Moving from Canada to Malta
Many find months of cold weather and long distances a draining experience living in Canada. For those seeking changes, moving from Canada to Malta is a fine opportunity to live a Mediterranean dream.
Moving to Malta from Canada would not only provide you with all-year-around enjoyable weather and astonishing nature, but a chance to become an EU citizen through the immigration paths we discussed in All You Need to Know Before Moving to Malta.
Canada vs. Malta
Before you start packing your bags, it is important to recognize some of the main aspects of life in Malta. See the following facets of both countries to determine whether moving from Canada to Malta is what you need.
Ethnicity, Religion and Language
Canada is the second largest country in the world taking over 40% of the North American continent. The total territory is almost 10 million square kilometres divided into 3 large territories into the north and 10 provinces stretching from the east to the west. Canada is washed by 3 oceans: Atlantic, Arctic and Pacific with thousands of lakes spread around the land.
The type of climate in Canada depends a lot on the location. Most of the population lives within a couple of kilometres of the U.S.-Canada border, where the climate is most pleasant. In that area, summer temperature ranges from +18°C to + 30°C and -15°C to -30°C during winters.
The population of Canada is about 38 million. According to census data collected in 2016, there are over 250 origins living in Canada today. Only about 32% of the total population identify as Canadian and about 2.1 million with aboriginal ancestry. The next largest groups are from England, Scotland, France, Ireland, Germany and other minor groups.
About 63% of the population claims to practice Christianity. Muslims, represent the second biggest religious group at 3.7%, followed by Hindus (1.7%), Sikhs (1.4%), Buddhists 1.1%) and other minor groups.There are two official languages spoken in Canada: English and French.
The lifestyle you would experience in Canada depends on the city you live in. In concrete jungles like Toronto, Vancouver or Calgary time works against your ability to keep up with everything. It is a perfect workspace for career chasers. You can always choose to live a more calm and simple life in the field, the land is enough for everyone.
In most cases, Canadians are most welcoming, friendly, respectful and extremely polite. Each living in Canada finds a community with whom they share similar ideas and hobbies. The majority is willing to help and support those in need. With all that, there is still high competition and strong self-development within different environments.
Canadian education is known and recognized as one of the top best in the world. Primary and secondary education in Canada is free for citizens and PR holders. The education system and fasciitis are managed and regulated by the government.
Thousands of international students come here to pursue higher education at a Canadian universities. The University of Toronto is ranked 34th among the best universities in the world. Tuition fees for domestic students are partly covered by the government and range between $2,500 - $9,000 CAD per semester. An international student would pay $6,000 - $17,000 CAD per semester.
The cost of living in Canada can be calculated depending on the location you move to. If you choose to reside in major cities like Toronto, Calgary, Ottawa and Vancouver, prepare to spend on average about $1,350 CAD living alone and $4,800 CAD as a family of 4 without rent.
Renting a 1 bedroom apartment in Canada, depending on the city, will cost about $1,500 - $2,000, CAD. The rent price for a 3-bedroom apartment ranges between $2,300 - $3,100 CAD. Monthly utilities would cost about $130 - $250 CAD depending on the season, a monthly public transport pass is $90 - $150 CAD, and groceries about 200 - 450 per month.
Canada was the first country to introduce and adapt a points-based immigration system in 1967. This allowed the government to have more control over desired candidates and the assessment process of applications. Today, the immigration systems opt for skilled and professional individuals that will help to boost the economy.
One of the fastest and most popular immigration programs in Canada is Express Entry. If you are eligible, fulfil the requirements and get enough points, you can receive Canadian Permanent residency within 6 months after applying.
Ethnicity, Religion and Language
The archipelago of Malta is located in the central Mediterranean 80 kilometres south of Sicily. Malta covers an area of 316 square kilometres. Only three Maltese archipelago islands are inhabited: Malta, Gozo and Comino. Administratively Malta consists of 68 municipalities. The capital city of Malta is Valletta.
The entire island of Malta has a Mediterranean-type climate. Summers are hot, with average temperatures ranging from +25°C to +30°C. Peak temperatures can reach +38°C. Winter on the island is mild and humid. Daytime temperatures range from +12°C to +20°C.
Over the decades’ several nations, such as the Phoenicians, Arabs, Italians, British, French etc., have claimed this land, and each has left its mark. Today, about 86% of the total population (533,000)identify as Maltese with descendants from coloniser’s nations. The rest are foreigners from North Africa and EU countries, for the most part, British citizens.
Almost all residents of Malta consider themselves Catholic Christians. The official spoken languages in Malta are English and Maltese, a Semitic language, a mixture of Arabic dialects influenced by Sicilian and French.
Malta has a highly efficient health care system, an excellent environmental component and quality food products which makes life in Malta favoured by many. After you move to Malta, there is nowhere to rush. Maltese will never miss an opportunity to celebrate yet another festival. Due to the hot climate, Maltese start their day early, a workday can begin as early as 7 am.
Maltese highly value and always prioritize their families, a day does not go by without them taking time to get together. In the streets of Malta, strangers smile at each other, and everyone listens carefully and tries their best to help. Friendly faces of passersby will become a new reality after moving from Canada to Malta.
The education system in Malta is mainly based on the British curriculum and is divided into 3 categories: church, independent/private and public schools. Both church and public schools accept students free of charge, however, uniforms and annual donations are expected to be paid for by parents.
Higher education in Malta is not free for international students, and it can be obtained in one of the 8 main universities in Malta with the University of Malta being the biggest and most popular. The average tuition for non-EU/EEA at the University of Malta ranges from €8,500 - €10,800. In private universities, the tuition is slightly higher.
Living in Malta can not be called cheap, however, it is noticeably lower than in other European countries. After moving from Canada to Malta you will be pleasantly surprised by the costs of living in Malta. A 1 bedroom apartment cost ranges from €680 - €850 ( $889 - $1100 CAD). A 3-bedroom apartment cost ranges between 1,200 - 1,900. The price will be mainly determined by the city and location within.
A single person living in Malta should expect to spend on average about €730 ($960 CAD) per month without rent. A family of 4 moving to Malta from Canada would spend about 2,670 ($3,490 CAD) per month without rent.
Malta has established itself as one of the most prestigious countries in Europe both for recreation and relocation for permanent residence. Malta recognizes its advantages, thus, immigration programs are designed for skilled professionals and wealthy foreigners.
Most popular immigration paths moving from Canada to Malta are done through investment programs allowing foreigners to receive Maltese passports within a 1 - 5 year frame. Other ways to obtain Maltese citizenship are by naturalisation, marriage/family reunification, distinguished service to Malta granted by the President, and as a refugee/asylum seeker.
Immigration to Malta as a Canadian Citizen
It comes as no surprise that Canadians are moving to Malta from Canada to retire and bring their families along. Relocating to Malta is an absolute dream of many. Before you will start packing your bags, consider the following useful sources and information before moving to Malta from Canada:
- Read All You Need to Know Before Moving to Malta
- Canadian citizens do not require a Maltese visa if staying for less than 90 days in any 180 days period.
- Dual citizenship is recognized both in Malta and Canada.
- Read Moving to Malta to learn about Maltese custom regulations.
- Canadian citizens can use their Canadian driving licence in Malta with an international driving permit. Cars are driven on the left side of the road.
- Job competition is rather high in Malta, get your job offer before the move.
- Arrange private Maltese health insurance prior to the move.
Moving from Malta to Canada
As of today, Canada remains one of the top countries to relocate to due to the wide range of career opportunities, high standards of living, the quality health care system and educational resources provided for residents. Moving from Malta to Canada is a great chance for young and skilled individuals to explore the business environment and diverse community.
Moving from Malta to Canada will be a challenging but realistic goal. Canada offers well over 100 immigration programs, so each worthy candidate can qualify for one. If you plan to improve your skills and become more qualified in your field, look into available educational programs and job listings in Canada to gain that experience.
