Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Valletta is the capital city of Malta, known for its rich history, stunning architecture, and vibrant cultural scene. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 6,000 residents. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 50 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 EUR ≈ 1.07 USD. Major banks include Bank of Valletta and HSBC. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Drinkable, but it's advisable to use bottled water for better taste. |
| 🔌 Power | 230V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type G sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Available carriers include Vodafone Malta and GO Malta. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | International banks and local options like Revolut are commonly accepted. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include Airbnb, hotels, and serviced apartments, typically ranging from €50 to €150 per night. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards are widely accepted in most places. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Platforms like Airbnb and Booking.com offer numerous short-term rental options. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Youth hostels such as The Strait Street Hostel offer beds for around €20 per night. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Valletta Waterfront and the Upper Barracca Gardens area are popular among tourists. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Floriana or the Sliema area provide good access to co-working spaces and amenities. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | The Hub in Valletta offers reliable Wi-Fi and a vibrant community. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Café Jubilee is a local favorite with a good atmosphere for working. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Events are often hosted at The Hub or through Meetup groups focusing on tech and business. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | The Malta Expats Facebook group is active for meetups and community events. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Bolt and eCabs are popular ride-hailing services in Valletta. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Scooter rentals are available through companies like Rent a Scooter Malta. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | St. George's Bay is the closest beach, approximately 15 minutes away by bus. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Air Malta serves various regional destinations. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Major carriers like Lufthansa and KLM operate flights from Malta International Airport. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Valletta is well-connected via primary roads to the rest of the island. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Valletta has a central bus terminal providing access to the rest of Malta. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Tallinja card offers discounted rates for public transport. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses connect Valletta to other cities and tourist destinations across Malta. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Mater Dei Hospital provides comprehensive healthcare services. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga in Valletta offers classes with scenic views. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Clubhouse Malta in St. Julian's is a popular option. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Laundry services like Quick Wash and Dry offer convenient options around Valletta. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Bolt Food is a popular choice for food delivery. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Pastizzi, a flaky pastry filled with ricotta or peas, is a must-try. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | The Grassy Hopper offers a variety of plant-based dishes. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Caffe' Cordina is famous for its traditional Maltese pastries. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Valletta Food Market at Merchants Street features local produce at good prices. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Local online shops include MaltaShop.com for various goods. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Services like GetBoo offer grocery delivery options. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | The Strait Street area is lively with bars and local nightlife. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | The Malta Brewing Company produces local craft beer. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Il-Horza is a cozy spot for local wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | The Valletta market has various street food vendors offering local delicacies. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Places like Ciao Italia offer a range of Italian dishes. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | St. John's Co-Cathedral and the Upper Barracca Gardens are essential visits. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The National Museum of Archaeology showcases Malta's rich history. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Valletta's fortified walls are a UNESCO World Heritage site. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The Carmelite Church is an iconic religious site to visit. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Valletta Film Festival occurs in June, showcasing local and international films. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Valletta's City Gate area is bustling with cultural activity. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Teatru Manoel is one of the oldest theaters in Europe. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | The Valletta Market hosts local artisans and food vendors. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Local live music can be enjoyed at various bars and cafes around city. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Valletta features impressive murals and graffiti in hidden corners. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Take a local cooking class at the Malta Culinary Institute. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | MUŻA is the national community museum showcasing contemporary art. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Valletta's Grandmaster's Palace is a stunning architectural landmark. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The Maltese cross symbol represents the nation's rich heritage. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | The Blue Grotto is a stunning natural wonder nearby. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Il-Majjistral Nature and History Park is a short drive away. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The Valletta seafront promenade is perfect for leisurely walks. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The Upper Barracca Gardens offer breathtaking views of the Grand Harbour. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Birdwatching is popular at the Simar Nature Reserve. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated beaches around Malta allow for bonfires during specific seasons. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Local services like MaltaPost provide reliable delivery options. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Apple Service Center Malta is available for device repairs. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | The Marsa Sports Club has facilities for indoor table tennis. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Various schools in Valletta offer Maltese and English language classes. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The National Library of Malta is a beautiful place to read and study. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | The Valletta Cultural Agency offers events and activities for locals and expats. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Local gaming lounges are available in Sliema, a short bus ride away. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | The Dragonara Casino in St. Julian's offers gaming and entertainment. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €3,500 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = €140,000). |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €2,800 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = €112,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €3,200 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = €192,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €2,500 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = €150,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €3,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = €240,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €2,300 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = €184,000). |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 35% standard corporate tax rate, but effective tax paid is often lower due to incentives. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | Applicable rate is 15% for foreign shareholders. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Takes into account worldwide income for residents. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 35% personal income tax rate applies for the highest earners. |
| 🧾 VAT | Standard VAT rate is 18%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, strict rules for foreign subsidiaries. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property taxation is based on rental value assessed. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 5% standard property transaction tax on the purchase price. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Malta has favorable tax rates and incentives for digital nomads. |