Malta has become the home to many expats. Anywhere you go, you will inevitably meet people from all over the globe. The reasons why they moved to Malta are varied. We asked what has led these people to make Malta their home and this is what transpired.
1. Work
Tauseef Ahmed: “Job and happy to be here.”
This is at the top of the list because it is the primary reason why most people move to Malta. The promise of work is high when Malta has an unemployment rate of merely 3.5%. In addition, iGaming companies are constantly looking for foreign-language speaking employees, who know a variety of tongues from Swedish to Spanish. There are also other perks that the island has to offer, making the prospect of living and working in Malta very attractive to many people from all over Europe.
2. Looking for new opportunity
Mandy Cox: “New start - wanted somewhere hot and love it here.”
Some people are simply looking for something different to what they’ve always known. A new job, new place and new life is an attractive prospect for those feeling unsatisfied by the lack of work opportunities or the type of lifestyle available to them wherever they are. This would also include the large number of illegal immigrants who finally settle to live and work in Malta as their new home.
3. Warmth
Susan Roberts: “I love the climate and the people.”
If you lived in a place where it’s always grey, cold and rainy, you might understand the attraction of 300 days of sunshine. The warm hearts that are a characteristic of Mediterranean people adds to the inviting prospect of living in the warm, welcoming comfort of Malta. It may get a little too hot or passionate sometimes, but it’s worth it.
4. Having an adventure
Anne Shepherd: “Came for a holiday, loved it, so moved here over 10 years ago - this is home now.”
The many attractions of Malta - the climate, the sea, the history, the water sports, the culture and so many other factors - contribute to Malta’s reputation as a top Mediterranean destination. Many people came to Malta on holiday and simply never left (or went home briefly to wrap things, then came to stay). Not only, but many of those who tried to leave after a while, found themselves returning to the jewel in the Med.
5. Love
Julie Holt: “Love...and very happy to be here.”
It’s not just about falling in love with the country. Falling in love with a man or woman from another country creates the inevitable implication that, should the relationship last, one of the two would eventually have to move permanently. Many expats have moved to Malta to be with the man or woman of their dreams. Talk about a win-win situation!
6. Retirement
Rosie Macaulay: “My husband retired from the Royal Navy, and having been on holiday, we decided to move here.”
A large number of expats are British. Indeed, they were among the first to consider Malta a suitable alternative place to live, given Malta’s history as a British colony and the widespread use of the English language, which is also a national language. Those who had been in the British army or navy and were stationed in Malta invariably developed a soft spot for it, with many choosing to retire in Malta when the duty was done.
Do you know anyone who has moved to Malta for any other reason? We would love to know!