There are employment opportunities throughout Malta and Gozo, although the main clusters of offices are towards Valletta, centrally in the Sliema, Gzira and Birkirkara areas, and in the southern regions, around Qormi, Mriehel, Bulebel and Paola.
The Malta Life Sciences Park and Digital Hub in San Gwann host a concentration of medical, pharmaceutical and IT companies.
There are various business headquarters dotted throughout the country in the major towns, especially to the East. The North and South-West of the country tend to be more rural. There are opportunities in Gozo too, mostly in the public sector, in tourism and real estate; it’s also a good place to be if you can work remotely or are a freelancer and really enjoy the quiet life.
If you’re from the EU, EEA (European Economic Area) and Switzerland, then get ready to embrace pastizzis, festa fireworks and beautiful beaches – you have the right to live and work in Malta. Click here for details on what paperwork you’ll need to do get an E-residence permit.
If you’re a Third Country National (TCN - i.e. the rest of the world), things are a little more complicated. You will need your employer to apply for a work permit for you. Click here to find out more.
Where shall I live?Where you choose to live will depend on where your work is based and/or the children’s schools. Many foreigners start off in the Sliema area if they can afford it – nearby Swieqi, Msida, Gzira and Pembroke are a little cheaper and less busy. St Paul’s Bay is popular too, especially with older residents. Xemxija is an up-and-coming village towards the north, which is cheaper and away from the crowds.
Bugibba and Qawra are principally holiday zones, popular especially with the British – unless you like hanging out with your fellow countrymen abroad, you might want to look elsewhere.
Towns such as Balzan, Attard, Birkirkara and Lija are quaint and pleasant places to live and not too far from all the action. Madliena or Gharghur tend to be a little more expensive but are highly sought after. Mellieha is a beautiful town, but far north if you have to commute to work every day. The same could be said for Marsascala and Marsaxlokk, which are situated at the other end and to the south of the island.
Gozo is caught in a dreamy time warp – this is the place to settle in if you genuinely want to get away from it all. Here's a quick guide to the regions of Malta.