Living and Working in Malta

1

The Administrative System
2

Notes on the Economy
3

The Cost of Living
4

Stay in Malta
5

The Healthcare System
6

Culture and Social Life
7

Transport
8

Find a Job
9

How to Apply for a Job

Malta is a unicameral parliamentary republic with a head of government, the prime minister, and a head of state, the president, essentially with a protocol role. The country is divided into 5 regions, each one with a regional committee acting as an intermediary between the local and national government. The Maltese Constitution establishes the powers of the President of Malta, who is the head of state, although the President acts on the advice of the Prime Minister in many circumstances. The Prime Minister exercises executive powers.

The Constitution defines the function and powers of Parliament, including the power to legislate. The Parliament is made up of the President and the Chamber of Deputies. The Chamber of Deputies is elected for a maximum term of 5 years. The Prime Minister may decide to advise the President to dissolve Parliament and to hold early general elections. The right to vote is exercised by Maltese citizens aged 16 or over.

The main political parties in Malta are the "Labor Party" (Labor Party, PL) and the "Partit Nazzjonalista" (Nationalist Party, PN), as well as a number of smaller parties.

Malta is considered a high-income country and has an innovation-driven economy. Thanks to solid financial foundations, large infrastructure projects and dynamict domestic demand, the country emerged from the euro area crisis better than most EU Member States, with one of the highest real GDP growth rates of the last years. However, the Maltese economy is highly dependent on the tourism sector and international trade, so it has been severely affected by the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic and the restrictions that followed. After a sharp decline in 2020 (-8.3%), real GDP growth returned in 2021, supported by a better performance of the tourism sector, as well as internal consumption and investment. However, tourism is still affected by the effects of the pandemic given the general decline in people's mobility. While Italy suffers from a partial and temporary interruption of the influx of skilled foreign labor, Malta continues to attract skilled foreign labor and long-term investments, especially for the technology industry. Malta was one of the first jurisdictions in the world to establish a specialized legal framework for online gaming (virtual poker, casino games, sports betting). The government is following a similar strategy in activities related to Blockchain technology applied to virtual financial assets (crypto assets, in particular) and artificial intelligence. With the return, albeit timid, of tourists and the constant dynamism of services, foreign trade should contribute significantly to growth in 2022.

Malta, the smallest economic entity in the euro area, has one of the most skilled and least expensive labour forces in Europe, flexible and multilingual. Its economy is heavily industrialized and service-based, while the agricultural sector accounts for only 0.6% of GDP and employs about 1% of the workforce (World Bank, latest available data). Malta produces less than a quarter of its food needs, has scarce fresh water resources and scarce sources of energy. The industrial sector employs 18.9% of the workforce and represents 13.4% of GDP. Malta has no mineral or energy reserves and is therefore completely dependent on imports in this field. Its economy is mainly based on manufacturing, especially microchips and pharmaceuticals. The World Bank estimates that the manufacturing sector accounts for 7.7% of GDP, although it contracted by around 5% in 2020 during the COVID-19 crisis (National Bank of Malta, latest available data). Malta has put a lot of hard work into promoting its services and has managed to become one of the leading service centres in the Mediterranean region. The tertiary sector accounts for 76.1% of GDP and employs 80.1% of the workforce. The financial sector manages assets equivalent to over 500% of GDP and contributes around 15% to government revenues. The tourism sector is the country's economic engine and its direct contribution to GDP (around 27%) is among the highest in the EU. The sector has been strongly affected by the COVID-19 emergency and is slowly recovering. The national banking system includes 27 banks, of which only three are majority Maltese; as such, around 62% of the total banking sector assets, amounting to around EUR 40.4 billion, are foreign-owned (EBF).

The cost of living in Malta has always been lower than in most central European countries, although this is changing rapidly. The costs of accommodation, insurance and general products have increased considerably. The standard of living in Malta is good, compared to that of continental Europe. The schools and health facilities are of the highest standard and available to everyone. The quality of life index of recent years places Malta ahead of other EU member states such as France, Belgium, Germany and Austria. In Malta, leisure and culture, the environment, health, safety and climate are highly regarded. The safety and protection conditions are very good. Children can play outside safely and public areas are safe for walking or wandering around at night.

Rental accommodation is mostly privately owned. The search for accommodation can be done in the newspaper, on the Internet or by visiting one of the estate agents in Malta. Internet search sites are on the rise. Major real estate agencies have a rental section on their websites as well. The agency service fee is equal to 1 month's rent plus VAT (paid once) to be divided between the tenant and the lessor.

Once you have chosen the property that meets your needs, you will be asked to sign a lease agreement to protect the interests of both the lessee and the lessor. The contract establishes the conditions for the payment of the rent and bills, the start date of the lease, the lease period, the services to be provided by the lessor (such as cleaning and maintenance of the property), the notice period necessary for termination of the lease and any general rules relating to common areas (where applicable).

In most cases, the landlord will require a deposit in advance (typically around 1 month's rent). Normally the rent is paid in advance.

Here are some examples of residential rental costs (monthly rates excluding maintenance):

Three bedroom apartment in Sliema, St. Julian's, Kappara, Swieqi: an average of EUR 1 440.00 per month.

For a three-bedroom apartment in non-tourist areas: an average of EUR 1 100.00 per month.

For a one bedroom apartment in Sliema, St. Julian's, Kappara, Swieqi: an average of EUR 820.00 per month.

For a two-room apartment in non-tourist areas: an average of 675.00 euros per month.

According to the Maltese law governing the rental market (Private Residential Leases Act), each private lease must be registered and the minimum and maximum duration of the lease agreements must be indicated (both short-term rentals and long-term rentals) .

Malta offers a high standard of medical care and medical facilities are frequently updated. The services are provided in the regional health centres and in the two public general hospitals. There are also specialized clinics and numerous private hospitals.

People who need medical treatment and need to bring medicines to Malta or buy new supplies are advised to bring a letter of introduction from their GP. Medical insurance is advisable if you will need assistance in private clinics and hospitals.

In Malta, the government provides free comprehensive health services to all residents, financed by public taxes. All residents have access to preventive, diagnostic, curative and rehabilitative services in public health centres and hospitals. Low-income people are looked after by the Department of Social Security. If they are eligible for assistance, they receive a card that entitles them to free medical care.

Primary health

The government offers primary health care primarily through a range of health centres offering a full range of prevention, curative and rehabilitative services. General practitioners and nursing services are complemented by various specialist services that include clinics for different pathologies.

The system of public health centres is accompanied by a thriving private sector and many residents opt for the services of private and specialist general practitioners working in the context of primary health care.

Secondary and Tertiary Assistance

Secondary and tertiary care is provided by numerous public hospitals, of which the main one is the Mater Dei which is located in Msida. It offers immediate medical and surgical services and specialist services. The hospital is relatively new as it was inaugurated in 2007. Mater Dei Hospital has 1,140 beds and several operating rooms. An oncology hospital, the Sir Anthony Mamo Oncology Centre, was also opened in the area of ​​the Mater Dei Hospital.

There are also private clinics and hospitals that offer a wide variety of services ranging from general practitioner services to dentists, cosmetic surgeons, and other specialists.

Malta enjoys a rich cultural and social life. Summer has a Mediterranean climate and life takes place entirely outdoors. The walks along the promenade offer the opportunity to meet and socialize. You can also practice fast walking or running. 

Malta's small size allows you to try a new sport or visit the most important historical sites and have time to enjoy the nightlife.

The Maltese Islands offer many opportunities for those looking to learn new sports, discover history or improve their fitness. Malta has several fitness facilities. 

Malta is known for its nightlife, in summer and winter, local and international DJs play in several clubs. There are cultural events, from permanent theatre to street theatre and concerts all year round. Cultural events in Malta also include village festivals. The holiday season in Malta includes a series of long weekends, starting in late May and throughout June, July, August and September. In this period, there is hardly a weekend when a city or village does not celebrate the feast of its patron saint or other saints revered in different churches.

During the holidays, banners, statues raised on decorated wooden columns, festoons and other ornaments richly decorate the main streets of the localities. Town or village dwellers decorate their balconies with lights and festoons, some blue and some red, depending on the party.

The celebration of a typical Maltese holiday lasts 3 days or more and you can participate freely. Traditional and fast-food stands compete with each other to sell their wares to visitors. Typical products are Maltese nougat and other sweets. The houses are traditionally adorned with ornaments and decorations, which can be glimpsed through the open doors and windows. It is not uncommon to be invited by local families to come in for a closer look.

o CULTURE AND SOCIAL LIFE Malta enjoys a rich cultural and social life. Summer has a Mediterranean climate and life takes place entirely outdoors. The walks along the promenade offer the opportunity to meet and socialize. You can also practice fast walking or running. Malta's small size allows you to try a new sport or visit the most important historical sites and have time to enjoy the nightlife. The Maltese Islands offer many opportunities for those looking to learn new sports, discover history or improve their fitness. Malta has several fitness facilities. Malta is known for its nightlife, in summer and winter, local and international DJs play in several clubs. There are cultural events, from permanent theatre to street theatre and concerts all year round. Cultural events in Malta also include village festivals. The holiday season in Malta includes a series of long weekends, starting in late May and throughout June, July, August and September. In this period, there is hardly a weekend when a city or village does not celebrate the feast of its patron saint or other saints revered in different churches. During the holidays, banners, statues raised on decorated wooden columns, festoons and other ornaments richly decorate the main streets of the localities. Town or village dwellers decorate their balconies with lights and festoons, some blue and some red, depending on the party. The celebration of a typical Maltese holiday lasts 3 days or more and you can participate freely. Traditional and fast-food stands compete with each other to sell their wares to visitors. Typical products are Maltese nougat and other sweets. The houses are traditionally adorned with ornaments and decorations, which can be glimpsed through the open doors and windows. It is not uncommon to be invited by local families to come in for a closer look. Evenings often end with ground fireworks (Wheels of Catherine), a show in the night sky of fireworks exploding in different colours and shapes, or a bombardment of loud firecrackers.

In Malta you drive on the left side, like in the UK.

Malta has 3 096 km of roads, 2 710 km (87.5%) paved and 386 km unpaved.

Public transport in Malta and Gozo is provided by buses, which operate from approximately 5:30 to 23:00. Regular buses cover most of the territory of both islands. All buses are accessible for people with walking difficulties, including wheelchair users. Most buses are equipped with air conditioning. On some routes there is a night service, as well.

In July 2015, the "Tallinja card" system, a prepaid credit card, was introduced. Every time you use a bus you have to swipe the "Tallinja card" where indicated and the fare is automatically subtracted from the credit.

The “Tallinja Cards” have different prepaid rates for children, students, adults, senior card holders (Maltese identity card Kartanzjan / 60+), Blue Badge holders and Gozitan residents.

With the card, a 2-hour journey for an adult costs EUR 0.75. If you don't have the “Tallinja card”, you can buy the ticket on the bus, but it will cost more; a bus journey (up to 2 hours) for an adult costs EUR 1.50 (and EUR 2 in summer) when purchased on the bus.

From 1 January 2021, the public transport is free for people aged from 14 to 20, students aged from 21 or over, people with disabilities in possession of the European Invalidity Card issued by the CRPD and aged 70 or over.

For more details on the different ticket prices the dedicated web site is www.tallinja.com.mt. www.tallinja.com.mt.

Malta and Gozo. Taxi services are private but they are quite expensive. Taxis are mainly used by tourists who visit Malta for a short time.

There is also a water taxi service. This operates between Sliema, Valletta and the Three Cities.

Job seekers arriving in Malta can register with the Maltese Public Employment Service, Jobsplus, via the website (www.jobsplus.gov.mt ) or at one of the Jobcentres in different locations, which can be found on its website. Jobsplus also hosts EURES services. Alternatively, they can access job opportunities via the home page of the Jobsplus website or the home page of the European EURES website. This website contains an online database of job vacancies, which can be searched by sector, type of job and region. There is also a CV search feature that employers can use to search for job seekers. When a person registers on Jobsplus as unemployed, they receive personalized assistance in the form of an employment consultant.

Job vacancies are also advertised in trade magazines and local newspapers. There are also several private employment agencies available and a list of vacancies can be downloaded from the Links section of the Jobsplus website.

http://www.jobsplus.gov.mt/

http://www.euresmalta.com/

Typically, job applications must include a curriculum vitae (CV) written in English and a cover letter, copies of certificates and references. Job applications must be typed.

The CV usually does not exceed two pages. The standard European CV format is recommended. This can be downloaded from www.europass.cedefop.europa.eu. Simplicity, conciseness and attention to detail are recommended. The CV should include the following: personal data, education, language knowledge, computer skills, special skills, professional experience and information on hobbies.

Request letters/emails are generally concise and no longer than a few paragraphs. The letter is a vital tool for providing the employer with information on career prospects, educational background, professional experience and availability. Express interest in the vacancy and use the cover letter to convince the prospective interviewer that you are qualified for the vacancy.

Some employers provide their own application forms which must be completed by applicants. Some forms are standard, while others ask for more information on previous work experience and use open-ended questions. After viewing the CV, the employer can shortlist candidates or call candidates for an interview. In some cases, a medical examination may be required before taking. A medical certificate is issued by a recognized medical professional stating whether a candidate meets the required standards and whether or not he is suitable for the specified job.