If you are a citizen in a European member state then you can move freely within the European Union and settle wherever you wish. However, there are always some bureaucratic requirements that need to be taken care of when you move. Today, I would like to talk about a few of these that apply to a move to Malta.
Registration in Malta
You can stay up to 3 months without registration in Malta. However, after this time has passed you will need to apply for a residency permit, and for a Maltese ID card. If you are thinking about working in Malta, then I would recommend that you apply for your ID as soon as you can, as acquiring the ID and permit can take a few weeks. The length of the process does not affect your work, or when you can start to work.
Social Security number
When you start a new job in Malta you will also need to acquire a Social Security number. This number will then be used for your social contributions and state pension fund. You can get a Social Security number at your local council.
Renting an apartment
It is common in Malta to rent an apartment through an agency. When you use the services of an agent, you have to keep in mind that you will have to pay the agent a commission of generally 50% of the first month rent plus VAT. If you would rather live in a shared apartment, you can use one of the many Facebook groups or websites for flat sharers in Malta.
In any case, keep in mind that the prices for rents can vary significantly, and areas such as Sliema or St. Julians can be much more expensive than areas that are not as popular. However, if you are working in Malta then you should also keep in mind not to live too far away from the workplace if you do not own a car, as public transportation is not an incredibly reliable means of transportation.
These are just a few things that you should keep in mind when moving to Malta. Don’t let them scare you; you will get used to the way things are working here in no time!
