Malta is an island found at the heart of the Mediterranean, known for its 300+ days of sunshine and crystal-clear waters, the gem of a country is the ideal spot to raise a family and give them a happy, safe and enriched life.
Relocating yourself to the Maltese islands simply means that you would be trading up from the shaky weather you might have to tolerate in your current climate or the long distances you have to travel to a warm temperature all year round (bar those random days where rain might hit hard) and a total driving distance of 316km2.
Moving to Malta with your family is a quick and welcomed transition that won’t need too much adjusting to since there’s so much to look forward to and it’s all in reach. Here’s a run down of some perks you and your family could be enjoying in your move to the Mediterranean land of sunshine.
1 – The average car trip is 23 minutes
Malta is a very small and quaint island full of beautiful sites to visit and entertainment centres to spend time relaxing in. The close distances make travelling around a really easy task; even when there’s traffic you won’t be stuck in the same place for long. Recent research has shown that the average car ride takes roughly 23 minutes from start to end. Avoiding rush hour is always a good idea no matter where you live in the world.
Malta’s rush hours run from 07:30 till 09:30 and again at closing time from around 17:00 to 19:30. Typical working hours for most of us but there are ways around it. The friendly attitude adopted by most of the locals here allows you to head out for a morning coffee before the cars hit the road or even an evening jog once the day’s done.
2 – Safety ingrained in the culture
Apart from being a relatively safe country, Malta is equipped with its very own security system – the neighborhood watch. The caring neighbors around you will always have your back if you are in need. Furthermore, the dynamic mix of cultures together with the LGBTIQ progresses in the country encourage an idea of inclusivity.
Knowing what’s going on in your surroundings and keeping your eyes peeled for any sources of danger is always a good idea. Remember to stay out of dark places when you’re alone and most importantly observe traffic crossings, exits and direction of traffic.
3 – Schooling is free of charge
Enrolling your children in schools is not a highly tedious task, there are several school options out there with state, church and private schools within your reach. Enrolling your children in a private school will give them exposure to more sports, arts, theatre and other extracurricular activities. Church schools are also well equipped with fun activities for their students in their teacher’s care.
State schools are usually free of charge or attainable at minimal costs. The quality of the lessons, teachers and staff is of a relatively high standard with increased focus of sports, ethics and PSED (Personal Social Emotional Development), all of which teach students teamwork and inclusivity.
4 – The sun is practically always shining
The summer heat in Malta escalates to a stunning 35 °C allowing you to fully enjoy the sun, sand and sea of our little islands. In the summer months, eateries open till late at night so that its guests can enjoy an al fresco meal after a long day at the office. With days getting longer in the summer months; you can make the most of the promenade areas in St Julian’s, Sliema, Bugibba and Marsascala. Jumping into the clean, clear water if it gets too hot is also an option.
During the winter the sun is warm enough to sport a t-shirt and light jacket with colder, wetter months only hitting the islands in January and February. The weather has changed from previous years as did happen across the globe, but Malta’s climate is still one of its best assets.
5 – Free health care never hurt
Malta is lucky enough to cater to its residents with free healthcare. The professionals who reside in Malta’s national hospital, Mater Dei as well as the Health Clinics found in every locality; are equipped to service the Maltese population and tend to their physical or mental ailments. The hospital and clinics are clean, well-kept and open to the public.
There are alternative options to public health care, that come in the form of private doctors found in pharmacies, their own clinics or tend to patients via home visits. A private hospital is also found in Malta and can be used for faster treatments.
6 – Great job opportunities
Malta is a haven for employment, with industries thriving due to the iGaming, Real Estate, Healthcare, English Language Teaching, Hospitality and Entertainment sectors, you’re sure to find a job that fits your requirements. Locally, there are the hotter industries that will always boom on the islands, but the introduction of new, exciting industries is also a great option.
Professional career paths such as that of a lawyer, doctor, teacher, architect and so on are also necessary in Malta and Gozo and finding a good, steady job before you get to the island may be a wise option. There are plenty of opportunities and we know just where to look.
7 – Taxation is not that troubling
In Malta, there are several perks that come along with working as a registered employee, company owner or freelancer. There’s a category of bands that benefit taxpayers and help them to maintain their company profit. With constant improvements in this sector, the taxation factor on the islands is changing in favor of the layman with every budget.
Self-employed individuals earning under €15,000 are VAT Exempt and charge a 15% taxation onto their work, those who summit the €15K are exposed to an 18% VAT charge that can be reclaimed as in any other taxation system.
So if you think you and your family are ready for an upgrade, why not get in touch with the experts at SMM Group for your full breakdown on how to get settled on the Maltese islands.