Opportunities for Living in Malta
A Simpler Life at the Heart of the Mediterranean
Why Malta?
Despite its small size, Malta offers a high quality of life that attracts people from around the world. As a member of the European Union, with English as one of its official languages, year-round sunshine, and a strong sense of safety, Malta has become a favorite among young professionals, students, and entrepreneurs.
With a population of around 563,000 at the end of 2024, over 28.1%—approximately 158,000 people—are foreign nationals. This makes Malta one of the EU countries with the highest ratio of foreigners to locals. Such diversity enriches both the cultural and economic landscape of the island.
Daily Life: Warm People, Easy Adaptation
Maltese people carry the warmth of the Mediterranean: they are friendly, helpful, and open to communication. Having been under British rule for many years, Malta strikes a unique cultural balance between Western European and Mediterranean-Middle Eastern influences. Public transportation is accessible, healthcare is reliable, and the crime rate is among the lowest in Europe. The simplicity of living on a small island—and its slower pace—makes everyday life feel less stressful for many.
Job Opportunities: A Small Economy with Big Surprises
Malta’s economy is surprisingly diverse for such a small country. These key sectors offer significant opportunities for foreign workers:
iGaming & Software: Malta is one of Europe’s main hubs for online gaming and betting software. Many global firms regularly hire international staff.
Tourism & Hospitality: Thousands of seasonal positions open up during the summer months.
Finance & Blockchain: Malta leads in crypto regulation and digital finance innovation within the EU.
Health, Education & Customer Service: Especially in demand for multilingual applicants.
Non-EU citizens can also be sponsored by companies through Malta’s work permit system.
For Digital Nomads & Startups
Since 2021, Malta has offered a Digital Nomad Visa, inviting remote workers from across the globe. Seeing people working with laptops in cafés and seaside spots is now common here.
For aspiring entrepreneurs, organizations like Malta Enterprise and Business First provide consulting and tax benefits for setting up businesses. Especially in tech-focused fields, establishing a company in Malta can serve as a strategic gateway into the European market.
Foreign Residents & Tourism in Numbers
At the end of 2024, Malta’s population stood at 563,443, with 28.1% being foreign nationals—around 158,368 people. This makes Malta one of the top EU countries with the highest foreign-to-local ratio.
Most of these newcomers are younger adults, helping balance Malta’s aging population structure.
(Source: Newsbook.com.mt)
Tourism Boom & Seasonal Influx
In 2024, Malta welcomed a record-breaking 3.56 million visitors—a 19% increase compared to the previous year.
Winter saw a surprising 26% rise in arrivals.
Summer continued to be the peak season with a 17% increase in visitors.
Malta International Airport also hit a record, serving 7.8 million passengers in 2024—prompting authorities to issue crowd warnings during peak travel periods.
(Source: Times of Malta)
