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Moving to : Malta

There are a number of things you will need to research or do before moving to Malta, these include:

• Local Culture 
• Residence Permits/Visa Requirements/Fees 
• How to search for work if you do not already have a job 
• The importance of your Contract of Employment 
• Self Employed? Starting a new business 
• Studying in Malta 
• School/Childcare - admissions, childcare, registration 
• Retiring to Malta 
• Accommodation, property search 
• Removal Companies and Personal Effects 
• Public Healthcare 
• Registering with a Doctor/Dentist 
• Medication 
• Private Medical Insurance, Healthcare and Hospitals 
• Banking 
• Setting up TV, Telephone and Internet 
• Registering for a mobile phone 
• Taking your car 
• Moving your pets 
• Make sure your passport is valid 
• Tickets for your move, hotel bookings and car rental 
• UK Voter Registration 
• Final Checklists 
• Final Notifications 

Maltese culture is defined in many ways. From its beautiful buildings and stunning beaches to it's traditions which have allowed the Maltese nation to hold on firm to their roots.  Clicking on the links below will help you understand the country and its unique appeal.

Wikipedia article on Maltese culture
Malta - Culture
Guide to Malta - Culture and Religion
Indigo Guide - Culture
TDS - Culture

Each area of Malta will also have its own history and culture. Don't forget to run a search specifically on the area of Malta you are looking at moving to. We recommend Google for all searches and the easiest way of searching for local culture is to put "culture" + the area of Malta you are investigating.

As an EU national you do not need a work permit to work in Malta. However it is always best to be prepared, and have employment set up before you go. 

As an EU Citizen, you are entitled to stay freely in Malta for up to 3 months.  However, if you plan to work, or know in advance that you plan to stay longer, you will need to apply to the Maltese Embassy or Consulate for a residence permit. Like most EU countries, this is just a formality and is usually granted without issue unless it goes directly against public health, public secuirty or public policy. 

Chetcuti - Work Permits

More information can be found on this in our "living in..." Registering your arrival in the Country.

There are a number of websites which focus on job searches in Malta.  The following are a few, however we can not take personal liability for any of their content or claims.

Jobs Abroad
4ICJ
Job Centre Plus
Executives on the Web
Tip Top Jobs

An employment contract is compulsory.  Before signing your contract, make sure you understand it fully. If it is not in English, ask if it can be translated so you there is no question in your mind what you are signing. If they can't do this, then spend the money and take it to a translator. Always better to be safe than sorry. Check things like disciplinary procedures, performance indicators, how they intend to pay you and how often, and that they will take care of your tax and social security payments.

Your contract is essential when applying for residency. It is proof that you will be able to support yourself. You will need to show them a copy when making the application.

Chetcuti - Permanent Residence Scheme

If you do not have an employment contract you will be working illegally and could be sent home. In order to work you will also need a social security number and a tax card. Your employer/accountant should be able to help you arrange this.

More information can be found about this on our "living in..." Tax registration with the authorities).

If you are planning on going to Malta and starting your own business, always talk to a Lawyer who specialises in employment law.  They will be able to help you with all necessary paperwork, and ensure that your business is incoporated in a legal way.  The following site may also be of use:

Chetcuti - Business Advisory Services

If you're going to study in Malta, you will need information regarding courses.

Prospects - Postgraduate study
Open University - Malta
University of Malta

Be aware that most locals tend to use family members when it comes to early childcare arrangements.  Daycare spaces are very limited and heavily fought for, so if you find one apply in plenty of time.  Your local authority can help find daycare places.   Kindergarten is available in most schools and free of charge for all children between the ages of 3 and 5.

The rules for compulsory schooling are simple. Children are expected to start school at the age of 5 and the education system is very similar to that of the British. One of the biggest decisions you need to make will be "Do I want my children educated in English, at an International school, or in a Maltese school?" These sites may help you with this decision.

Euro Education - Malta
About Malta - Education  
Ministry of Education & Culture
Independent Schools - Malta
European Youth Portal - Studying in Malta

If you are considering retiring to Malta, then the following sites should be useful:

Retire to the Sun - Malta
Direct Gov - Preparing to move or retire abroad 
Foreign & Commonwealth Office - Moving Abroad 

The decision regarding whether to purchase or rent a property in Malta can be difficult and is subject to some restrictions. If you are looking to buy, then these links will help.

Maltese Government - Aquisition of Immovable Property
Right Move - Property Website
Property Abroad - Malta
World of Property - Information about Country

Rental can be harder as most real estate agencies focus on short term/holiday rentals, however it is not impossible. You will usually be expected to pay a deposit and a months' rent in advance and property search for rentals is usually easier in autumn and winter as during the summer months the shorter lease periods are more appealing to landlords.

Choose Malta - Renting
Estate Agents Directory - Malta

When shipping your personal (household) effects within the EU, they are not subject to normal customs formalities or restrictions.

Please check our Resources section to see if there is any further information on English speaking removal companies.

The Form E111 is no longer valid. You should obtain a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) before leaving the UK. The EHIC is not a substitute for medical and travel insurance, but entitles you to emergency medical treatment on the same terms as Maltese nationals.

NHS Guide   
Foreign & Commonwealth Office - Travel Insurance 

Nearly all (if not all) Doctors and Dentists are English speaking with English being one of the official languages of the island. You have a free choice of general practitioner, paediatrician and several specialists within your area, providing your choice does not bring the doctor's/dentist's list above the maximum patients permitted.

Ministry for Social Policy - Health Centres
Ministry for Social Policy - Primary Health Care Services

Before taking any medication into Malta make sure that you check that it is legal to do so. Interestingly 63% of Britons didn’t know that some medication in the UK e.g. alcohol based prescription drugs and painkillers such as codeine are illegal in some countries. In Japan for instance, the Vicks inhaler and Sudafed are illegal!

Private medical insurance is a personal choice. Although not necessary as the public healthcare in Malta is adequate, it can act as a security blanket if something goes seriously wrong.

Please check our Resources section to see if there is any further information on additional medical insurance, general private heathcare and private hospitals.

Opening a bank account is quite simple.   The two main banks are the Bank of Valletta and HSBC.  You can open accounts both from inside the country and abroad and some also allow you to do it online.  You will need to provide ID eg, your passport and in some cases a copy of your residency/work permit.

Many companies take a while to set these up, so once you know where you will be living, you might want to contact these companies in advance, so you are able to have connection from the day you move in.

Maltacom
NextWeb
Global

Like in most countries, Cable and Satelite companies can offer the full range of TV, Telephone and Internet services.  So it's worth doing your research.

Please check our Resources section to see if there are any alternatives.

There are many mobile phone operators and offers available.  Talk to people, and shop around for the best deal for you.

Go Mobile
3G
Vodafone

As for your UK mobile. Our guess is that you will be returning to the UK from time to time and may want a low cost way for people to contact you when you are there. So why not cancel your contract, but switch to a "Pay as you go"? This is a number that most of your friends/family will already have, so record your voicemail explaining that this phone is now only on when you are in the UK, and tell them how to contact you when you're not. Be careful when choosing your PAYG plan as some expect you to use your phone every few weeks to keep it active.

Deciding whether to take your car or not is something you will need to think about. What is "right" varies from person to person. For example, for my first move, I took my UK car with me for the first 6 months only. This gave me the security blanket when I wasn't sure if I would stay. Had I returned to the UK, I wouldn't have then had to look for a new car. Having decided to stay, I returned my UK car to the UK, and bought a local one. Just make sure that if you decide to take your own car, your insurance covers you properly with a "permanent green card"!

Don't forget you must also notify the DVLA if you plan to take your car out of the UK either temporarily or permanently. 

Direct Gov - Taking your car abroad

Be aware when importing your car, the procedure is complex and import tax is very high, therefore, people rarely do it.

Chetcuti - Importation of Motor Vehicles
ADT - Malta Transport

No one wants to leave their other family members behind, so take them with you! Also, please don't forget to consider they may need their own Residency permits once in Malta.

DEFRA - Qualifying Countries for the PETS Scheme
DEFRA - Preparing your pet for travel (cats, dogs & ferrets)
DEFRA - Preparing your pet for travel (rabits and rodents)

Make sure you have a valid passport. You do not need a minimum period of validity; however it must remain valid for the duration of your stay.

UK Passport Office - UK Passport Information

When moving you need to set a date to do so. Once you have this date, you need to consider your flights or travel arrangements. Investigate cheap flights or travel. There is no need to spend a fortune getting there when there are many cheap options available. The following site details the list of low cost airlines flying to Malta:

Attitude Travel - Guide to Cheap Airline Carriers

If you have not arranged somewhere to live, make sure you have accommodation until you do. Book yourself a hotel. In addition, you may be going to sign contracts for your accommodation. This does not mean you can stay there on the first night! This may not be possible. So make sure you know exactly what your plans are and make arrangements that take these into consideration.

Where car hire is concerned do your research. Different companies offer different deals at different times.

Please check our Resources section to see if there more information on car hire and deals.

Don't Lose Your Vote!

If you are 18 and over, and were previously registered to vote in the UK within the last 15 years, you can apply to register again as an overseas voter.

Overseas Voting