Living in Malta

[52andblue]

I'd very much like to end my days in Malta. I'm 54 atm & a full time Carer to my two teens with Autism so I can't move away for around 10 years. I'm a Psychotherapist / Counsellor by training & I hope to be able to practice more as they get older. I would retrain but am physically disabled (walk with crutches) so couldn't do physical job.

BUT: I don't speak Maltese. I don't have a big savings or pension pot. I'd like to hold onto this dream to help me get through. But, now we've left the EU, it's hopeless, isn't it?

Bump.

Nothing is hopeless if you really want it! I got married in Malta, St Julian’s Bay! It’s a beautiful country and I’ve never had the opportunity to go back since. I will be doing though! Gozo is just stunning too.

No time like the present. If you love Malta, then Ryanair or Easyjet flights there are cheap, & airbnb. Go all three of you and go as often as possible, for as long as possible. This will allow you the time to enjoy being there. Holidays can be extensive, no need necessarily to become resident there. And who knows; perhaps some opportunity or job will come up. By being there you may create friends and opportunities. All I’m saying is don’t underestimate the wonders of regular holidays to a place, you can still live like a local and make good friends.

I got married in St Julians too. I loved Malta but I went to Cyprus instead and came back to the UK 12 years later.

I'd lived abroad before though. But I've never been able to make the work thing a success or make friends. I can totally see the appeal of Malta but agree if you can make the most of cheap flights to do fact finding missions first then do it.

I haven't been there for years either but I'd love to.

I replied to your other holiday thread
A holiday for a week or so is very different to living there
I have Maltese family and the grass isn’t always greener

I wouldn't worry about speaking Maltese. Most people can speak English as it's their second language and taught in schools.
Although obviously trying goes a long way.
I would definitely holiday there as much as you can for now, we moved there and left after a year so it's definitely good to get a feel for it to make sure it's really where you want to be.

Thank you, these are all positive and very sensible comments.
@moominmama - can I ask which bits in particular put you off ? I know it's a small and built up island, very touristy, not 'pretty' or green, and old fashioned. Expensive to buy / rent properties. I get the impression it's also quite corrupt politically ? I imagine British people are disliked because of our colonial past too.

@Moominmamashouse - apologies for not including all of your username x

@Moominmamashouse - apologies for not including all of your username x

@Moominmamashouse - apologies for not inusernamecluding all of your x

Argh (stupid phone!)

I lived there as a child and absolutely adored it.

My parents have visited more recently and say that it's very overcrowded now. Definitely worth checking it out before making any decisions.