From Manila to Malta: Your 2025 Guide to a Smooth Filipino Relocation Experience

 

For many Filipinos in 2025, relocating from Manila to Malta promises more than just scenic Mediterranean charm—it offers real opportunities for personal growth, professional development, and long-term stability. Whether you’re traveling for leisure, launching a new career, or preparing for a long-term overseas journey, getting your Maltese visa is the all-important first step.

The journey typically begins with applying for a short-stay Schengen visa through VFS Global centers located in Manila or Cebu. Known for its transparent process, the application requires a valid passport with at least six months' validity, completed forms, travel and accommodation confirmations, travel insurance covering a minimum of €30,000, and financial proof of support. The visa fee, approximately €90 (around ₱5,600), along with VFS service charges, usually delivers results in about 15 working days—though high-volume seasons can cause minor delays.

For those eyeing Malta as a long-term work destination, the country’s robust economy offers thriving sectors such as iGaming, hospitality, health care, and information technology—fields where Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) continue to make their mark. The employment process is typically facilitated by Philippine-based agencies accredited to place workers abroad. Once matched with a Maltese employer, the employer initiates the Single Permit application via Identity Malta. On average, processing takes six to eight weeks, with final approvals often issued within 30 to 60 days through the VFS system.

Proper documentation is the foundation of a successful transition. Filipino workers must prepare their passport, signed employment contract, lease agreement for housing, and medical certification from a POEA-accredited clinic. Additionally, obtaining an Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC) from the POEA is essential for legal deployment. Upon arrival in Malta, securing permanent housing with a legitimate lease and setting up health insurance should be top priorities. Initial costs—especially for accommodation and transportation—can run high, with rental prices starting at around €700, so budgeting ahead is strongly advised.

Daily life in Malta holds a comfortable rhythm that many Filipinos find familiar and welcoming. English is an official language, easing communication in both professional and social settings. A growing Filipino community thrives in cities like Valletta and Sliema, with active support groups like “Pinoy in Malta” and “Filipino workers in Malta” offering practical advice, cultural connections, and emotional support. While some expats report challenges such as rising rent prices and occasional workplace bias, the overall lifestyle remains accessible and rewarding. Sectors like caregiving and hospitality particularly value the skillsets and warmth that Filipino workers bring.

In essence, turning your Maltese dream into reality is more than feasible—it’s an achievable plan with the right steps in place. Start with a tourist visa, build toward official employment through licensed agencies, complete the necessary Single Permit and POEA protocols, and connect with the supportive local Filipino community to ease your integration. With preparation and purpose, Malta can become a meaningful new chapter filled with professional potential and personal enrichment.