What is life like in Malta: prices, housing, and conditions for foreigners?

Overview of Malta

Since 2008, Malta has been part of the Eurozone and the Schengen Area, which allows travelers to access the island with a standard Schengen visa. In Malta, locals mostly speak English fluently, which significantly eases communication with foreigners. Additionally, there are many Russian-speaking citizens and Ukrainians on the island who have obtained residency through various government programs. This creates a sense of comfort and the opportunity to connect with like-minded people. The standard of living in the country is generally lower than in Central and Northern Europe, although it may be higher than in Moscow.

Investments and residency programs

If you are interested in the topic of investing, it's worth looking into the Maltese programs that allow you to obtain residency or even citizenship. Let's take a closer look at the costs associated with housing.

Buying real estate in Malta

As for purchasing real estate, foreigners have the right to acquire properties in Malta with full ownership rights, but there are certain restrictions. Each foreign buyer can only register one property in their name, and a special permit will be required for the purchase.AIP (permission to acquire real estate).

• The minimum value of property for apartments is —€121,000.
• The minimum cost for houses is —€202,000.
• Renting out purchased items is prohibited by law.

However, these restrictions can be bypassed if the housing is located in areas specifically designated for foreigners.SDAIn these areas, the minimum price for apartments starts from€200,000while objects in premium complexes can cost up to€2 millionfor the apartments.

Housing rental

When it comes to renting housing, most migrants prefer to settle in central areas, such asSlimahandSt. Julian'sThanks to the developed infrastructure with numerous bars, shops, and offices. This, in turn, affects the price level, as rent here will be quite high.

• The minimum rental price for a one-bedroom apartment ranges from€550to€600.
• More comfortable apartments in modern complexes can cost around€1,000.

Savings on rent

It is important to note that there are no large savannas in Malta, and you can get to any corner of the island quite quickly. This creates opportunities for significant savings if you decide to consider renting in quiet and more affordable areas, such asSt. Paul's Bay,Budjibba,MarsaskalaandBirzebbugaHere you can find decent one-bedroom apartments for€400-450And three-room apartments would be suitable for€850-900.

The rental process

The process of renting housing in Malta is most often carried out through real estate agencies. Lease agreements are usually signed, but notarization is not mandatory. Typically, the signatures of the parties and a witness, who is often the agent, are sufficient. These conditions make the rental procedure transparent and fairly easy for foreigners.

Housing rental in Malta

In most real estate agencies that deal with long-term rentals (six months or more), the commission, which amounts to one month's rent, is split equally between the property owners and the tenants. Additionally, extra costs may include a deposit equal to one month's rent, as well as an advance payment for utilities, including water and electricity expenses. In contrast, for short-term rentals, the agency receives 10% of the total amount specified in the contract, which is also divided equally between both parties.

Utilities

Utility services are provided based on meter readings. Garbage collection is organized by the local administration at no charge; however, residents need to pay an additional fixed fee for the maintenance of apartment buildings, which is determined at general meetings and paid once a year. Usually, this amount ranges from 100 to 200 euros. One should also not forget about internet expenses: the cost of connecting to home internet is approximately 25 to 35 euros per month.

Water problem

In Malta, there is no centralized hot water supply, so each house has its own water heater. The high degree of freshwater scarcity is also a serious problem for the island; special facilities are used for water purification, which in turn leads to additional costs. Locals do not make a concerted effort to save water in an absolute sense; however, they avoid leaving taps running or spending too long in the shower. Drinking tap water is not recommended, as its quality leaves much to be desired and the presence of various contaminants can negatively affect health. As a result, many prefer to buy bottled water in stores, where a 1.5-liter bottle costs approximately 0.7 euros.

Payments for water supply

Payments for water supply depend on exceeding the established norms. If your water consumption exceeds the limit, it will lead to a noticeable increase in bills, and on average, the cost of water can range from 15 to 35 euros per month.

Electricity on the island

Electricity on this island is quite expensive, as only two thermal power plants supply it, and they use imported fuel. As a result, electricity rates are high, and local residents try to reduce their expenses. Usually, air conditioners and gas heaters are used for heating, along with refrigerators and washing machines. Consequently, monthly electricity costs can range from 60 to 150 euros, depending on the type of equipment and the size of the housing. Gas cylinders need to be replaced: in summer, this happens about once a week (the replacement cost is 5.5 euros), while in winter, it occurs more frequently, two to three times.

Keeping pets

Residents of Malta generally have a positive attitude towards keeping pets. If you plan to bring your pets, you can do so without much concern, as quarantine measures are not applied, and the import rules are similar to those in other European Union countries.

Immigration and real estate purchase

If you are interested in the prospect of immigration and purchasing real estate abroad, it is worth exploring the current offers for obtaining citizenship in Cyprus or Malta.

Buy groceries and clothes

When it comes to products and clothing, Malta offers a wide selection of supermarkets and other retail outlets where you can find all the necessary goods.

Family shops and the quality of products in Malta

There are many small family-owned shops in Malta, each typically offering a specific category of goods, such as meat products, dairy products, baked goods, or fresh fruits and vegetables. Although the prices in these shops are sometimes similar to those in supermarkets, and at times even exceed them,qualityThe prices of the presented goods are usually much higher. Those who are not familiar with the local market may find it difficult to locate these cozy and welcoming shops.

Mobile markets and large retail outlets

In addition, there are mobile mini-markets operating in Malta that regularly change their locations and offer customers a variety of fish, seasonal vegetables and fruits, as well as delicious baked goods. The region is also famous forlarge markets...where you can always find fresh products. If you plan to buy meat or seafood, it's best to do it early in the morning. During lunch breaks, you can look for quick snacks made from fruits and vegetables, and take advantage of any promotions or discounts if you wish.

Supermarkets in Malta

Among the major supermarkets in the Maltese market, it is worth mentioning chains such as Spar, Lidl, Arkadia, and Carrefour, as well as local stores like Smart, Greens, Pama, Scotts, and Pawi. In some of these storesassortmentIt can vary, and the quality is often above standard. On weekdays, locals prefer to shop at small shops where the sellers often know their customers well, offer discounts, and can fulfill orders for specific products, such as buckwheat or kefir.

Prices for groceries in Malta

Despite the higher prices in small shops, many residents prefer to save time and go to large supermarkets for shopping on weekends. Below are the average prices for basic products in local supermarkets and small shops in Malta:

• Milk (1 liter) – €0.8–0.9
• Local cheese (1 kg) – €8–10
• Chicken (1 kg) – €4–8
• Beef (1 kg) – €10–15
• Pork (1 kg) – €8–12
• Fresh fish (1 kg) – €5–16
• Eggs (12 pieces) – €2.20
• Potatoes (1 kg) – €1.0–1.5
• Tomatoes (1 kg) – €2.2–2.5
• Onions (1 kg) – €1.2–1.5
• Apples (1 kg) – €2.2–3.0
• Bananas (1 kg) – €1.5–2.0
• Oranges (1 kg) – €2.0–2.3
• Rice (1 kg) – €1.8–2.0
• Bread (500 g) – €0.8–1.0
• A bottle of beer (0.33–0.50 L) – €2.5–3.0
• A bottle of local wine – from €3.5

On average, one person spends about €250–300 on food per month (of which around €20 is just for water), while a couple can expect expenses in the range of €450–500.

Culinary preferences in Malta

In Malta, you can find a large number of cafes offering a variety of cuisines. Italian restaurants are particularly popular, as they are close to local gastronomic traditions. Additionally, there are many establishments serving Turkish, Chinese, and Japanese cuisines. One should not forget about...traditional Maltese dishesSuch as soups, fish, and other baked dishes. Throughout the week, Maltese people mostly prefer to have lunch at home, while Friday and Saturday evenings are often spent in restaurants and cafes.

Available snack options

A convenient option for a snack is a pastizzeria, where you can try traditional Maltese pastries called pastizzi, filled with ricotta and green peas. The menu at such establishments includes pizzas, baked goods, and various pies with a wide range of fillings.Hearty snackIn such an establishment, it will cost around €3–5, while a light breakfast, like coffee with a croissant in a European café, can be found for about €5–7.

Food and drink prices in Malta

In Malta, the price of a cappuccino ranges from €1.8 to €3.0.

Fare plans for travel

The Maltese archipelago offers a variety of fare programs for public transportation, which differ for citizens and visiting tourists. Local residents have the option to use identification cards, which significantly reduces travel costs – in this case, the fare can be almost halved.

Moreover, since 2019, the GOTO car-sharing service has been operating on the island, offering electric vehicles for rent. The prices for using this service range from €0.25 to €0.35 per minute. Although this option may not be considered the most cost-effective, it has its appeal due to the numerous charging stations available throughout Malta.

Ferry operations

Ferries also operate between the islands themselves. For example, a ferry ride from Malta to Gozo costs about €4.6, while a ticket to Comino is around €5.0.

Mobile communication

When it comes to mobile communication, there are three main telecommunications companies operating in Malta: Vodafone, as well as local operators Go and Melita. However, it's worth noting that the cost of communication on the island is relatively high. For example, a package with unlimited calls within the country and 4 GB of internet traffic can cost around €30. If you increase the internet traffic to 6 GB and add unlimited calls throughout Europe, the price can significantly rise to €48. Overall, the quality of communication meets the needs of users from most categories.

Medical services

In the field of medical services in Malta, both private and public medical institutions can be found. The most significant of the latter is the Mater Dei Hospital, which also includes a European oncology center. Public healthcare is available to all residents, but free medical services are provided only to Maltese citizens and those who contribute to the social security system.

A drawback of the system is the long queues – the waiting time for a doctor's appointment can reach one to two months.

Health insurance for foreigners

Foreigners who do not make contributions to the social fund are required to have private health insurance. The basic health insurance package includes emergency services and repatriation of remains. Comprehensive insurance plans that cover treatments, medications, and other medical services vary in cost depending on the level of coverage, the age of the insured, and other parameters. For example, a 20-year-old woman might pay around €200 per year, while for a 50-year-old woman, the insurance amount could increase to €700.

Consultations with private doctors

Consultations with private doctors are also available in Malta, as well as the option to see a doctor at a pharmacy, which can be a more economical choice. The cost of a consultation with a general practitioner at a pharmacy ranges from €12 to €15. The estimated cost of an MRI service is around €500. It is important to note that obtaining antibiotics in Malta can only be done with a doctor's prescription.

Moreover, the prices for medications are generally high: a pack of Nurofen or aspirin can cost between €7 and €10.

The standard of living in Malta

When it comes to quality of life, the minimum wage in Malta is €175.8 per week, while the average is €366.0. The highest incomes are observed among specialists in the finance and insurance sectors. Maltese people often value leisure more than work, which is clearly reflected in their work schedule:

• Government institutions open at 9 AM and operate until noon, followed by a siesta.
• The workday resumes only at 4:00 PM, and not all employees return to their desks after lunch.

At the same time, establishments such as supermarkets, small shops, and some restaurants operate continuously, without breaks for daytime rest.

Introduction

Based on the above, I have concluded that Malta is an attractive place to live and do business for many reasons.

Availability of Malta

Since its accession toeurozoneandSchengen AreaSince 2008, the island has become even more accessible to foreign citizens, which has benefited both the locals and the newcomers.

It is noteworthy that most Maltese people speak English fluently, which significantly eases integration for those who do not speak the local language.

Russian-speaking community

Among the numerous opportunities that Malta offers, it is worth mentioning the possibility of obtainingresidence permitAccording to various government programs, this also contributes to the growth of the Russian-speaking community on the island. As practice shows, you won't be alone here.

Cost of living

The cost of living, although higher than in Moscow, is still lower than in the central and northern regions of Europe. This creates room for savings, considering that there are no large cities in Malta, and you can quickly reach any point on the island.

Searching for affordable housing in less central areas, such as St. Paul's Bay or Bugibba, opens up additional options for finding a good apartment at a reasonable price.

Housing rental

Renting accommodation in Malta is organized quite conveniently, although it comes with certain requirements. At first glance, the rental process may seem complicated, but by following recommendations and reaching out to real estate agencies, one can avoid many pitfalls.

Moreover, the issue of utilities requires attention, as high rates for water and electricity can significantly increase your expenses.

Features of life in Malta

One should also not forget about local nuances, such as the presence of pets—Malta is open to animal lovers, which undoubtedly attracts many foreign citizens.

The locals' desire to protect resources such as water indicates a high level of awareness.environmental awarenesspopulation.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Malta offers a variety of opportunities for living and working, and I am confident that investing time and effort into mastering this unique corner of the Mediterranean will be a great investment for anyone who decides to make Malta their home.

I hope this article has helped you better understand the unique aspects of life on this charming island and inspired you to achieve new accomplishments!