Im going in a couple weeks but im pretty determined on staying in sliema on a waterfront penthouse property, rent isnt as much as you would prolly think but lmk.

yea just talked with pistons he said it might be me you and him... i graduate late may so im coming out june 1st, like may22nd at the earliest so you guys are gonna beat me by a little bit... if i can get my full roll out i wont mind getting a pretty sick place.

Yeah looks like i might be coming out there relatively soon...can anyone give me information on opening a bank account...i.e what i need from the US in order to get one there.

hi guys

there's a lot of work involved with this, much more than I thought in regards to content, so I'm going with the informal approach of pulling info from the u.s. site and you guys. I've decided not to bother with wikitravel for awhile, until I have enough content, then I'll go back and reflesh the pages that need more content.

http://www.highstakeslife.com/malta/

please PM me with criticisms or comments. I'm always looking to improve the site and page. Really, any improvement suggestions are welcome. I'm a pretty anal guy, I like to do things right.

I pretty much pulled the information from pietjek, thanks a lot, if you want credit or guesswest for what u've written (water), lmk

I'm packing right now and would appreciate a quick answer!
Should I bring a pair of jeans? I personally don't like wearing jeans on nights out so would only pack them if
a) there are gonna be times when it's too cold for shorts in the next few months
and/or
b) good clubs/bars insist on them as dress code

If you open a bank account without a Maltese ID card here you need a letter of reference from your home bank. From what I have read this can take anywhere from a few days to a couple months depending on how organized both banks are in getting it done. I don't know if it something you can request in advance yourself or if it needs to be formally request by the Maltese bank (perhaps someone else does?).

What I do know though is if you have an HSBC account in your home country (either Advance of Premier) you can open up a Maltese bank account ahead of time so you can transfer money in before you arrive and have your debit cards ready to pick up from your branch when you land - they're making a big deal of providing this service for their 'the international bank' branding. From what I have read this is by far the easiest route, and HSBC are the better of the two banks here anyway, so if I was US I would look at opening an HSBC account at home and doing it that way.

As far as the permanent residency program goes for non-EU you have to pay 15% flat tax with a minimum yearly payment of 5kish Euros. That is only on money actually remitted to Malta though, so you should be able to structure it so you don't pay more than the minimum - that may be a bit more difficult now than it was with not being able to cashout to US banks but I suspect it is still pretty easy (Moneybookers Mastercard for day to day stuff is probably strictly speaking taxable, but def not something I would worry about).

That's all second hand though so take it for what you will. There are non-EU guys ITT who have used the PR program who will know better than me but none of them seem to have posted for a while - hopefully one of them will show up to give more detail.

Not sure on dress codes as I don't go clubbing but just in terms of weather I prob would pack a pair. It's definitely warming up here but you'll still be thankful for a pair of jeans some days for the next monthish, esp at night.

funny i happen to see this. spoke to pistons today...myself and 2 others are considering moving to Malta too. If we decide on Malta then maybe we can get a baller grind house going?

Do you guys think I can get a reduced price on apartments if Im paying 6 months in advance.

Also how do I go about getting a statement from my apartment to show proof of address as soon as possible.

Variable but in general yes - view any apartment prices here as starting prices to negotiate down even if you don't pay in advance.

For proof of address for sites normally your lease will do, but you should get an internet/phone bill pretty quick too. If you open a Moneybookers account (which is prob a good idea) you can use their address verification letter also.

IS there any point in seeing Birkirkara or Valletta for my friends just staying for a week? Are they just not kitted out for tourists? Any specific boat trips recommended? (We've heard ones with drinks/buffet can be good)

Birkirkara no but Valletta yes. Valletta is a world heritage site, cool buildings / harbour views etc - it gets a lot of tourists during the day, but is really quiet at night.

seems like all the apartments in st jullians are around this marina, in all the pics I see many boats is this noise going to be annoying/loud during the day.

valletta is worth a visit and when you do go, eat lunch here http://maps.google.co.uk/maps/place?...9&spn=0,0&z=16 I'm partial to the maltese sausage pasta.

Hey guys

Are there any particular rules regarding EU citizens buying real estate in malta, or do we have the same rights as maltese citizens? How likely am I to get a loan if I play poker fulltime (guessing not very likely but have to ask)?

Thanks

Seems all good as long as you intend to live in the property you're buying:

"EU Citizens, who have not resided in Malta for at least five years, but have the intention of purchasing their primary residence (take up residence in Malta), do not require a permit, under chapter 246, nor do they require a permit to purchase immovable property required for their business activities or supply of services." (http://www.remax-malta.com/buying.aspx)

Regarding loans:
http://www.franksalt.com.mt/Page/49/Bank-Loans.aspx
http://www.dhalia.com/default2.aspx, go to: Buying a property / Loans-Bank Finance

Pretty comprehensive guide to all the steps needed to buy property in Malta: http://www.remax-malta.com/purproc.aspx

gl

If you're talking about Spinola Bay, Im almost sure that the boats are just sitting there looking pretty and won't bother you at all.

Heheh if you hate noise those boats are the least of your concern in St Julians

- Spanish language students
- Busses from the 50s
- Italian language students
- Cool kids with tuned Fiat Panda's screaming for attention (seriously, theyre 20 years behind)
- Paceville
- tons of tourists during summer
- French language students
- Maltese woman (MELA MELA ALRITEEE!!)

LOL great post.

Yeah Malta in general and SJ/Sliema in particular is not a great place to be if noise bothers you, but boats are one thing you will never notice.

One other ridiculous noise source:

http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles...f-malta.268716

wow. malta doesn't sound that great anymore. and I guess they are pretty religious there? yeah f that.

Leaving to Malta on the 4th, cant figure out how to stay longer then 3 months as a US Citizen anybody know how.

how many golf courses does malta have?

Just one. I looked into it a while ago, I forget the details now but I remember thinking it was very expensive for what it offers. IIRC you need to prove a handicap to be allowed on so if you have one bring it:

http://www.royalmaltagolfclub.com

Oh ****! haha how could i forget