Malta has traditionally been a popular holiday destination for British travellers, and now it is also emerging as a major hub for international talent and business expansion. Tourism data reveals that the island welcomed more than 3.5 million visitors in 2024 and is ranked as the second most searched European resort by British holidaymakers.
Employer of Record specialist, Agility EOR, has gone further and uncovered that Malta’s appeal extends far beyond beaches, with migration figures indicating that more than 10,614 people relocated to Malta in 2024, with non-EU citizens making up 76.6% of the total net migrants in that year. Another source states that around 13,000 British citizens have made Malta their home – possibly attracted by its climate, lifestyle, and professional opportunities, mirroring the growing international presence in Malta’s workforce.
These trends are supported by Malta’s robust economic fundamentals. According to the European Commission, Malta’s GDP is forecast to grow by around 3.8 per cent in 2026. The island’s business ecosystem is flourishing, and in 2023, 9,669 new companies were established. Foreign-controlled enterprises contributed 43.8 per cent of the value added in the non-financial business sector. Investor confidence remained strong, with 79 per cent of foreign direct investment companies rating Malta as an attractive business location in 2025, up from 54 per cent in 2024.
“Malta is no longer just a holiday hotspot; it is a thriving employment and business destination,” said Scott Winter, Co-Founder and Chief HR Director at Agility EOR. “The combination of sustained migration, strong digital infrastructure, robust economic growth, and EU-aligned regulations makes it an extremely attractive choice for international employers.
Malta’s blend of lifestyle and professional benefits includes the following:
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Skilled, multilingual workforce: Malta’s workforce is highly educated and proficient in both English and Maltese, with many also fluent in Italian and other European languages, enabling smooth integration for international teams
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Attractive leave entitlements: Employees benefit from 24 days of statutory annual leave plus 14 public holidays – among the most generous in Europe
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Lifestyle and infrastructure: Short commutes and comprehensive fibre broadband make Malta highly desirable for talent and remote working
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Modernising employment regulations: Strengthened labour law enforcement, pay transparency requirements, and expanded family-related leave are coming in 2026, offering greater predictability for employers
“Rising migration, booming tourism, and robust economic growth prompted us to obtain our Malta EOR licence to offer companies hiring solutions so they can recruit local employees compliantly, rapidly, and cost-effectively, while capitalising on Malta’s expanding workforce and dynamic business environment,” added Scott. “For businesses considering European expansion, Malta should be firmly on the shortlist — and we are ready to support them.”
For more information on Agility EOR, please visit www.agilityeor.com.