Due to solid macroeconomic performance, the Maltese Islands attract people from various countries seeking better job prospects and a Mediterranean lifestyle. The island of Gozo in particular, can be an ideal place for those looking to settle and work, offering an appealing mix of laid-back, family-friendly lifestyle coupled with endless opportunities for more energetic, adventure-oriented and outdoor-based activities.
Study in Gozo
Working in Gozo
Employment Opportunities
In recent years, the island of Gozo has been experiencing a consistent year-on-year increase in full-time employment. This substantial increase in employment is attributable to the strong economic growth of the Maltese Islands, which led to, and is still creating competitive job opportunities.
As of August 2023, full-time jobs in Gozo amounted to 16,210 representing a 4.39% increase on 2022 levels. Employment opportunities in Gozo were spread across different sectors, as seen from the chart below.
Title of Chart: Employment in Gozo according to Sector
Data Source: Registered Employment by period economic activity and category: June 2023 compiled by NSO
Gozo’s employment opportunities have led to a significant decrease in unemployment. As of December 2023, only 63 people were registered as unemployed on the island.
Salaries and Wages
All employees are eligible for national benefits, including annual statutory bonuses and the annual cost of living increases.
In Gozo, employment income can vary among different occupations and sectors, with certain specialised professional occupations attracting relatively high-income levels. The average annual basic salary in Gozo is €18,270, with the gender pay gap at a highly balanced level, whereby on average, females earn €253 more than males on an annual basis. Compared to an EU level, this stat is very promising as on average females earn 13% less then males. All employees are eligible to national benefits, including annual statutory bonuses and the annual cost of living increases. Several employers also offer additional benefits to employees ranging from health insurance coverage, flexible working arrangements, allowances, and career development opportunities.
Competitive Cost of Living
The Maltese islands have a competitive cost of living, often lower than other European countries. Furthermore, average rental accommodation rates are similar to those charged in other countries within the Mediterranean region. Gozo offers a comprehensive and highly reliable public transport system which is free of charge for everyone. In addition, whilst education in state schools is free of charge, tuition fees charged by private international schools are also consistently lower than those in other EU countries.
While the size of the local market and transportation costs on imported goods lead to slightly higher prices on groceries and other products, their costs are still comparable to those in other EU member states.
The Maltese Government is dedicated to maintaining economic stability and has taken decisive action to minimize the impact of international disruptions. Currently, the focus lies in effectively addressing inflationary pressures while safeguarding economic growth and protecting against external shocks. The Maltese Government is closely monitoring the situation and implementing strategies to strike a balance between sustaining growth and ensuring price stability. According to Eurostat, the inflation rate recorded in January 2024 in Malta stood at 3.6% in comparison to 2.8% in the EU area. For the current year, government’s energy and food subsidies are projected to reach €350 million, according to the Malta 2024 budget, representing 4.9% of government’s recurrent expenditure for the same year. This will therefore, result in a total expenditure of €931 million incurred over a period of 3 years.
Working Permit Requirements
Over the years, Gozo’s labour market has become an attractive prospect of employment for skilled individuals from Europe and beyond.
Malta’s accession to the European Union has further facilitated this. EU nationals can reside in the Maltese Islands if they are employed (which also includes self-employment), studying or financially independent. In addition, such persons can also opt to bring over their close family members. In such cases, EU nationals would only be required to register their residence after their three-month stay in Malta.
Third Country Nationals (TCNs), from countries outside the EU, would be required to apply for a visa and a single work permit. The application for a visa needs to be submitted at the Maltese Embassy or Consulate in their respective country of residence. Usually, TCNs are required to have a valid visa before entering the Islands, although some TCNs are permitted to stay here without a visa for a limited period of time. TCNs must apply for a combined work and residency permit through a single permit application, which requires endorsement from an employer registered in Malta before being approved.
Highly skilled TCNs who are deemed crucial in the smooth running of an organisation and who will be occupying managerial and highly technical jobs and innovators involved in start-up projects endorsed by Malta Enterprise, with an annual basic salary of more than €35,000 can apply under the Key Employee Initiative scheme. In such cases, they will receive a fast-tracked work/residency permit within 5working days. Conversely, TCNs in possession of qualifications at MQF level 6 or higher and with an annual basic salary of more than €25,000 can apply under the Specialist Employee Initiative Scheme and have their work/residency permit issued within 15 working days. A single permit is usually issued for a maximum duration of one year. Applications for such work/residency permits are to be lodged with Identita’, the local body responsible for processing and issuing work and residency permits.
Additionally, non-EU nationals willing to participate in Malta’s long-term residency by investment programmes can apply under one of the three schemes administered by Residency Malta:
- Nomad Residency Permit: Non-EU nationals employed in a foreign country and having jobs which can be carried out remotely using telecommunication, irrespective of their geographical location, can apply for a nomad residency permit. Such individuals would be able to retain their current job whilst being able to legally reside in Malta. Residency permits under this scheme are issued for one year and are subject to renewal for further years.
- Start-up Residency Permit: This programme provides a three-year Malta residency permit (which can be extended for a further five years) to individuals willing to relocate, set up and launch their innovative start-up venture in Malta.
- Malta Permanent Residency Programme: This represents a residency by investment programme, which is contingent upon government contributions and investment in local property by prospective individuals willing to make the islands their new home.
Personal Taxation
The Maltese taxation system offers a highly attractive personal taxation regime. Tax deductions are directly made from the gross employee’s salary by the employer, and this applies to all persons employed within the Maltese jurisdiction.
In terms of income tax, Malta adopts a progressive income tax system, whereby taxation is calculated on the level of income earned. Malta’s maximum personal tax rate is equivalent to 35% for income levels exceeding EUR 60,000 per annum. The tax rate charged is also dependent on the civil status of the individual payer (i.e. single, married, parent). The tables below provide the income tax rates for each status. The income tax charge is derived by multiplying the amount of income earned by the respective percentage rate and then subtracting the relevant amount.
The Maltese taxation system offers a highly attractive personal taxation regime.
Table Title: Tax Rates According to Status and Income Level
| Income level | % Rate | Subtract |
| Single | ||
| €0 – €9,100 | 0% | 0 |
| €9,101 – €14,500 | 15% | 1,365 |
| €14,501 – €19,500 | 25% | 2,815 |
| €19,501 – €60,000 | 25% | 2,725 |
| €60,001 or above | 35% | 8,725 |
| Married | ||
| €0 – €12,700 | 0% | 0 |
| €12,701 – €21,200 | 15% | 1,905 |
| €21,201 – €28,700 | 25% | 4,025 |
| €28,701 – €60,000 | 25% | 3,905 |
| €60,001 or above | 35% | 9,905 |
| Parental | ||
| €0 – €10,500 | 0% | 0 |
| €10,501 – €15,800 | 15% | 1,575 |
| €15,801 – €21,200 | 25% | 3,155 |
| €21,201 – €60,000 | 25% | 3,050 |
| €60,001 or above | 35% | 9,050 |
Source: Resident Tax Rates 2024 – https://cfr.gov.mt/en/rates/Pages/TaxRates/Tax-Rates-2024.aspx
Individuals working in the gaming, aviation, financial services, and assisted reproduction sectors can opt for a 15% flat personal tax rate on their employment income under the Highly Qualified Persons Rules.
Apart from income tax, persons employed in the Maltese Islands are, together with their employer, liable to pay social security contributions. Such due contributions are calculated according to the weekly wage earned and the age of the individual concerned. In most cases, social security contributions due are equivalent to 10% of the weekly wages earned.
Studying in Gozo
Educational Institutions
Malta has prioritised the development of an excellent educational system to guarantee a highly skilled workforce which can accommodate the needs of new business developments and areas of specialisation. Qualifications issued in Malta are recognised and comparable with those acquired in other European countries and in line with the Bologna Process.
Tertiary education in Malta is structured similarly to that in other EU countries and is offered by public and private educational institutions. Nonetheless, different institutions utilise different models of tuition and blended learning methodology. While some institutions provide traditional courses, others specialise in vocational training and work-based learning approach. English is the official language of instruction across different educational institutions.
It is important to note that the 3 tertiary educational institutions in Malta, being the University of Malta, Malta College of Arts, Sciences and Technology (MCAST)and Institute of Tourism Studies (ITS) structure their courses differently.
The Maltese Islands host several private higher educational institutions. One such educational institution is the Barts Medical School in Gozo, operated by the Queen Mary University of London Medical School. The Queen Mary University of London (QMUL) is a world-leading research-intensive University. As a member of the prestigious Russell Group, QMUL works across the humanities and social sciences, medicine and dentistry, and science and engineering. According to research ratings in the UK, QMUL ranked 7th for the proportion of research outputs that were world-leading or internationally excellent.
Queen Mary’s state-of-the-art Campus in Gozo (Malta) inaugurated in 2019, is located on the grounds of the Gozo General Hospital in Victoria. Facilities include: a clinical simulation centre, communication skills suite, three large lecture theatres, two PC labs, seminar rooms, library, staff offices, student common rooms.
QMUL is currently offering a five-year Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS). The programme is taught in English and is academically equivalent to QMUL’s long-standing MBBS programme in London. Students hail from six continents and 42 nationalities, including from the United Kingdom, the United Arab Emirates, the Isle of Man, France, Spain, India and Cyprus.
University of Malta
The University of Malta offers various courses across different disciplines that focus on an academic-oriented learning method to form highly qualified professionals. The University of Malta has its own campus in Gozo, which offers part-time degrees, diplomas and short-term courses in Gozo and caters for the needs of students who are following courses at the main campus but currently reside in Gozo.
Malta College of Arts, Sciences and Technology (MCAST)
The Malta College of Arts, Sciences and Technology (MCAST) offers vocational educational courses with a fine mix of academic and a work-based learning approach. This approach equips students with high skill-sets and preparedness for the employment market and entrepreneurship. Vocational courses offered range from certificate to doctoral level (MQF Level 1 – Level 8 qualifications). Similarly, MCAST hosts its campus in Gozo, providing various vocational courses to students on the island.
ITS
The Institute of Tourism Studies (ITS) offers a wide array of specialised study programmes in the field of Tourism and Hospitality Management ranging from foundation level to master’s degree level (MQF Level 2 to Level 7 qualifications). Its courses equip students with essential and qualitative theoretical knowledge together with practical hands-on experiences, enabling high levels of preparedness to enter the hospitality market. ITS also has a campus in Gozo offering several courses.
Lifelong Learning Concept
Malta promotes lifelong learning through a wide array of training courses provided by Government entities, public educational institutions and private learning institutes and academies. Ultimately, this approach gaurantees that everyone will acquire the skills and abilities necessary for their personal lives, work experience, and professional careers. This ensures continuous professional development, as well as social inclusion for all.
Various lifelong learning courses cover subjects such as basic skills, languages, preparation for ordinary and advanced level qualifications, creative expression courses and vocational training courses. Other training courses that assist individuals in gaining soft skills and specific employment-related skills are offered by Jobsplus. These courses vary from short-term training courses and workshops to vocational courses linked to accredited qualification frameworks.
In addition, the Malta College of Arts, Science and Technology (MCAST), a recognised vocational education and training institute, offers over 190 full-time and part-time vocational accredited courses focusing on work-based learning, thereby enhancing employability skills. On the other hand, the University of Malta offers part-time degree and diploma courses, and other short-term accredited courses at its Gozo Campus. Specific training courses for those willing to acquire skills within the hospitality industry are also provided through the Institute of Tourism Studies (ITS) in Gozo.
Financial Assistance for Gozo Residents Studying in Malta
Tuition costs and student grants vary between undergraduate courses and full-time postgraduate courses offered by the three main tertiary educational institutions, for students residing in the Maltese Islands, EU/EEA nationals and non-EU/EEA nationals. Detailed information on tuition fees charged by the University of Malta on its different courses offered can be accessed through this link. Similarly, further detailed information on tuition fees relating to different courses offered by MCAST can be accessed through this link. Likewise, detailed information on different courses offered by ITS can be accessed through this link.