The iGaming industry has truly gone global. Companies based in Malta are building teams with talent from across Europe - Sweden, the UK, Portugal, Spain, Germany, and beyond - filling everything from customer support and marketing roles to product management, compliance, and engineering positions. If you're considering a move, you're probably weighing up more than just salary figures and tax rates, questions such as: 

These are all questions that matter, and at JobMatchingPartner, we've dug into the details to give you real answers. We take an honest look at how Malta stacks up against its European competitors across all the factors that are likely to affect your day-to-day life and long-term career. We've also built an interactive comparison tool to accompany this analysis, so you can see how different scenarios might play out in your specific situation.

Why is Malta an iGaming Hub?

Malta didn't become a gaming powerhouse by accident. The island built its reputation on two key pillars: a regulatory framework and a genuinely attractive tax structure for businesses. The Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) was among the first regulators in the world to license online betting platforms, and they've spent years refining their approach to stay ahead of the curve and keep companies interested and investing.

Regarding taxes, this is how it operates: Companies pay a headline corporation tax rate of 35%, however, the effective rate frequently falls to around 5% due to Malta's refund procedures. Businesses benefit greatly from this, and as a direct result, the sector offers many employment opportunities.

But Malta offers more than just favourable numbers. English is an official language here, which means contracts, meetings, and everyday conversations are straightforward for international professionals. You're not going to struggle ordering a coffee or navigating government services. The island also delivers 300 days of sunshine a year - that Mediterranean climate is a genuine draw if you've spent winters anywhere further north. As an EU member state, Malta gives companies full access to the single market, and because so many gaming firms have set up shop here, there's a mature ecosystem of specialised lawyers, banks, and payment providers who understand the industry inside out.

Island life isn't perfect. Housing stock is limited, and competition for quality apartments can push rents higher than you might expect. Many goods are imported, which affects prices on everything from groceries to electronics. Public transport is improving but still developing, so you'll find it's not quite at the level of larger European cities yet.

The key is understanding these trade-offs clearly. In the sections below - and in our comparison tool - we'll help you weigh Malta's advantages against what other European destinations can offer.

Country-by-Country Comparisons

Let's get straight to what you really want to know: how do these countries actually stack up when you put everything side by side?

Below is a snapshot comparison of the key metrics that matter. Keep in mind these are mid-level professional estimates - your actual figures will vary based on lifestyle choices, specific city, and role seniority. That's exactly why we built the interactive tool: to give you personalised calculations based on your situation.

What This Actually Means

The disposable income column is where things get really interesting. Malta and Portugal consistently deliver healthy amounts of money left over after you've covered rent, utilities, groceries, and transport. You're not just surviving - you're actually able to save, travel, and enjoy yourself.

Sweden and Germany offer higher headline salaries, but those gains get eroded by higher taxes and living expenses. You'll still have disposable income, but proportionally less than you might expect given the difference in gross salaries.

The UK is attractive for senior roles where salaries push significantly higher, but if you're based in London, the cost of living can devour your earnings remarkably quickly. Outside London, the equation improves considerably, but you lose some of the career opportunities that make the UK attractive in the first place.

Spain offers an appealing lifestyle and reasonable costs, but unless you secure a higher salary or live outside the major cities, your disposable income remains modest. It's a lifestyle choice more than a financial optimisation.

The Maltese Advantage in Numbers

Malta delivers a very competitive disposable income on a lower gross salary. That €40,000 in Malta leaves you with roughly €800 per month in genuinely free money - comparable to or better than what you'd have earning €50,000 in Sweden or Germany.

Factor in the 300 days of sunshine, English as an official language, and the thriving professional community, and the value proposition becomes even clearer. You're not sacrificing quality of life for financial advantage - you're getting both.

Use our interactive comparison tool to plug in your specific role level, housing preferences, and lifestyle choices. The personalised estimates will show you exactly how your situation would play out in each country.

What Comes Next

This first section sets the foundation, but it’s only the start.

The goal isn’t to sell Malta as a perfect option. It’s to help you make an informed one.

If you want to see how these comparisons apply to your own situation right now, use our cost of living tool or salary calculator. Adjust role level, salary, and living preferences to understand what your take-home pay and disposable income could realistically look like in Malta versus other EU destinations.

And if you’re actively exploring opportunities, you can view current roles on our jobs page.

Clear information leads to better career decisions.