Exchange in Malta: is it possible to live on a minimum wage?

Are you thinking about doing an exchange in Malta but are worried about finances? This small Mediterranean island has conquered more and more Brazilians who seek to improve their English while enjoying a pleasant climate, stunning beaches, and a rich cultural heritage. One of the biggest questions asked by those planning this adventure is: is it possible to keep working with minimum wage during the exchange?

At Be Easy, we understand this concern and have prepared a comprehensive guide for you to understand Malta's financial scenario and how to realistically plan your budget. Let's find out together if it's possible to live well in Malta while earning the local minimum wage!

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The minimum wage in Malta

Malta has one of the most attractive minimum salaries among popular exchange destinations in Europe. The country established the amount of €961 per month (approximately R$ 5,880 at the current exchange rate), calculated based on €221.78 per week multiplied by 4.33 monthly weeks.

This value has some important advantages:

• It is regulated by the government and mandatory for all employers
• There are annual adjustments to keep up with the cost of living
• It is tax exempt for foreign workers under certain conditions
• It represents about USD $1,028 per month

Important attention: In Malta, exchange students can only legally start working after 90 days (13th week) of stay in the country. This initial period without work income needs to be considered in your financial planning, requiring that you have sufficient resources to support yourself during the first three months.

For Brazilian exchange students, this salary may seem quite attractive when compared to the Brazilian minimum wage, but it is important to understand how it relates to the local cost of living to have a realistic view of the situation.

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The real buying power of the exchange student

The true value of a salary lies in your purchasing power - what you can actually get with that money where you live. In Malta, the cost of living index is estimated at 55 (considering Valletta, the capital), which means that the approximate purchasing power would be USD $1,869.

In practice, this represents approximately 2.77 times the purchasing power of the Brazilian minimum wage. In other words, you can buy almost three times more products and services with the Maltese minimum wage than you would with the minimum wage in Brazil.

It's important to consider some factors that influence your individual purchasing power:

• Work situation: if you get a job in sectors such as tourism or hospitality, there is a possibility of tips, increasing your income
• Localization: living in less touristic areas can significantly reduce your expenses
• Lifestyle: your leisure, food, and transportation choices directly impact your budget
• Type of accommodation: sharing an apartment with other students drastically reduces housing costs

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The cost of living in different cities

Malta is a small country, but with significant variations in the cost of living between its main cities and regions. Learn the differences to make an informed choice:

Valletta (capital)

The historical and cultural capital of Malta is also the most expensive region to live in:

• Rent: €400-550 for a shared room
• Food: €250-300 monthly
• Public transport: €26 for a monthly pass
• Benefits: historic center, close to job opportunities, excellent public transport

Sliema and St. Julian's

Areas that are very popular with expatriates and international students:

• Rent: €350-500 for a shared room
• Food: €250-300 monthly
• Public transport: €26 for a monthly pass
• Benefits: vibrant nightlife, international community, lots of English schools close by

Msida and Gzira

More affordable and yet well located options:

• Rent: €300-400 for a shared room
• Food: €200-250 monthly
• Public transport: €26 for a monthly pass
• Benefits: close to the university, good balance between cost and location

Southern areas (Marsaskala, Birzebbuga)

More economical regions, ideal for those looking to save money:

• Rent: €250-350 for a shared room
• Food: €200-250 monthly
• Public transport: €26 for a monthly pass
• Benefits: reduced cost of living, fewer tourists, more authentic experience

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Is it possible to live on a minimum wage during the exchange?

Yes, it is possible to live in Malta on the minimum wage during your exchange, but it requires planning and some conscious choices. Let's look at a basic monthly budget for a student in an average cost area like Msida:

Essential expenses:

• Rent (shared room): €350
• Food: €230
• Public transport: €26
• Phone/Internet: €25
• Study materials: €20
• Basic leisure: €100
• Miscellaneous expenses: €50

Approximate total: €801

This calculation shows that, with the minimum wage of €961, you would have approximately €160 monthly for emergencies, trips, or savings. It's a fair amount that allows you to cover your basic needs and still have a small margin for extras.

It should be noted that this scenario considers some assumptions:

• Accommodation sharing to reduce costs
• Preparing meals at home most of the time
• Use of public transport
• Search for free or low-cost leisure activities

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Strategies for living well on minimum wage

To make the most of your experience in Malta even on a limited budget, consider these strategies that help many exchange students to live comfortably:

1. Smart housing

• Share apartment with other international students
• Look for remote accommodations from the tourist center (15-20 minutes by bus can mean €100 less in rent)
• Negotiate longer contracts to get better prices
• Consider student housing if you are enrolled in an educational institution

2. Economical food

• Cook at home most meals (save up to €400 monthly)
• Buy at local markets like the Marsaxlokk Sunday Market for fresh food at better prices
• Take advantage of promotions At the end of the day in supermarkets
• Make joint meals with flatmates, dividing costs

3. Transportation and mobility

• Use the monthly pass by public transport (€26)
• Consider a bike for short distances
• Use ride-sharing apps for specific routes
• Walk whenever possible (Malta is small and many distances are perfectly walkable)

4. Economic leisure

• Take advantage of the free beaches like Golden Bay and Mellieha Bay
• Attend free cultural events Frequently asked in Valletta
• Use student discounts in museums and tourist attractions
• Explore nature on trails like the Dingli Cliffs Walk

5. Financial Management

• Create a monthly budget and follow closely
• Keep an emergency reserve of at least €500
• Use financial control applications to monitor expenses
• Avoid impulse purchases and prioritize experiences over material goods

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Sectors that employ the most exchange students

Malta offers several job opportunities for exchange students, with some sectors standing out for their ease of hiring and compatibility with study schedules. Remember that you can only legally start working after completing 90 days in the country, according to the rules of Study and Work program in Malta. Learn about the main sectors:

Tourism and hospitality

This is the sector that employs the most international students in Malta:

• Bars and restaurants: waiters, bartenders and kitchen helpers
• Hotels: receptionists, room services and recreational people
• Tourism companies: tour guides, customer service
• Benefits: tips can significantly increase your income, multicultural environment, opportunity to practice languages

Customer service

Malta is home to several international service centers:

• Technical support for technology and iGaming companies
• Multilingual service for European companies
• Benefits: flexible hours, international environment, appreciation of languages

Language education and teaching

Brazilians have an advantage in this sector:

• Conversation assistants In language schools
• Private teachers From Portuguese
• Activity monitors in student programs
• Benefits: compensation generally above the minimum, educational environment, professional development

iGaming and Technology

Malta is a European hub for online gaming companies:

• Entry-level positions in customer support
• Software testing and quality assurance
• Digital marketing and social networks
• Benefits: attractive salaries, innovative companies, growth opportunities

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Be Easy: turning your exchange dream into reality

Na Be Easy, we believe that the exchange in Malta can be a transformative experience, regardless of your budget. Our experienced team is prepared to help you plan every aspect of your journey, ensuring that your time on the island is used to the fullest, even with a minimum wage.

Contact us today and discover how we can help you make your exchange dream in Malta a reality!

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