Las mayores sorpresas: 10 cosas que resultaron diferentes para expatriados internacionales al mudarse a Malta – Reality Check

After two years in Malta, I can promise you one thing: Forget everything you’ve read in Instagram posts and lifestyle blogs about moving to Malta. The reality is different. Very different.

I moved from Munich to Valletta in 2022 at 28 years old, working as a Digital Marketing Manager. I was full of dreams of sunshine, low living costs and the famous work-life balance. Today, 24 months later, I still live here – but my perspective has fundamentally changed.

I wish I had known about these 10 surprises before my move to Malta. Not to scare me off, but to prepare myself properly. Because Malta is fantastic – if you know what you’re getting yourself into.

Malta Housing Market: Why €1,200 for 40sqm is considered cheap

My first apartment in Malta cost €1,300 for 45 square meters in Gzira. Not a typo. In Munich, I had a 65sqm place for €1,100. Welcome to Malta reality.

The shocking rental prices in Malta

The Maltese housing market is a nightmare for international expats. Prices have exploded in the last five years, mainly due to three factors: EU accession, the gaming industry, and tax advantages for high-net-worth-individuals.

Thats just the base rent. On top you often pay:

• Two months’ deposit (in cash!)
• One month’s finder’s fee
• No furniture (unless you pay €200-400 extra)
• Electricity and water (€50-150 in summer)
• Internet (€30-50)

The Malta housing market: Why is it so expensive?

Malta has a population density similar to Monaco, but new housing is slow to emerge. At the same time, lots of EU citizens move to the island every year. Supply cant keep up with demand.

On top of that: Maltese landlords are often small investors who see their property as a pension fund. They can be picky with tenants and usually prefer expats with permanent contracts over digital nomads.

Insider tips for apartment hunting in Malta

After six months of flat-sharing and countless viewings, here’s what I’ve learned:

1. Malta Property Facebook Groups: Forget maltapark.com and similar portals. 80% of the good apartments get posted in Facebook groups.
2. Timing is everything: New posts mostly arrive between 9-11am and 6-8pm. Be quick – good flats are gone in 2-4 hours.
3. View on the same day: Say “I can view today” and have your documents ready (work contract, last three payslips, ID).
4. Negotiation works: For apartments over €1,500 you can often get €100-200 off, especially in the low season.

What does this mean for you? Budget at least 40-50% of your net income for rent. Anything less is unrealistic, unless you go to Gozo or the southern villages.

Malta Bureaucracy: When government offices close at 11:30am

My first visit to the ID cards office was a culture shock. I arrived at 11:45am – the office was closed. “We close at 11:30 for lunch break,” said the security guard. Until 2:30pm. On a Tuesday.

The Maltese government office experience

Malta has one of the least efficient administrations in Europe, and that’s not just my opinion – the EU Commission says so in its 2023 Digitalization Index. Here’s the opening times of the most important offices:

Lunch breaks are sacred. At 11:30am sharp the window is closed, even if there are 20 people still in line. Non-negotiable.

EU Registration: Welcome to the paperwork jungle

As an EU citizen you have to register within three months. Sounds simple, but isn’t. You’ll need:

• Completed Form A (in English only, handwritten)
• Work contract or proof of self-employment
• Notarised rental contract
• Health insurance proof
• Biometric photo (no older than 6 months)
• ID size photo for records (in addition to biometric photo)

Pro tip: Go at 8:00am. The staff are more relaxed and you’ll make it before lunch break.

Language and bureaucracy: Malti meets English

Malta has two official languages: Maltese and English. On paper. In reality, many civil servants prefer speaking Malti between themselves and only reluctantly switch to English. Especially annoying at the tax office.

Documents are sometimes in English, sometimes in Malti, sometimes both with different content. My tax assessment was entirely in Malti – Google Translate became my best friend.

What does this mean for you? Always reserve a whole morning for anything administrative. Never go without an appointment and always bring three copies of every document – you never know what else they’ll ask for today.

Transport in Malta: Why you need a car, but don’t want one

Malta has 316 square kilometers. For comparison: That’s smaller than the Munich district. Still, traveling by bus from Sliema to Mellieha takes 90 minutes. By car, 25. Welcome to Malta.

The Maltese bus system: A love-hate relationship

Malta Transport replaced the yellow vintage buses with modern Arriva buses in 2011. That’s the good news. The bad news: The timetable is more of a wish than a reality.

Here are the toughest facts about the bus system:

• Delays: 15-30 minutes is standard, 45min+ happens weekly
• Air conditioning: Works in about 60% of buses – crucial in summer
• Route 202 (Sliema-Valletta): Every 10 minutes on paper, in reality every 20-45
• Sunday service: Reduced schedules, many lines don’t run at all
• At night: Last bus usually runs 9:00-11:00pm

A monthly pass is €26 (2024), a single ticket €2. Sounds cheap, but if you spend 2 hours a day on the bus, you quickly see it differently.

Driving in Malta: Adventure included

Many Malta expats buy a car within six months. Not because they want to, but because they have to. Heres the reality:

Then there are the road conditions: Potholes like lunar craters, roundabouts without clear rules and Maltese drivers who think indicators are optional.

Alternative ways of getting around

Smart people look for alternatives:

1. E-Scooter: Bolt and Tier have taken over Malta. €0.20/min, perfect for short trips around Sliema/Valletta
2. Car-sharing: GoTo Malta rents per hour from €8/hour including petrol
3. Bicycle: Only for the brave – no bike lanes, aggressive drivers, many hills
4. Taxi apps: Bolt and eCabs, but expensive (Sliema-Airport = €15-25)

What does this mean for you? Budget €200-400 monthly for transport. Only less if you live and work in Sliema/Valletta – or have lots of patience.

Malta Cost of Living: More expensive than you think, cheaper than expected

Malta isn’t cheap. That was my first impression after visiting the supermarket. €4.50 for cheese, €6 for detergent, €8 for shampoo. At the same time, I paid €3 for a lunch in Valletta and €2 for a Cisk beer. Malta makes no sense – until you understand the system.

Supermarket shock: Where Malta gets really expensive

Many products are imported. You notice it at the checkout. Here are my monthly expenses after two years of optimizing:

The most expensive items:

• Dairy: €4.50 for 250g mozzarella
• Meat: €25/kg for regular beef
• Vegetables: €8/kg for bell peppers (off season)
• Bread: €2.50 for a standard loaf
• Detergent: €12 for Persil (Germany: €6)

Where Malta is cheaper: The positive surprises

Not everything is more expensive. These things cost less than in Germany:

• Local restaurants: Maltese pastizzi for €0.50, full lunch from €6
• Hairdresser: Men €8-15, women €25-40 (vs. Germany: +50%)
• Fitness: Gym memberships from €25/month
• Alcohol: Local beer €1.50-2, wine from €4/bottle
• Cinema: €7-9 per ticket
• Doctors: Private GPs from €25

Smart shopping in Malta: My survival tips

After two years I’ve developed a system:

1. Lidl and Smart Supermarket: I buy 80% of my stuff here, 20-30% cheaper than Welbees or Pavi
2. Tas-Sliema Market (Saturday): Fresh fruit and veg, 40% cheaper than supermarket
3. Online shopping: Amazon UK delivers to Malta, often cheaper even with shipping
4. Bulk buying: Buy larger quantities of storable goods when they’re on offer
5. Local apps: Wolt and Bolt Food often have 30-50% discount promotions

What does this mean for you? Expect 40-50% higher living costs than in Germany, but 20-30% less than Switzerland. As a single you need at least €2,500 net for a comfortable lifestyle.

Malta Expat Community: Why everyone lives in Sliema

Many international expats live within a 3km radius between Sliema, St. Julians and Gzira. That’s no exaggeration – that’s reality. And it creates a bizarre bubble that’s both fantastic and frustrating.

The Sliema bubble: Where everyone meets

In Sliema you’ll find more Germans, Italians and Scandinavians than Maltese. The reasons are practical:

• Walking distance: Everything is within walking distance – offices, restaurants, shops
• English everywhere: You can survive with zero Malti
• International infrastructure: German pharmacy, Italian restaurants, Scandinavian kindergartens
• Public transport hub: All key bus routes pass through Sliema
• Networking: Lots of expat events take place here

The downside: You live in an international bubble and never experience the “real” Malta.

Expat groups and networking in Malta

Malta has an incredibly active expat scene. The main communities:

Events happen almost daily: Networking drinks at Hugo’s Lounge, beach volleyball in Bugibba, Sunday roast at Palazzo Preca, poker nights at Casino Malta.

Integration vs expat bubble: The difficult balance

This is the biggest problem: It’s so easy to only hang out with other expats that many after years don’t speak a single word of Maltese or have Maltese friends.

Maltese locals are friendly but reserved. Their circles come from school days and they open up slowly to foreigners. My tips for real integration:

1. Join local clubs: Football clubs, church groups, hobby clubs
2. Learn basic Malti: “Bongu” (hello), “Grazzi” (thank you), “Sahha” (bye) open doors
3. Support local businesses: Go to the Maltese hairdresser, not the German one
4. Explore outside Sliema: Mdina, Marsaxlokk, Dingli – the real Malta

What does this mean for you? Youll make expat friends instantly, but real integration takes effort. Both have their perks.

Malta Business: When siesta meets a startup mentality

Malta has two business worlds: the traditional Maltese one with long lunch breaks and “famiglia” structures, and the international gaming/tech scene with Silicon Valley ambitions. Navigating both was one of my biggest learning curves.

The gaming industry: Malta’s cash cow

Malta is Europe’s gaming hub. Many gaming companies have their EU license here. That brings both pros and cons:

The advantages:

• High salaries: €45,000-80,000 for senior roles
• International teams: 15+ nationalities in one office
• Modern offices with roof terraces and gaming rooms
• Flexible work hours and remote work options
• Company events: Summer parties on yachts, Christmas parties in historic palaces

The downsides:

• High turnover: Average tenure 18 months
• Stress levels: Quarterly figures set the mood
• Limited career progression: Few senior management roles
• Ethical concerns: Gambling industry isn’t for everyone

Salary structures in Malta: What you can expect

Salaries in Malta vary greatly by sector and company nationality:

There are often benefits: health insurance, gym membership, laptop, occasionally housing allowance.

Work culture in Malta: Relaxed but inefficient

The Maltese work culture is a wild mix:

International firms (Gaming/Tech):

• 9am-5pm, flexible hours
• Flat hierarchies, quick decisions
• Meeting culture: 30% of time in calls
• Performance-oriented: KPIs rule everything

Maltese traditional firms:

• 8am-5pm with 1.5hr lunch break
• Strict hierarchies, slow decisions
• Relationships matter more than performance
• “Famiglia” thinking: loyalty is rewarded

For example: At my first Maltese employer approval for a new CRM system took four months. Why? Every department head needed to agree, and decisions were only made in face-to-face conversations, never via email.

What does this mean for you? Gaming/Tech jobs pay the most, but are stressful. Traditional sectors are more relaxed, but less innovative. Choose based on your priorities.

Malta Healthcare System: Private is a must, not a luxury

Malta has a two-tier healthcare system: a free public one for locals and EU citizens, and a private one for anyone who doesn’t want to spend six hours in a waiting room. Spoiler: you’ll want private.

Public vs private healthcare in Malta

Theoretically, as an EU citizen you’re entitled to free treatment in Malta. In practice, the public system is overloaded:

My reality check: I needed an orthopaedic specialist in 2023 for knee problems. Public: Appointment September 2024. Private: Same week, €80. Easy choice.

Private health insurance in Malta: A must-have

Many expats get private health insurance. The most popular providers:

• Globality Health: €80-150/month, international coverage
• MSV Life: €60-120/month, Malta-focused
• Elmo Insurance: €45-90/month, basic cover
• German/Austrian providers: €100-200/month, valid EU-wide

My tip: Choose a policy that covers Mater Dei Hospital and Gozo General Hospital. These private clinics operate to German standards.

Doctors and clinics in Malta

Many private doctors in Malta trained in the UK, Germany or Italy. The standard is high, the costs as well:

Top private clinics:

1. St. James Hospital: Specialist in surgery and cardiology
2. AMA Clinic Sliema: GPs and basic care

Typical costs without insurance:

• GP visit: €25-40
• Dentist (check-up): €40-60
• Dentist (filling): €120-200
• Blood test: €50-80
• Emergency room: €100-300

What does this mean for you? Budget at least €100/month for health insurance. The public system is only practical for real emergencies.

Malta Language Confusion: Malti, English and hand gestures

Malta has two official languages: Maltese and English. Sounds simple. It’s not. After two years I still don’t get when which language is spoken – and sometimes Maltese people use both at once.

The reality of Maltese bilingualism

Maltese (Malti) is the mother tongue for most people. Many speak English fluently, but reluctantly. Here’s the language breakdown in different situations:

The mix is the wildest: Maltese people switch between languages mid-sentence. “Illum we had a really busy day fil-office, so we decided to go għal-dinner.” Totally normal.

Learning Maltese: Harder than you think

Maltese is Europe’s only Semitic language, related to Arabic. The grammar is complex, the pronunciation tough. Examples:

• Bongu (Good morning) – pronounced “Bon-ju”
• Grazzi hafna (Thank you very much) – “Grats-i hafna”
• Fejn qiegħed il-bank? (Where is the bank?) – “Fein ae-ed il-bank?”
• Kemm tiswa? (How much is that?) – “Kem tis-wa?”

Apps like Duolingo don’t have Maltese. There are only a few textbooks, mostly in English. University of Malta offers evening classes for €200/semester.

English in Malta: British with an Italian accent

Maltese English has quirks:

• Italian intonation: Sentences often rise at the end
• Word order: “Where are you going to?” instead of “Where are you going?”
• Tenses: “I am knowing him” instead of “I know him”
• Articles: “I work in the finance” instead of “I work in finance”

Understanding is rarely a problem, but the accent takes some getting used to.

Practical language situations in everyday Malta

My experience after two years:

1. Supermarket: English always works
2. Bus drivers: 50/50 – some only speak Malti
3. Older people: Often only broken English
4. Handymen: Usually only Malti, bring Google Translate
5. Restaurants: Tourist spots = English, local villages = Malti

What does this mean for you? You get by perfectly with English, but 10-15 basic Maltese words open doors and hearts. People are delighted when foreigners make an effort.

Malta Climate: When 40°C and power outages collide

Malta markets itself as a “year-round sunny Mediterranean paradise.” That’s true – but they forget to mention that 40°C in July, torrential rain in winter, and regular power cuts in summer are part of daily life.

Maltese seasons: A rollercoaster ride

Technically, Malta has four seasons, but practically just two: summer (April-October) and winter (November-March). Here are the cold hard facts:

Summer in Malta: Sweating is part of the package

July and August are brutal. 35°C in the shade, but feels like 45°C due to high humidity. Add the Scirocco – a hot desert wind from Africa pushing temperatures upwards of 40°C.

Biggest summer challenges:

• Power outages: Grid overload in heatwaves, especially in Sliema and Gzira
• Water shortages: Hot water from the tap, sometimes hours without cold
• Aircon costs: Electric bill jumps from €60 to €200-300/month
• Public transport: Buses with no working A/C are hell
• Sleep problems: Impossible without AC, expensive with it

My first summer in 2022 was a shock. Three days of 42°C, AC failed, no technician in sight – I slept in the office.

Winter in Malta: Underestimated and uncomfortable

Malta winters aren’t cold, but they’re uncomfortable. Houses have no heating and poor insulation. At 12°C outside, it’s 12°C inside, too.

Winter realities:

• Humidity: 80-90% moisture, risk of mold in bedrooms
• Electricity costs: Electric heaters increase bills
• Storm and rain: When it rains, it pours – streets turn into lakes
• Vitamin D deficiency: Less sun than you’d think, especially in Dec/Jan

Adapting to the climate: My survival tips

After two years I’ve learned:

Summer strategy:

1. Get up early: 6-10am are the most pleasant hours
2. Take a siesta: Stay inside from 12-4pm
3. Plan AC use: Don’t run 24/7, just at night and during home office
4. Backup plan: Co-working space or shopping mall as a heat escape

Winter strategy:

1. Buy a dehumidifier: €50-100 investment, stops mold
2. Warm clothes: Yes, you need sweaters in Malta too
3. Take vitamin D supplements: December to February is dark
4. Plan indoor activities: Rain can last for days

What does this mean for you? The climate is amazing from March-June and September-November. Summer is hot and expensive, winter more humid than you expect. Plan accordingly.

Malta Culture Shock: Why Maltese time is different

Malta is geographically between Sicily and North Africa – and culturally, too. German punctuality meets Italian relaxation, British politeness meets Arabic hospitality. The result is charming, but takes getting used to.

Maltese time: Punctuality is relative

“Maltese Time” is a real thing. Appointments are guidelines, not commitments:

• Private plans: +15-30 minutes is normal
• Tradesman appointments: Could even be the next day
• Restaurants: 7pm booking means 7:30pm
• Events/Parties: +1 hour is standard
• Business meetings: Here, they’re usually on time (mostly)

My culture shock: I waited 45 minutes for the installer. When he arrived he said: “Sorry, had coffee with my cousin.” No bad conscience. That’s Malta.

Family first: The famiglia factor

Malta is an island society with 500,000 residents. Everyone knows everyone, and family comes first:

This has pros and cons: Networking happens through personal relationships, but as a foreigner it takes longer to build trust.

Communication style: Directness is out

Germans are direct, Maltese are diplomatic. What Germans consider “honest” seems rude to Maltese:

Example – criticism at work:

• German: “The project isn’t going well, we need to change X, Y, Z.”
• Maltese: “The project is going well, but maybe we could consider some small improvements…”

The other way round, Germans may find Maltese politeness indecisive or insincere.

Religion and tradition: More Catholic than the Pope

Malta is mostly Catholic, and this shapes daily life:

• Sundays: Many shops closed, family day
• Festa season (May-September): Every village celebrates its saint with fireworks and processions
• Easter: More important than Christmas, lasts three days
• Divorce: Only legal since 2011, still controversial
• Abortion: Illegal, a social taboo

As an atheist or Protestant, I never had an issue, but the Catholic influence is everywhere.

Social life: Small island, big drama

Malta is a village. Gossip spreads faster than WiFi signals:

• Dating: Everyone’s dated everyone (or knows someone who has…)
• Job changes: Your new boss knows the old one personally
• Scandals: Everyone knows, no one talks
• Expat vs Local dating: Complicated, but possible

My tip: Malta is too small for drama. Be polite to everyone – you’ll see them again.

What does this mean for you? Relax your German standards. Malta runs slower, more personally and is family-oriented. Both frustrating and charming.

Reality Check Malta: What remains after two years

Malta isn’t the Instagram paradise from lifestyle blogs. It’s more expensive, bureaucratic and exhausting than you think. But it’s also livelier, more diverse and more surprising than any cliché.

The hard facts: What Malta really costs

After two years I can honestly say: Malta is no cheap emigration destination. Here are my actual monthly costs as a single in Sliema:

On top: one-off costs: €3,000 for moving, €2,000 for car, €1,500 for furniture. Realistic minimum for comfortable living: €2,500 net per month.

Who should move to Malta – and who shouldn’t

Malta is perfect for you if:

• You earn at least €3,000 net
• You’re flexible and patient
• You like working in international teams
• You love sunshine more than German efficiency
• You’re open to new cultures and languages
• You prefer city living to rural life

Malta isn’t for you if:

• You earn less than €2,500 net
• You need punctuality and efficiency
• You’re looking for big flats and low living costs
• You’re impatient with bureaucracy
• You prefer living alone rather than in communities
• You like four seasons and changing weather

My personal Malta conclusion

Would I move to Malta again? Yes. Would I recommend it to everyone? No.

Malta taught me that quality of life is more than efficiency and low costs. Things move slower here, but more intensely. The sun shines 300 days a year, I talk to five different nationalities daily, and my commute is ten minutes on foot.

At the same time, I pay more for a 45sqm flat than for a 70sqm place in Munich, wait forever for tradesmen and get regularly annoyed by Maltese laid-backness.

Malta is a compromise. If you’re ready to swap German standards for Mediterranean lifestyle – and have the budget – it’s a fantastic experiment.

What does this mean for you? Come for a few months and test it out. Malta quickly shows you if it’s a match or not.

Frequently Asked Questions about Moving to Malta

How much money do I need for Malta, at least?

As a single, you need at least €2,500 net per month for a comfortable lifestyle. With €2,000 it’s possible, but you’ll have to live in remote areas and be very frugal. For couples, budget at least €3,500 together.

Can I just move to Malta as an EU citizen?

Yes, but you have to register with the police within three months. You’ll need a work contract or proof of sufficient funds, a rental contract and health insurance.

How hard is it to find an apartment in Malta?

Very hard, especially in Sliema/St. Julian’s. Good apartments are snapped up within hours. Use Facebook groups instead of portals and be ready to view and sign immediately. Budget at least €1,200 for a 40sqm flat.

Do I need a car in Malta?

Not absolutely, but very strongly recommended. The bus system is unreliable and slow. In Sliema/Valletta you can manage without a car, otherwise you’ll need patience or a taxi budget. Many expats buy a car after six months.

How good is the healthcare system in Malta?

The public system is free but overloaded (6+ months wait for a specialist). The private system is excellent but expensive (€60-120 per specialist appointment). Private health insurance from €80/month is practically essential.

Can I survive in Malta with just English?

Yes, easily. Many Maltese speak fluent English, especially in tourist and business areas. Basic Maltese (“Bongu,” “Grazzi”) opens doors and is greatly appreciated.

How are the job opportunities in Malta?

Very good in gaming, tech, and finance. Salaries are €35,000-80,000 for experienced professionals. In traditional sectors, salaries are lower (€25,000-45,000). Remote work is widespread and accepted.

What’s the best time to move to Malta?

September to November or March to May. Pleasant temperatures, fewer tourists, more relaxed housing market. July/August are too hot, December/January surprisingly chilly and damp.

How expensive is living in Malta really?

30-40% more expensive than Germany for food and rent, but cheaper for restaurants and services. Imported products are costly (dairy, meat), local items are cheaper. Electricity is expensive in summer due to ACs.

Is Malta worth it for retirees?

Yes, if you have enough budget (at least €2,000 pension). Tax advantages for Non-Dom status, good weather, English spoken, good private health care. But: high living costs and noisy tourist areas.