Business networks in Malta: My experiences with events, clubs, and the international business community

Picture this: Youre sitting in a sleek office tower in Sliema, your espresso is still steaming, and the person across from you is telling you how he took his fintech startup from nothing to a valuation of 50 million euros—right here in Malta, on an island smaller than Munich. Sounds surreal, right? But thats been my business reality for two years now.

At first, I also thought that networking in Malta meant philosophizing with a few expats over sundowners about tax incentives. Not at all. The Maltese business community is a microcosm of international corporations, innovative startups, and traditional family businesses, each with their own rules of the game.

In this article, I’ll show you which business networks in Malta really matter, where you meet the right people, and how you can establish yourself as an international entrepreneur—without falling into the usual traps. Spoiler: The Malta Business Network isn’t your automatic ticket to success.

Malta Business Community: What to Expect as an Entrepreneur

The Maltese business scene is like an onion—at first glance small and manageable, but the deeper you dig, the more layers you discover. After two years here, I can tell you: Malta has transformed itself from a sleepy Mediterranean island to a serious business hub.

The International Scene: Who’s Who in Malta

Forget the cliché about the small island state. In Valletta and Sliema, managers from Betsson, Kindred Group, and Evolution Gaming meet for lunch, while just three tables away a German tax advisor explains the advantages of the Maltese holding structure to his Swiss client. The international business community in Malta consists of three main groups:

• Gaming giants and fintech startups: Over 300 licensed gaming companies and a booming fintech scene
• Tax-optimized entrepreneurs: German, Austrian, and Northern European businesspeople who use Malta as an EU tax base
• Traditional Maltese family businesses: Often established for generations, well connected, and surprisingly international in outlook

What does this mean for you? You move in an environment where the guy next to you at the coffee machine has either just had his second exit or has been running the family trade for 40 years. Both can help you—if you know how to approach them.

Industry Hotspots: Fintech, Gaming, and Online Business

Malta has made a name for itself in three areas that you should have on your radar as an entrepreneur. Online gaming is the clear top dog—the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) is considered one of the strictest and most respected gambling regulators worldwide. What that means for you: Even if you’re not in gaming, you’ll meet people here who understand regulation, compliance, and international expansion.

Fintech is booming like crazy.

The third hotspot: Online business in general. E-commerce, SaaS, digital marketing—Malta attracts entrepreneurs who want EU access but value flexible tax structures. I’ve met people here running Amazon FBA businesses with annual turnovers of eight million euros, or developing B2B software sold all over Europe.

Cultural Particularities of Maltese Business

This is where it gets interesting: Malta is culturally a mix of British correctness, Italian passion, and its own relaxed attitude. Punctuality is valued, but being five minutes late won’t cause drama. Small talk is more important than in Germany—expect the first ten minutes to be about family, weather, or the latest restaurant.

A peculiarity I didn’t notice until months in: Family connections play a huge role. Malta has just 520,000 residents; it feels like everyone knows everyone. The notary handling your company papers may be the cousin of the banker opening your account. It’s not corruption—just Maltese reality.

My tip: Treat everyone with respect, no matter their position. The barista today could be tomorrow’s tech investor. Sounds corny, but in Malta it’s more often the case than elsewhere.

The Most Important Business Clubs and Networking Organisations

After two years of trial and error I can tell you: not every business club in Malta is worth your money. I’ve paid for memberships that turned out to be a waste, and I’ve discovered free communities that brought me more deals than expensive VIP clubs.

Malta Business Network (MBN): The Classic for Beginners

The Malta Business Network is probably the first address everyone recommends. Founded in 2008, with over 2,000 members and regular events—sounds perfect, right? Yes and no.

The advantages: MBN really is a good entry point. The monthly networking events (every first Thursday of the month) bring together 80–120 people, a good mix of locals and expats, and the organization is professional. Annual fee: 150 euros, plus 15–25 euros per event.

The reality: You mostly meet other networkers also looking for deals. Insurance agents, real estate agents, consultants—all nice people, but often not the target audience you need as an entrepreneur. After six events, I had 40 more LinkedIn contacts, but zero concrete business opportunities.

What does this mean for you? MBN is perfect to get to know Malta and its community. For real business connections, you should act more strategically.

Malta Chamber of Commerce: Tradition Meets Innovation

The Malta Chamber of Commerce, Enterprise and Industry might sound old-fashioned, but it’s surprisingly relevant. Founded in 1848, today it represents over 1,200 companies—from traditional importers to blockchain startups.

The difference to other networks: Here, you meet the established players. Importers who have traded with North Africa for 30 years. Builders who have concreted over half of Malta. Tech CEOs who just closed their Series A. These are people who really make business happen.

My highlight: The annual President’s Cocktail at Casino Maltese. You’ll meet the who’s who of Maltese business there. I found a joint venture partner for my first Malta project there.

Young Entrepreneurs Malta: For the Next Generation

Young Entrepreneurs Malta (YEM) is the counterprogramme to the established clubs. Founded in 2015, focused on entrepreneurs under 40, highly international. The WhatsApp group has over 300 active members, most events are held at trendy venues like the Vault in Floriana or the AX Hotels rooftop.

What I like here: It’s less about exchanging business cards and more about real connection. I met a German e-commerce founder here who introduced me to his Maltese logistics partner. Cost to me: zero. Direct benefit: priceless.

Events worth attending:

• YEM Drinks (monthly): Casual networking in various bars
• Startup Pitches (quarterly): Young entrepreneurs present their projects
• Entrepreneur Breakfast (monthly): Focus on concrete business topics

Expat Business Communities: International Networks

Malta has a business community for almost every nationality. The German-Maltese Business Association hosts quarterly events, the Nordic Chamber of Commerce brings Scandinavian businesspeople together, and the Italian Chamber of Commerce is especially strong in trade and construction.

My secret tip: The British Business Network Malta. Still very active after Brexit, since many British companies use Malta as their EU gateway. Their Business After Hours events in St. Julian’s regularly attract 60–80 participants—real decision-makers gather there.

Pro tip: Focus on at most two communities. Better to be regularly and visibly present there than to be superficial everywhere.

Malta Business Events: My Calendar for Strategic Networking

Malta is small, but the events calendar is packed. The problem: 80 percent of events are a waste of time. In my first six months, I spent nearly every other evening at a networking event—and lost more time than money.

Regular Networking Events: What’s Really Worth It?

Here’s my honest assessment of the events I regularly attend or consciously avoid:

The Champions League (must attend):

• Malta AI & Blockchain Summit (November): The annual event for tech entrepreneurs. 8,500 participants from 80 countries, three days at the MFCC. Tickets cost 400–600 euros, but you’ll meet real investors and decision-makers here. I found my CTO there—a blockchain developer I met during the summit.
• FRGMNT Business Breakfast (monthly): Last Friday of every month, 8–10am at AX Hotel. Max 30 participants, invite only, free but selective. You’ll be networking here with CEOs—not salespeople.
• Malta Gaming Week (February): Interesting even for non-gaming entrepreneurs, because the gaming industry is so dominant. You’ll meet compliance experts, payment providers, and affiliate managers.

The Regional League (worth considering):

• Nexia BT Business Breakfast: Quarterly, well organized but very accounting focused
• Malta Stock Exchange Events: Interesting for investment-oriented entrepreneurs
• Tech.mt Meetups: Monthly, free, a good mix of developers and tech entrepreneurs

The Lower Leagues (save your time):

• Most hotel networking events in St. Julian’s
• Overly large BNI groups (Business Network International)
• Events by real estate agents (unless you’re hunting for property)

Industry-Specific Conferences and Trade Fairs

Malta has specialized in three event categories with international attention. Gaming and gambling tops the list—besides Malta Gaming Week, throughout the year there are smaller conferences like Affiliation Conference or SiGMA. They mainly attract gaming people, but you’ll also find payment providers, marketing agencies, and compliance specialists—the kinds of contacts you can use for nearly any online business.

Fintech and blockchain is the second focus. The Malta Fintech Festival in June brings together banks, startups, and regulators. Tickets from 250 euros, but here you’ll meet MFSA staff and get direct feedback on your licensing plans.

The third area: Maritime and logistics. Malta is still one of the most important Mediterranean ports, and events like the Malta Maritime Summit show you a different side of the island—not about gaming or tax optimization. Fascinating if you trade physical goods or run e-commerce with European logistics.

Spontaneous Meetups and Informal Gatherings

The best deals often don’t emerge at organized events, but through spontaneous encounters. Malta is perfect for this—the island is so small, sooner or later you’ll meet everyone.

Hotspots for spontaneous networking:

• Peppino’s Wine Bar, Valletta: Tuesday and Thursday from 6pm. Bankers, lawyers, and consultants enjoy after-work wine here
• The Phoenicia Hotel Bar: Classic, a bit stiff, but you’ll meet the old money crowd
• Hugo’s Lounge, St. Julians: Younger crowd, many gaming and tech people
• Caffe Cordina, Valletta: A hotspot for quick business meetings at lunch

Insider tip: My best conversations often happen over coffee before or after official events. Arrive 30 minutes early and stay 30 minutes longer—often more productive than the main event.

Networking in Malta: My Practical Tips from 2 Years

Networking in Malta works differently than in Germany or other European markets. The island is small, the community close-knit, and a bad first impression spreads faster than you can say pastizzi. I made some mistakes in my first months that I’d like to help you avoid.

First Impressions: Business Etiquette in Malta

Dress code: Malta is more relaxed than Germany, but still professional. Business casual is standard—a shirt without a tie for men, blouse or a smart T-shirt for women. For upscale events at Casino Maltese or five-star hotels, business formal is expected. I once lost an important contact because I showed up at a Chamber event in shorts.

Small talk essentials: Always start with neutral topics. The weather (really!), the current state of construction in your area, or a new restaurant are perfect icebreakers. Avoid politics—Malta is heavily split between Labour and the Nationalist Party. Football always works, especially if you know a bit about the Premier League.

Business card etiquette: Yes, business cards are still relevant in Malta in 2025. Especially the older generation (50+) expects it. I order mine from Print It in Sliema—500 pieces for 45 euros, ready the next day. QR codes on the back are now standard.

Follow-Up and Relationship Management: What Works

Your follow-up after events determines the success or failure of your networking efforts. In Malta, there are some unwritten rules I only discovered after several months.

The 48-hour rule: Reach out no later than two days after first contact. A simple LinkedIn message is enough: Hi [Name], great to meet you yesterday at [event]. Would love to grab a coffee sometime and learn more about [their project]. Works 80 percent of the time.

Make use of coffee culture: Malta thrives on coffee meetings. A 30-minute cappuccino at Caffe Cordina or Rooster Coffee is the Maltese standard for getting to know someone. Costs 3–4 euros, but is worth more than endless email exchanges.

WhatsApp is king: Forget e-mail for daily communication. Malta runs on WhatsApp. I’m in over 15 business-related WhatsApp groups, from Malta Entrepreneurs to Tech Startups Malta. That’s your direct channel to the community.

Seasonal greetings: At Christmas, Easter, and on Maltese holidays (8 September, 21 September), everyone sends business partners greetings. Sounds old-school, but it’s part of relationship management. I use a simple Excel list for all key contacts.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Mistake #1: Treating all nationalities the same. German entrepreneurs are different from Italians; Swedes are different from Brits. Adjust your communication style accordingly. Be direct with Scandinavians; with Southern Europeans, be more patient.

Mistake #2: Trying to sell too quickly. Malta is a relationship market. No one buys at the first meeting. It usually takes me 3–4 touchpoints before a deal happens. The Italian CEO who’s now my biggest client almost brushed me off at our first meeting.

Mistake #3: Accumulating events instead of focusing. In my first months, I was everywhere. Result: superficial contacts, no real relationships. Today, I focus on 2–3 regular events and invest my time properly.

Mistake #4: Underestimating local culture. Malta may be international, but Maltese are proud of their culture. Learn a few words of Maltese (grazzi for thank you, bongu for good morning), show an interest in history, and respect local traditions. It opens doors.

My recipe for success: Give first, take second. I always introduce others, recommend restaurants, or share useful information before I ask for anything. That’s brought me more business than any sales pitch.

Costs and Investment: What Business Networking in Malta Costs

Networking costs money—that’s a fact. But in Malta you can manage your budget efficiently. I definitely spent too much in my first year and didn’t plan strategically enough. These days, I spend about 300 euros per month on networking and get measurable ROI.

Memberships and Annual Fees Overview

Here are the real costs of Malta’s most important business organisations (as of 2025):

My recommendation for getting started: Start with the Malta Chamber (€280 for small business) and Young Entrepreneurs Malta (free). That gives you a good foundation for 280 euros per year plus event costs.

Premium memberships: Malta Chamber also offers Corporate Plus membership for 1,200 euros per year. That gets you access to exclusive CEO roundtables and direct contact with government officials. Worth it only from a certain level of revenue.

Event Tickets and Hidden Costs

Event tickets in Malta are cheaper than in Germany, but added costs add up quickly. A typical networking evening costs you:

• Event Ticket: 15–25 euros (usually includes drinks and snacks)
• Taxi/Bolt: 10–15 euros (parking is scarce)
• Extra drinks: 8–12 euros per drink
• Follow-up coffees: 3–4 euros per meeting

That’s about 40–55 euros per networking event. Two events a month—already 100 euros just on the basics.

Hidden costs I didn’t realize at first:

• Business cards: 45 euros for 500, reordered every 3–4 months
• Clothing: Business casual for Malta’s climate costs more than you’d expect
• Follow-up lunch/dinner: 25–50 euros, but often key to deals
• Conference tickets: Malta AI Summit 600 euros, SiGMA 400 euros, etc.

ROI Calculation: When Networking Pays Off

Now to specifics: After two years, I can calculate my networking ROI fairly accurately. My monthly networking spend is roughly 300 euros (memberships, events, follow-ups). That’s 3,600 euros per year on networking.

My networking-generated deals in 2024:

• Joint venture with Italian e-commerce company: +45,000 euros annual revenue
• Consultancy project for a fintech startup: +15,000 euros
• Referral to German tax advisor: +8,000 euros commission
• Smaller projects and referrals: +12,000 euros

Total: 80,000 euros extra revenue through networking. ROI: 2,122 percent. Even if you only make half as much, it’s still a damn good investment.

But beware: These numbers don’t come in your first year. My first networking year in Malta maybe brought me 5,000 euros, at similar expenses. Building relationships takes time.

Budgeting tip: Plan at least 400 euros a month for serious business networking. Less doesn’t make sense; more won’t bring additional returns beyond a certain point.

Online vs. Offline: Digital Business Communities in Malta

Covid changed Malta, too. Suddenly, Chamber events took place on Zoom, WhatsApp groups exploded, and LinkedIn went from ‘nice-to-have’ to essential. Today, in 2025, the Malta business community is hybrid—and it works amazingly well.

LinkedIn Groups and Facebook Communities

LinkedIn has become much more relevant in Malta. The key groups for business networking:

• Malta Business Network: 8,500+ members, 10–15 posts daily, very active
• Malta Entrepreneurs & Startups: 3,200 members, higher quality, less spam
• Malta Gaming Professionals: 12,000+ members, interesting even for non-gaming entrepreneurs
• Malta Fintech Community: 2,800 members, very specific but high quality

My Malta LinkedIn hack: Post regularly about your experience as an entrepreneur in Malta. 5 Things I Learned After a Year in Malta or Why I Moved My Startup from Berlin to Malta always generate comments and new contacts.

Facebook is a bit different. Here, practical communities dominate:

• Malta Business Community: 15,000+ members, mix of networking and marketplace
• Expats Malta: 45,000+ members, not business-focused but valuable for contacts
• Malta Entrepreneurs: 4,500 members, very active, good deal flow

WhatsApp Groups and Telegram Channels

WhatsApp is the nervous system of the Malta business community. I’m currently in 18 business-relevant groups—from Malta Tech Founders to German Entrepreneurs Malta. This is where quick deals, referrals, and spontaneous meetups happen.

The most important WhatsApp groups (by relevance):

1. Malta Entrepreneurs: 180 members, very active, high quality
2. Tech Startups Malta: 95 members, developers and founders
3. Malta Business Referrals: 240 members, purely for recommendations
4. Gaming Professionals Malta: 320 members, job posts and networking

WhatsApp etiquette in Malta: No spam, no direct sales, always share valuable content. I post about once a week in each group—either a recommendation, an interesting article, or a question to the community.

Telegram is less common, but there are a few specialist channels like Malta Crypto (850 subscribers) or Malta Fintech News (420 subscribers). Mainly for information, not networking.

Virtual Events: Post-Covid Reality

Hybrid events are the new normal in Malta. The Malta Chamber holds its monthly Business Briefings both in person and online. Online participation usually costs 50% less and saves you commuting—perfect for content input, but poor for real networking.

Online-only events worth attending:

• Malta Fintech Webinar Series: Monthly, 60–90 minutes, very focused
• Tech.mt Online Meetups: Every two weeks, developer-focused
• European Digital Nomads – Malta Chapter: Weekly, international crowd

My learning: Online events are great for knowledge sharing and initial contact. For real business relationships, you still need face time. Use online as a filter—if someone seems interesting, meet at the next offline event on purpose.

Digital-first strategy: Start online (LinkedIn, WhatsApp groups), build your initial connections there, and use offline events to deepen relationships. It saves time and money.

Your Networking Plan for Malta: Step-by-Step Guide

After two years of trial and error, I’ve developed a system that works. Here’s my proven roadmap for the first six months of business networking in Malta. Spoiler: It’s not complicated, but you have to stay consistent.

Months 1–2: Build your foundation

Week 1: Join the Malta Chamber of Commerce (280 euros for small business). Join Young Entrepreneurs Malta (free). Set up profiles in the main LinkedIn groups (Malta Business Network, Malta Entrepreneurs & Startups).

Weeks 2–4: Attend your first Malta Business Network event (every first Thursday of the month). Go aiming to meet five people—not 50. Collect business cards, but more importantly: remember a detail about each person.

Weeks 5–8: Follow up with everyone from weeks 2–4. LinkedIn messages within 48 hours, then invite the three most interesting people for coffee. Attend your first Young Entrepreneurs Malta event.

Months 3–4: Deepening and Specializing

Focus on quality: Choose 2–3 people from your first contacts to keep in regular touch with. Monthly coffees, WhatsApp messages, mutual referrals.

Develop a sector focus: Join the industry-specific groups that fit your business. Malta Gaming Professionals for online business, Malta Fintech Community for financial services, etc.

Refine your event selection: By now you’ve attended 2–3 events and know which crowd fits you. Focus on no more than two regular events per month.

Months 5–6: Strategic Networking

Give before you take: By now, you know enough people to introduce others. Actively create connections between people. That makes you the connector and brings the best long-term returns.

Content creation: Share your Malta experiences on LinkedIn. Posts like What I Learned About X in Six Months in Malta always work and attract new contacts.

First revenue: By now, your first business-relevant conversations should be happening. Not necessarily direct sales, but joint ventures, referrals, or partnerships.

Your Networking Toolkit (what you need):

• 500 business cards (45 euros from Print It Sliema)
• LinkedIn Premium (60 euros/month)—for advanced search and InMails
• A good notebook or CRM system for contact follow-up
• Budget: 400 euros/month for events, coffees, and memberships
• 2–3 Malta-appropriate business outfits

Weekly networking routine (from month 3):

• Monday: LinkedIn check, process new contact requests
• Wednesday: One follow-up coffee per week
• Thursday/Friday: One networking event per week (max!)
• Sunday: Check WhatsApp groups, share useful content

Measuring success: After six months, you should have 30–50 relevant business contacts, 5–10 of whom you’re in regular touch with. At least one tangible business opportunity should have developed.

Frequently Asked Questions about Business Networking in Malta

How long does it take before I generate real business through networking?

In my experience: 6–12 months for the first concrete opportunities, 12–18 months for significant deals. Malta is a relationship market—patience pays off.

Can I be successful networking as a German without perfect English?

Absolutely. Malta is very international, and most business is done in business-level English. Honest interest in your conversation partners matters more than perfect grammar.

Which events should I prioritise as a startup founder?

Young Entrepreneurs Malta is a must. Also Tech.mt Meetups and the Malta AI & Blockchain Summit. Avoid the too corporate events from the big chambers—as a startup, you’re underrepresented there.

Is business networking in Malta still male dominated?

Unfortunately yes, especially in gaming and fintech. But it’s improving, and successful women stand out. Malta Professional Women’s Network is very active and well connected.

How important are local Maltese contacts vs. international expats?

Both matter. Maltese contacts open doors to traditional sectors and public offices. Expats better understand your newcomer situation. Aim for a 50/50 mix.

Should I attend gaming events as an online entrepreneur even if I’m not in gaming?

Yes, absolutely. Gaming is Malta’s leading sector, and you’ll meet payment providers, marketing experts, and compliance specialists who are relevant for any online business.

What role does WhatsApp play for business networking in Malta?

A central one. Malta does a lot of business communication via WhatsApp. Without the key business groups, you’ll miss out on spontaneous opportunities and quick deals.

Is the Malta Chamber of Commerce worth it for small companies?

280 euros is well invested. You’ll meet established players and get access to otherwise hard-to-access events. ROI usually within a year.

How do I avoid the typical newcomer networking traps?

Don’t do too many events at once, don’t try to sell immediately, and don’t treat all nationalities the same. Prioritise relationship building before closing deals.

Are there seasonal differences in business networking in Malta?

July/August is quieter (vacation season), October to May is high season. The best conferences are in September–November and February–May. December is for social events.