What is attracting international workers to Malta?

From its attractive residency schemes and array of job opportunities, to its language accessibility and beautiful Mediterranean climate, it’s no wonder that Malta’s popularity amongst international workers is on the rise.

Let’s explore some of the reasons why Malta has become an attractive destination for top foreign talent in more detail.

Malta's growing economy

Malta is rapidly emerging as one of Europe’s most dynamic economies, offering employees a healthy work-life balance along with diverse opportunities for career advancement and professional growth.

The capital of Valletta is the administrative heart of the country, and prevalent roles in this city are often found in the government, legal and finance sectors. Sliema is another important business and commercial centre in Malta, which is home to many international organisations and a popular spot for digital nomads.

Amongst the industries that are thriving in Malta are the following:

• Financial services: this sector is one of the biggest economic drivers in Malta. It saw huge growth of 11.8% between 2022 and 2023, and the number of people employed in this field increased by 6,500 between 2019 and 2023.²

• Tourism: Malta draws millions of visitors to it shores each year, with tourists spending a staggering €3.3 billion here in 2024.³ Job opportunities for expats in tourism are wide-ranging include areas such as hospitality and hotel management.

• Real estate: Malta’s desirable location as a gateway between Europe and Africa and its growing economy has resulted in a boom in the country’s real estate market. The industry is set to be worth USD 131.5 billion in 2025, partly as a result of rising interest from foreign nationals.⁴

• Technology: this is another sector that has been experiencing success in recent years in Malta , particularly in areas including software as a service (SaaS), fintech and cybersecurity.

Financial incentives for foreign nationals

One of the attractions of Malta for international workers is the variety of different financial incentives available:

• Grants for tech start-ups: grants were created to encourage foreign nationals to conduct their business activities in Malta, with features often including attractive funding options and access to mentorships and business networks.

• Tax benefits: these are a significant draw for foreign nationals designed to attract investment in Malta. This can incorporate low tax rates on foreign income, tax relief, and special tax rates for skilled workers in core industries.

• Property ownership and renting: No limits are placed on foreign nationals when it comes to renting in Malta, offering them a high degree of flexibility. Expats can also enjoy many benefits when it comes to purchasing property, though they may have to meet certain conditions. This can include: stamp duty exemptions; first-time buyers’ grants; Special Designated Areas (SDASs) – areas where there are no restrictions on property investments

Attractive residency schemes

There are some appealing residency options for foreign nationals to seek jobs in Malta and boost the nation’s economy.

Here are some examples of the different types of visas on offer for those considering relocating to Malta.

Malta Residence and Visa Programme (MRVP)

This residence permit was implemented by the Maltese government in January 2024 with the aim of recruiting skilled foreign talent to fill gaps in key industries, such as technology, financial services and healthcare.

The visa has a streamlined application process which takes only fifteen days to complete, offering lots of convenience for prospective workers. The flexibility of the visa adds to its desirability, as skilled workers are able to change employers under certain conditions without needing to reapply for a visa.

However, there are a variety of requirements in order to be eligible for this Malta visa, which incorporates:

• A valid employment contract

• A minimum annual salary of €30,000

• Health insurance cover

• A clean criminal record

• A bachelor’s degree or three years professional experience in the chosen field

Digital Nomad Visa Scheme

Malta introduced its Digital Nomad Visa Scheme in June 2021 to increase its appeal to remote workers from non-EU/EEA countries. It enables holders to live in Malta for up to one year while working remotely.

Some of the benefits for digital nomads are visa-free travel across the Schengen area, allowing family members to be included as part of the visa, and the option to renew the visa up to three times.

The scheme has proven highly successful for Malta, attracting over 1,000 applications in 2024 and generating €5 million for the economy through spending.⁵

Malta Permanent Residency Programme (MPRP)

For those who are looking to settle here more long-term, this scheme offers expats a pathway to a permanent Malta residency permit. The programme had more than 1,500 applications in 2024 and helped boost the nation’s economy by a staggering €132 million.⁵

It gives a lot of flexibility to holders, enabling them to remain indefinitely in Malta without needing to regularly reside in the country. Applicants also have the convenience of including multiple generations of their family in one application, which acts as a favourable incentive.

It’s useful to note that some of the pre-requisites for permanent residency here include having valid health insurance cover, a clean criminal record and an investment in Maltese property.

English as an official language

English is one of the official languages of Malta alongside Maltese, which can be very beneficial for skilled workers who are considering a move here.

Widely spoken in the workplace, it can help expats to integrate easier into their new professional setting and communicate with their colleagues with greater ease.

However, it can be useful to have an understanding of the local language to become more immersed in the local culture and better connect with locals. Check out our blog here for some tips that can be supportive in learning a new language.

Malta's Mediterranean climate

Another appeal of Malta for international workers considering moving to Malta is its sunny Mediterranean climate, which experiences average temperatures of 31 degrees Celsius in the summer months.⁶

This beautiful weather means that expats can make the most of the beautiful scenery and popular outdoor activities for much of the year, including hiking, scuba diving, and kayaking.

Expats can also benefit from milder winters in Malta, where average maximum temperatures are around 16 degrees Celsius.⁶ Though snow is rare in this European country, they could still see heavy rain periodically as well as cool windy weather.

Read more about what living in Malta is like for expats by clicking here.