Every start is difficult. This is also the case when you decide to move the Malta with your family to start a new professional or private life. To simplify your first steps a little bit, I would like to give you three tips for better and more successful start.
ID card and other visits to authorities: have patience
Naturally, you won’t expect as much bureaucracy as there is in Germany or other European countries. However, there will be some important administrative procedures that need to be done. For example, acquiring a Maltese ID card. This document is necessary when you live in Malta. It is an ID that you can use only in Malta. You can either apply through your employer or by mail. Either way it can take at least half a year before you can hold your ID in your hands. It can also happen that your application gets lost. You can also get up really early and queue with the people that apply directly at the authority in Valletta. This is usually the fastest method but also the most stressful.
Registering children in a school
As in all other European countries, Malta has a compulsory school education. You can choose either a public or a private school. Private schools are not very expensive. For example, the renowned Verdala International School in Pembroke charges €6,300 annual tuition fees, which is by far the most expensive one on the island. However, public schools also offer good quality education.
Finding an apartment with the help of agencies
For starters, I would recommend booking a hotel, and then finding an apartment from there. There are many agents, and flats are always furnished and ready to move in. After you have signed the rental agreement you can normally move in on the very same day or soon after. The advantage is, that you can look at the flat together with your family, and you will avoid nasty surprises.
I also recommend taking the first week off work. Enjoy the weather. Get to know people. As Malta in an international hub you can easily meet new people.
