Table of Contents The Best Neighborhoods for International Families Understanding Malta’s School System for Expat Families The Top Schools for Expat Kids in Malta Practical Tips for Moving Your Family to Malta Costs & Budget: What You Really Need to Plan For Frequently Asked Questions from Expat Families When I moved to Malta with my two kids three years ago, I naively thought, How hard can it be? Spoiler: Pretty tough. Between the chaos of Malta’s rental market and trying to figure out which school was right for Max (then 8) and Luna (6), I nearly threw in the towel. Today, three years on, we live in Gzira, the kids speak fluent English and a bit of Maltese, and I finally know what matters most. So I’m sharing everything I wish I’d known back then: which neighborhoods are truly family-friendly, where to find the best schools, and how to manage the move without a nervous breakdown. Malta’s Family-Friendly Districts: The Best Neighborhoods for International Families Malta may be small, but the differences between neighborhoods are huge. What’s ideal for a single workation nomad can easily be a nightmare for a family with kids. Here are my top picks based on three years of trial and error: Sliema: The Expat Hotspot for Families Sliema is hands down the champion for international families. Why? First, the infrastructure: Everything’s on your doorstep—from Carrefour to three different pharmacies, all English-speaking. Second, the international vibe: In our building, there are families from Germany, Italy, Sweden, and Brazil. The kids grow up multilingual without trying. Tigne Point (a modern seaside apartment complex) is especially popular among expat families. You’ll pay around €1,800 to €2,500 per month for a three-bedroom apartment, but you also get a pool, gym, and a concierge happy to accept your parcels while you’re stuck at the bank. Family perks: Close to international schools, safe streets for cycling, plenty of playgrounds. Downside: Pricey and packed with tourists in the summer. St. Julians: Party District or Family Oasis? St. Julian’s has two faces. There’s the one you see in the media—Paceville, with its nightclubs and drunken tourists. Then there’s the quiet residential area above the coast, where many Maltese families live. I recommend looking around St. George’s Bay or towards Balluta Bay. Here you’ll find modern apartments from €1,400 (two bedrooms) to €2,200 (three bedrooms). The big plus: the promenade is perfect for jogging or biking with kids, and several beaches are within walking distance. Insider tip: Avoid Paceville, especially on weekends. The noise levels are borderline, even with the windows shut. Gzira: My Personal Best-Kept Secret This is where I live with my kids—and I haven’t regretted it for a second. Gzira is perfectly located: 5 minutes’ walk to Sliema, 10 minutes by bus to Valletta, and rents are much lower. You can get a three-bedroom apartment here from €1,200 if you’re okay with an older building without a pool. New builds with elevator and AC run about €1,600–1,900. Manoel Island Park is perfect for families: safe, clean, and with sea views. Neighborhood 2 Bedrooms (€/month) 3 Bedrooms (€/month) Family-Friendliness Proximity to Schools Sliema 1,400–2,000 1,800–2,500 Very High Excellent St. Julians 1,200–1,800 1,600–2,200 High (away from Paceville) Good Gzira 900–1,400 1,200–1,900 Very High Good Swieqi 1,100–1,600 1,400–2,000 High Very Good Msida 800–1,200 1,000–1,500 Medium Excellent Swieqi: Quiet but Not Boring Swieqi is Malta’s answer to a German suburb. Many local families live here, which means a genuine community vibe, fewer tourists, and lower prices. The area around Tas-Sliema Road is especially popular with expat families. The only downside: you’ll need a car or have to rely on Malta’s bus system. Spoiler: That can get frustrating fast if your 6-year-old is waiting after school and the driver decides to take a spontaneous coffee break. Msida: Affordable Yet Central Msida is my secret tip for families on a budget. Here you’ll find the lowest rents in the region but you’re still just 15 minutes from Valletta or Sliema. The district has really improved over the past years: new restaurants, better infrastructure, and greater safety. But a word of caution: The area right at the harbor can feel a bit sketchy at night. I recommend the neighborhoods uphill from the main road. Understanding Malta’s School System for Expat Families Malta’s school system is a blend of British traditions and local peculiarities. As an EU citizen, your kids in principle have the right to free education in public schools—but (and it’s a big but) things are more complicated in practice. Public vs. Private Schools: What You Need to Know Public schools in Malta teach mainly in Maltese and English. For Maltese kids that’s normal, but for your German or Italian offspring it can be tough. The level isn’t bad—far from it. It’s just that Maltese is a Semitic language, about as similar to German as Chinese is to Spanish. Private schools are very common in Malta and not just for the elite. Many Maltese middle-class families send their kids to private schools for smaller classes and better facilities. My recommendation: Private or international schools are usually the better choice for expat kids—unless you really plan to stay for good and want your kids to be fully integrated. International Schools: The Gold Standard for Expat Families International schools in Malta generally follow the British curriculum or the International Baccalaureate (IB). This means your children can easily transfer to other international schools worldwide, and their diplomas are widely recognized. The catch? The cost. You’ll pay between €8,000 and €15,000 per year per child. Painful—but if you compare that to London or Zurich, where you’d easily pay twice as much, it’s almost a bargain. Enrollment: Start Early or Miss Out Here’s the number one piece of advice I wish I’d known: register your kids as early as possible. The best international schools have waitlists, and some grades fill up a year in advance. You’ll usually need: Previous school reports (translated into English) Immunization record Copy of passport Proof of address in Malta For some schools: entrance test or interview Insider tip: Many schools offer trial days. Take advantage! If your kid doesn’t feel comfortable, even the “best” school on paper is worth nothing if your 8-year-old cries every morning. The Top Schools for Expat Kids in Malta After three years and countless conversations with other expat parents, I have a pretty clear idea of what really works. Here’s my honest take on the top options: International Schools: Premium Education with a Global Standard Verdala International School (Pembroke): The Rolls-Royce among international schools. IB program from kindergarten to graduation, tiny classes (max. 18 students), fantastic facilities. My friend Sarah’s daughters go here and she raves about the personal attention. Fees: roughly €12,000–€15,000 per year. QSI Malta (Mosta): American curriculum, very international (over 40 nationalities), strong support for children with special needs. A perfect fit if you’re from the US or planning to move back there. Cost: €10,000–€13,000 per year. San Andrea School (Pembroke): British curriculum, smaller and with a family-like atmosphere. Especially good for younger kids (up to 14 years old). Max’s best friends go here, and the parents are very happy. Fees: €8,000–€11,000 per year. Private Schools: Maltese Quality with an International Touch Private schools in Malta are often a great compromise: cheaper than international schools, but with more flexibility than public ones. St. Edward’s College (Birgu): Well-established boys’ school with an excellent reputation. Academically focused, strong sports programs. If you have a son who thrives under structure, this could be a match. Fees: about €5,000–€7,000 per year. St. Dorothy’s School (Żebbuġ): Girls-only, highly regarded especially in the sciences. My neighbor Maria is thrilled with how her daughter is supported here. Costs are similar to St. Edward’s. School Type Age Annual Cost (€) Curriculum Waitlist Verdala International International 3–18 12,000–15,000 IB Yes QSI Malta International 3–18 10,000–13,000 American Usually San Andrea International 3–14 8,000–11,000 British Yes St. Edwards Private 5–18 5,000–7,000 Maltese/British Rarely St. Dorothys Private 5–18 5,000–7,000 Maltese/British Rarely Public Schools: If Integration is Your Goal Public schools in Malta are free and often surprisingly good. The benefit: your children will be fully integrated into local life and speak fluent Maltese after two years—a huge plus that shouldn’t be underestimated. St. Aloysius College (Birkirkara): One of the top-rated public schools. High academic standards, but instruction is in Maltese and English. If you’re here long term and your kids are young (under 10), it can work very well. Important note: Some public schools offer classes mainly taught in English. Ask the Ministry of Education about the “English stream”—that might be a good fit. Practical Tips for Moving Your Family to Malta Moving to Malta with kids is like a complicated puzzle: every piece has to fit at the same time. Here’s what I learned (the hard way): Apartment Hunting with Kids: What to Look Out For House hunting in Malta is tougher than fighting for the last kindergarten place in Munich. With kids, your demands are even more specific. My checklist for family-suitable apartments: First floor or higher (ground floor = noisy and less secure) Elevator for higher floors (strollers, groceries, tired kids) AC in all bedrooms (Maltese summers are brutal) Washing machine in the flat (laundromats are expensive) Safe windows or balcony railings (safety first!) Test internet speed (for homeschooling and Netflix on bad days) Negotiation tip: Many landlords are flexible about furnishings if you’re signing a longer lease. I managed to get a dishwasher installed—essential with two kids! Tackling Bureaucracy with Children: Survival Guaranteed Maltese bureaucracy with kids in tow is like an obstacle course with extra weights. Here’s how to survive: Applying for your Residence Card: You need this for school enrollment and health insurance. Go to the Identity Malta office in Gzira early (8:00 a.m.). Bring snacks, a tablet with offline games, and plenty of patience. Wait times can be 2–3 hours. Health insurance: As an EU citizen, you’re entitled to Malta’s public healthcare. Still, I’d recommend private additional insurance—the public waitlists are long, and sick kids don’t have the patience to wait. Opening a bank account: Bring all your documents: passport, residence card, rental contract, proof of income. Some banks (like HSBC) are more expat-friendly than others. Expect it to take 2–3 visits before everything is set up. Helping Your Children Settle: Language, Friends, Activities First things first: children are incredibly adaptable. My two settled in much faster than I did. Overcoming the language barrier: Even though Malta is officially bilingual, locals often speak Maltese among themselves. Your kids will pick up English naturally, but a few words of Maltese help a lot. YouTube channels like “Learn Maltese” are surprisingly good. Activities and sports: Sport is the universal friend-maker. Football is king in Malta, but swimming, tennis, and rugby are also big. Most clubs are very welcoming to international kids. Cultural adjustment: Maltese families are warm, but often more traditional than you might expect. Sunday lunches with the whole family are sacred, and it’s normal for kids to stay out late with adults. Malta Expat Family Costs: What You Really Need to Plan For Let’s talk honestly about money. Malta is cheaper than London or Zurich, but more expensive than Berlin or Barcelona. With kids, the extra costs add up fast. Rent by Area: The Real Picture, No Sugarcoating Rents in Malta have skyrocketed in recent years. What cost €1,200 in 2019 is now €1,600. With kids, you’ll want at least three bedrooms (four is better if you have a boy and a girl). Realistic monthly rents (3-bedroom, family-friendly): Sliema/St. Julians: €1,800–2,500 (premium location, walk-everywhere) Gzira/Ta Xbiex: €1,400–2,000 (“Sweet spot”) Swieqi/San Gwann: €1,500–2,200 (quiet, but car needed) Msida/Birkirkara: €1,200–1,700 (affordable, less central) Mosta/Naxxar: €1,000–1,500 (suburban, car a must) Extra costs often forgotten: Deposit (2–3 months’ rent), agent’s fee (1 month’s rent), utilities (electricity/water: €150–250 in summer!), internet (€35–50), insurance (€20–30). School Fees: The Biggest Item in the Family Budget This is where it really adds up. For two kids in international schools, you’ll pay more than for rent: School Type Cost Per Child/Year Extras For 2 Kids Public €0 Books, uniform: €200 €400 Private (Maltese) €5,000–7,000 Books, activities: €500 €11,000–15,000 International €8,000–15,000 Transport, lunch: €1,000 €18,000–32,000 Money-saving tip: Many international schools offer sibling discounts (10–20%) and early payment discounts (5%). With two kids, that can save you €2,000–3,000 per year. Cost of Living with Kids: The Malta Reality Check Basic groceries in Malta are around 20–30% more expensive than in Germany. With kids, you’ll really feel it: Groceries (family of 4): €800–1,200/month Kids’ clothing: €100–200/month (they outgrow fast) Leisure activities: €200–400/month Car (if needed): €400–600/month (lease, insurance, gas) Private health insurance: €150–300/month for the family My monthly budget example (family with 2 kids): Rent (3-bed in Gzira): €1,600 Utilities: €200 International school (2 kids): €2,000 Groceries: €1,000 Transport: €150 Leisure/sports: €300 Other: €250 Total: €5,500/month That’s not a luxurious lifestyle, but it’s comfortable. With public schools, you can get by on €3,500; with luxury apartments and top schools, it could easily be €8,000. Frequently Asked Questions from Expat Families About Malta How long does it take for kids to settle into life in Malta? In my experience and from talking to other expat families: 3–6 months for the basics, 12–18 months for real integration. Younger kids (under 10) adapt faster than teens. Is Malta safe for children? Yes, Malta has one of the lowest crime rates in Europe. The biggest risks are traffic (Maltese drivers are… creative) and the strong sun. My kids have been roaming the neighborhood on their own since age 8. Which languages should children learn in Malta? English is essential, Maltese helps with integration. If you’re German: speak German at home so they keep their mother tongue. Many kids here end up fluent in 3–4 languages. When is the best time to move? September is ideal: start of the school year, less heat, fewer tourists. Avoid July/August (too hot and hectic) and January (rainy and gloomy). Do I need a car with children in Malta? You can get by without in Sliema, Gzira, or St. Julian’s. Elsewhere it gets tricky. The buses work, but prams and bad weather can make them a pain. My compromise: e-bike for short trips, taxi for emergencies. How do I meet other expat families? Facebook groups like “Expats in Malta” or “International Families Malta” are invaluable. Schools often have parent groups, too. WhatsApp groups form quickly—Malta is small, you’ll soon cross paths. What about pediatricians and healthcare? The public system is okay, but slow. I recommend private health insurance (€150–200/month for the whole family). Dr. Maria Camilleri in Sliema specializes in international families and speaks fluent German. Can children continue their German/Italian/Swedish qualifications in Malta? International schools with IB or British curriculum are globally recognized. Maltese local schools are trickier—the system is different. Plan the transition carefully, especially for teens nearing graduation. How expensive are kids’ activities? Swimming club: €40–60/month, football: €30–50/month, music school: €80–120/month. Cinema: €6–8 per ticket. Theme parks like Playmobil FunPark: €15–20 entry. Generally cheaper than Germany or Switzerland. What if my child gets homesick? Normal, and usually temporary. Schedule Skype calls with friends back home, send care packages from grandma, stream German/Italian/Swedish TV over VPN. It gets better after 3–4 months. If issues persist: there are German-speaking child psychologists in Malta.
