Statement: The content of this article is written with references to authoritative materials in combination with personal opinions, and the source has been specified at the end of the text, please be aware.
According to reports, among the approved immigrants in Malta, a small Mediterranean country, in recent years, the proportion of Chinese applicants was as high as 87%. Chinese was listened everywhere on the streets, and the night market of Chinese medicine was very popular, and it was even ridiculed as "being bought by Chinese people soon".
But is this developed country, which is smaller than Wuhan, really suitable for everyone to immigrate?
Malta to become the “City of China” in Europe?
When it comes to Malta, many people first react to “where?” but for the immigrant circle, it is a “champagne.”The country, which covers a total area of only 316 square kilometers, is the world’s smallest developed country, but is becoming more and more “familiar” because of the Chinese population.
Walking in the streets of Malta, you will find a lot of interesting scenes: a blonde girl wearing a flagship dress goes to the market, the uncle of Europe plays tai chi on the square, at the end of the afternoon there is a lively dragon boat activity, and even thinking of the domestic water country.
What's more convenient is that Chinese has almost become the "second lingua franca". Laoganma and quick-frozen jiaozi can be bought in supermarkets. Even local schools have opened folk music interest classes. St. Hart Middle School in Gozo Island also organizes students to make jiaozi and write calligraphy. The penetration of Chinese culture here far exceeds imagination.
Every Spring Festival, some communities will hang red lanterns and post Spring Festival couplets, and local residents will follow suit to learn a few Chinese greetings, which is as lively as small towns in China.
Why are the Chinese so beloved? First of all, the geographical location, Malta has the title of "the heart of the Mediterranean", more than 300 days of sunshine throughout the year, the coastline landscape is beautiful, the ancient city of Valletta, the great stone temples of Malta and other world heritage attracts a lot of people to play. Many tourists say that here can both appreciate the unique natural views such as blue windows and blue holes, but can feel the historical sediment in the ancient city streets, the hands are the beauty can blow up the circle of friends.
More importantly, it is a “four-person” country of the European Union, the Schengen Area, the Eurozone and the United Kingdom, with its visa-free status in 184 countries and territories, both for tourism and business.
As early as 1964, when Malta wanted to build a shipyard to ask for Europe to be rejected, China not only gave 100 million yuan of aid, but also sent technical personnel to help, during which two Chinese martyrs were sacrificed. Malta has always remembered this story, not only repaired Chinese tombs for martyrs, but also retained the English inscription "People's Republic of China".
In 1994, the two countries also jointly established the Mediterranean Chinese Medical Center, now local public hospitals can do acupuncture, the Chinese medicine night market in the can and scratch has become the Eastern secret in the eyes of foreigners, this cultural closeness, so many Chinese feel like at home.
The advantage of Malta.
To say that Malta is the most attractive to Chinese families, it has to be a real immigration benefits. and other countries, its policies are simply friendly. without studying or language examination, as long as you can prove that there are 500,000 euros assets, of which 150,000 euros can be flexibly used, then through rental, donations and so on, in five years to spend about 110,000 euros, can apply for one, the whole family of four generations together immigration, which is hardly to find a second home in Europe.
For families with children, education is more “killer” than anything else. There are 1,07 schools per square kilometre in Malta, 340 schools with a student ratio of 1:10.7, far higher than the EU average. Public schools offer free English education for 16 years, and private schools charge an annual tuition fee of €4,000 to €10000, which is just one-third of Shanghai’s equivalent international schools.
What's even more cost-effective is that the academic qualifications here are recognized by the EU credit mutual recognition system. It's much easier for children to apply for prestigious G5 schools in the UK in the future, or return to China to take 985 and 211 exams as overseas Chinese students, than to be involved in China.
In addition, Malta's sense of life security is also a plus. The local crime rate has always been very low, so you don't have to worry about going out for a walk at night, and the medical system is perfect. The average life expectancy of residents is 81.5 years, ranking 20th in the world. For those who want to escape involution and pursue a slow life, such an environment is indeed very attractive.
The “invisible pit” of immigrants in Malta
But don't just look good, there are many troubles in immigrating to Malta. In 2025, the Maltese Immigration Bureau has just adjusted its policy: the medical insurance coverage has doubled from 50,000 euros to 100,000 euros, and the total cost under the rental model has directly soared to 202,000 euros, which is twice as expensive as before. For ordinary families The pressure is not small.
The cost of living is more hidden. Malta is water shortage, fresh water mostly depends on seawater desalination, the water cost is 3 times the domestic, the monthly water cost is 100 euros. vegetables and fruits are mainly imported, a whiskey can be sold to $ 20, want to eat home food every day, the wallet can be held.
More headache is the price of houses, in 2024 the price of local houses increased by 23%, the rental of the core area increased by 37%, and many intermediaries have the opportunity to raise the price, want to buy houses to settle in preparation for the great bleeding.
Cultural differences can also be a stumbling stone. Malta promotes "happy education", children have fewer tasks and less test pressure, which is simply a pain for Chinese parents who are accustomed to "chicken".
There is also the problem of job opportunities. Malta's industry is underdeveloped, mainly relying on tourism and service industries. There are already few local jobs. After the influx of immigrants, it is even more difficult to find jobs. After immigrating, many Chinese people find that it is almost impossible to find a job that matches the country. They can only open restaurants and do purchasing agents. Their income is still unstable, and the gap between ideal and reality is a bit big.
The right way to Malta.
Objectively speaking, Malta has its unique charm: the beauty of the Mediterranean, its loose immigration policy, its friendly cultural atmosphere, suitable for families who want to experience a slow life and plan for international education for their children.
If you are just looking for a vacation, Malta is definitely worth a visit. Visit the Baroque buildings of the ancient city of Valletta, go to the underground palace of Hal Savrini to experience the millennium history, blow the wind at the sea in the evening, and taste the local seafood snacks.
But if you want to immigrate and settle down, you have to think clearly: Can you accept high-cost living? Can you adapt to "happy education"? Is there a steady source of income?
After all, immigration is not a trip to go, but a major choice about the future. Malta may be the "other home of Europe", but whether it really suits you, you have to think well in line with your own circumstances. After all, the best life is never to pursue the wind, but to find a place that truly suits you.
The reference information:
Asia-Pacific World - How many Chinese are in Malta?
Reda immigrants 87% of immigrants! Chinese immigrants new pet is this small European country!