). Melita and GO are the main providers. Rural areas and power cuts can be an issue. Always have a mobile hotspot as backup. Do I need a car in Malta? Pretty much, yes. The buses are cheap (€1.50) but unreliable and crowded. For important appointments a car is invaluable. Alternatives: Bolt for rides, Cool Car Club for occasional use. Scooter works too, but is weather-dependent and risky. How hard is it to make friends in Malta? The expat community is very open and helpful. Facebook groups like Malta Expats are worth their weight in gold. Sports groups, coworking spaces, and networking events make it easy to connect. Real Maltese friendships take longer, but are really valuable. Can I, as a German, move to Malta without problems? As an EU citizen, yes. You don’t need a visa or work permit. You just need to register (residence registration), open a bank account, and sort out health insurance. Bureaucracy is slow though – allow 2–3 months for all the paperwork. What’s Malta’s healthcare system like? Public system (Mater Dei Hospital) is free for EU citizens, but the waits can be brutal. Private clinics like St. James Hospital are quick and good, but pricey. My tip: Use both – public for emergencies, private for everything else. When’s the best time to move to Malta? March–May or September–November are ideal. The weather’s perfect, tourists are gone, and you really get to know the island. Avoid July–August (too hot) and December–February (cold and rainy – really!). How expensive is accommodation in Malta really? More than youd expect. A 2-bedroom apartment in a good area costs €1,200–1,800 rent plus €200–300 utilities. Buying: €4,000–8,000 per square meter, depending on location. Plus hidden costs like stamp duty (5%) and lawyer fees. Do all Maltese really speak English? English is an official language and everyone understands it, but most locals converse in Maltese. Business runs on English, at government offices sometimes a Malti-English mix. A few words of Maltese (Grazzi = thanks) will work wonders.
