Editor’s note: This story was originally published here Live and invest abroad.
Malta has always fascinated me.
Due to its central location in the Mediterranean Sea, this small island nation has a complex history. Over the centuries, every regional power sought to control the islands of Malta… from the Phoenicians in the seventh century BC, to Carthage, Rome, Vandals, Byzantines, Ottomans and, most recently, the Germans and Italians in World War II.
Malta remains a favorite destination, although he is no longer among those who would try to rule it.
Today maltaPart of the European Union, is an offshore paradise, an interesting option for anyone who wants to establish residency, establish a corporation, open a bank account, and pay no or very little local taxes, all in a country where English is one of the official languages.
dramatic scene
The Maltese archipelago (made up of three main islands) is one of the smallest countries in Europe, but it has a lot to offer.
Its rugged coastline boasts dramatic cliffs and coves dotted with ancient forts and quaint fishing ports. Inland, the Coffee Walls cut isolated fields of dry stone into olive, wheat and potato belts. Wine production is also popular and grapes grow in abundance throughout the island.
Malta’s Mediterranean location means that its scenery changes dramatically during the year. The islands have an average of about 12 hours of sunshine per day in summer, reducing to five to six hours in mid-winter. This creates a landscape that changes from green and lush to dry and parched at the height of summer.
official language
The Maltese language, Malti, is believed to be descended from the language of the ancient Phoenicians who arrived in Malta in 750 BC. Rich in many foreign words, especially English, Italian and Arabic, it has been a source of fascination for linguists and historians for many years because it is the only Semitic language written in Latin letters.
However, English is also an official language and is widely and fluently spoken.
The level of English fluency among the population is remarkable – virtually everyone is fluent. And it’s not just used in informal conversations – business, banking and legal matters are all conducted in English.
a modern nation
Although steeped in history, Malta is a modern European nation. Education standards in Malta are high and its people are hard-working and outward-looking.
Another big positive for anyone planning to spend time here is that The level of medical care in Malta is superb. The island is home to many state-of-the-art public and private facilities with highly trained staff who are fluent in English.
While health care coverage typically comes as a residency requirement for foreigners, you can expect to pay significantly less than in the United States.
American and Canadian citizens are automatically granted a 90-day tourist visa when entering Malta. For longer stays, several residency and citizenship options are available.