Susan MeierMany people harbour the dream of packing up and starting a better life in the sun. However, few stop to consider the realities of the daily grind in a foreign country, where working conditions may differ from what they are used to back home, and state benefits might not be as generous. If you have chosen Malta as your destination, you need to be aware of the reality of life on the island.
DW&P Dr. Werner & Partners has been operating in Malta for many years. As an international law firm, we frequently receive enquiries from general "expats" looking for employment. To be clear: this is not our target audience. We often see people arrive with high hopes, only to hit a wall of reality after six months and return home.
That said, I want to revisit a popular topic from our blog and outline the genuine advantages of relocating to Malta. It is important to note that this article is not aimed at the casual job seeker. Malta truly shines when you are an internationally active entrepreneur moving your centre of life here—perhaps for a defined period of 3 to 4 years—to combine lifestyle with strategic business planning.
Original Article (Updated for 2026)
Plenty of people dream of living abroad. Usually, they picture a life in a warm, sunny holiday destination. Often, this remains just a dream because many assume it isn't realistic or fail to research the possibilities thoroughly. Quite the opposite is true. As an EU citizen, you have the freedom to move, live, and work anywhere within the Union.
Update: While EU freedom of movement remains a fundamental right, entrepreneurs moving to Malta for tax purposes must tread carefully. You can only achieve tax efficiency if you genuinely move your centre of vital interests to Malta and ensure you do not inadvertently trigger tax residency in your home country (such as the UK or Germany). Tax authorities are—correctly—very strict about this. Residency can be triggered by many factors. I have summarised the various pitfalls and opportunities in this blog article, which serves as a good reference for interested readers.
For those seeking a sunny destination, Malta is an excellent alternative. Alongside Maltese, English is an official national language, which makes settling in significantly easier than in many other southern European countries. Below, I’ve outlined several reasons why Malta is worth considering.
Excellent Career Opportunities with a Malta Base
Malta’s economy has been robust for years, with more companies establishing a presence on the island. This has created a steady stream of jobs, keeping unemployment historically low. Many international companies operate globally from here and are constantly on the lookout for qualified, multilingual staff. For English-speaking professionals, the opportunities are plentiful.
Update: The economic boom in Malta continues. Growth rates are exceptional by EU standards. This isn't accidental; it stems from business-friendly, innovation-focused policies. In recent years, many large corporations have set up substantial operations here, particularly in the iGaming sector. The future also holds potential in fintech.
The government has established a regulatory framework for digital assets, focusing on "positive regulation" rather than restriction, recognising the potential of blockchain technology. Within the industry, Malta established itself early as a "Blockchain Island." Consequently, major players in the tech and crypto space have maintained a presence or corporate interest in the jurisdiction.
Favourable Tax Structures for Employees and Employers
If you live and work in Malta, you will generally pay income tax and social security contributions here. These are often significantly lower than in high-tax jurisdictions like the UK, France, or Germany, leaving you with more net income. While gross salaries in some sectors may be lower than in central Europe, the cost of living and tax balance often works in your favour.
Income tax is progressive. It starts at 15% for income between €8,501 and €14,500. From €14,501 to €60,000, the rate is 25%. Anything above that is taxed at 35%. This means high earners, in particular, benefit from a capped top rate that is competitive compared to the 45%+ rates seen elsewhere in Europe.
Update: For business owners, the Malta Limited company structure is highly attractive. With the correct structuring, it allows for a tax refund system that can reduce the effective corporate tax rate to 5% (refund of 6/7ths of the standard 35% tax). Many international companies have already moved their operations here to benefit from this. However, setting up a company requires strict adherence to regulations.
Beyond registering with the Malta Business Registry, opening a corporate bank account is a significant hurdle. Bank requirements are incredibly high. Why? Because the government and banks are enforcing strict anti-money laundering (AML) rules to prevent financial crime. You need professional guidance to navigate this.
Hot Summers and Mild Winters
Climate is a major factor for anyone looking to relocate. Malta delivers here as well. In summer, you can enjoy the Mediterranean lifestyle—swimming, snorkelling, and diving are part of the daily routine. Summers are hot, with temperatures well above 30°C for weeks at a time. Winters are generally mild, rarely dropping below 8°C. Even in winter, there are plenty of sunny days perfect for hiking or walking. The brave even swim year-round, though you’ll want to keep an eye on the currents.
Update: The climate is one of the few things that hasn't changed. Living in a country with over 300 days of sunshine a year brings a high quality of life that is hard to quantify but easy to feel. In this respect, I fully understand the dream of emigrating, and if climate is your priority, I can highly recommend Malta.
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