How to Negotiate Your Salary for a New Role in Malta
A practical guide for Singaporeans negotiating a job offer in Malta — how to compare pay, ask for the right benefits, and make a s…
How to Negotiate Your Salary for a New Role in Malta
A practical guide for Singaporeans negotiating a job offer in Malta — how to compare pay, ask for the right benefits, and make a smooth relocation from Singapore to the Mediterranean.
Don’t treat the first offer as final — employers in Malta often expect a short, reasoned negotiation.
If salary wiggle room is small, ask for practical perks: relocation, flights, and guaranteed health cover.
Why Malta might be on your radar as a Singaporean
Malta has quietly become a destination for Singaporeans seeking EU experience — particularly in sectors like iGaming, fintech, maritime services and niche tech roles. The island’s temperate climate, English-language workplaces and vibrant café culture make it an attractive relocation option compared with larger European cities.
If you’re used to the pace of the CBD lunch crowd in Singapore, expect a slower daily rhythm in Maltese towns like Valletta, Sliema and St Julian’s, but plenty of expat meet-ups and international companies hiring for English-speaking roles.
- Popular Maltese hubs for expats: Valletta (administration), Sliema & St Julian’s (services, iGaming), and Marsa (industry).
- English is an official language — negotiating and contracts are commonly in English.
- Think beyond base pay: lifestyle, climate, and EU access are part of the draw.
Understand the numbers: salary, benefits and cost of living
A headline salary in euros isn’t the whole picture. Convert offers into SGD for a gut-check, but compare like-for-like: base pay, fixed bonuses, cost-of-living differences, housing allowances, and employer social contributions.
Rent in popular expat areas (Sliema, St Julian’s) can be eye-opening compared with many heartland neighbourhoods in Singapore. Factor in utilities, medical insurance, and the cost of flights home — these frequently make or break a package for families.
- Checklist: base salary (EUR), gross vs net, annual bonus, pension/social security contributions, health insurance, relocation allowance, flight allowance.
- Ask whether the employer pays employer-side social charges and how that affects your net take-home.
- Compare tax and pension impacts: Malta has a different tax and social system to Singapore’s CPF — find out what the employer covers.
Cultural expectations: how negotiation works in Malta
Negotiation in Malta is generally professional and straightforward. Many companies expect a candid conversation about money and benefits; others, especially smaller firms, may have less formal HR processes. Be polite, precise and prepared with data.
If you’re coming from Singapore’s HR conventions, you’ll find Maltese managers value clarity on start dates, probation length and working hours. International companies often have more flexibility on benefits like remote days or a relocation budget.
- Be clear about your must-haves (e.g., family relocation, minimum net pay) and what you can compromise on.
- Probation periods are common — clarify notice periods and salary during probation.
- If language around benefits is vague in your offer, ask for written confirmation before signing.
A simple negotiation script and tactics you can use
Practical scripts help you stay calm. Open with appreciation for the offer, then move to numbers: 'Thank you — I’m excited about the role. Based on market research and cost of living in Sliema, would you consider EUR X as a base salary?'
If base salary is tight, negotiate for employer-paid items: relocation allowance, an extra week of annual leave, a guaranteed flight home in year one, or a signing bonus. These often cost employers less than a permanent salary increase but add real value for you.
- Sample phrasing: 'I’m keen to accept. To make the move feasible, can we adjust the base to EUR X or include a EUR Y relocation allowance?'
- Ask for a written amendment to the offer after verbal agreement — don’t rely on email summaries alone.
- If discussing currency, propose a net-pay guarantee or a clause for currency fluctuation if paid in EUR but your major expenses are in SGD.
Before you sign: logistics, taxes and practical moving tips
Confirm visa/work permit requirements and timing — Malta is an EU member, and short-term tourist access differs from work authorisation. Make sure the employer’s timeline for permits matches your expectations.
Check how moving affects your Singapore obligations: CPF contributions may change once you’re abroad, and tax residency rules can vary. Speak to payroll or a tax advisor to understand when you stop being liable locally and what filing you must still do in Singapore.
Finally, plan a site visit if possible. Walking the neighbourhoods (Valletta, Sliema, St Julian’s) and checking housing options will help you negotiate a realistic housing allowance and start-date buffer.
- Confirm start date flexibility if work permit processing may take weeks.
- Negotiate a relocation timeline with staged support (temporary housing + help finding long-term rental).
- Ask about local orientation: who helps with opening bank accounts, registering with health services, and local tax registration.
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How to Negotiate Your Salary for a New Role in Malta
A practical guide for Singaporeans negotiating a job offer in Malta — how to compare pay, ask for the right benefits, and make a s…
How to Negotiate Your Salary for a New Role in Malta
A practical guide for Singaporeans negotiating a job offer in Malta — how to compare pay, ask for the right benefits, and make a s…
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