Competitive Operational Costs

Operational costs in Malta are generally 30 to 35% of those in the UK.  This applies to salaries and general business costs such as office location.  Costs for visiting clientele are low as hospitality, hotels and ancillary services are highly competitive.

Malta is starting to develop industrial clusters around state-of-the-art infrastructure.  The key development coming on stream within two years is SmartCity Malta, which foresees a knowledge economy cluster of firms operating in a purpose-built, state-of-the-art media and business park.  SmartCity Malta, in a prime coastal location, is expected to become one of the premier business centres in the region.  Given its services, desirable location and exceptionally high quality office spaces, it will offer an extremely attractive proposition to firms seeking a prestigious EU domicile.   

The Islands have seen a huge surge in high quality office space in recent years as a result of the growth of its services sector.  Private consortia are investing in ‘lifestyle’ developments which offer a combination of commercial, retail, leisure and private residential spaces.  These are generally located in key, urban areas and afford sea views.

At the top end of the market, commercial space in prestige developments comes in around € 300 - € 420 per sq.m. a year.  Mid-market, smart office blocks in the central Malta areas of Sliema, Gzira and Ta’Xbiex are around € 58 - € 116 per sq.m. a year.
 
Industrial rentals are exceptionally good value for money.  Malta Enterprise, the government agency assisting incoming firms, can provide industrial property to prospective investors at highly competitive rates. Malta’s average industrial property rate of €10/m2 compares favourably relative to the secondary rental markets in Italy, Austria, France, Luxembourg, Ireland and the UK. Malta has among the lowest of all prime industrial property in EU markets. Malta has 10 industrial zones offering industrial property at these competitive rates.

Smaller, government-backed parks include Mosta Technopark in the centre of the island. Designed with technology firms in mind, it houses technology investors from Malta, Italy, France, Germany and the UK. In addition, Malta Enterprise operates a Business Incubation Centre (KBIC) for start-ups which offers a portfolio of subsidized services to its clients.