Cultural Orientation to Malta
Malta is an archipelago in the central Mediterranean with a cultural identity shaped by millennia of history, involving Phoenician, Roman, Arabic, French, and British influences. For foreign nationals moving to the islands in 2025/2026, understanding the balance between traditional Mediterranean values and a modern, international economy is key to successful integration.
Language and Communication
Malta has two official languages: Maltese (the national language) and English. While almost all administrative procedures and business dealings are conducted in English, the Maltese language remains a core pillar of national identity. Foreigners will find that code-switching (mixing both languages) is common in daily conversation.
- Directness: Maltese communication can be direct and high-volume, which may be misinterpreted as aggression by some cultures. It is generally a sign of engagement rather than hostility.
- Greetings: A firm handshake with eye contact is the standard for first meetings. Among friends and acquaintances, a kiss on both cheeks is common.
- Honorifics: In professional settings, use titles (Mr., Ms., Dr.) until invited to use first names.
Social Etiquette and Norms
Social life in Malta often revolves around the family and the local community. Respect for elders and traditional structures remains significant, even as the country becomes increasingly secular and cosmopolitan.
Religion and Public Conduct
Roman Catholicism is the state religion of Malta, and its influence is visible in public holidays and village life. While the younger generation is more secular, the following etiquette is expected:
- Dress Code: When visiting churches, shoulders and knees must be covered. Most parishes provide shawls or wraps at the entrance for tourists and residents.
- Village Feasts (Festas): Between May and September, villages celebrate their patron saints with loud fireworks, brass bands, and processions. These are community-wide events where foreigners are welcome, but respectful behavior is required.
- Noise Levels: While daytime can be loud, there is a general respect for quiet in residential areas after 11:00 PM.
Dining and Tipping
Eating out is a central social activity. In restaurants, service is typically relaxed and not rushed. Tipping is customary but not mandatory; 5% to 10% is the standard if a service charge is not already included in the bill. For example, a mid-range dinner for two might cost 60 EUR ($63.50 USD, Jan 2026), where a 6 EUR ($6.35 USD, Jan 2026) tip would be considered appropriate.
Professional Culture and Business
The Maltese business environment is a blend of British formal structure and Mediterranean networking. Relationships and trust (often referred to as "knowing someone") can be as important as formal qualifications in certain sectors.
- Punctuality: In business, punctuality is strictly expected. However, for social gatherings, arriving 10–15 minutes late is often socially acceptable.
- Office Hours: Standard hours are 08:30 to 17:30. In some government sectors or traditional industries, "summer hours" (half-days) may still occur between July and September, though this is decreasing in the private sector.
- Hierarchy: Decisions are often made at the top levels of management. It is important to identify the key decision-makers early in business interactions.
Administrative and Public Services
When dealing with public authorities such as Identità (formerly Identity Malta), patience and politeness are essential. Bureaucratic processes can involve multiple steps, and personal interaction at government desks is often more effective than digital communication alone.
Small gifts (like boxes of chocolates) are sometimes offered as a thank-you in community settings, but these should never be offered to public officials, as it may be construed as a violation of anti-corruption policies.
Practical Steps for Integration
For those residing in Malta long-term, integration involves active participation in local customs. Joining a local "każin" (social club), such as a band club or football club, is a fast way to build a local network.
Waste Management and Community
Malta has strict schedules for waste collection, which varies by locality. Placing garbage bags outside on the wrong day is a common source of friction with neighbors. Most localities collect organic waste, recyclables, and black (general) bags on specific mornings. Information on schedules is available at WasteServ Malta.
Exceptions and Variations
- Gozo: The sister island of Gozo is generally more traditional and conservative than mainland Malta. Life moves at a slower pace, and community ties are even stronger.
- Expats Communities: Areas like Sliema and St. Julian’s are highly internationalized, and social norms there are more aligned with general European urban culture than traditional Maltese values.