Malta has long been celebrated as a Mediterranean gem, famous for its sun-soaked beaches, historic cities, and vibrant culture. Today, the island nation is gaining a new reputation, not just as a tourist paradise, but as one of Europe’s most strategic destinations for international hiring, startup growth, and cross-border business expansion.
At Agility EOR, we track global workforce trends closely, and the latest data shows Malta is evolving rapidly from a vacation hotspot into a serious business and talent hub. Migration growth, foreign investment, startup formation, and strong economic fundamentals are driving this transformation. Here’s why Malta should be on the radar of every international employer.
Malta’s Rising Popularity Among Professionals and Tourists
Malta continues to shine as a travel destination. In 2024, the island welcomed more than 3.5 million visitors, ranking as the second most searched European resort by British travelers. But tourism is only part of the story. Migration figures reveal a broader trend: Malta is attracting skilled professionals and long-term residents. And with more than 10,600 people relocating to Malta in 2024 alone, non-EU citizens made up more than three-quarters of the net migrants.
What’s more, there are roughly 13,000 British citizens who now call Malta home, drawn by its lifestyle, climate, and growing professional opportunities. For employers, this signals a major opportunity. Malta is cultivating a deeper, international labor pool, perfect for companies seeking talent across borders.
Strong Economic Growth Makes Malta a Strategic Choice
Malta’s economic outlook reinforces its appeal as a business hub. According to European Commission forecasts, GDP growth is expected to remain strong at around 3.8% in 2026.
Business formation is also accelerating well. In 2023, nearly 9,669 new companies were established, and foreign-controlled enterprises now contribute 43.8% of value added in Malta’s non-financial business sector, highlighting the island’s openness to international investment. Investor sentiment is rising too, with 79% of foreign direct investment companies rating Malta as an attractive business location in 2025, up sharply from 54% the year prior. This surge in confidence underscores Malta’s growing importance as a European expansion hub.
Why Employers Choose Malta
From an employer’s perspective, Malta offers a combination of regulatory clarity, workforce quality, and operational efficiency that is difficult to match.
Malta’s workforce is highly educated and multilingual. English is an official language and widely used in business, alongside Maltese. Many professionals also speak Italian and other European languages, simplifying cross-border collaboration.
Employees in Malta also enjoy competitive benefits such as 24 days of statutory annual leave and 14 public holidays. This is a generous framework that supports talent retention and positions Malta favorably when compared to some other European countries.
Modern Infrastructure for Global Business
Malta’s infrastructure includes short commute times, high-quality fiber broadband coverage, and reliable digital services, making it ideal for both traditional offices and remote-first teams.
Upcoming regulatory changes in 2026, including stronger labor law enforcement, expanded pay transparency, and broader family-related leave provisions, enhance workforce stability while aligning Malta with EU employment standards.
Why Malta Should Be on Every Expansion Shortlist
Malta’s trajectory is clear: rising international migration, strong GDP growth forecasts, increasing foreign investor confidence, rapid company formation, and a multilingual, globally oriented workforce. For companies planning European hiring or market entry, Malta is no longer a niche option. It is a strategic one.
Here at Agility EOR, we provide fully compliant Employer of Record services in Malta, supporting onboarding, payroll, and HR administration. Our solutions enable faster market entry with reduced operational risk, making us one of the best employers of record for international expansion in Europe. Learn more about Malta and the other international areas we hold licenses here.
