Expat guide for expats living or moving to Malta

The allure of the Maltese Islands, Malta and Gozo, stems from its far-reaching ancient beginnings of prehistoric and Neolithic architectural wonders. The Second World War also left its fingerprints by way of manmade fortifications. More importantly, the people are accommodating and blessed with a variety of cultural influences, uniquely blended and intertwined. Expats look forward in time in Malta, and reminisce the past in its sister island Gozo. We’ve gathered some really good information you shouldn’t miss.

Expat Clubs
Schools
Local News Sources
Country Information
Resident and Work visa information
How to get a driving license
Where to live and about the accomodation types
Healthcare information including Hospitals and Insurance

Expat Clubs

The Malta Association of Women in Business (MAWB)

The association was founded on July 10th, 1991 by a group of women, who together with the Association's mandate laid the foundation for promoting an environment for women to grow and develop in their business and profession. MAWB is a constituted, non-profit making, non-political organisation; and is completely autonomous.

Address: Keimar Bld / Level 4, Triq Giovanni Mamo, B'Kara BKR2961

Tel: +356 99426238

Email: [email protected]

FB: www.facebook.com/pages/Malta-Association-of-Women-in-Business/205267069505209?sk=wall

Website: www.mawb.eu/

TwoFourSix Expats Malta

246 Expats Malta is the original expat social event group in Malta and has been in existence since 2009 and started by Trisha Steele, an expatriate from Ireland that has lived in New Zealand, Australia and Malta for the past several years. Group membership is open to foreign nationals, living or visiting Malta. We offer organized social events from weekly Friday night social drinks to group dinners, cultural and art 246 Expats Maltaevents and boat trips during the summer months. All events typically provide members with generous discounts on beverages/cocktails, food, and often discounts on show and event tickets.

Tel: +356 7705 0770

Email: [email protected]

FB: www.facebook.com/246expatsmalta/info

Website: www.246expatsmalta.com/

Expats Malta

This ‘Meet up Malta’ page is for anyone that is new to Malta, people of all ages and interests. Open to newcomers who want to make new friends, settle in more quickly and start to enjoy all that Malta has to offer, as well as established expats who want to make more friends and have more fun.

FB: www.facebook.com/groups/MeetupMalta

Website: www.meetup.com/Expats-Malta/

Feel@Home in Malta

The Feel@Home Malta team is currently composed of a group of young people who are a mixture of locals - who at times have been expats themselves, and also foreigners who are currently living in Malta. The team is supported by professional workers - such as lawyers, social workers, psychologists and other volunteers who help us organizing events and in other useful ways.

Address: 12/11, Vincenti Bldgs, Strait Street, Valletta, Malta

Tel: +356 9909 3516

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.feelathomemalta.com/

British Residents Association – Malta

The Association is divided into six (6) groups based on geographical areas. Each group is represented on the BRA Council, which has overall control and management of the Association. Typically the membership of the BRA is in the region of 1300. Members are from all walks of life with an age range of eighteen (18) upwards.

Address: P.O.BOX 33, VALLETTA, VLT 1000.

Email: [email protected]

Website: britishresidentsinmalta.org/

International Schools

Verdala International School

The School first opened its doors in 1976 as an oil company school. In the 1980s it was reconstituted as Verdala International School. The School has been an accredited US School since 1994 and started offering the prestigious International Baccalaureate Diploma in 1995.

Curriculum: International Baccalaureate

Address: Fort Pembroke, Pembroke PBK1641, Malta

Tel: +356 21375133

Fax: +356 21372387

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.verdala.org

Chiswick House School, St. Martins College

Today, Chiswick House School and St Martin's College are firmly established in Malta's educational system as the largest independent educational establishment on the island, offering a top quality, mixed ability education to boys and girls not only from Malta, but also from over 30 other countries, with English as the main language of instruction.

Curriculum:

Address (Chipswick School House): 38, Antonio Schembri Street Kappara, San Gwann (SGN4233), Malta

Tel: +356 21374396, +356, 21374397

Fax: +356 21376487

Address (St. Martins College): Swatar Road Swatar (MSD2244) Malta

Tel: +356 21345146, : +356 21345 170

Fax: +356 21310273

Website: chs.edu.mt/

St. Edwards College Malta

St Edward's College was authorised to offer the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) commencing September 2009 and following successful years, applications for borders and day students are now invited for the academic year commencing September 2014.

Curriculum: International Baccalaureate

Address: Birgu (Citta Vittoriosa), Cottonera - BRG 9039, Malta

Tel: +356 27881199

Fax: +356 21891557

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.stedwards.edu.mt/

Local News in English

Times of Malta

Malta's leading news point, that for over 75 years has been delivering top notch news through its newspapers; Times of Malta and The Sunday Times and through the website timesofmalta.com

Website: www.timesofmalta.com/

Malta Today

On 14 June 2010, MaltaToday launched its internet news portal, bringing its journalism to a wider audience of readers, becoming the most read internet news service after The Times.

Website: www.maltatoday.com.mt/

Malta Star

Malta Star is an English-language website that brings local perspectives on news, sport, culture and events within the region.

Website: www.maltastar.com/

The Malta Independent

Website: www.independent.com.mt

Country Information

Location: Europe

Capital City: Valletta

Other Important Cities: Birkirkara

Currency: Euro €

Language: Malti, English

Calling Code: +356

Internet TLD: .mt

Electricity: Malta runs on 240V 50Hz. The sole provider of electricity is Enemalta.

Address: Triq Belt il-Hazna, Marsa MRS 1571, Malta

Tel: +356 21223601

Website: www.enemalta.com.mt/

Emergency Numbers:

Ambulance: 196

Fire: 112

Police: +356 2122 4001-7, +356 2122 1111

Country Information

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Malta

Embassy Information

embassy.goabroad.com/embassies-in/malta

Residents Visa and Work Permit information

Malta is covered by Schengen regulations, which exempts nationals including the US and EU from a visa to enter the country. Nationals from countries who are not exempted must apply for a Schengen visa in a Maltese embassy, consulate or representation in their home or host country. Visit Malta Home Affairs site for a list of countries which do not fall under visa exemptions: mhas.gov.mt/en/MHAS-Information/Travelling%20to%20Malta/Pages/Which-third-country-nationals-are-required-to-have-a-visa.aspx

Expats wishing to stay in the country for an extended period beyond 3 months / 90 days, must apply for a National Long Stay ‘D’ visa, through a Maltese embassy or consulate. This type of visa allows expats an extended stay in the country for studies, business, medical reasons or any stay beyond 90 days.

Documents required:

Valid passport, minimum 6 months
Two passport size photos, white background
Visa fees
Completed Application Form

Accommodation

Renting properties has become very popular among expats. Malta has responded to the massive influx of foreigners coming in by providing more housing options and selections. Within major towns and cities, prices will vary from mid to high range, reflecting the cosmopolitan lifestyle prevalent in these areas. Valleta and Sliema are the most popular places for expats because of the modern establishments and amenities situated in those areas. However, this means accommodations are more expensive. Cheaper, more budget-friendly accommodations are found inland, away from the city center. Attard is major residential area, perfect for expats with families. Public transport is also very easy and reliable in this town.

The most efficient, although not cost-free, approach to finding accommodations is through real estate agents. What is most desirable with the service they offer is that they match tenants’ needs and personal preferences with a compatible landlord, minimizing issues altogether. Accommodations are rented either furnished or unfurnished.

Another way is going around neighborhoods and spotting ‘for rent’ signs on rental units, and classified ads. These listings usually direct prospective tenants immediately to the landlord or an agent who manages property viewings.

Rental contracts in Malta are straightforward with little to no-hassle. Real estate agents normally act as witnesses. One month rent is paid in advance, while another month’s rent is given as a refundable deposit upon contract termination or expiry.

Driving License

EU nationals may exchange their domestic licenses for a Maltese licenses, provided they have resided in Malta no less than 6 months and have already obtained a Maltese Identity Card. The process should be done through the Driver and

Vehicle Licensing Unit in Floriana:

Address: Transport Malta - Land Transport Directorate, Sa Maison Road, Floriana, FRN 1612, Malta

Tel: +356 2560 8000

Fax: +356 2560 8142

Email: [email protected]

For more information about exchanging EU licenses please visit: www.transport.gov.mt/land-transport/driving/exchanging-your-foreign-driving-licence

Non-EU nationals may use their domestic license only for up to 12 months. After which they should apply for a Maltese license through an official motoring school. Transport Malta, a government website, has a full list of recognized driving schools: www.transport.gov.mt/admin/uploads/media-library/files/Motoring%20School.pdf

Healthcare

The healthcare facilities in Malta are excellent are of high standards. Insurance costs are also lower compared to other countries. Medical checkups are reasonably priced. The public healthcare is also topnotch and free for residents of Malta including expatriates. The funding comes from contributions made by both employers and employees, affording a full range of treatments, medication, and other free medical services.

EU citizens may use their EHIC card to avail of the free public healthcare. Non-EU citizens, those who have not acquired a residency permit, are advised to obtain private insurance to cover or reimburse costs of treatment including medical evacuation.

Private healthcare is also available, and sometimes preferred by Maltese citizens and residents for their wider range of services and short waiting time. However the costs are not covered by the public healthcare system in place. Private health insurance is highly advised.

Insurance Companies

Citadel Health Insurance Agency

Citadel Insurance provides a host of health insurances from entry-level core plans to complete plans.

Address: 75, St Francis Street, Floriana FRN 1031, MALTA

Tel: +356 2010 6262

Toll-Free: +356 8003 1000

Website: www.citadelplc.com

Bonnici Insurance Agency Limited

Based in Malta, Bonnici Insurance is the longest established local agent for Middlesea Insurance plc and is now one of Malta's leading insurance agencies.

Address: 222, The Strand, Gzira GZR1022, Malta

Tel: +356 21339110

Fax: +356 21310390

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.bonniciinsurance.com/

Buttigieg Insurance Brokers

Buttigieg Insurance Brokers Limited are leading local insurance broker acting for clients on all insurance lines, personal and business. The Head offices are at Zabbar Road, Fgura. On 15th July 1991, the company extended its operations with the addition of a branch office at Naxxar Road, Birkirkara.

Address: 211-213, Zabbar Road, Fgura FGR 1010,Malta

Tel: +356 21802298, +356 21690935

Website: www.buttigieg.com.mt/

Middlesea Insurance

Middlesea Insurance p.l.c, a composite insurance company listed on the Malta Stock Exchange and operating since 1981 enjoys a substantial share of the highly competitive general insurance markets in Malta, offering an extensive range of quality and flexible products aimed at both personal and commercial protection.

Address: Middle Sea House, Floriana, FRN1442 MALTA

Tel: +356 21246262

Fax: +356 21248195

Website: www.middlesea.com/

Bupa Malta

Bupa Malta is a branch of Bupa Insurance Limited which is represented by GlobalCapital Health Agency Ltd in Malta. Bupa is a global healthcare company created more than 65 years ago. It began in the UK in 1947 with 38,000 customers and has developed into an internationally renowned healthcare and insurance provider, with more than 22 million customers in 190 countries around the world.

Address: Testaferrata Street, Ta' Xbiex XBX 1403, Malta

Tel: +356 21 342 342

Fax: +356 21 472 808

Website: www.bupa.com.mt/

Hospitals

St. James Hospital

Saint James Hospital Group provides a comprehensive range of healthcare services – ranging from simple blood tests to diagnostic scans, cosmetic surgery to dental services and laser hair removal to complex surgery.

Address (Zabbar): St James Square, Zabbar, ZBR 3103, Malta

Tel: +356 2329 1000

Fax: +356 21692030

Address (Sliema): George Borg Olivier Street, Sliema SLM 1807, Malta

Tel: +356 2329 1000

Fax: +356 21330226

Address: (Eye Clinic): Saint James Hospital, Sliema, George Borg Olivier Street, Sliema SLM 1807, Malta

Tel: (+356) 2329 1229

Fax: +356 21320734

Address (Zebbug): 9, Mdina Road, Zebbug ZBG 9015, Malta

Tel: +356 2329 3000

Email: [email protected]

Address (Medical Laboratory Services): Saint James Hospital, Sliema, George Borg Olivier Street, Sliema SLM 1807 Malta

Tel: +356 21334997 / 21335063

Email: [email protected]

Address (Transforma): The Cosmetic Clinic, Triq il-Hafur, Attard ATD 3014, Malta

Tel: +356 21423838

Fax: +356 21423839

Email: [email protected]

Mater Dei Hospital

Mater Dei Hospital is an acute general teaching hospital offering a full range of hospital services. It also provides an extensive range of specialist services.

Address: Msida MSD 2090, MALTA

Tel: +356 2545 0000

Fax: +356 2545 4154

Email: [email protected]

Website: ehealth.gov.mt/HealthPortal/health_institutions/hospital_services/mater_dei_hospital/mater_dei.aspx

DaVinci Hospital

DaVinci Hospital uses a Computerised Hospital Information System that connects patient data derived from its Radiology, Diagnostic Laboratory, Surgical and Medical Inpatient and Outpatient Departments. All patient data is therefore available in one digital file that is accessible throughout the hospital and also remotely if required. The patient's digital file therefore includes all data including reports, diagnostic images and lab results that were obtained at DVH during the last 10 years.

Address: Karmenu Pirotta Road, Birkirkara, Malta

Tel: +356 21491200

Fax: +356 21491325

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.davincihospital.com/

St. Philips Hospital

Address: St. Philip's Hospital, Triq Salvu Psaila, Santa Venera, Malta

Tel: +356 2144 2211

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.stphilips.com.mt/