What is your opinion on cakes?!.. no… maybe another time then, although it’s important to know I love cakes.
3…2…1…
“Come to Malta… It’s amazing! Cost of living is super cheap! The tax rates are heavenly! And the weather.. well the weather is just marvellous!”
Does this sound familiar??
Although the above is all true to a certain extent, a lot of companies and recruiters will sugar coat the benefits of living in Malta and not give realistic information. I have spoken to a lot of individuals who have made the move, to actually find things weren’t quite symmetrical to how it was painted when they arrived.
Don’t get me wrong, I love Malta! It is a fantastic island, full of life, beauty and a lot of potential. If you are coming from northern Europe the weather is pretty awesome.
But.. Before you consider relocating, do your research! You wouldn’t buy a house or open a bank account without doing thorough information checks, right? So, why make an exception now just because you’ve been sold on a role or good advertising?
Let’s go through some of the things you can look into.
Accommodation – Renting
If you are moving to Malta for a role, it is most likely within the finance or iGaming sector. The majority of these businesses are based in and around the Sliema area.
Now.. if it is with a gaming company, you have probably been provided with 2-4 weeks company accommodation upon arrival. This is very useful, as it allows you to get familiar with the area and gauge how far/close you wish to be to work.
However, don’t get tricked in to thinking it’s going to be a doddle finding your apartment. So, start looking as soon as you arrive.
I would recommend going in to a real estate agents’, so you can discuss your requirements face to face. This will save time and is more assertive. Are you looking to share accommodation? Or is it just for yourself? What kind of accommodation are you looking for?
Sounds odd, I know. But, the more bedrooms you have, the cheaper it will be, relatively speaking. This is due to cost per square meter.
Location is going to have a huge effect on price also. And possibly quality of life.
The more central you are – the metropolitan areas i.e. St. Julians, Sliema, Valetta – the more it will be. What is your budget?
Also, the properties that are available in the popular areas, won’t be available for long, so you need to act quickly. Does a place meet your criteria? Is it in a good location? Does it fit your budget? Will you be happy?
Sometimes distance is also important. Maybe you need the distance between you and work to help you relax and focus on your other key parts of your life.
This leads on to the next topic nicely…
But before we do. If you do need any help with relocation, you can contact our ‘relocation guy’ – Paul – https://www.igamingelite.com/about-us/meet-the-team/team-malta/
Transportation
How do you plan on getting about?
Are you going to buy/rent a car? Or, are you going to use the public transport? Check driving license restrictions/requirements.
If you are thinking of driving in Malta, you are definitely in for a treat! There is nothing wrong with it, but you do need to have your wits about you, especially if you are used to (let’s say) driving on the Autobahn in Germany.
Don’t take anything for granted. And ease in to it gradually. The term ‘Laissez-faire’ I think is appropriate.
Things to keep in mind; renting a car or bike will always be more expensive in peak season. In Malta, this runs basically from June through till September. August is essentially a shut-down month in Malta, a lot of businesses will close.
If you are not looking to rent or buy, there is the public transport.
The bus system is actually really good – this is my own personal opinion of course, others may think different.
Like any public system, it is always going to be chock-a-block in peak hours, but you can plan for this. Maybe you could take the ferry? Also, when it is super busy, the buses will not stop.
If you are in a central area, there will be a number of buses, on similar routes, passing every 10-15 minutes. If you are living further out, you may have to take two buses. Southern part of the island, you will most likely have to change at Mater Dei or Valletta Belt. From the north, you might be able to get a direct bus depending on which area, but, these buses will pass every 45-60 minutes.
You can download the app and also acquire a tallinja card online at https://www.publictransport.com.mt/en/tallinja-card
The Tallinja Card operates similar to an Oyster Card for the London Underground.
Taxes
At the end of the day you need to know where your money is going.
One thing you need to be prepared for; if this is your first time living and working in Malta, you will be required to pay emergency tax for the first six months. This is mainly due to the tourist trade and the amount of individuals that come on their gap year and then leave. The emergency/non-residents tax is 35%.
Don’t worry, after the initial six months you will be able to request a tax return. This will be done
either through your company HR or you can personally contact gov.mt. If you are contacting them
yourself be assertive and chase them up if they are slow to respond.
For further information on rates you can look at the link below:
http://act.com.mt/articles-publications/Tax-Expatriates.php
Cost of Living
You’ve found your apartment, got set up with accommodation and settling in to your work.
Where is your money going to go?
If you have had your own accommodation before, you will be familiar with the oh so beautiful bills. If not, in Malta – depending on the arrangement you have with your landlord – you will have the
responsibility for Wifi, electricity and water. Water will be the thirstiest (excuse the pun).
How about the all important food?
Grocery shopping is reasonable depending on where you go. A lot of the meat and veg is imported though, so prices are slightly escalated on that. But. There are lots of home produce shops and
butchers which you can support. Organic produce is becoming increasingly popular. And, if you like fish, you are definitely in the right place!
When it comes to dining out, you are spoilt for choice. There are a variety of cuisines and you can choose if you want fine dining or a casual brunch.
As for culture… well.. go crazy!
To Conclude
It may appear that I’ve tried to talk Malta down, but actually I just wanted to give you a realistic approach to moving. If you are prepared and know what to expect your transition will be smooth
sailing. You will also enjoy Malta a lot more when you get here. It is a beautiful island with lots to offer.
The weather really is in keeping with the Mediterranean dream and the culture unbeatable.
If you are thinking of changing your career and looking for a new place to settle, feel free to get in contact for an informal discussion regarding job opportunities.