About Malta
History
Malta’s history has created a rich mosaic, characterised by the diverse cultures and events that have shaped the island over millenia. Each era has left its distinctive mark, contributing to the unique and multifaceted identity of Malta. Malta’s history is a vibrant mosaic of prehistoric ingenuity, Phoenician trade, Roman architecture, Arab influence, Medieval integrations, Renaissance splendour, wartime resilience and a modern European Identity.
Post-independence in 1964, Malta embraced modernisation while preserving its heritage. Joining the European Union on 2004, and the Eurozone in 2008, it further enriched its cultural and economic landscape.
Education
Education in Malta is a well-structured and comprehensive system which follows a compulsory education framewrok, which is divided into several stages. Compulsory education takes place between the ages of 5 to 16. The University of Malta is the oldest and most prominent institution, established in 1592. The University offers a wide range of undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programmes attracting students from around the globe. Additionally Malta is home to several other tertiary institutions and vocational collects that provide diverse educational opportunities.
The education system includes state and church schools, which provide free education and follow the national curriculum. Private schools often follow the British system, offering programs like IGCSE and A-levels. Malta also hosts two international schools: one in Pembroke and another in Naxxar, both offering International Baccalaureate (IB) programs. St. Edward’s College, a private school, also offers the IB program. This diverse educational landscape ensures a variety of learning options for students in Malta.
Lifestyle
Malta’s lifestyle has evolved into a blend of traditional Mediterranean charm and contemporary sophistication, offering a unique experience for making Malta their home.
With almost year-round sunshine – looking at 300 days a year – outdoor activities like swimming, diving, trekking and yachting are popular leisure activities. The island boats a rich culinary scene featuring fresh seafood, local produce and influences from Italian, North African and Middle Eastern cuisines, is a highlight of daily life. Malta’s numerous festivals – celebrating everything from religious events to music and the arts – reflect the islands’ vibrant cultural heritate and community spirit.
In addition to its lively social scnere, Malta offers a relaxed pace of life particularly in its coastal towns and villages. The locals, who are renowned for their warm hospitality, often enjoy leisurely walks along the picturesque streets, spending time at cafes and wandering around outdoor markets. Despite its small size, Malta boasts bustling city centres like Valletta, Sliema and St. Julian’s which offer ample shopping, dining and entertainment options.
Regions in Malta
The main regions in Malta, as defined by the 2021 Local Government Act, are Northern, Eastern, Western, Port, Southern, and Gozo. Among these, the most popular regions for investment opportunities are typically the Northern, Southern, and Gozo regions.
Northern Region
The Northern region of Malta is home to some of Malta’s most scenic beaches – such as Mellieħa Bay and Golden Bay – which are highly sought after by locals and expatriates. More inland, the northern regions is dotted with charming villages, including Mellieħa, Bugibba and St. Paul’s Bay. These localities offer a blend of traditional Maltese character and modern amenities, making them attractive for residential and vacation properties.
The Northern region is also close to some of Malta’s main tourist attractions, the vibrant waterfront scene in Bugibba and Qawra, the stunning coastal cliffs of Gozo and the Malta National Aquarium which showcases fine examples of Malta’s marine life and offers an educational and entertaining experience for visitors.
Located near the northern part of the island, the Northern Harbour region encompasses lively towns like Sliema and St. Julian’s, as well as quieter suburbs such as Swieqi and Ta’ Xbiex. Sliema and St. Julian’s are known for their bustling activity, featuring a plethora of bars, restaurants, shopping centers, and a strong expat community. In contrast, Swieqi and Ta’ Xbiex offer a more tranquil living environment, situated outside the main urban areas. This location provides easy access to the open countryside and swimming zones up north while still being conveniently close to nightlife spots in the surrounding areas.
Moreover, the Northern region has seen significant development in infrastructure, including new residential complexes and commercial projects, which adds to its attractiveness. The area is known for its quieter, more relaxed environment compared to the bustling southern part of Malta, offering a desirable lifestyle for those seeking a balance between tranquility and convenience.
Southern Region
The region’s most famous locality is its capital city, Valletta, which was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Cultural Capital of Europe in 2018. Valletta’s grid-like streets offer expansive views, and a walk through the city reveals limestone buildings rich in history. This distinctive and beautiful limestone aesthetic is found throughout Malta’s capital. Valletta’s heritage has attracted both locals and expatriates to invest in property, leading to substantial investment in the restoration of historical properties. These include character homes, luxurious townhouses, and Baroque palazzos dating back to the 16th century, when the Knights of Malta began the city’s construction.
Much like Valletta, the fortified cities of Vittoriosa (Birgu), Cospicua (Bormla) and Senglea (Isla), collectively known as The Three Citities, are also a piece of live history with many beautifully preserved buildings. These buildings, located in neighbourhoods located directly across the breathakingly stunning Grand Harbour, serve as beautiful reminders of the many chapters of Malta’s rich history.
Gozo
Gozo, the second largest island within the Maltese archipelago is a gem renowned for its tranquil ambiance, stunning landscapes, and rich cultural heritage. This idyllic island offers a unique blend of traditional charm and modern amenities making it an attractive destination for those looking to relocate to Malta.
Gozo was first settled by humans from Sicily around 5000 BCE, marking the Neolithic Period. The Temple Period began around 4100 BCE but ended mysteriously by 2500 BCE, leading to the Bronze Age. The Phoenicians founded a colony around 700 BCE, followed by Carthaginian influence from 550 BCE. The Romans took control in 218 BCE and ruled until the fifth century, after which Gozo fell to various northern invaders. The Byzantines conquered it in 535, and the Aghlabid Arabs occupied it in 870. Gozo came under Sicilian rule in 1127 and transitioned through Norman, Swabian, Angevin, and Aragonese control. In 1530, Charles V granted it to the Knights of Malta, who were expelled by the French in 1798. The Gozitans briefly enjoyed autonomy before the British took control in 1800, ruling for 164 years.
Real estate investment opportunities in Gozo are diverse and appealing, from beautifully restored farmhouses and charming village homes to contemporary apartments with breathtaking sea views, the island caters to various tastes and preferences. Investing in Gozo not only provides the opportunity to own a piece of this serence paradise but also offers the potential for significant capital appreciation and rental income, given the growing interest in the island as both a desireable living and holiday destination.
Special Designated Areas
Special Designated Areas (SDAs) are specially designated zones for select property developments, offering both EU and non-EU nationals the same property acquisition rights as Maltese citizens, meaning that there are no restrictions on the number of properties one can buy, and owners can freely lease or rent out their properties, with rental income taxed at a flat rate of 15%. Consequently, these areas are highly attractive to both international investors and local residents.
SDAs are renowned for their car-free environments, featuring beautiful communal spaces and landscaped gardens, all conveniently located near Malta’s top entertainment spots. Residents enjoy access to world-class amenities, including 24/7 security, exclusive swimming pools, fitness clubs, and top-notch parking facilities.
