Working in Sliema is a popular choice among expats living in Malta. Tas-Sliema, typically known as just Sliema (pronounced Slee-muh), is located on the Northeastern coast of Malta, across the harbor from Valletta. It is one of the country's most dynamic cities. Stretching over 1.3 km², Sliema provides a range of activities, including commercial and trade activities, leisure, shopping, and a variety of local and international cuisine.
Sliema: One of the most dynamic places to live and work in Malta
Sliema is one of the two cities (the other one being Saint Julian's) with the most hotels, chic restaurants, bars, apartments and luxury villas for rent, stores and clubs on the island of Malta. It is a pretty little town where many expatriate families have settled, giving it a unique cosmopolitan charm.
A former fishing village, Sliema has become a leading center of tourism in Malta, with a massive real estate boom in recent years creating a rush of construction and, unfortunately, traffic. This is ironic, given that Sliema means “peace” in Maltese.
Its former quiet days are not lost forever, though, as the Sliema Waterfront is a lovely promenade to enjoy, and the multiple popular swimming areas along the coastline also offer some tranquillity. The waterfront promenade is also a meeting point for locals, walkers and runners and a very romantic spot at sunset
Expats often choose to live and work in Sliema because it is ideally located. It is separated from Valletta, the capital city of Malta, by the Marsamxett harbor. This harbor is easily crossed thanks to the ferry operating between Sliema and Valletta. Sliema is very well connected to the rest of the island by many buses, even night buses. Sliema has all amenities you can need: supermarkets, doctors, buses, shops, groceries, pharmacies, etc.
Working in Sliema will also let you be close to other dynamic cities such as Saint Julian's, Msida (where is located the University of Malta), Gżira, Ta' Xbiex and San Ġwann.
Sliema may be a bit tight, but it is very popular with expats because it gives easy access to a variety of offices in sectors such as financial services, iGaming, technology and communications services. It is definitely one of the best places to work in Malta.
Economy in Sliema
Along with St Julian's, Sliema is one of the most modern places in Malta. It is also a city that is much appreciated by tourists, generating many jobs!
Sliema is one of the main economic hubs in Malta. The tourism sector takes a great part in the economy of Sliema. Thanks to its ideal location, all its amenities and numerous restaurants and hotels, Sliema is a top choice destination for tourists coming to visit Malta. As Malta's popularity is booming, the tourist offer in Sliema is developing more and more: cruises, water sports, bars, etc. Despite its small size, Sliema has a lot to offer to tourists, which is creating a lot of jobs for locals and expats.
Retail trade is also important in Sliema's economy. This Maltese city counts with many shops, outlets and several malls. Sliema is in fact the shopping destination in Malta. Tourists can also find gift and souvenir shops.
As the demand for accommodation is growing, for both tourists and expats, real estate takes a significant part in the economy in Sliema. Several real estate agencies are operating in Sliema, providing jobs for Maltese and expats.
Do you need a visa or permit to work in Sliema?
EU citizens, EEA citizens and Swiss citizens do not need a work permit to work in Malta, but a residence permit is required for stays longer than three months (the eResidence card).
If you are coming from another country, you need a visa to work in Malta. Your future employer will take care of the administrative procedures in Malta, but you will need to gather certain documents and have a clean criminal record. You will also need one of the two types of work permits that exist in Malta, depending on your situation: the Single Permit or the Employment Licence. You will find all the information on this subject in our article
If you want to set up your business in Malta, the Maltese government welcomes foreign investors with open arms and has even created a program that allows them to obtain Maltese citizenship quickly (see our article "Malta citizenship by investment"). Many international companies are located in Malta for the tax advantages, the simplified administrative procedures and the quality of life. Gambling is tolerated, and there are many start-ups and online gambling companies based in Malta, especially in Sliema and Saint Julian's.
The labor market in Sliema
The labor market in Sliema is based mainly on tourism and commerce, but there is also significant demand in the health, pharmaceutical, technology, communication, real estate, services and information sectors.
Having a good command of the English language, or being bi- or multilingual, will help you to find quick employment in the variety of sectors in Sliema. However, some companies, especially in the field of online gaming, sometimes recruit people who speak other languages (such as French, German, Italian, Spanish, Swedish, etc.), as do some international trade companies.
With such an international business focus, many EU nationals live and work in this area and more come to Malta every year to fill roles in these ever-expanding industries.
Sliema is a popular tourist center with many hotels and leisure activity providers throughout the area. These sectors are frequently hiring and may be a good option for newcomers to Malta.
Sliema also requires many English-speaking doctors, nurses, and therapists. The healthcare industry is growing in Malta in order to accommodate its growing population, and English-speaking practitioners are always in high demand.
The information and communication technology sectors provide many jobs for English-speaking candidates to fill a variety of roles. These jobs vary widely in their scope, and it is important to fully understand the working culture and expectations of a new employer if you are moving to Malta for a job.
Malta is a financial hub, so jobs are also available in the finance sector. Real estate is another booming industry, including the expansion of tourist accommodations and vacation rental properties.
Working conditions in Sliema
The minimum wage in Malta is 777 euros in 2022. It's not much, especially in Sliema, which is one of the chicest places on the island and, therefore, not the cheapest. If you are an expert in your field, your salary will, of course, be much better; it can range from 1,500 to 4,000 euros per month in the service sector, up to 3,000 in sales; in the health sector, a general practitioner earns between 2,600 and 5,000 euros per month, a nurse, from 2,200 to 4,000 euros.
The Maltese workweek is 40 hours long, and employees are entitled to 24 days of paid leave per year plus 14 public holidays. The probationary period is long, often up to one year.
Finding a job in Sliema
There are several independent recruitment agencies based in Sliema, so contacting them for your job search may be a good place to start. However, using their services does not guarantee you a job, and you will have to pay a fee. If this is the option you choose, make sure the company is serious and do not hesitate to ask for proof of their professionalism. Here are some of the most known recruitment agencies you can contact to find a job in Sliema:
- Castillians (tech and finance)
- Tempsinmalta (interim staff)
- Konnekt (office jobs, such as administrative, HR, engineering, compliance, accounting, etc.)
- Quad Consultancy (general)
- Broadwing Jobs (general)
- Betting Connections (specialized in online gaming and betting),
- Pentasia (also specialized in iGaming and online betting).
You can also feel free to send job applications directly to companies in Sliema that interest you. Businesses are proliferating in this area, accounting for many job opportunities.
Remember to register with JobsPlus as well, and to also subscribe to their newsletter to see the latest job offers in Sliema. Job offers online and in classified ads in local newspapers may also help you in your job search.
Finally, don't underestimate the importance of social media to find a job in Sliema. Maltese and expats living in Malta use Facebook a lot. There are several Facebook groups dedicated to job offers in Malta, some general and some specialized in a sector like iGaming. Recruiters in Sliema also use LinkedIn, so make sure your profile is complete and up to date.
In order to get an interesting job, you need to show expertise. Good qualifications open many doors, with specialists being particularly sought after in Malta, especially when they have experience and references. Proficiency in several languages is also a powerful asset, as Sliema has a very distinctly international orientation.
Good to know:
Your CV must be written in English (and Maltese if you are fluent in the language), and all documents highlighting your professionalism (diplomas, certificates, recommendations, etc.) must also be in English. If you are unsure about your English level, it is best to have them translated by an accredited translator, as your profile will appear more professional!
Main companies in Sliema
As commerce and retail trade are important in Sliema's economy, a lot of shops can be found. Sliema is the place where most international brands settling in Malta can be found: Zara, Bershka, Urban Jungle, Apple iCentre, Puma, GEOX, Celio, Flying Tiger Copenhagen… Those shops are always looking for shop assistants. If you speak several languages, it will be an asset, as the clientele is international. Sliema also attracts a lot of people due to its shopping malls. The Point is the biggest shopping mall in Malta, creating a lot of jobs. There is also The Plaza.
The hotel and catering industry provides a lot of jobs in Malta. If you are a professional in this sector, you will surely find the company that fits your profile: fast-food restaurants (McDonald's, Burger King, KFC…), international restaurants (Indian, Asian, Italian, Lebanese…), coffee shops, ice-cream parlors, hotels, holiday apartments and townhouses for rent. A good chef, waiter or receptionist can find a year-round job in the restaurant or hotel industry.
Like in Saint Julian's, many language schools can be found in Sliema, for example, NSTS English Institute, AM Language, IELS Malta, etc. If you are a teacher (especially an English teacher), an activity leader or just looking for an administrative position, consider applying to a language school.
Are you a good driver, owning a recent car? If yes, working for a ride-hailing platform in Sliema is a good idea. Ride-hailing companies such as eCabs, Bolt and Cool have been booming in the past recent years in Malta, being now more important than the official taxis themselves! To become a driver, you need a VAT number and/or to register as self-employed.
The iGaming sector being one of the most important in the Maltese economy, online gaming and betting companies can also be found in Sliema. Those companies hire a lot of expats. They are looking for multilingual professionals to fill a wide range of positions.
Finally, the real estate sector is booming, thus providing jobs. Here are the main real estate companies in Sliema: RE/MAX, QuickLets, Alliance Real Estate, and Simon Mamo Real Estate. You can work as a real estate agent and benefit from a good salary and incentives.
Finding a seasonal job in Sliema
Some expats, especially young people, come to Sliema to find a seasonal job. This is a great way to enjoy all the Maltese islands have to offer while making some money.
During the high season, it is very easy to find work in Sliema. A lot of seasonal jobs are available. Restaurants, bars, hotels, resorts and even language schools hire people every year.
Cruise boat companies are also a popular choice when it comes to finding a seasonal job in Sliema. In fact, the Strand (seafront) is busy with cruise boats taking tourists for boat tours. Captain Morgan Cruises, Luzzu Cruises, Supreme Power Boats, Lazy Pirate Hera Cruises and others often hire boat crew and shore staff responsible for attracting tourists and handing out flyers.
Useful links:
We do our best to provide accurate and up to date information. However, if you have noticed any inaccuracies in this article, please let us know in the comments section below.
