Many expatriates in Malta work in Sliema—known locally as Tas-Sliema and pronounced Slee-muh in English. Located on the island's northeast coast and separated from Valletta by a natural harbor, Sliema covers an area of 1.3 km². Despite its small size, it is one of the country's most dynamic cities, offering a wide range of activities from commerce and trade to leisure, shopping, and diverse dining options featuring both local and international cuisine. This guide provides an overview of the labor market in Sliema and the working conditions you can expect, helping you prepare for your job search.
Sliema: One of the most dynamic cities to live and work in Malta
Sliema, along with Saint Julian's, is one of the cities with the most hotels, chic restaurants, bars, luxury apartments and villas for rent, shops, and clubs on the island of Malta. It's a charming little city where many expat families have settled, giving it a unique cosmopolitan charm.
Once a fishing village, Tas-Sliema has become a leading tourist hub in Malta, with a massive real estate boom in recent years, leading to a construction rush and, unfortunately, increased traffic. It's an ironic situation when you learn that Sliema means "peace" in Maltese.
However, its former tranquility is not lost forever, especially thanks to its waterfront, which provides a beautiful promenade and a meeting point for locals, walkers, runners, and lovers, who enjoy a very romantic spot at sunset. Let's not forget the numerous popular swimming areas along the coastline, which also add a touch of tranquility.
Ideally located, Sliema is particularly appreciated by expats who often choose to live and work there. It is separated from Valletta, the capital of Malta, by the Marsamxett Harbour, that you can easily cross thanks to the ferry operating between the two cities. Sliema is well connected to the rest of the island by numerous buses, including night buses. Added to this are all the essential amenities, such as supermarkets, doctors, buses, shops, grocery stores, pharmacies, etc.
By working in Sliema, you'll be close to other dynamic towns like Saint Julian's, Msida (where the University of Malta is located), Gżira, Ta' Xbiex, and San Ä wann.
Sliema may be a bit dense, but it is highly appreciated by expats, who can easily access a wide range of businesses in sectors such as financial services, iGaming, technology, and communication services. Many consider this Maltese city to be one of the best places to work in Malta.
Sliema's economy
With St Julian's, Sliema is one of the most modern and popular places in Malta for tourists, thus generating many jobs!
Indeed, the city is one of Malta's main economic hubs and the tourism sector plays a significant role in its economy. Thanks to its ideal location, all its amenities, and its numerous restaurants and hotels, Sliema is a top destination for tourists visiting the country. With Malta's popularity on the rise, the tourist offering in Sliema is expanding more and more: cruises, water sports, bars, etc. Despite its small size, the city has plenty to keep tourists entertained, creating many jobs for locals and expats alike.
The retail trade also plays an important role in Sliema's economy. The city, a prime shopping destination, is home to many shops, outlets, and several shopping centers. For tourists, there are of course gift and souvenir shops.
With the demand for housing on the rise, both from tourists and expats, real estate takes a significant part in Sliema's economy. Several real estate agencies operate in the city, providing jobs for both Maltese and expats.
Do you need a visa or permit to work in Sliema?
EU, EEA, and Swiss citizens wishing to work in Malta can do so freely, without a work permit. However, if their stay exceeds 3 months (90 days), they must apply for the eResidence card.
Citizens from other countries must obtain a visa to work in Malta, which is their future employer in Malta's responsibility. In return, each candidate must provide a number of documents, such as a valid passport and an ID photo, and have a clean criminal record. Malta offers two types of work permits, depending on the applicant's situation: the single permit or the employment licence.
If you wish to start abusiness in Malta, the Maltese government warmly welcomes foreign investors. In this sense, it has created a program that allows them to quickly obtain Maltese nationality (see our article "Obtain Maltese Nationality by Investment"). Many foreign companies are setting up in Malta to benefit from tax advantages, simplified administrative procedures, and the local quality of life. Gambling is tolerated, and many start-ups and online gaming companies are based in Malta, particularly in Sliema and Saint Julian's.
The labor market in Sliema
Sliema's labor market is primarily based on tourism and commerce, but there is also significant demand in the sectors of healthcare, pharmacy, technology, communication, real estate, services, and information.
A good command of English, or being bi- or multilingual, will help you quickly find a job in Sliema's various sectors. However, some companies, especially in the online gaming field, as well as some international trade companies, sometimes look for people who speak other languages (such as French, German, Italian, Spanish, Swedish, etc.).
With such an international orientation, many EU nationals live and work in this region and are joined each year by other foreigners with the same goal.
Sliema is a major tourist hub with numerous hotels and leisure providers spread throughout the region. These sectors frequently hire and can be a good option for newcomers to Malta.
Sliema also needs many English-speaking doctors, nurses, and therapists. The healthcare sector is expanding in Malta to meet the growing population, so English-speaking practitioners are always in high demand.
The information and communication technology sectors offer numerous jobs to English-speaking candidates for a variety of positions.
With Malta being a financial hub, jobs are also available in the finance sector, as well as in real estate, another booming sector, especially with the expansion of tourist accommodations and vacation rentals.
Important:
It is essential to understand the work culture and expectations of a new employer if you are moving to Malta to find a job.
Salaries and working conditions in Sliema
The minimum wage in Malta is 221.78 euros per week in 2025, which is not much, especially in Sliema, one of the most upscale areas on the island and, consequently, not the cheapest. If you are an expert in your field, your salary will, of course, be higher. It can range from 1,500 to 4,000 euros per month in the services sector, up to 3,000 in sales. In the healthcare sector, a general practitioner earns between 2,600 and 5,000 euros per month, and a nurse, from 2,200 to 4,000 euros.
The Maltese workweek is 40 hours, and employees are entitled to 24 days of paid leave per year, plus 14 public holidays. The probation period is long, often up to 1 year.
Job hunting in Sliema
There are several independent recruitment agencies scattered throughout Sliema, so don't hesitate to contact them for your job search. However, using their services is chargeable. If this option suits you, ensure the company's seriousness and don't hesitate to ask for proof of their professionalism. Here are some of the most reputable recruitment agencies you can contact to find a job in Sliema:
- (technology and finance);
- (temporary staff);
- (office jobs, such as administrative, HR, engineering, compliance, accounting...);
- (general);
- (general);
- (specialized in gaming and online betting as well as Fintech);
- (also specialized in iGaming and online betting).
You can also send unsolicited applications directly to the many companies in Sliema that interest you.
Also, consider registering on and subscribing to their newsletter to know the latest job offers in Sliema. Online job offers and classified ads in local newspapers can 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 others specialized in a sector, such as iGaming. Recruiters in Sliema also use LinkedIn, so make sure your profile is complete and up-to-date.
To find the ideal job in Sliema, you must demonstrate expertise. Good qualifications open many doors, specialists being particularly sought after in Malta, especially when they have experience and references. Having a good command of multiple languages is also a significant asset, as Sliema has a very international orientation.
Good to know:
Your CV must be written in English (and in Maltese if you master this language), and all documents highlighting your qualifications and skills (diplomas, certificates, recommendations, etc.) must also be translated into English.
If you are unsure of your English level, it is preferable to have them translated by an accredited translator, your profile will appear more professional!
Leading employers in Sliema
With commerce and retail being important in the economy of Sliema, there are many shops. The city is home to most of the international brands that have set up in Malta: Zara, Bershka, Urban Jungle, Apple iCentre, Puma, GEOX, Celio, Crocs... Their stores are always looking for salespeople. If you speak several languages, it will be an asset, as the clientele is international.
Sliema also attracts a lot of people thanks to its shopping malls, including The Point, the largest shopping center in Malta, and The Plaza, which generate many jobs.
The hotel industry and catering provide many jobs in Malta. If you are a professional in this sector, you will surely find a company that matches your profile: fast-food restaurants (McDonald's, Burger King, KFC...), international restaurants (Indian, Asian, Italian, Lebanese...), cafes, ice cream parlors, hotels, vacation apartments, and townhouses for rent. A good chef, waiter, or receptionist can find year-round employment in catering or hospitality.
As in Saint Julian's, there are many language schools in Sliema, such as NSTS English Institute, AM Language, IELS Malta, etc. If you are a teacher (especially an English teacher), an animator, or if you are simply looking for an administrative position, consider applying to the language schools in the city.
Are you a good driver with a recent car? If so, you can work for a ridesharing platform in Sliema. Ridesharing companies such as eCabs, Bolt, and Uber have experienced a real boom in recent years in Malta, now being more important than official taxis! To become a driver, you need a VAT number and/or to register as self-employed.
°Â¾±³Ù³óÌýonline gaming being one of the most important sectors of the Maltese economy, there are also companies in Sliema specializing in this field and regularly looking for expats, preferably multilingual professionals, to fill a wide range of positions.
Finally, the real estate sector is booming, thus creating 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 bonuses.
How to find a seasonal job in Sliema
Some expats, especially young people, come to Sliema to find a seasonal job. It's an excellent way to enjoy all that the Maltese islands have to offer while earning an income.
During the high season, it is very easy to find work in Sliema, where many seasonal jobs are available. Restaurants, bars, hotels, resorts, and even language schools hire every year.
Cruise ship companies are also popular when it comes to finding a seasonal job in Sliema. Specifically, the Strand (waterfront) is occupied by cruise ships that take tourists on excursions. iSeeMalta, Luzzu Cruises, Supreme Power Boats, Lazy Pirate Malta, Hera Cruises, and others often hire boat crews and shore staff responsible for attracting tourists and handing out flyers.
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