Have you already landed your dream job on sunny Malta? Or are you moving here in search of a new adventure? In any case, this Mediterranean island is the place to be.
By Denise Rejec
Malta has long been considered an interesting prospect for expats seeking an easy-going, sea-and-sun Mediterranean lifestyle. With English being one of the country’s official languages, and with a multitude of jobs available, specially in the iGaming and tourism sectors, Malta is doubly attractive.
Check out our guide below to make your relocation process as smooth as possible.
PRE TAKE-OFF
Before you leave your country, try to gather all the documents that you think you might need when in Malta. For example: bank statements, previous lease agreements, recommendation letters (such as from your bank, and from your guarantor), work references, medical records, and other personal documents. Some of these could come in handy when opening a bank account, or when looking for a flat to rent in Malta.
WORKING IN MALTA
If you’ve already found a job before moving to the island, all well and good. But if you’re planning to find work once you’ve arrived, it probably won’t take you long to do so, especially if you’ve got your foot in the iGaming and tourism or hospitality industries.
Companies usually offer either a definite or an indefinite working contract, which is a must-have if you want to acquire a Maltese residence card or open a bank account. Non-EU citizens will need to apply for a residence and work permit at the Department of Citizenship and Expatriate Affairs.
RENTING AN APARTMENT IN MALTA
Where in Malta is the best place to rent a flat, and what kind of rent fees are involved? If you’re moving for work, your best bet is to be located in the Sliema/St Julian’s/Swieqi or Gzira/Msida areas because most offices are situated there. They’re also popular because they cater for all your needs, with shops, restaurants, bars, and good public transport connections.
A two-bedroom apartment would cost somewhere between €800 and €1,700 monthly, depending on a large number of factors—whether its modern or not, seafront or inland, and so on. You’ll also need to settle a deposit (usually a month’s rental fee), and a month’s rent in advance.
RB Malta will help you through the entire process of locating your Malta home. Simply give us your budget and desired location, and we’ll be sure to find your perfect new home. You may contact us by calling +356 99516791 or emailing info@rbmalta.com. Or find us on Facebook.
For Malta’s five top places to rent an apartment click here.
SOCIAL SECURITY
Job and accomodation sorted, your best next move would be to apply for a Maltese social security number, which is necessary for attaining the status of a working resident in Malta and applying for your residence card. You can apply for your social security number online here.
RESIDENCE CARD
The Maltese residence card will get you places and make your daily life on the island simpler. To apply for this, you must first get your employment status confirmed by Jobsplus, Malta’s public employment service. You can then apply for your residence card at the Identity Malta office in Evans Building, Valletta. We advise you to call their office before going there to ask them for all the documents required, so you’ll be sure to take everything with you.
You may apply for a residence permit even if you’re self employed or economically self-sufficient and are not employed. You can do this via the government’s Malta Global Residence Programme. For more information about this, you may visit the Malta Government’s website.
BANKING
Once you have your residence card in hand, you’ll be able to open your Malta bank account without many complications. You may choose from an array of local and international banks. Most will ask you for your ID, a reference letter from the bank/s that you currently use and/or from your employer, and a minimum deposit into your new bank account.
YOUR HEALTH
You’ll be able to make use of Malta’s free public healthcare once you’ve gained working residence status and have your social security number. Since you won’t have all these immediately on your arrival, you can use the European Health Insurance card if needs be, which is available free of charge to EU citizens, and can easily be applied for online. If you’re not into public healthcare fear not, as you’ll also find a good number of private health clinics around the island.
Now that you have a better idea of what to expect when you move to Malta, there’s only one thing left for you to do: hop on that plane, and come over to enjoy your new home!