7 Reasons Why You Should Move To Malta

Home to beautiful beaches, delicious dining and 7,000 years of fascinating history, Malta is an incredible place to call home. It’s no wonder tourists, retirees and expats alike are so drawn to this enchanting country.

In fact, Malta was recently named as one of the top expat destinations, scoring 20th place out of 58 countries in InterNations Expat Insider Survey. So, without further adieu, here are eight reasons why expats looking for a better quality of life should opt for Malta.

1. Low cost of living

From inexpensive real estate options to affordable high-quality food, Malta offers a competitively low cost of living. Compared to other European countries, including Italy, France and Germany, Malta is one of the most inexpensive destinations to live in.

When it comes to the overall cost of living, Valletta, the country’s capital, is slightly more expensive than other Maltese cities – but the quality of life that comes with it is more than worth the extra cost. Valletta is as lively as it is vibrant, with unique shops, restaurants that are both high-quality and low-cost, museums and markets at your doorstep.

If you’re looking for your own slice of peaceful paradise, Gozo, Malta’s sister island, may be a good pick for you. Not only is it cheaper to live on, but this wonderful little island is greener, more peaceful and more laidback – making it a perfect place for expats looking for a relaxed way of life.

2. Beautiful weather

Perfectly situated in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea, Malta enjoys 300 days of sunshine per year. In the summer months between June and August, you can expect average high temperatures of 31°C. Even in the winter months, temperatures never usually drop below 9°C, so those who despise the cold will love Malta. In fact, Valletta was recently named the hottest city in Europe.

3. High level of safety

Malta is also one of the safest countries in Europe. The number of major crimes, like homicides and violent crime, are comparatively lower than in most European countries. With that said, Malta does experience some petty theft like pickpocketing – especially in major cities like St. Julians, Mdina and Valletta. So it’s best to err on the side of caution when out and about – just as you would in other major European cities like London or Rome.

4. High-quality healthcare

Malta has been consistently cited as having one of the best healthcare systems in the world, so expats moving here should feel well looked after if the need for medical care should arise. The country’s healthcare system is made up of both private and state healthcare. The state healthcare system is funded through taxation and national insurance – allowing expats to access the healthcare system for free as long as they pay national insurance contributions.

There are 8 Government health centres in Malta and Gozo, as well as several private hospitals in Malta which offer a high-quality standard of care. With more and more residents opting for private healthcare, it’s clear that the cost of care is very reasonable for the quality of care received. In fact, an MRI in Malta costs on average $168 to $213 while an MRI in the US would cost approximately $1,500.

Expats looking to take advantage of the country’s private healthcare sector may want to invest in an expat health insurance policy to ensure they are able to access high-quality care as and when they need it.

5. Laidback lifestyle

With a wonderfully slow pace of living, Malta offers a sweet escape for those looking to get away from the busy nature of metropolitan life. This doesn’t mean that life is too slow, however. With year-round sunshine, the opportunity for thrilling leisure activities is endless. From sailing and yachting to windsurfing, kayaking and snorkelling, watersports are very popular here.

Diving, in particular, is a much-loved watersport due to the country’s clear Azul waters and plentiful diving locations. If you’re a fan of both diving and history, then Malta might just be the place for you. With historic underwater wrecks such as the famous The Blenheim Bomber wreck or the P29 patrol boat, there are plenty of aquatic mysteries to explore.

As a small island, another bonus is that everything you’ll need is usually within walking distance – whether you’re looking for the nearest cafés, restaurants, shops, clubs, cinemas, theatres and gyms. In fact, it only takes approximately one hour to get from one side of the island to the other, so commuting to and from work is never going to take too long.

6. Immersive culture

Every year, Malta hosts an array of incredible festivals – mostly centred around art, culture and religion. As a Catholic country, each town and village hosts its own festa to honour their parish patron saint. Going to a local festa is a fantastic opportunity to experience and immerse yourself in Malta’s rich culture. Expect vibrant parades, delicious food and stunning firework displays.

As well as holding religion in high regard, the Maltese are also very family-oriented. For instance, many children tend to stay in the family home until they are married, and parents will often have an active role in helping their children find their feet – whether this is acquiring a house or a car.

7. Fascinating history

Maltese history is as immersive and fascinating as its culture. If you do decide to move here, you might want to brush up on your knowledge of Maltese history because the locals are proud of their history – and no wonder. Home to three UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the City of Valletta, the Megalithic Temples (comprised of seven temples, spread across Malta, Gozo, and Comino) and the Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum, Malta’s 7,000-year historic heritage can be seen in its magnificent architecture.

Whether it’s Malta’s beautiful weather, world-renowned healthcare system or laidback lifestyle that appeal the most, there are plenty of reasons why expats looking for a high quality of life should opt for Malta.

Can we help you make the move to Malta?

If you would like to discuss moving to Malta with one of our team then please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us via the details below and we will be in contact with you shortly. Our highly experienced team can help you find the perfect Residential or Commercial property in Malta whether you are looking to buy or rent.

Call +356 2131 0800 / 0088 or Email: perry@perry.com.mt

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