One Year in Malta: A Candid Report from an International Entrepreneur – Real Experience Report

Exactly 365 days ago, I landed in Malta with two suitcases, a laptop, and thoroughly unrealistic ideas of “EU freedom of movement.” What started out as a six-month trial quickly turned into a year full of surprises—some brilliant, others not so much. Now I’m sitting in my office in Sliema, gazing out at the sea, and I can promise you one thing: this report is going to be brutally more honest than any tourism guide you’ve ever read.

I’ll tell you about late-night WhatsApp wars to get apartments, about official appointments that feel like escape rooms, and about business meetings by the pool—because that’s just normal here. You’ll find out why my electricity bill is higher than my old Berlin rent, why I’m still here, and whether Malta is really worth it as a place to do business.

If you’re thinking about getting to know Malta beyond the tourist hotspots, this report is your reality check. No marketing gloss, no sugar-coated numbers—just the unvarnished truth about twelve months on an island barely bigger than Munich.

Why Malta? My Motivation and First Steps

Okay, be honest: you’re probably thinking, “Here we go again, another digital nomad chasing year-round sunshine.” Partly true, but my decision to base myself in Malta as an entrepreneur was grounded in reasons far more solid than Instagram-friendly sunsets.

The Malta Equation: Why the Island Appeals to EU Entrepreneurs

As an EU member state, Malta offers a legal and attractive tax setup—but only if you do everything right. The official Maltese corporate tax rate may be 35%, but thanks to the refund system, the effective tax rate drops to 5% for certain business activities. It’s not illegal—it’s explicitly by design. Malta is deliberately positioning itself as a business destination.

What convinced me:

• EU Right of Establishment: As a German national, I can start a business without any visa hassles
• English as official language: Contracts, bureaucracy, business—everything in English
• Mediterranean location: 3 hours to Germany, but 300 sunny days a year
• Manageable size: Networking works differently when the whole business community lives on one island
• Digital infrastructure: Gaming and fintech have led the way—WiFi here is better than in many major German cities

The Reality Check Before Taking the Plunge

Before giving up my Berlin apartment, I flew to Malta three times for a week each. Not as a tourist—but as a researcher. I wanted to know: What’s February really like? Does the internet work outside hotels? Where can I buy groceries that don’t cost three times as much?

Those trial weeks taught me that Malta in winter is nothing like the “Mallorca cliché.” It rains, it gets cold (relatively speaking), and many restaurants close. But that’s exactly what I wanted to know—the bare, unadorned truth.

What does this mean for you? If you’re toying with moving to Malta, visit at least twice outside the main season. Instagram will only show you the highlights, but you’ll need to survive a Maltese November too.

Preparation: What Documents You Really Need

Here’s the practical side. For my Malta move, I prepared these documents—and needed every one of them:

1. Apostilled documents: Birth certificate, criminal record, university diploma (all with apostille)
2. Bank confirmations: At least three months’ bank statements, preferably in English
3. Business references: Client letters, order confirmations, anything that proves your business activity
4. Health insurance proof: EHIC card is enough to start, but you’ll need more for registration
5. Translations: Everything in German must be translated into English—by a certified translator

The apostille (international legalization) was completely new to me. In Germany, you get it from the responsible authority in your federal state—it takes about two weeks and costs 10-25 euros per document. Without an apostille, Malta won’t accept your German documents.

The First Weeks: Arrival and Reality Check Living in Malta

My first Maltese morning: I’m up at 6am thanks to lingering jetlag, look out of the Airbnb window and think, “Okay, so this is my new life.” Spoiler alert: It was way more complicated than I thought.

Landing in Malta: First Impressions, No Holiday Filter

Malta airport is small—you’re outside in 15 minutes, even with luggage. What struck me immediately: just how tiny everything is. The drive to my temporary place in Sliema took 20 minutes, and I felt like I’d crossed half the world. Actually, I was barely halfway across the island.

First challenge: public transport without a car. Malta has buses, but the schedules are… well, more like guidelines. My first bus was 25 minutes late, and when I asked the driver, he just shrugged. “Welcome to Malta,” I thought.

What stood out to me:

• Everything’s in English: Streets, authorities, shops—it makes life way easier
• The infrastructure is… unique: Moon-crater roads, but WiFi that works better than in Germany
• Price shock: Coffee for €2.50, supermarket runs cost twice as much as in Germany
• Everybody knows everybody: After a week, the barista greeted me by name

The Airbnb Roulette: First Apartment Search in Malta

My plan was simple: six weeks of Airbnb, then something permanent. Reality check: good Airbnbs are affordable off-season, but as soon as March hits, prices skyrocket. My €80/night apartment suddenly cost €180/night—for exactly the same place.

The first two places were duds. Apartment #1: No hot water after 7pm—the boiler was too small. Apartment #2: AC sounded like a jumbo jet taking off. Apartment #3 finally worked: central in Sliema, good amenities, landlord who actually replied.

What does this mean for you? Book at least three different places for your first six weeks. And never book more than 14 days ahead—you want the option to bail if reality doesn’t live up to the ad.

First Business Contacts: Networking Starts Immediately

Malta isn’t like Berlin or London. Here, you don’t bump into entrepreneurs at the coworking space—you go to a bar and end up sitting next to the CEO of a gaming company. The business community is so small, networking happens on its own.

My first business encounter: at “Caviar & Bull” in Valletta, I met Marcus, who’s run a fintech company here for five years. Two Cisk beers later, I had his number, a referral to his lawyer, and an invite to an entrepreneur meetup the following Thursday.

These meetups are worth their weight in gold—less for the presentations, more for the conversations after. That’s where you’ll hear which lawyer is fast, which bank opens business accounts without drama, and which neighborhoods to avoid.

Internet and Work Infrastructure: The First Work Test

As someone who earns his living online, internet was my #1 priority. The good news: Malta has surprisingly strong WiFi. Not just in tourist areas, but also in regular cafes and restaurants. My speed tests consistently clocked in at 50–100 Mbit/s download—better than I had in my Berlin apartment.

The bad news: power outages are normal. Not every day, but once a week for 30–60 minutes. My first video call with a German client was interrupted halfway through—entire block went dark. So now, I always keep a power bank charged and hotspot at the ready as backup.

Bureaucracy Marathon: Registration and Official Procedures in Malta

Now things get serious. Honeymoon phase over, it’s time for paperwork. If you think German bureaucracy is bad, you’ve never dealt with Malta’s. Here, British procedure blends with Southern European spontaneity—a truly explosive mix.

Identity Malta: The First Boss Fight With the Authorities

Identity Malta is your first stop for everything. Residence certificate, work permit, ID card—nothing happens without this office. Opening times: a generous 8:30–11:30am for walk-ins. Yes, you read that right: three hours a day you can just turn up.

My first attempt: Monday, 8:15am—already 40 people in line. By 8:45am, security announces: “Today only 30 numbers will be given out.” I’m number 43. Game over.

Second attempt: booked an appointment online. The website was so user-unfriendly I seriously considered hiring a UI designer and suing Malta. Four tries later, I finally had an appointment—six weeks out.

The hack: Go there Wednesdays at 7:30am and take a fold-up chair. No joke. Maltese people in the know do exactly that.

Malta Residence Certificate: Your Essential Document

The residence certificate proves you’re a Malta resident—without it, you get nothing. No bank account, no internet, no business. In theory, applying is simple:

1. Rental contract or proof of ownership: Must be for at least six months
2. Passport and photos: Three, in Maltese formatting (not EU standard!)
3. Utility bill: Electricity, water or gas bill in your name
4. Health insurance: Proof of EU-wide coverage
5. Criminal record: German certificate, apostilled

In practice, it gets complicated, because to get a utility bill you already need a contract—yet the contract needs the residence certificate. Classic catch-22. Solution: a friend or your landlord has to cover the first few bills, then you can take over the contracts later.

Cost: €27.50 for the certificate, but allow at least €200 for translations and certification on top.

Bank Drama: Opening a Business Account as an EU Foreigner

Ah, banks. In theory, they’re required by EU law to let you open a business account. In practice, they don’t want to—foreign clients mean more compliance headaches. My banking odyssey in Malta:

Bank of Valletta (BOV): “Sorry, we don’t open accounts for foreign companies.” My reaction: “But I’m an EU citizen?” Their response: “Yes, but no.”

HSBC Malta: Wanted a €5,000 minimum deposit and a business plan in English. Three appointments and four weeks later: rejected, with no explanation.

APS Bank: Focuses on local business, but also gaming/fintech. I finally succeeded, but only because Marcus (my fintech contact from day one) wrote me a referral.

What does this mean for you? Without networking, it’ll be tough. Go to every business event, collect contacts, and ask specifically for bank referrals. Most successful expats opened their accounts through personal recommendations.

Tax Registration: Understanding Malta as a Business Base

Tax in Malta works differently than Germany. The country wants to lure foreign businesses, but the rules are complex. Without a local advisor or lawyer, you’ll fail—I say this as someone who tried alone first.

Most important tax aspects for EU entrepreneurs:

• Corporate tax: 35% officially, but with refunds depending on the business type
• Personal tax: Progressive; above €60,000 income, 35%
• Non-dom status: Interesting for foreigners—only Malta-sourced income is taxed
• Minimum tax: €5,000 per year, even if you make no profit

My setup: Maltese Ltd for EU business, non-dom status for me personally, German tax advisor for de-registration back home. Costs about €8,000 a year in consulting fees, but saves much more.

Important: Get professional advice before you sign anything. Malta’s tax laws change frequently, and mistakes are expensive.

Apartment Hunting in Malta: Rental Market Reality Without Instagram Filters

After six weeks of Airbnb hopping, it was clear: I needed something permanent. The Maltese rental market is… quite the experience. Imagine Germany’s housing shortage meets Italian flexibility meets British prices. The result is frustrating—and expensive.

The Maltese Rental Market: Painful Numbers

Let’s start with the harsh truth: Malta has gotten expensive. Really expensive. What used to be a secret tip for cheap southern European living is now one of the priciest EU markets. Here are the real-world rents I saw in 2024:

These prices are not including utilities. Electricity, water, internet are extra—and power is super expensive due to island logistics.

Apartment Search in Malta: Platforms and Pitfalls

Forget German sites like ImmoScout. Apartment hunting in Malta is different:

Facebook Groups: “Apartments for Rent Malta,” “Malta Rooms & Apartments”—that’s where 80% of the business happens. But beware: lots of fake ads and scammers.

Property.com.mt: The “serious” option, but pricier and often outdated. Agents take 1–2 months’ rent as commission.

WhatsApp groups: The insider’s tool. Once you know a few people, you’ll get invited to groups where flats are snapped up before they’re even listed.

My most successful search came via an expat tip: “Go to Gzira, ask around the cafes—many landlords are older Maltese who don’t use the internet.”

Viewing Marathon: Speed-Dating With Apartments

Maltese viewings are… special. My first was scheduled for 2pm; I arrived on time, landlord showed up at 3:30pm. His excuse: “I had to finish my coffee.” Welcome to Malta.

What I learned during viewings:

• Test water pressure: Turn on the shower—many old buildings have terrible pressure
• Check the AC: Not just if it’s there, but whether it works and is quiet
• Test internet speed: Run a speedtest on site—don’t believe promises
• Look for mold: Especially in bathrooms and corners—Malta is humid
• Meet the neighbors: Knock on a few doors, ask about noise/problems

My dream flat in Sliema: 95m², sea view, perfect location—€2,200 plus utilities. I signed anyway—and regretted it three months later.

Signing the Lease: Where German Thoroughness Meets Maltese Flexibility

Germans find Maltese leases hard to adjust to. There’s no tenant protection law here. The landlord can call the shots, and you have few rights.

Typical Maltese lease:

• Deposit: 2–3 months’ rent, cash on the table
• Advance payment: First and last month’s rent up front
• Notice period: 1 month for the tenant, 2 months for the landlord
• Utilities: Usually extra, often estimated not metered
• Repairs: Landlord decides when and how

My tip: Put everything in writing. “The AC will be fixed soon” in Malta usually means “never.” I spent two months with no AC because “soon” is a very relative term here.

Utility Reality: The Hidden Costs of Living in Malta

This is where the shock comes in—rent is just the start. My actual monthly apartment expenses:

The electricity bill is a killer. In August, I paid €320—just because the AC was running. Most landlords hide this or claim a totally unrealistic €50/month.

What does this mean for you? Budget an extra €300–400 on top of rent. And always ask to see the last electricity bills before signing.

Business Setup Malta: Starting a Company as an EU Entrepreneur

Now it’s business. In theory, you can incorporate in Malta in 48 hours—in reality, it takes three months, because every bureaucratic step waits for the previous one. But once you’re up and running, it’s smooth sailing.

Malta Company Formation: The Path to Your Own Ltd

Malta loves companies. The country deliberately positioned itself as a business hub, and you’ll notice during incorporation. Unlike Germany, you don’t need minimum capital (besides a token €1,164), no notary, and no chamber-of-commerce registration.

Steps to a Maltese Ltd:

1. Reserve company name: At MFSA (Malta Financial Services Authority), costs €245
2. Prepare memorandum of association: Done by your lawyer, costs €800–1,500
3. Pay in share capital: Minimum €1,164 to a trust account
4. Choose registered office: Needed for registration—virtual is fine
5. Set directors and shareholders: At least one Maltese director (or an EU citizen with a Malta address)
6. Register at MFSA: Submit all documents, €245 fee

My setup cost €2,800 (including lawyer) and took six weeks. The bottleneck was not the paperwork—it was the bank. Without a business account, the company can’t be activated.

Tax Structuring: Understanding the Malta Tax System

Here’s where it gets interesting. Malta has a unique tax system designed to attract foreign investment. Core idea: high official taxes (35%), but refunds depending on business type and where profits come from.

The Malta Refund System works like this:

• Foreign source income: 6/7 of tax paid refunded (net 5% tax)
• Maltese source income: 2/3 refunded (net 11.67%)
• Passive income: 5/7 refunded (net 10%)

Sound complicated? It is. That’s why you need a local tax advisor who knows the ropes. My recommendation: STM Malta or KPMG Malta—both have experience with international clients.

Important: The EU is keeping a critical eye on Malta’s system. That doesn’t mean it’s illegal, but rules may change—always have a plan B.

Business Banking: The Reality of Opening a Company Account in Malta

Banking was my biggest stress. Maltese banks have become cautious of foreign clients—too many compliance issues in the past.

My banking odyssey by the numbers:

• Bank of Valletta: 2 appointments, 4 weeks wait, then rejection without reason
• HSBC Malta: Wanted €10,000 deposit and 20-page business plan
• APS Bank: Approved me, but only with a Maltese guarantor
• Lombard Bank: Success! But only via my lawyer as intermediary

Lombard worked because my lawyer has several clients there. Cost: €500 setup, €25/month account fee, 0.15% on incoming transfers. Pricey, but functional.

What does this mean for you? Without local connections, it’s hard. Find a lawyer or tax advisor who’s already opened accounts successfully.

Searching for an Office in Malta: Coworking vs. Private Office

Do you need a physical office in Malta? Depends. A virtual address (€200/year) is enough for the company, but to get the tax benefits you must show substantive activities in Malta.

My office options:

Coworking spaces:

• The Hive (Sliema): €280/month, modern, great community
• Connector (St. Julians): €320/month, gaming focus, very noisy
• Smart City (Kalkara): €180/month, less central but quieter

Private office:

• Valletta: €600–1,200/month, prestigious, needs renovation
• Gzira Business Center: €400–800/month, practical, lacks charm
• Smart City: €300–600/month, modern fit-out, poor transport links

I chose The Hive—starting with six months. The community is worth gold, and I can switch anytime if I want my own space.

Employees in Malta: Hiring and HR Reality

Malta’s job market is tight. Unemployment below 3%, and all the good talent is already working. As a foreign company, you compete with gaming giants like Betsson and fintechs like Revolut.

What I learned about Maltese employees:

• Work-life balance is sacred: Overtime? Forget it. August holidays? Non-negotiable.
• English is standard: But with strong Maltese accents—can take getting used to
• Salaries are lower than Germany: But rising quickly due to the skills shortage
• Remote work is accepted: COVID changed Malta too

Average salaries for typical positions (gross/year):

Plus: 13th month salary is standard, employer pays health insurance, minimum 25 days’ vacation.

Everyday Life in Malta: Between Pool Bars and Business Meetings

After six months of bureaucracy and business setup, ordinary daily life eventually kicks in. And in Malta, that’s… different. Imagine living somewhere smaller than your home city, where you see the same faces every other day and a quick shopping trip means hitting three different stores.

The Maltese Daily Rhythm: Life on an Island

Malta works differently to Germany. Shops close from 1–4pm for siesta, restaurants don’t open till 7pm, and nobody schedules meetings before 9am. As a “up at dawn, do everything now” German, I had to adjust.

My typical day now looks like this:

• 7:00am: Get up, coffee on the promenade (€2.50, but with a sea view!)
• 8:00–12:00: Work from the office or a café
• 12:00–14:00: Lunch break by the sea or at the coworking space
• 14:00–17:00: Meetings, admin, to-dos
• 17:00–18:00: Swimming or sports (yes, even in November!)
• 18:00–20:00: Cook dinner or eat out
• 20:00+: Socializing or relaxing

One thing you’ll notice right away: life moves outdoors. In Germany, evenings mean sitting at home—here, locals and expats gather on the promenade, at bars, or down at the harbor. Social life is much more public here.

Groceries and Food: The Malta Price Shock

Maltese supermarkets: an experience in themselves. Everything is smaller, more expensive, and often sold out. My first Lidl trip: €78 for what would cost €35 in Germany. Since then, I plan my shopping more strategically.

Most important supermarket chains and what to expect:

• Lidl Malta: Like in Germany but 30–50% pricier, often sold out
• Welbees: Local chain, wide range, luxury-priced
• Greens: Bio focus, even more expensive but best quality
• Park Towers: Cheapest option, commensurate quality

Especially expensive items (vs. Germany):

My money-saving hack: Do a big Lidl run once a week, get fresh stuff (fish, veggies) at the Marsaxlokk market (Sundays), and order non-perishables online from German shops—yes, shipping to Malta is often cheaper than the local markup!

Transport Malta: Surviving Without a Car

Malta without a car is possible, but… challenging. The bus system works… sometimes. Locals all drive, because they know the bus is a gamble.

Public transport:

• Tallinja bus: €2 per ride, theoretically every 15 minutes—practically 10–45
• Valletta–Sliema ferry: €1.50, but only daytime and weather-dependent
• Gozo ferry: €4.65 round-trip, every 45 min—unless the captain’s on break

Bus alternatives:

• Bolt/eCabs: Malta’s version of Uber, €8–15 for most main-island trips
• Car rental: €25/day, but parking is a nightmare in Valletta and Sliema
• E-scooter rental: €15/day, great for short trips—but careful on Maltese roads…
• Bicycle: Nice in theory, life-threatening in practice

My solution: E-scooter for daily use, Bolt for evenings/rain, monthly car rental for big shops or Gozo trips.

Healthcare in Malta: When Maltese Stomachs Rebel

Malta’s healthcare system is… functional. As an EU citizen you’re entitled to free treatment, but “free” doesn’t mean “fast” or “comfortable.”

Public system:

• Mater Dei Hospital: Main hospital, free but overloaded
• Health Centers: For day-to-day stuff, 2–4 hours’ wait typical
• Emergency: Works well, but only for real emergencies

Private doctors:

• GPs: €40–80 per visit
• Specialists: €80–150 per visit
• Dentists: €60–120 per treatment

My experience: See a private doctor for the little stuff, go public for anything serious. Doctors are well-trained (many studied in the UK), but equipment can be out of date.

What does this mean for you? Get a private health insurance that covers Malta. My German plan reimburses 80% of private visits in Malta—plenty sufficient.

Social Life Malta: Community on 27 Kilometers

The best thing about Malta is the community. Since the islands so small, you get to know people quickly—locals, expats, entrepreneurs. After six months, I knew more people than I did after two years in Berlin.

Expat communities:

• Malta Expat Groups (Facebook): 15,000+ members, very active
• Germans in Malta: Smaller group, but super helpful
• Malta Entrepreneurs: Business networking, monthly events
• Malta Gaming Network: If you’re in the gaming sector

Typical events/meetups:

• Thursday Networking (Ta Qali): Weekly, 200+ people
• Malta Startup Nights: Monthly, tech-oriented
• Hash House Harriers: Running group with a beer finish (super British)
• Malta Tennis Club: Sport + socializing

My social-life hack: Go to everything in your first three months. Malta’s so small you’ll keep seeing the same faces—friendships form by default.

The Malta Equation: What Does a Year Actually Cost?

Let’s get specific. After twelve months in Malta, I can tell you exactly what this adventure cost. Spoiler: it’s more expensive than you’d think, but in different ways than you’d expect. Here’s my honest breakdown—no sugarcoating.

Cost of Living Malta: The Monthly Reality

Forget those online calculators that pitch Malta as “cheap southern Europe.” Maybe once. Now, Malta is pricier than many German cities—the only thing that’s better is the weather.

My average monthly living costs (lifestyle: comfortable, not luxury):

€4,160 per month—more than many Germans’ net income. Malta is certainly no longer a low-cost paradise.

One-Time Setup Costs: The Price Tag to Start in Malta

On top of ongoing costs, there are sizeable one-offs to get started. Wish I’d known this list in advance:

€15,000 to set up was a shock. No one told me that before. Plan at least €20,000 startup capital—setup plus three months’ living expenses as a buffer.

Malta vs. Germany: A Direct Cost Comparison

The big question: “Is Malta cheaper than Germany?” The answer: It’s complicated. Some things are a lot more expensive, others cheaper.

More expensive in Malta:

• Groceries: +40–60% (everything is imported)
• Electricity: +200% (island cost, AC essential)
• Prime location rent: +20–30% vs. major German cities
• Restaurants: +15–25% (tourist markup)
• Taxis/transport: +50–80% (small island, little competition)

Cheaper in Malta:

• Taxes: –60–80% (depending on setup)
• Fuel: –15% (lower taxes)
• Cigarettes/alcohol: –20–30% (lower excise duties)
• Health insurance: Public system is free
• Gym/Sports: –30% (year-round outdoor options)

Roughly the same:

• Clothes/shopping: Similar across EU
• Internet/phone: Comparable rates
• Culture/entertainment: Same level

The ROI of Choosing Malta: Is It Worth It Financially?

Doing the math: what does Malta really cost compared to Germany?

My Germany costs (Berlin, similar lifestyle):

• Living costs: €3,200/month
• Taxes: 45% (high-earner bracket)

My Malta costs:

• Living costs: €4,160/month
• Taxes: 12% effective (with Malta setup)

Break-even is around €90,000 annual income. Below that, Malta is pricier; above that, it pays off. At €150,000 annual income, I save roughly €25,000 a year despite the higher cost of living.

What does this mean for you? Malta only makes financial sense above a certain income. If you’re a digital nomad earning €2,000/month, forget Malta—try Portugal or Spain. Earning €100,000+ as an entrepreneur? Malta can be worth it—but only if your tax setup is right.

Social Life and Community: Networking on a 27km Island

The weirdest thing about Malta: After three months, you know more people than after two years in a German city. The island’s so small that social circles constantly overlap. Blessing and curse at once.

The Malta Expat Bubble: More International Than Expected

Malta draws a unique crowd: digital nomads, gaming entrepreneurs, fintech founders, British retirees, Italian businesspeople. That mix gives you a scene more international than in most German cities.

The main expat groups in Malta:

• Germans in Malta (~800 active members): Very helpful, regular BBQs
• British Expats Malta (~3,000 members): Largest group; mostly retirees, but also young professionals
• Malta Gaming Community (~1,200 members): Tech focus, best networking events
• Italians in Malta (~600 members): Very active, best restaurant tips
• French Malta Community (~400 members): Smaller, but close-knit

What I noticed: nationalities blend a lot. German events attract Italians, Brits welcome the French. Malta is too small for nationality-only bubbles.

Business Networking Malta: Where Deals Get Done

Business life in Malta is more informal than in Germany. Partnerships happen over a beer at the harbor, not in sterile conference rooms. These are the key events to know:

Regular business events:

• Malta Entrepreneurs Meetup: First Thursday each month, Ta’ Qali, 200+ attendees
• Gaming Malta Networking: Venue changes monthly, very techy
• Fintech Malta Drinks: Quarterly, usually in Valletta, high-level crowd
• Thursday Business Drinks: Weekly at Portomaso, more touristy
• Malta Startup Grind: Monthly, international speakers

My most successful networking happened not at events but in everyday situations: at the supermarket, bus stop, or swimming in the sea. Malta’s so small, you always bump into interesting people.

Dating and Relationships in Malta: Love Island Reality

Dating in Malta is… unique. The island’s so tiny that after six months you feel like you know every single person. Plus, everyone knows everyone—rumors travel faster than new COVID variants.

The Maltese dating reality:

• Tiny pool: Around 50,000 people in dating range, half already coupled up
• Everybody knows everybody: Your date probably knows your ex (or your boss)
• Expat turnover: Many only stay 6–24 months—harder for long-term
• Cultural differences: Maltese women often more traditional than German
• Apps only work so-so: Tinder repeats the same profiles after two weeks

Winning dating strategies in Malta:

• Go to expat events: more chance of similar lifestyle
• Sports/hobby groups: Tennis club, Hash House Harriers, yoga classes
• Coworking spaces: Many international professionals
• Beach clubs: Seasonal, but good options

My conclusion: Malta’s too small for one-night stands. For serious relationships, you’ll need patience.

Friendship in Malta: Community vs. Superficiality

Friendships here form differently than in Germany. On the one hand, you meet people easily; on the other, many links remain shallow as people are always coming and going.

Types of Maltese friendships:

1. Expat bubble friends: Come quickly, based on us against the bureaucracy camaraderie
2. Business network: Professional connections that get personal
3. Activity friends: Tennis partners, gym buddies, dive groups
4. Real Maltese friends: Rare, but invaluable for local insight
5. Temporary friends: Move on with jobs/visas/life changes

My best friendships came from shared struggles: apartment hunt, dealing with bureaucracy, launching a business. Nothing forges bonds like Maltese red tape.

Integration with Maltese: Hospitality vs. Skepticism

Integrating with locals is harder than with expats. Not out of unfriendly attitudes, but because of cultural differences—and most Maltese have lifelong friendships already.

How to meet Maltese people:

• Through work: Colleagues are the best entry
• Neighborhood: Especially in non-touristy areas like Birkirkara
• Sports clubs: Football, rugby, water polo are “very Maltese”
• Festa participation: Village festivals perfect for true culture
• Learn Maltese: Even basics open doors

Maltese friends are worth their weight in gold. They know every bureaucratic shortcut, best (and cheapest) restaurants, and can help with anything complicated.

What does this mean for you? Invest time into real Maltese connections, but don’t expect instant results. Maltese friendships grow slowly, but last longer than expat ties.

The Island Downside: Gossip and Drama

Malta has its social dark side. The island’s so small that rumors spread like wildfire. Privacy is a luxury you wont have.

What I learned:

• Everyone talks about everyone: Your love life, business, and problems get discussed
• Reputation matters: A bad rep sticks fast and long
• Expat drama is intense: Conflicts escalate because it’s hard to avoid people
• Business and private lives mix: Your one-night stand could be your business partner’s brother

My survival tip: Stay out of drama, be kind to everyone, but stay guarded with personal info. Malta is a village, and village rules apply.

The Downsides: What No One Tells You About Malta

Here’s the honest bit. After twelve months in Malta, I’m still here—but not because everything is perfect. Malta has downsides no tourism site mentions, and even most expat bloggers gloss over. Time for the harsh truths.

Infrastructure Reality: First World Problems at Third World Levels

Malta is EU, but sometimes feels like a developing country with WiFi. The infrastructure is… patchy. Literally.

Roads are a disaster: Potholes that swallow SUVs. My first week: two flat tires. Maltese all drive 4x4s—now I know why. Road repairs take months; usually patched, never replaced.

Power outages are normal: At least 2-3 per month, usually unscheduled. In summer, when every AC runs, the grid collapses regularly. Worst blackout for me: 8 hours—at 38°C outside.

Water troubles: Desalinated seawater tastes weird and destroys appliances. My coffee maker broke after six months—scaling despite the “soft” water.

Construction chaos: Malta’s under construction everywhere—but with no plan. Roads close with no detour, works start overnight, noise is legal 6am–10pm. My apartment: next-door building site for 18 months straight.

Transport Nightmare: When “15 Minutes” Becomes “2 Hours”

Malta’s transport is a joke. Bus schedules are fiction, taxis overpriced, and owning a car means parking wars.

Bus horror stories:

• Bus arrives 45 minutes late: “Traffic, sorry”
• Bus takes a different route, no explanation: “Construction, we go different way”
• Bus too full, next one in 30 min: “Summer season, many tourists”
• Driver stops for coffee break, 20 passengers wait: “I need coffee”

Taxi rip-offs: Official taxis have no meters, prices are “estimated.” Airport to Sliema: €15 (at night) or €35 (rush hour) for same distance. Bolt is better, but not always available.

Car misery: There is NO parking. I mean: NONE. Locals park illegally, police can’t cope. My record: 45 minutes looking for a space for a 10-minute appointment.

Summer Heat: When Malta Turns Into a Microwave

July and August in Malta aren’t “warm and sunny”—they’re deadly. 40°C air temp, feels like 45°C, no relief at night. Plus humidity that makes you sweat standing still.

Summer realities:

• Power bills explode: AC 24/7—my August bill: €420
• Life grinds to a halt: 12–4pm, island is deserted
• Health risks: Dehydration, heat stroke are real—I ended up in ER once
• Productivity drops: Focusing at 40°C impossible
• Social life suffers: Outdoor events canceled, everyone hiding in AC

My survival strategy: spend July/August in Germany. Many expats do—Malta in summer is for tourists, not locals.

Real Estate Mayhem: Landlord Arbitrary Power and Rip-Offs

The Maltese rental market is a legal Wild West. Landlords can do almost anything, tenants have almost no rights. My horror stories:

Deposit scams: First landlord kept €800 “for cleaning”—apartment was cleaner than on move-in. Any legal recourse? In theory yes, in practice hopeless.

Sudden rent hikes: “Inflation, tourism boom, energy costs”—favorite landlord excuses for raising rent by 20% after six months.

Refused repairs: AC broken in August? “Is not urgent, maybe next month we fix.” Leaky pipe? “You can use bucket.”

Viewing circus: Flat-hunting with 20 others, must decide in 10 minutes or it’s gone. Deposit in cash right now or next person gets it.

Bureaucratic Nightmare: Kafka Would Cry

German bureaucracy is efficient compared to Malta. Here, Italian sloppiness, British arrogance, and Maltese stubbornness combine into a perfect chaos storm.

Identity Malta Hall of Fame:

• Document lost: “Your application? We cannot find. Please apply again and pay again.”
• Office closed: “Computer system down, come back tomorrow” (happens 2x/week)
• Wrong queue: After two hours’ wait: “This is not correct queue, you go to other office”
• Missing stamp: “This document needs stamp from other office first” (why doesnt it say so?)

Banking nightmare: Business account took four months to open. Why? “Compliance checks.” Which ones? “We cannot tell you.” Status? “In progress.”

Tax office drama: Registration theoretically online—practically, must visit three times as system fails or forms are missing.

Social Isolation: Island Fever Is Real

Malta is small. VERY small. After six months, I felt like I was in prison—a very sunny one, but still prison.

Cabin fever symptoms:

• Same faces everywhere: Restaurant, supermarket, gym—it’s always the same 200 people
• No anonymity: There’s no privacy, everyone knows your business
• Limited choices: 3 good restaurants, 2 decent bars, 1 proper cinema
• Weekend boredom: After six months you’ve seen it all—so now what?
• Need to escape: I fly out every 6–8 weeks just to breathe again

Many expats don’t last. The average stay is 18 months—no coincidence.

Quality Problems: “Good Enough” as a Life Motto

Malta has a quality issue. “Good enough” isn’t a compromise—it’s the baseline. Applies to everything: service, products, work.

Service wasteland:

• Restaurants: Waiter forgets order, comes back 20 minutes later: “What was it again?”
• Tradespeople: 10am appointment, show up at 2pm with no warning
• Deliveries: “Sometime between 9am–5pm” means “maybe today, maybe tomorrow”
• Repairs: Things get patched, never properly fixed

Product quality: Everything is pricier, but worse. Electronics die faster (salt air), clothes fade (sun), food often arrives damaged (long supply routes).

What does this mean for you? Lower your expectations. Malta is laid-back—but that means little works perfectly, and nobody seems bothered.

One Year Later: My Honest Malta Conclusion

365 days in Malta—time for the ultimate verdict. Would I do it again? Is Malta the paradise it’s hyped as? And who is it really for?

The Truth About Malta After a Year

Malta isn’t paradise. It’s a small EU country with big problems, a Mediterranean climate, and bureaucracy that sometimes works. If you come expecting perfection, you’ll be disappointed. If you have realistic expectations and can weigh up the pros and cons, you may just find a new home.

What became clear after a year:

Malta works as a stepping stone, not a final destination. It’s perfect for 1–3 years: meet new people, build international business links, optimize tax, and enjoy the weather. But long term, the downsides are too big—at least for me.

Who Malta Works For (and Who It Doesn’t)

Malta is perfect for you if:

• You earn €80,000+ a year: Only then does tax optimization truly pay off
• You’re location independent: Online business, consulting, trading
• You want to build an international network: Top-notch gaming, fintech, crypto scene
• You’re an extrovert: Networking and community are essential for Malta
• You’re flexible: You can tolerate chaos, delays, and “good enough”
• You REALLY love heat: Not just “I like sunshine”—but “40°C is fine”

Malta is not for you if:

• You earn less than €60,000: The cost of living wipes out any benefit
• You crave anonymity: Small-island life means zero privacy
• You want perfect infrastructure: Power cuts and potholes will drive you crazy
• You’re an introvert: Without active networking, Malta is lonely
• You’re planning a family: Schools are OK, but Germany is better
• You hate cars: Malta is very limiting without a car

My Own Malta Balance Sheet After 12 Months

PROS (better than expected):

• Business community: Global contacts I’d never have met in Germany
• Tax advantages: Saved about €25,000/year at my income
• Quality of life: Sea, sun, laid-back vibe (except in summer)
• EU membership: All the rights, but different tax rules
• English everywhere: No language barrier in business
• Central location: Europe in 3 hours, Africa in 1

CONS (worse than expected):

• Cost of living: 30% higher than Berlin, rising
• Infrastructure issues: Way worse than I expected
• Island fever: Felt trapped after 6 months
• Service quality: “Good enough” grates on Germans
• Summer heat: July/August are unlivable
• Rental market: Landlord power, no legal protection

The 12-Month Calculation: Was Malta Worth It?

Financials:

Financially, year 1 was a loss—but from year 2, it’s profitable as you’ve absorbed the setup cost.

Non-financial gains:

• 50+ international business contacts
• Experience with EU tax optimization
• Better English (business level)
• Resilience to bureaucracy chaos
• Clarity on life priorities

My Decision: Stay or Go?

I’m staying—for now. But not forever. My plan:

Years 2–3: Use Malta as a tax-optimized home base, travel more. 6 months in Malta, 6 in other EU countries.

Year 4+: Most likely back to Germany or another EU country. Malta gave me what I needed—but long-term, it’s too small and too chaotic.

Malta was the right call for this life phase. As a springboard for global business, tax optimization, and personal growth. But not as a lifelong answer.

My Recommendations for Malta Hopefuls

Before moving to Malta:

1. Visit 3x for 2 weeks each: Winter, spring, summer—experience all seasons
2. Budget realistically: €5,000/month all-in as your minimum
3. Plan an exit: Malta is a springboard, not necessarily an end point
4. Build your network: Without contacts, Malta is lonely and hard
5. Get professional help: Lawyer, tax advisor, relocation service

If you take the leap:

• Expect chaos and plan buffers (time and money)
• Invest in quality for everything you use daily
• Be open to new experiences, but keep your standards
• Network actively—Malta only works with community
• Have a plan B—not everyone makes it long-term in Malta

What does this mean for you? Malta is an interesting experiment, but not a cure-all. If you tick all the boxes (income, lifestyle, expectations), it can be a hugely rewarding experience. But enter with eyes open and realistic expectations.

Malta has changed me—professionally and personally. Whether for the better, I’ll know in a few years. But for now: it’s been one hell of a ride.

Frequently Asked Questions About a Year in Malta

How much do you really need to live in Malta?

At least €4,500 per month for a decent standard of living as an entrepreneur. That’s €1,400 rent, €300 utilities, €800 food, €300 transport, and €700 miscellaneous. For setup, add €15,000–20,000 for your first year.

Is Malta really more tax-efficient than Germany?

Yes, but only from a certain income upwards. For €100,000+ annual income, the Malta refund system can save you €20,000–30,000 a year. On lower incomes, higher living costs eat up any tax benefit.

How long does it really take to start a company in Malta?

Officially 48 hours, but in practice 2–4 months. The bottleneck is almost always opening the business account, not the company registration itself. Plan on at least three months—start the process before you move.

Can you survive in Malta without a car?

You can survive, but not comfortably. The bus network is unreliable, taxis are expensive. My suggestion: e-scooter for everyday, Bolt for evenings/bad weather, monthly car rental for bigger errands.

How bad IS the Maltese summer, really?

July and August are brutal. 40°C+, high humidity, power bills over €300/month for AC. Many expats leave Malta for 6–8 weeks in summer—it’s entirely normal and highly recommended.

Is Malta too small and boring long-term?

Yes, definitely. After 6–12 months, you know all the places and people. Malta is perfect as a short-term springboard, but most expats move on. The average stay is 18 months.

How hard is it to make friends in Malta?

Easy on a surface level, harder to build deep friendships. The expat community is open but fluid. Real Maltese friends take longer to find but are indispensable for insider tips.

Is Malta’s internet good enough for remote work?

Yes—surprisingly so. 50–100 Mbit/s is standard, even in cafés. The problem is regular power outages (2–3 times monthly). Invest in a big power bank and a mobile hotspot for backup.

How expensive is an apartment in Malta—really?

1-bed from €800, 2-bed from €1,200 in prime areas (Sliema/St. Julians). Add €300–400 for utilities. Deposits are 2–3 months’ rent, usually in cash. Landlords hold all the cards, tenant protections are minimal.

Is Malta worthwhile for lower incomes?

No. Under €60,000 annual income, Malta is dearer than Germany. Tax perks only kick in at higher earnings, but the high cost of living is there from day one. Try Portugal or Spain instead.