Malta for Digital Nomads: A Guide for Remote Workers

Last Updated: Jun 26, 2023
Reading Time: 6 minutes
By: Shaun

Are you a digital nomad looking for a new adventure? Look no further than the small island country of Malta, a small island country in the Mediterranean Sea.

With its beautiful weather, stunning scenery, and vibrant international culture, Malta is the perfect place for remote workers to live and work.

Marsaxlokk | Image by JanneG from Pixabay

Why Malta is great for Digital Nomads?

Malta is a great destination for digital nomads for many reasons. Here are just a few:

1. Affordable Cost of Living

Compared to other European countries, the country has a relatively low cost of living, especially if you decide to stay outside the more tourist-centric areas like Sliema, St. Julians, and Valletta.

Malta’s small size means that you can stay in a more affordable location without being too far from these lively hotspots.

2. High Quality of Life

Malta has a high quality of life when compared to its Mediterranean neighbours. The country has excellent healthcare, a low crime rate, and a welcoming culture.

3. High-Speed Internet

As a digital nomad, you need reliable internet access to work remotely. The islands are well connected to the rest of Europe through several undersea cables that provide a high-speed, low-latency connection to the internet.

Broadband internet connections start with a download speed of 100 MBit/sec and can go all the way up to 2 GBit/sec. The upload connection is usually relatively low, with 15–30 Mbit/sec being the norm, so do keep this in mind.

4. English and other languages are widely spoken

With English as the second official language (along with Maltese, you can easily get around the islands without having to learn any Maltese. Italian is also widely spoken, and many people speak (or at least have a basic comprehension of) German, French, or Spanish, as several of these languages are taught in schools in Malta.

5. Great Weather

Wied Iz-Zurrieq | Image by Andy Miccone on Flickr

The Maltese islands are known for their sunny weather, with over 300 days of sunshine each year and an average temperature of 10-15 C in winter and 28–32 C in summer. This makes it the perfect place to enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, swimming, and sunbathing.

6. Member of the European Union and Digital Nomad Visa for Non-EU Nationals

Since the country has been a member of the European Union since 2004, citizens of other EU countries, together with citizens from Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland, can work and reside in Malta without the need to apply for a permit.

For citizens of other countries, the local authorities provide a special Digital Nomad Visa valid for 1 year, which can also be extended if you are still eligible.

7. A large international community

All of the above points have attracted many foreign nationals to relocate for work in Malta. It comes as no surprise that today, over 1 in 5 residents of Malta is an expat, so it is very probable that you will find a community from your home country.

Getting to Malta

The islands are easily accessible by air from most major European and North African cities. You can fly to the Malta International Airport, which is located just 5 kilometres from the capital city of Valletta and 10 kilometres from St. Julians. Alternatively, you can take a ferry from the port of Pozzallo in Sicily.

Accommodation Options for Digital Nomads

Sliema Waterfront | Image by Mike McBey on Flickr

One can find on offer a range of accommodation options, and the prices will vary a lot depending on the location and type of accommodation you choose. Many expats living on the island prefer to stay in the Sliema/St. Julians area. This area provides a wide variety of accommodation options, but its popularity means that the rent will be on the higher side. Expect to pay somewhere around 1000 EUR/month for an apartment, which can go all the way up to 4500 EUR/month for a high-end seafront apartment.

Since the island is relatively small, and you can very easily find a better deal in other locations while still being not too far from Sliema and St. Julians. If you are looking for a more tranquil area, the sister island of Gozo can provide you with an amazing experience.

Getting around Malta

The Maltese islands have an extensive public bus service that covers a large part of the islands. Unfortunately, with the lack of another form of public transport common in European cities, many Maltese prefer to use their private cars to get around, so the Maltese roads have become notoriously busy.

Renting a car for your entire stay can get rather expensive, so we suggest that unless you want to spend your day exploring the island, you stick with the bus service or use one of the ride-hailing services available on the island like Uber, Bolt, or eCabs.

Things to Do in Malta

When you’re not working, there are plenty of things to do around the islands. Here are just a few of the top attractions:

1. Explore the Beaches

Malta is well known for its long list of beaches, ranging from sandy beaches where you can practise a wide variety of water sports to hidden rocky gems.

2. Go Diving

Dwejra Inlet Sea | Image by Rune E on Flickr

The Maltese islands are also well known for their diving sites, with many visiting the islands specifically to explore the variety of natural sites like the famous Blue Hole in Gozo to the variety of wreck dives ranging from World War II ships to boats specifically scuttled to become diving attractions.

3. Explore Malta’s history

Malta has a long, 7000-year history and is home to several megalithic temples, which are among the oldest free-standing structures in the world. You can explore these ancient sites and much more and learn about the country’s rich history.

4. Go trekking

The country might be very densely populated, but there are still a wide range of opportunities to go trekking and enjoy nature. Ranging from easy walks to challenging treks, there is a lot to explore on foot in the islands.

5. Enjoy the Nightlife

Uno Village

Malta has a vibrant nightlife scene, with plenty of bars, clubs, and restaurants to choose from. You can enjoy live music, dance the night away, or simply relax with a drink and enjoy the lively atmosphere.

Conclusion

Malta is a fantastic destination for digital nomads with its affordable cost of living, high quality of life, great weather, and fast internet speeds. Whether you’re looking for a community of like-minded individuals or just want some tranquilly while you do your thing, Malta has something to suit every digital nomad’s needs. With its rich history, stunning scenery, and vibrant culture, it is the perfect place to explore while working remotely.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Malta a safe destination for digital nomads?

Yes, Malta is a safe destination for digital nomads. The country has a low crime rate and a welcoming culture.

Can I work remotely in Malta without a work visa?

Yes, you can work remotely in Malta without a work visa if you are a citizen of the EU, an EEA country, or Switzerland. For citizens of other countries, you need to apply for the Digital Nomad Visa or work with your employer to obtain a working permit.

What is the cost of living like in Malta?

Compared to other European countries, Malta has a relatively low cost of living. You can find affordable accommodation, food, and transportation options, especially if you stay outside the tourist areas.

What are the internet speeds like in Malta?

Malta has a fast and stable internet connection, with download speeds starting at 100 Mbit/sec. There are three telecommunications companies in Malta that provide this service. These are Go, Epic, and Melita.