Working in Malta

No expat’s expectations fall short when it comes to the job climate in Malta. While others may have ended up disappointed in other destinations, those who've come to Malta rarely do.

A Maltese work permit is usually granted for a year to people with professional expertise. Expats need to secure authorization from the potential employer before being allowed to work legally in the island nation. Those who are thinking of setting up a business will have to obtain a letter of recommendation from a significant business figure in Malta who is credible enough to help the expat explore the local market for his particular business.

The country's main exports are machinery and transport equipment as well as agricultural products while its main imports include manufactured goods, food, drink, tobacco, machinery and transport equipment. These industries have been driving the Maltese economy, especially with such strong European powers for partners such as Italy, France, the United Kingdom, Germany, and Singapore. The country is also actively inviting medical professionals, especially doctors, to contribute to their flourishing healthcare sector. In particular, various positions have been opened for hospital-based medical specialists, experienced family doctors, junior doctors, and nurses.

Usual salary rates for medical employees begin at 35,000 euro per annum plus accommodation allowances and various other benefits. For office workers, work hours are typically - 8:30a.m to 5:30p.m with a one-hour lunch break. Some offices are open half-days on Saturdays.

While some expats may have a little difficulty with Maltese in their first few months on the job, working practices in the country are easy to adapt to. It is a way of life for Maltese workers to be punctual and rather conservative when it comes to general work ethics and business protocol. Business attire is typically casual yet smart and may include suits and ties for men and dresses for women. A handshake is the common form of greeting in the Maltese business world.

Expats who've worked in Western countries where people tend to be more casual in the workplace might have to be conscious about correctly addressing people in senior positions. In Malta, one cannot be on a first-name basis with a boss. Instead, individuals holding high positions in the company are called by their personal or their professional titles and surnames. However, among people who have been working together for a long time, it is quite normal to use first names in the business when a good working relationship has been established. Still, you should wait for the Maltese business contact to initiate the use of first names.

Both wage earners and self-employed expats pay income tax to the government while those officially categorized as permanent residents are taxed both as income in Malta and overseas earnings.