One of the many advantages of working in Malta is the fact that most business is done in English. Tourism is one of the island’s biggest sources of income and there are a good number of jobs available in this sector, especially in the summer months when thousands of tourists flock to the island for its balmy weather, crystal clear waters and vibrant social scene – another good reason for living and working in Malta.
Below is an easy guide to follow about Malta’s business world, from the economic point of view, to taxes, working conditions and expat pensions.
You’ll be pleased to learn that Malta’s economy has remained stable in the past few years and, as a result of this, there are now many new employment opportunities.
In addition to tourism, other notable working industries are high-end manufacturing, finance, commerce and the IT/ICT sector. iGaming is also relatively big on the island with many foreign companies setting up base here because of good tax conditions.
Employment/Self-employment
If you are an EU national then you and your family can:
- Accept offers of work and seek employment in Malta
- Work, either as an employee or in self-employment
- Set up a business
When Malta joined the European Union, it decided, in accordance with the Accession Treaty, to retain its work permit system for the first seven years after the 1 May 2004.
Citizens of Bulgaria and Romania need to have an employment licence to work in Malta (you don’t need this licence if you are self employed). This licence is granted automatically.
The Chief Executive Officer Employment and Training Corporation
Head Office,
Hal Far, P.O. Box 20, Birzebbuga.
Do note that not all Bulgarian and Romanian nationals enjoy an automatic right to work in Malta. This is because Malta decided to apply transitional arrangements in respect of workers from these states. Bulgarian and Romanian workers who wish to work in Malta need to apply for an employment licence. Their application would then have to be considered on its own merits and in the light of labour market requirements unless certain conditions of residence have been satisfied. If you have any questions about this you can contact ETC ([email protected]).
Economically self-sufficient persons
EU nationals do not necessarily have to work while they are living in Malta. However in order to live here, you need to be able to support yourself and your family members who join you in Malta who do not have access to public funds.
You must also be covered by sickness insurance against all risks while in Malta and have sufficient resources not to become a burden on the state.
You are entitled to a grant of social assistance if you receive at least €14,000 a year or a weekly income of €84.95 or, in the case of a married couple, a capital of €23,300 or a weekly income of €93.10. (Note that pensioners and retired people fall under this category).
The labour market in Malta
As with everything else on this island, the Maltese labour market is rather small. Although English is widely spoken, the civil service tends to be off limits for foreigners since Maltese is generally required for jobs here. Of course, if you are specialised in a particular area then your chances of finding employment will rise considerably.
If not, don’t be disheartened. Finding a job in Malta requires a certain amount of patience. You will not necessarily find a good, high-paid job within your first few months of living here, though, and may need to wait it out.
Salaries
Salaries in Malta are relatively low compared with those in central Europe. An average Maltese wage is somewhere between €15,000 and €21,000 a year.
So if your aim is to find a top paid job in Malta, then keep in mind that perhaps this might not be the place for you. Naturally, the easy life, excellent weather conditions and magnificent scenery are great perks that might balance out the not-so-high salaries.
Of course, salaries go up for speicalised jobs, management positions and foreign assignments.
The cost of living is not as low as it used to be, however Malta does remain a relatively affordable place to live.
Working hours and annual leave
On average, the working week in Malta is 40 hours, and you can work up to 48 hours. Work usually starts between 8 and 9am and people clock off between 5 and 6pm. Civil servants have a different deal and work longer hours in winter, to have this compensated with shorter working hours in the hot summer months, when many people tend to take their holidays any way. Do keep in mind that this arrangement does not apply to most expats however.
If you work in Malta you are entitled to 2 days of leave a month, that’s 24 days a year. Malta also has 14 public holidays.
The workplace
The Maltese are a very warm and welcoming people and the workplace tends to be no different. Because Malta is so small, many people know each other and the business world is fairly tight-knit. This has its advantages and disadvantages. It can be relatively easy to meet the people you want to, but since everyone knows everyone, you need to be careful not to tarnish your reputation.
At the workplace, because people are so friendly, you will find it easy to integrate with your colleagues.
