Living in St. Julian's as an expatriate

Visa requirements

Malta has a relatively simple visa application process for expats from EU and EEA Member States, as well as Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, Lichtenstein, and Cyprus, who can enter and stay in Malta for up to 90 days with a valid passport or ID card. However, expats from other countries must apply for a Schengen visa, which allows for up to 90 days of travel within the Schengen area, of which only 60 days can be spent in Malta. Applications must be made to the Malta High Commission in the home country, and all requirements should be checked on the Malta House of Representatives website.

Language resources

The Maltese language is a combination of Arabic and Italian, but English is widely spoken and used as the official language for business and diplomatic purposes. Most educational institutions offer English-language courses, making it easier for expats to integrate into community life. The University of Malta is a well-known institution with over 1,200 international students enrolled each year. The British School of Malta is a highly regarded international school located in Mosta, with a campus currently under construction in Attard.

Housing

Accommodation in St. Julian's can vary in price, depending on the location and type of housing. A room in a shared house can cost between €200-€350 per month, while a one-bedroom apartment can range from €400-€750 per month. Two-bedroom apartments may cost around €800-€1200 per month, while a three-plus-bedroom house can range from €1200-€1800 per month. Rent is usually paid quarterly or annually. Housing is in high demand, so expats should book in advance to secure their preferred accommodation.

Groceries

St. Julian's has a range of supermarkets and local grocers to cater to different expat needs. Supermarkets like M&S Simply Food and Spar offer international products, while local grocers, like Grotte Bona and Masker Panniera, offer traditional Maltese produce. A weekly grocery shop can cost between €50-€150 depending on the household size and preferences.

Transportation

The cost of transportation in St. Julian's can vary depending on the mode of transport. A weekly or monthly bus pass is relatively affordable, costing between €5-€15 per week or €15-€40 per month. Electric scooter rentals cost between €5-€15 per day, depending on the rental period and battery type, making them an excellent option for short trips around town. Bicycle rentals are also popular, with many bike rental services located in St. Julian's for around €10-€20 per day.

St. Julian's enjoys a mild, Mediterranean climate. Summers are sunny and hot, with average temperatures exceeding 28°C (82°F), and winters are mild, with temperatures rarely dropping below 11°C (52°F). St. Julian's is located in Malta's southeast, which makes it one of the sunniest spots on the island, with over 300 days of sunshine each year.

St. Julian's is home to a thriving economy with a diverse range of job opportunities. The town is a hub for finance, technology, and business services, and offers job prospects in areas such as banking, finance, software development, healthcare, and hospitality. St. Julian's is also home to many global corporations, providing expats with excellent career opportunities.

St. Julian's is part of Malta's exceptional healthcare system, which offers high-quality medical treatment to all residents. The town has several hospitals, including St. Julian's Hospital, which provides emergency services, general medicine, and a range of specialist services. Private healthcare is also readily available in St. Julian's, with reputed international hospitals such as Clinic Sliema and St. James Hospital located nearby.

St. Julian's is well-connected to the rest of Malta via public transportation. Buses run frequently between St. Julian's and other key locations on the island, including Valletta, Malta's capital city, and the airport. Bicycle and electric scooter rentals are also popular transportation options due to the historic, narrow streets of the old town and easy, car-free access to key destinations.

St. Julian's is generally considered a safe place to live, with low crime rates compared to other European cities. However, it's still essential to remain vigilant and take common-sense precautions, such as locking doors and windows, particularly in areas that are popular with tourists. Expats should also take care when walking around the old town, particularly at night, as narrow streets can become crowded and congested.