Table of Contents Malta vs. Other Mediterranean Destinations: The Honest Comparison Why Malta Scores for Remote Workers: The Reality After 2 Years The Downsides: What Other Countries Do Better Is Malta Really Worth It for You? Your Personality Check Practical Steps: How to Start Your Malta Test Phase Right now, I’m sitting with my laptop on a terrace in Sliema, gazing at the Mediterranean and thinking back to my first research two years ago. Malta for digital nomads—it sounded exotic and maybe a little crazy at the time. Portugal was all the rage, Spain had always been a classic, and everyone raved about Cyprus. But Malta? That tiny island nobody seemed to really know where it was? Today, I can tell you firsthand: Malta is different. Not always better, definitely not cheaper, but for certain remote workers a damn smart choice. Especially if youre an EU citizen and don’t want to deal with complicated visa processes or tax grey areas. In this article, I’ll honestly compare Malta to the other Southern European hotspots for digital nomads (nomads—people who work remotely and change their location regularly). I’ll tell you when Malta is the better choice, and when you’re better off elsewhere. Spoiler: It depends on what you’re looking for. Malta vs. Other Mediterranean Destinations: The Honest Comparison for Digital Nomads Let’s be real: As a remote worker, the Mediterranean is your oyster. Portugal lures with low costs and a massive nomad community. Spain scores with perfect weather and unbeatable infrastructure. Cyprus boasts tax benefits and that Greek vibe. And then there’s Malta—small, pricey, and often overlooked. So why should you consider Malta at all? Let me break it down for you with real-world comparisons from my own experience. Malta vs. Portugal: Tax Benefits vs. Community Spirit Portugal is the darling of digital nomads. Lisbon and Porto are bursting at the seams with remote workers. The D7 visa (residency permit for freelancers and retirees) makes relocating super simple, living costs are moderate, and the community is huge. Malta, on the other hand? If you’re an EU citizen, you don’t need a visa at all. You just show up, register, and that’s it. The NHR program (Non-Habitual Resident—tax scheme for newcomers) in Portugal is attractive, but Malta’s tax system for EU citizens can be even more advantageous—especially if you have dividend income or capital gains. Criteria Malta Portugal Visa requirements (EU citizens) None—just move D7 visa required, but doable Taxes (simplified) 0–5% on foreign income possible NHR: 10 years reduced taxation Cost of living High (similar to Germany) Moderate (cheaper than Germany) Community size Small, but tight-knit Huge, very international Official language English + Maltese Portuguese (English works) My verdict after two years: If you’re looking for a big, bustling nomad community and want to save on costs, head to Portugal. If you want to optimize taxes and English as an official language matters, give Malta a try. Malta vs. Spain: English vs. Better Weather Spain is a classic for a reason: The weather is fantastic, the infrastructure is outstanding, and cities like Barcelona or Valencia have everything a nomad could want. However, non-EU citizens now need a digital nomad visa, and even as an EU citizen, taxes can get complicated quickly. Malta, on the other hand, has a bit of a weather problem: Summers are hot. Really hot. 35–40°C (95–104°F) is normal, and the humidity makes it even less pleasant. But winters are mild and sunny—perfect for escaping northern Europes miserable cold. Real talk: Last August, I almost left Malta. The heat was brutal, the AC was running 24/7, and I wondered why I hadn’t just moved to Barcelona. Then October came—25°C (77°F), sunshine, a pleasant breeze—and I remembered why I’m here. Malta vs. Cyprus: EU Access vs. Island Fever Cyprus and Malta seem similar at first: Both are EU islands in the Mediterranean with English influences and attractive tax schemes. But the differences are bigger than you’d think. Cyprus is much bigger (about ten times the size of Malta) and therefore has more variety. At the same time, Malta’s digital infrastructure is better. The internet works everywhere here—in Cyprus, I sometimes struggled in remote areas. The big difference: Malta is in the heart of Europe. Flights take two to three hours anywhere—Berlin, London, Paris, or Rome. From Cyprus, everything takes longer and costs more. Malta vs. Italy/Greece: Bureaucracy and Everyday Practicality Italy and Greece undeniably offer more charm, history, and cultural diversity than Malta. Rome, Florence, Athens—these are legendary cities. Malta sometimes just feels like a big village. But wait: Have you ever tried opening a bank account in Italy, or getting decent internet for your home office in Greece? The bureaucracy is notoriously complex. In Malta, opening an account takes three appointments, but then everything works. The internet is fast and reliable, and if you have an issue, every official speaks English. Italy: Beautiful, but bureaucratic and often slow internet Greece: Stunning islands, but economically unstable and patchy digital infrastructure Malta: Less romantic, but practical and efficient for remote work Why Malta Scores for Remote Workers: The Reality After 2 Years Okay, I’ve been honest about the downsides. Now let me tell you why I’m still here, and why Malta is a brilliant choice for certain remote workers. Internet and Work Infrastructure: Better Than Expected Before moving to Malta, I had real concerns about the internet. A small island in the Mediterranean—could it work? Spoiler: It works very well. The fiber coverage is impressive. At home, I consistently get 200 Mbps download and 50 Mbps upload—more than enough for video calls, file uploads, and everything else. The local provider Melita and the international one GO provide redundancy. If one goes down (rare), the other usually still works. Coworking spaces are now everywhere—from GRID in Gzira to Impact Hub in Msida. Most cost €150–300 per month for a fixed desk—not cheap, but the amenities are solid. The best part: Malta is so compact that you’re always close by. My backup workspace is a café in Valletta—15 minutes by bus. In other countries, you’d need a car for that kind of flexibility. Taxes and Legal Matters: EU Citizens Hit the Jackpot This is where it gets interesting. Malta has a system for EU citizens that few know about, but it can be extremely attractive: the remittance-based taxation system. Simply put: You only pay tax on money you actually bring into Malta. What this means: If you earn as a freelancer or online business and leave the money in foreign accounts, you don’t pay tax in Malta at first. Only when you transfer it to Malta (remittance) is it taxed. Important note: This is a simplified explanation. Tax rules are complex and can change. Always consult a professional tax advisor before making decisions. I’m just sharing my personal experiences and research here. There are also programs like the Malta Residence Program (MRP) for longer stays, or even the option to apply for Maltese citizenship. As an EU citizen, you keep your original nationality. Cost of Living: Pricier Than Expected, But Manageable With Strategy I won’t lie: Malta is expensive. Pretty much everything feels 20–30% more costly than in Germany. A cappuccino: €2.50. A regular dinner: €25–30. A central two-bedroom apartment: €1,200–1,800 per month. But—and this matters—you can save strategically: Housing: Look in areas like Gzira, St. Julian’s outskirts, or Msida instead of Sliema and Valletta Shopping: Lidl and Welbees are much cheaper than local supermarkets Transport: A monthly bus pass is only €26—unbeatable Activities: Beaches are free, hiking on Gozo too, and most museums cost under €10 Budget about €1,800–2,500 per month for a comfortable single lifestyle—depending on where and how you live. The Downsides: What Other Countries Definitely Do Better I wouldn’t be honest if I only showed you the sunny sides. Malta has real problems—and some of them still bug me every day after two years. Housing Market: The Daily Nightmare The Maltese housing market is brutal. Period. Demand is huge, supply is small, and prices keep rising. If you’re a foreigner without local contacts, it’s even harder. A typical scenario: You see a flat online for €1,200. You call—already gone. You show up at a viewing—20 other people there. You agree immediately—the landlord still wants to think about it for a week. Even worse: Many landlords ask for two to three months rent as a deposit plus the first month’s rent up front. That’s easily €4,000–6,000 you need to pay in cash up front. My tip from hard experience: Plan at least 2–3 months for the housing search and bring enough cash. AirBnB stays can be pricey in the meantime. Public Transport: Bus Riding as an Extreme Sport Oh, Maltese buses. Where to begin? The system works in theory: There are routes everywhere, tickets are cheap, and modern buses do run. The reality: Buses run on Malta time—schedules are more wishful thinking than a promise. In summer, buses are packed; sometimes the air conditioning fails. The most frustrating part: There’s no real-time app that actually works. You wait at the stop, hoping your bus shows up. Sometimes three come at once, sometimes none for an hour. The alternative? Bolt (taxi app) works well but costs more. A ride from Sliema to Valletta: €8–12. For daily commutes, that adds up fast. Social Life: Harder Than on the Mainland Malta’s a small society, and locals are often very family-oriented. As a foreigner, it takes longer to make real local friends. Most of your social circle will be other expats. That’s not a bad thing—the international community is vibrant and interesting. But it also means many friends will move on sooner or later. In bigger cities like Berlin or Barcelona, there’s more stability in your social circle. Especially in your first few months, Malta can feel lonely. The island is small, activities are limited, and sometimes you just miss the anonymity and variety of a big city. Is Malta Really Worth It for You? Your Personality Check With all the pros and cons, you’re probably wondering: Am I the Malta type? Here’s my honest personality check to help you decide. You Love Compact Places and Short Distances Malta is great if you don’t want long commutes or complicated logistics. You can get anywhere in 30–40 minutes, max. Your accountant, the doctor, the best coworking space, the nicest beach—it’s all close by. Of course, this also means you might soon feel like you’ve seen it all. While in Berlin or Madrid you can spend years discovering new corners, in Malta you’ll have covered most things after a year. Choose Malta if: You value efficiency over variety You like to walk or cycle everywhere You hate stress from traffic and long commutes You’re happy with limited entertainment options You Prioritize Tax Optimization and EU Access If your priority is low taxes within the EU, Malta is hard to beat. That’s especially true if you earn well and plan strategically. Malta makes sense for you if you: Earn at least €80,000 a year as a freelancer or entrepreneur Have international clients and are flexible with your location Are willing to invest time and money in professional tax advice Plan for the long term (the tax benefits really kick in after 1–2 years) For employees with a German employer, Malta offers little in tax savings—in this case, Portugal or Spain is often the better choice. You’re Ready for Local Quirks Malta has its own rhythm, and you have to embrace it. Malta time means appointments are flexible. Bureaucracy takes longer than you’d expect. Sometimes things just don’t work, and nobody can tell you why. You’re made for Malta if you: Are patient and slow to anger Plan flexibly and can deal with delays Can laugh it off when the bus doesn’t show Prefer sunny Mediterranean days over minor annoyances If you’re a control freak who needs everything planned out to the last detail, Malta will probably drive you crazy. Practical Steps: How to Start Your Malta Test Phase Curious now? Good! But don’t just dive in headfirst. I suggest a step-by-step approach—the one I wish I’d taken if I’d known better back then. The First 30 Days: A Test Workation Before you overhaul your life, try Malta for a month. That’s long enough to get a feel for the reality, but short enough to keep things flexible. Practical plan for your test workation: Accommodation: Book an AirBnB for 4 weeks in Gzira or Msida (central but cheaper than Sliema) Workspace: Try out different coworking spaces with day passes (GRID, Regus, Impact Hub) Internet: Buy a Maltese SIM card with a data plan as backup (GO or Melita) Transport: Get a Tallinja card for the buses and try out Bolt too Banking: Ask a local bank about requirements for opening an account Make sure to test real-world routines: Work your usual hours, join video calls, do everyday errands. That’s the only way to know if Malta fits your working and living style. Mid-Term: Properly Plan a 6-Month Test Run If the first month goes well, plan a six-month stint. That’s long enough to truly get to know Malta—including a Maltese winter and all the first bureaucratic hurdles. Your 6-Month Checklist: When Key Steps Estimated Costs Before arrival Find longer-term accommodation, inform your employer €1,500–2,500 deposit First week Register with Identity Malta, open a bank account €50–100 in fees First month Apply for a tax ID, check local health insurance €0–200 After 3 months Get tax advice, apply for EU health insurance card €300–500 Most important: Track your days of stay carefully. If you want to switch your tax residency to Malta later, you’ll need proof of your presence. Long-Term: Getting Tax Residency and Permanent Status Right If Malta still feels perfect after six months, you can think about a permanent move. That’s more complex and definitely requires professional guidance. The key steps for a tax move: Tax advice in both countries: You need experts for German AND Maltese tax law Apply for ordinary residence: This unlocks the Maltese tax benefits Follow the 183-day rule: You have to spend more than 183 days a year in Malta—and prove it Deregister from German tax: Trickier than most expect Documentation: Collect all records of stays, expenses, and income Realistic costs for the full move: €3,000–5,000 for consultation, applications, and fees. It’s only worth it if you’re expecting significant long-term tax savings. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Do I need a visa for Malta as an EU citizen? No, as an EU citizen you can stay in Malta for up to 90 days without registering. For longer stays, you’ll need to register with Identity Malta, but there’s no visa required. How fast is the internet really in Malta? Fiber coverage is good. In urban areas, you’ll easily get 100–200 Mbps download. Upload speeds are usually around 20–50 Mbps—enough for video calls and file uploads. What taxes do I pay as a freelancer in Malta? That depends on your residency status. As a Maltese tax resident with ordinary residence, you can benefit from the remittance system. Get professional tax advice! How expensive is life in Malta compared to Germany? Malta is about 20–30% more expensive than Germany. Housing and restaurants are main cost drivers. Transport and some services are cheaper. Can I open a bank account in Malta? Yes, but it takes time. As an EU citizen, you’ll need proof of address, proof of income, and usually 2–3 appointments. Allow 4–6 weeks for the whole process. What’s the weather like in Malta in winter? Winters are mild, with temperatures between 15–20°C (59–68°F). It rains more than in summer, but you still have plenty of sunny days. Perfect for work, a bit cool for the beach. Does everyone in Malta speak English? English is an official language, and almost everyone is fluent. In daily life you’ll often hear Maltese, but English will get you by everywhere. How hard is it to find an apartment in Malta? Very hard. The market is competitive, prices are high, and as a foreigner without local contacts you’ll need patience. Plan for at least 2–3 months of searching. Is Malta worth it for employees with a German employer? Usually not for tax reasons, as you’ll remain taxable in Germany. Malta can still be attractive for better weather and lower living costs in some areas. How do I get from Malta to other European cities? Malta Airport has direct connections to all major European cities. Flights to Germany, Italy, or France take 2–3 hours and cost €100–300 if you book in advance.
