Mondassur interviewed Nicolas Dergatcheff, expatriate in Malta. Find out more about his journey to Malta and how he has integrated into local life.
Before your departure for Malta, Mondassur recommends that you take out Malta health insurance.
How did you get to Malta? What visa did you have at the start and today?
I arrived in Malta when I was 12 and a half, with my family. There were six of us, and at the time I didn’t yet understand all the administrative procedures, but we had a European visa, the Schengen type. Before that, we’d lived in Portugal and then France.
My parents invested in Malta, which enabled us to obtain a Maltese residency card. I’ve been living here for 11 years now. Obtaining Maltese nationality is a different story: it can take up to 15 years. I’m a resident of Malta and I’m currently in the process of obtaining Maltese nationality. This will facilitate certain local administrative procedures such as loan applications, but there are no direct tax advantages associated with it.
What health insurance do you use in Malta? And why do you think private insurance is essential?
For me, private health insurance is indispensable. Public health care is free, but waiting times are very long. A friend of mine had two cardiac arrests and his back was blocked: he waited 14 hours before being taken care of at the public hospital. This kind of situation is really too risky.
What nationalities are most represented among expatriates in Malta?
There’s a large French community, especially in the high tourist season. There are also many Italians, Swiss, Spaniards, Germans and English. In recent years, Swedes and Norwegians have also made their presence felt, particularly in customer services, where their profiles are much sought-after.
There are also many Eastern European nationals (Serbs, etc.), as well as a significant growth in Pakistani, Indian and Bangladeshi communities. Cities such as Tas-Sliema, San Ġiljan or Valletta are very international, which creates a very enriching cosmopolitan atmosphere.
How do expatriates meet and network in Malta?
There are many Facebook groups for expatriates in Malta, such as “Les Français à Malte” or via the French Embassy. The latter often organizes barbecues, outings… among French people. Recently, I took part in a visit by the Capricorne, a French army ship, during its stopover here.
There are also special groups for retirees and young professionals. A lot of meetings take place in bars by the sea, with cocktails in hand. The atmosphere is really pleasant.
My mother is also active in the “Malte Accueil” association, which organizes artistic and cultural events.
What is your professional activity in Malta and why did you choose this country?
I work on the site Expatisfounded by my father in 2015. It’s a platform that centralizes reliable and useful information for expats: work, housing, freelancing, visas, schools, retirees… The site was on hiatus between 2021 and 2024, but I was offered the chance to relaunch it to reach a wider, international audience. We’re currently working on expanding to other countries like Colombia, Mexico, Switzerland and Dubai.
What attracted me to Malta was above all the quality of life: over 300 days of sunshine a year, an English-speaking country, professional opportunities in digital, iGaming, marketing and crypto. I started with internships in customer service, then in i-gaming, and today I’m in digital marketing. It’s a place that offers opportunities you can’t find anywhere else, especially for young people.
Do you prefer public or private health insurance in Malta?
Without hesitation, private insurance. It’s affordable and, above all, much more practical on a day-to-day basis.
What are the biggest challenges for expatriates in Malta, especially when it comes to housing and work?
Housing is clearly a challenge. Rents have exploded. I myself pay €900 for a small studio, which is enormous compared with the minimum wage. Sometimes you have to consider sharing or moving away from the center, but in that case, a car is almost indispensable.
Transportation is another concern. The buses are packed, and there are building sites everywhere. Malta is building fast, perhaps too fast.
What attracts expatriates to Malta? What's the best way to settle in?
The climate, of course, is very appealing. The weather is fine almost all year round. English is spoken everywhere, which makes integration much easier. It’s also a very multicultural country with a rich history. In terms of activities, between the sea, culture and nightlife, there’s never a dull moment.
On the food front, however, the French may be a little disappointed. But apart from that, it’s a great place.
What advice would you give to someone wanting to work in Malta?
Do your homework before you leave, especially when it comes to accommodation. There are quite a few scams on Facebook, with fake ads asking for a deposit without a visit. It’s better to go through a serious agency.
There are lots of opportunities to work in the digital sector: iGaming, marketing, social media, crypto… There’s a real demand for French speakers.
Finally, with a French license, you can drive in Malta for up to 12 months without any problem. After that, you need to apply for a conversion to a Maltese license, without having to retake an exam. And don’t be fooled: driving here is like driving a car.
