Doing business in Malta

Business culture in Malta

Communication

Malta has a well-educated population, and all schools teach English. Nearly everyone speaks Maltese and English, and many also speak additional languages such as French and Italian.

English is the official business language, and most documents, including legal, commercial and official correspondence, are in English, which limits communication barriers for most expats.

Time

Businesspeople in Malta expect prompt service and correspondence; expats should acknowledge emails and phone calls quickly. Though, expats will need to be patient – doing business in Malta takes time, usually due to restrictions and regulations.

Traditional values

Malta is a conservative and family-orientated country. Although no longer the case, it was once tradition for women to resign after getting married because men were supposed to provide for their families while women looked after the home. Today, women receive equal treatment in business, and more women are landing senior management positions.

This patriarchal, family-focused view still affects business in Malta. Traditional notions of company loyalty and a family atmosphere persist, especially in small businesses, making for a pleasant work environment but complicating resignation and changing jobs.

Titles

New arrivals should acknowledge their Maltese associates by their personal or professional titles (Mr, Mrs, Dr). Once expats have established a good working relationship with them, they can move to a first-name basis.

Dos and don’ts of business in Malta

• Do acknowledge the receipt of emails and phone calls

• Do maintain eye contact and be direct

• Do address those in a senior position formally

• Don’t be late for appointments or meetings

• Don’t dress casually for business meetings