Why Move To Malta?

The tiny Mediterranean island of Malta, stretching just 122 square miles, is a true gem. Malta is becoming both an investment and a retirement hot spot in the EU—and it’s easy to see why. The Maltese archipelago (made up of three main islands) is one of Europe’s smallest countries.

But, while it may be small, it has a lot to offer. Its rugged coastline boasts dramatic cliffs and tiny coves dotted with ancient forts and quaint fishing harbors. Inland, stone walls separate fields cut into strips of olives, wheat, and potatoes. Wine production is also popular, and vines hang heavy with grapes all over the island. Malta, from its weather and its food to its history and culture, is quintessential Mediterranean Europe.

However, perhaps the greatest feather in Malta’s cap is that English is an official language. In fact, it’s the primary language—all law is practiced in English, for example. If learning a language is a serious concern for you, then Malta could be the place you’re looking for.

Malta is a place where you can still catch glimpses of life as it was lived decades ago, if not centuries. The lovely warm year-round climate as well as a great natural light which illuminates the island’s unparalleled beauty is very conducive for a sense of wellbeing and health.

Because of its central location in the Mediterranean, this beautiful island nation has a complex, and somewhat turbulent history. Throughout the centuries, every regional power sought to dominate the islands of Malta… from the Phoenicians of the 7th century B.C. to Carthage, to Rome, to the Vandals, to the Byzantines, to the Vandals, the Ottomans, and most recently the Germans and Italians in the World War II. Today, Malta remains a sought-after destination, though no longer as a place to conquer.

Nowadays, Malta is a great choice for someone who wants to establish residency, set up a company, open a savings account and pay little or no state tax in a nation where one of the official languages is English.

And when you think of Malta, don’t discount its smaller sister island, Gozo. Gozo is perhaps even more picturesque than Malta, and offers beautiful beaches with turquoise waters, inexpensive property, and an interesting local culture, all steeped in a rich historical ambiance…

Gozitans are a fiercely proud bunch who distinguish themselves from the Maltese (i.e., people from mainland Malta). Their culture syncretizes many influences, which probably has something to do with Gozo’s geographic positioning.

Gozo is a steppingstone between North Africa and Southern Europe… Its first known inhabitants arrived in 5000 B.C., and since then, it’s been invaded by everyone from the Phoenicians to the Arabs, the French to the Brits.

Its landscape is renowned for its cacti-spotted hills and peaceful, desert scenery… In fact, it’s so distinctive, it’s often featured in television and film. If you’ve ever seen “The Count of Monte Cristo,” “Game of Thrones,” or “By the Sea,” then you’ve already laid eyes on Gozo’s landscape.

For such a small island, it’s home to a huge number of surprises… But what’s most shocking about Gozo is how underrated it is. If you thought Mediterranean-beach destination necessarily meant massive crowds of tourists, think again.

Gozo is only 4.5 kms from Malta, but this slight removal from the mainland has resulted in a much more peaceful environment here. If you’re looking for a community atmosphere shared by expats and locals, proximity to the sea, access to Europe, and a reasonable cost of living, you’ve got to go to Gozo.

With its position as a key trading and transport point in the Mediterranean, its popularity as a tourism hub, and its military and colonial history, the Maltese are used to having a large expat population. They are  welcoming people, and, with no language barrier, it’s easy to slip into life here. Gozo has a population of about 31,000 people and about 1,350 of that number are expats. Most hail from the U.K., but there are also many Italians, Germans, Bulgarians, Swedes, French, and citizens of other EU-member nations.

Thanks to its warm climate, white beaches and azure seas, Malta is the perfect place for watersports. Diving, swimming, kayaking, scuba diving, fishing, and snorkeling are some of the most popular pastimes in the area.

Malta has a rich history which will keep any history buff occupied, you can visit the Lascaris War Rooms which were used to defend the island during World War II, or Fort St. Elmo which saw the death of over 1,500 knights during the Siege of Malta, or you can make a trip to the National Museum of Archeology which features artifacts from the Neolithic Period, weapons from the Bronze Age, an amulet featuring the gods Horus and Anubis, and many more historical treasures.