Relocation guide Malta
Everything you need to know
You are moving to Malta!
As exciting as this new adventure is, it can also feel a little overwhelming and that is completely normal.
This guide is here to help you prepare for your big move and make the transition as smooth as possible.
Packing & arrival
What to bring?
Your arrival
Finding your own apartment
Finding your own accommodation can be stressful, so it is important to be prepared. In Malta, there are three main ways to find a place. It is best to start looking as soon as you arrive to avoid last-minute stress.
What are the options and how much can cost?
Real estate agency
Once you join, your recruiter can provide a list of trusted real estate agents who can help you find accommodation based on your needs. It is the quickest option and usually the most expensive, but as an Evolution employee, you will receive a discount on the agency fee.
Facebook Marketplace
Offers many accommodation listings from both landlords and real estate agents. Always check whether you are dealing with an agent or the property owner, as renting directly from the owner means no agency fee. Be careful, there might be scams and never make any payment before viewing the apartment in person.
Colleagues / EVO app
On your first day, HR will help you set up the Evolution App. There you can see your schedule, group chats, teammates, and a chat for people looking for accommodation. Many new starters use it to find roommates or share tips. It’s a great way to connect with colleagues and make settling in easier. Sharing accommodation is often the most convenient and affordable choice.
Rent prices
The average rent for a shared living space is around 500 euros per month. Shared accommodations are not only more affordable but also much easier to find.
A studio or one-bedroom apartment is usually harder to find and typically costs between 800 and 900 euros per month.
Upfront rental costs in Malta
When you rent your own apartment, you usually need to pay the following upfront costs:
– First month’s rent
– A security deposit (equal to one month’s rent)
– If applicable, an agency fee (usually half a month’s rent)
Because of these initial expenses, we recommend bringing at least €2,000 when you arrive in Malta for daily expenses such as food, groceries, transportation, and exploring the island. This amount is needed before you receive your first salary.
First day at Evolution
On the Monday after your arrival in Malta, you will have your first day with us. In the morning, a company-provided cab will pick you up and take you to our offices in Birkirkara at the Fort Business Centre. Here, you will have your biometrics taken for access to our buildings and studios. Afterwards, you will receive your uniform from our uniform specialists.
Once this is completed, you will head to the Evolution Academy in shared cabs where you will be receiving lunch and attending the HR Induction before training starts.
Practical information
🟣 Transport
Getting around Malta is easy.
Buses are free with a Tallinja Card, and for quicker trips you can use Bolt, Uber, or eCabs. Most rides cost €5–€20, just avoid peak hours if you want to save money.
You can order a Tallinja card online at: https://www.publictransport.com.mt/ With this card, you get free access to all buses. A standard ticket costs €2 in winter and €2.50 in summer for a two-hour ride, so getting a Tallinja Card is definitely worth it if you plan to use public transport often. Just keep in mind that buses in Malta are not always reliable.
The easiest way to get around Malta is by using ride apps like Bolt, Uber, and eCabs.
Bolt is the most popular and usually the cheapest. Uber works well too and often has more available drivers late at night.
eCabs is a local company and is known for being reliable and professional.
🟣 Payment and Banking
Revolut is the most commonly used payment method in Malta, you can use the virtual card on your phone for contactless payments or even order a physical card. Many independent shops in Malta don’t accept regular card payments but do take cash or Revolut.
If you prefer a local bank account, the main banks in Malta are Bank of Valletta (BOV), HSBC Malta, APS Bank, and MeDirect.
Keep in mind that: Opening an account can take longer (you’ll need a Maltese address, work contract, and ID). Also some banks charge small monthly fees.
🟣 Groceries: Supermarkets vs. Convenience Stores
Malta has several main supermarket chains such as PAVI, PAMA, Welbee’s, and Lidl. These offer the best value and widest range of groceries, including fresh produce, dairy, frozen food, and household items.
Small village shops or mini-markets are handy for last-minute or late-night shopping but usually have higher prices and limited variety.
🟣 Health and Insurance
In Malta, social security contributions are automatically deducted from your salary each month.
Here’s how it works: Your employer is legally required to withhold a small percentage of your salary for social security, this amount is sent directly to the Maltese government on your behalf, you don’t need to do anything yourself, it’s handled automatically through payroll. These contributions entitle you to benefits such as free public healthcare, sickness benefits, maternity leave, and a state pension later
Once you have your own address and your administration is complete (usually about 1.5 months after your start), you will receive your social security number. Until then, if you have an emergency and need to see a doctor, you can still go using an EHIC card.
Bring the card with you when you move to Malta and keep it safe. You’ll need to show it if you visit a public clinic or hospital. The EHIC card is a free card that lets you get public healthcare in Malta, just like in your own EU country. You can use it if you need to see a doctor, go to the hospital, or get emergency treatment. It covers medically necessary care during your stay. Meaning care you can’t wait to get until you return home. It’s not private insurance, but it helps you avoid high medical costs while you’re still new in Malta.
🟣 Maltese Culture
Malta has a friendly and welcoming culture shaped by many influences, including Italian, British, and Arabic. Family and community are very important, and people enjoy spending time together, especially during local village feasts (festas) with fireworks, music, and food. Most Maltese people are Roman Catholic, but the country is open and multicultural, making it easy for foreigners to feel at home.
🍽️ Maltese Food: Maltese food is full of Mediterranean flavours and simple, fresh ingredients. Popular dishes include pastizzi (flaky pastries with ricotta or peas), fenkata (rabbit stew), and ħobż biż-żejt (Maltese bread with tuna and olives). Seafood is common, and desserts such as imqaret (date pastries) and kannoli are local favourites.
🌇 Everyday Life: Life in Malta moves at a relaxed pace, and people enjoy spending time outdoors thanks to the sunny weather. English is widely spoken, so communication is easy. During summer, villages come alive with festas that fill the streets with music, fireworks, and celebrations. Immigrants often find that Malta’s friendly people, good food, and warm climate make it a comfortable place to live.
🟣 Events in Malta
As you might know, Malta is a very lively island. There is always something happening and something to look forward to, you just need to know where to find it. Talk to people, join to Facebook groups and take a look into the official events in Malta
Visit Malta – Heritage Malta – Live Music: @musika.underground @playgroundmt @babel_valletta (bistro/bar) @showshappeningmalta
🟣 Hiking tracks
1.- Dingli Cliffs Walk – Cliffside and Sunset
🚶🏽➡️ Length: ± 7 km | Duration: around 2 hours
😍 Highlights: Malta’s highest point, dramatic sea cliffs, open countryside views, and nearby chapels. Ideal for those who enjoy panoramic landscapes and quiet rural paths.
🚌 How to get there: Bus to Dingli village, start near the Dingli Cliffs viewpoint.
✅ Best for: Hikers who want an easy-to-moderate coastal walk with incredible views.
2.- Marfa Ridge Trail – Long and Varieties
🚶🏽➡️ Length: ± 12 km | Duration: around 3.5 hours
😍 Highlights: Northern coastal scenery, Red Tower, Mellieħa Bay, Paradise Bay, and views of Comino and Gozo. A varied route with rocky paths and gentle hills.
🚌 How to get there:Bus from Valletta to Mellieħa or Ċirkewwa.
✅ Best for: Those who enjoy long scenic hikes and exploring different landscapes in one route
3. Ta’ Ċenċ Cliffs Trail (Gozo) – Far away and Calm
🚶🏽➡️ Length: ± 5 km | Duration: 1.5 hours
😍 Highlights: Spectacular sea views, open fields, and peaceful surroundings. The cliffs rise high above the water, making it one of the most scenic spots in Gozo.
🚌 Ferry to Gozo, then bus to Sannat.
✅ Best for: A relaxed countryside walk with unbeatable coastal scenery.
4. Żebbuġ Valley Trail (Wied Qirda area) – Exploring a valley
🚶🏽➡️ Length: ± 4–5 km | Duration: 1.5–2 hours
😍 Highlights: Quiet valley paths surrounded by rocky hills and farmland. Along the way, you’ll pass the tomb of an English lady, a small stone monument with local legend attached. The area feels peaceful and less visited, ideal for a countryside escape
🚌 Bus to Żebbuġ (Malta), then follow the rural roads toward Wied Qirda.
✅ Hikers seeking a calm, off-the-beaten-path experience with local charm.
5. Victoria Lines Walk – History
🚶🏽➡️ Length: ± 12 km | Duration: around 4 hours
🚌 Start from Naxxar or Gharghur by bus.
✅ History lovers and hikers wanting to explore inland Malta with cultural landmarks.
🟣 Beaches
