Malta vs. Dubai 2025: Complete Guide to Choosing Your Exchange Destination
Choosing between Malta and Dubai for your exchange in 2025 can completely define your international experience. Both destinations offer unique opportunities to study and work but present significant differences in visa requirements, cost of living, and lifestyle. Understanding these differences is critical to making the right decision and making the most of your overseas journey.
Visas and legal requirements: Malta x Dubai
In 2025, the visa process for Malta underwent significant changes that benefit international students. For Brazilians who wish to study for up to 12 weeks, a visa is not required - just travel as a tourist. For courses of 15 weeks or more, it is necessary to apply for a student visa before traveling, but the new process has incredible advantages: permission to work legally from day one in the country and multiple entries, allowing travel around Europe throughout the study period.
For Dubai, the procedure is equally structured. Upon confirmation of enrollment at an educational institution, the student receives an entry authorization valid for 60 days, allowing entry into the country and the start of the local process for obtaining a definitive visa. There are short-term visa options (90 or 180 days) with a simplified process, and for longer stays, the student resident visa (1 year) requires additional procedures that include local medical exams and biometrics.
Students interested in Study and Work in Malta or in Dubai they need to be aware of differences in deadlines and processes. While Malta processes the visa in approximately 45 days, Dubai has an average processing time of 10-15 business days, which may extend into periods of high demand.
Financial proof: the big difference
One of the most striking differences between these destinations is the financial proof requirements for visas. This requirement may represent a decisive factor for many students when choosing their exchange destination.
For Malta, the process requires detailed financial proof:
- Bank statement with a balance equivalent to €27 per day if you have booked private accommodation (or €18 per day with school accommodation)
- Bank statements with transactions for the last 3 months
- If there is a sponsor, additional documentation such as a sponsorship letter and documents from the sponsor
- Approximate total amount needed: €810 per month (considering 30 days)
Dubai, on the other hand, revolutionized the education market by implementing programs that do not require traditional financial proof. This initiative aims to attract global talent and democratize access to international education, representing a significant advantage for those who wish Study and Work in the United Arab Emirates without having to demonstrate large financial reserves.
Work permit during studies
In both destinations, the possibility of working while studying represents a valuable opportunity to gain international experience and supplement income. The conditions, however, have some important differences that deserve attention.
In Malta, thanks to the new regulations of 2025, students can work from their first day in the country, provided they have an offer of employment from a registered company. You are legally allowed to work up to 20 hours a week, with the possibility of working full time (up to 40 hours) during official school holidays. The process to obtain a work permit is already requested in Malta, being a separate procedure from the student visa and costing approximately €230.
In Dubai, the job market for international students is equally accessible but follows different procedures. Students must obtain a Certificate of Non-Objection (NOC) from the university and have a job offer, with the employer applying through the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization. The required documentation is more extensive, including medical tests and Emirates ID, in addition to the employment contract approved by the Ministry.
Cost of living and financial planning
Proper financial planning is essential for the success of your exchange, and both Malta and Dubai have very different cost structures. Understanding these differences will help you prepare properly and avoid surprises.
In Malta, the cost of living in 2025 is approximately 20% more affordable compared to other popular European destinations. For a moderate lifestyle, the average monthly budget revolves around:
- Accommodation: €350-650 (shared room/student residence)
- Food: €200-350
- Transportation: €40-50 (monthly bus pass with student ID)
- Utilities and services: €100-150
- Entertainment and extras: €100-200
Dubai, in turn, offers a high-end experience, with costs that reflect its world-class infrastructure. The average monthly values in 2025 (in Dirhams - AED) are:
- Accommodation: AED 3,750-10,000 (depending on region)
- Food: AED 626
- Transportation: AED 300
- Utilities: AED 300
- Total: AED 4,976-11,226 (approximately €1,250-2,800)
While Dubai is generally more expensive than Malta, both destinations offer job opportunities to supplement income. In Malta, the minimum wage for part-time workers is approximately €7.00 per hour, while in Dubai salaries vary by sector, averaging between AED 1,800-5,000 per month in part-time jobs.
Climate and cultural adaptation
The local climate and culture are important factors that will directly influence your exchange experience and your daily well-being. Malta and Dubai have very different characteristics in these aspects.
Malta has a Mediterranean climate with more than 300 days of sunshine a year, hot summers (25-35°C) and mild winters (12-17°C). Cultural adaptation is facilitated by English being one of the official languages, spoken by approximately 88% of the population. Maltese culture mixes British, Mediterranean and Arab influences, creating a rich and welcoming multicultural environment. Social life is vibrant, with many cultural festivals throughout the year and a local population renowned for their hospitality.
Dubai has a desert climate with extremely hot summers (35-45°C from May to September) and pleasant winters (20-30°C from October to April). Culturally, the city is a true global mosaic, housing more than 200 nationalities but with strong Islamic roots. English is widely spoken, facilitating communication, but it's important to respect local traditions such as Ramadan and follow the moderate dress code in public places. The city is renowned for its exceptional security and first-world infrastructure.
Job opportunities for students
The professional opportunities available during your exchange can significantly enrich your experience and curriculum. Both Malta and Dubai offer dynamic markets for international students, but with distinct characteristics.
In Malta, the sectors that employ the most students are:
- Hospitality and tourism: hotels, restaurants, bars (€7-10/hour + tips)
- Retail: stores in shopping malls and tourist areas (€6-8/hour)
- Multilingual call centers: especially for Portuguese speakers (€9-12/hour)
- Language schools: as assistants or receptionists (€8-10/hour)
- iGaming: growing sector with starting salaries starting at €1,200 monthly
In Dubai, the market is equally diversified, with emphasis on:
- Hospitality: positions in 5-star hotels and luxury resorts
- Retail: stores in shopping malls and luxury boutiques
- Services: customer service, multilingual support, tourism
- Technology: technical support and data entry
- Events: international exhibitions and conferences
A significant advantage of Dubai is that salaries are completely tax-free, increasing the net amount received. Additionally, many positions include benefits such as housing or housing assistance, transportation, and health insurance, which can significantly reduce your monthly expenses.
Educational institutions and teaching quality
The quality of the educational institution you choose will have a direct impact on your academic experience and future opportunities. Both destinations offer high-quality options, but with different approaches.
Malta has more than 40 accredited educational institutions, serving more than 11,000 students. The education system follows the British model, ensuring global recognition of certificates and diplomas. Maltese English schools are renowned for their excellence, offering small classes (maximum 12 students) and highly qualified teachers. The learning environment is multicultural, with students from over 100 different countries, providing valuable international networking.
Dubai stands out as a global center of innovation and international education, with campuses of renowned universities from around the world. The city offers a wide range of courses, from intensive English programs to full degrees in areas such as business, technology, and hospitality. The education system in Dubai is diverse, including local universities (with more programs in Arabic) and international campuses that follow British or American standards. The academic calendar generally follows a two-semester system (fall and spring), with an optional summer session.
Social life and integration
The social experience and ease of integration are fundamental components for a successful exchange experience. Fortunately, both Malta and Dubai offer vibrant social environments and welcoming international communities.
Malta, being a small archipelago, provides an intimate and accessible social experience. Nightlife is concentrated in areas such as Paceville and St. Julian's, with numerous bars, clubs, and restaurants frequented by international students. Facebook groups such as “Expats in Malta” and “Brazilians in Malta” (with more than 3,500 members) facilitate networking and friendships. Cultural events such as the Malta International Food Festival (May) and Isle of MTV (June) are excellent opportunities to socialize. The beaches also serve as popular hangouts during the warmer months.
Dubai offers a cosmopolitan and sophisticated social life. The city is famous for its weekend brunches, beach clubs, luxurious shopping malls, and international cultural events. The Dubai Food Festival, Art Dubai, and Dubai International Film Festival are just a few of the events that attract crowds and provide excellent networking opportunities. The Brazilian community in Dubai is growing, with dedicated groups on social networks that organize regular meetings. The city also has an impressive range of leisure activities, from desert tours to indoor skiing.
In both destinations, educational institutions generally organize social activities and excursions to help students integrate, in addition to orientation services for new students.
Procedures after arrival
The first few days at your exchange destination are crucial for laying the foundations for a successful experience. In both Malta and Dubai, there are important administrative procedures that need to be followed soon after arrival.
In Malta, you will need:
- Register with the local police within 7 days of your arrival
- Apply for the e-Residence Permit at Identity Malta Agency (for students with a visa)
- Open a local bank account (HSBC, Bank of Valletta, or APS are popular options)
- Purchase a local cell phone chip (Vodafone, GO, or Melita)
- Register at the health center closest to your home
- Find and visit your institution's student affairs office
In Dubai, procedures include:
- Perform mandatory medical tests (after arriving with an entry permit)
- Provide additional documentation to the university
- Get the residence visa (stamped on the passport)
- Request an Emirates ID (essential identity document)
- Open a bank account with a passport, visa and letter from the institution
- Register with the health system, if applicable
In both destinations, most institutions offer orientation sessions for new students, which are extremely useful for obtaining practical information about local life, available services, and administrative procedures.
Be Easy
A Be Easy is by your side at every stage of your international journey, whether to Malta or Dubai. Our expert advisors offer full support, from choosing the ideal destination to guidance on visas, documentation and local adaptation. With years of experience in exchange programs, we guarantee a smooth process so that you can focus on what really matters: living a transformative experience abroad. Contact us today for a personalized consultation and discover which destination best meets your academic and professional objectives.
