The world's smallest developed country is almost "bought" by the Chinese, with Chinese immigrants making up 87% of the population!

Malta, the smallest developed country in the world, covers an area of just 316 square kilometers, which is even smaller than a medium-sized county in China.

Yet, this tiny island nation has attracted a large number of Chinese people.

According to statistics, the proportion of Chinese immigrants in Malta is as high as 87%.

What makes this small European country so attractive to Chinese people?

What charm has made so many Chinese families come to settle or travel here?

Malta’s native population is about 450,000, which might be considered just a large town in China.

However, if you visit, you will be surprised to find the place crowded with people, especially Chinese immigrants, who make up the vast majority of the immigrant population.

Some people describe it vividly: “For every 10 people approved for immigration, 9 are Chinese!”

So, why is this tiny country able to attract so many Chinese people?

Firstly, Malta offers an incredibly appealing educational environment.

Chinese parents, striving for their children to stand out in a highly competitive environment, often worry endlessly.

However, Malta, despite being a small country, has over 340 schools, making its academic density comparable to that of large cities.

More importantly, Malta follows the British education system, with six years of primary school, five years of secondary school, and an additional two-year internship.

After graduation, students can apply to universities in the UK or the US.

Before joining the EU, Malta had a 97% success rate for university applications.

In addition to education, Malta’s natural environment is also noteworthy.

As a Mediterranean island, it enjoys over 300 days of sunshine annually, with beaches and beautiful coastlines that are as charming as postcards.

Its historical and cultural heritage is also rich, with Roman ruins, medieval churches, and filming locations for movies like “Game of Thrones” and “Troy”.

The streets here can easily take you on a journey through history.

Malta’s appeal to so many Chinese immigrants is not only due to these natural advantages but also the country’s relatively relaxed immigration policy.

Although the policy has become stricter in recent years, compared to other countries, Malta's immigration policy is still quite attractive.

Firstly, Malta’s immigration policy is not overly strict.

In the past, even without a high level of education or English proficiency, one could apply for immigration to Malta with 500,000 euros in assets, including 150,000 euros in liquid funds, and invest some money.

Moreover, the investment options were quite flexible, including choices like renting a property or making donations, with the total investment being around 110,000 euros (about 800,000 RMB).

Even so, this would allow you to apply for immigration for your spouse, children, parents, and even grandparents, bringing four generations together to live in Europe, something unimaginable in other countries.

Malta’s identity is also highly valuable.

As the only country that is a member of the EU, the Schengen Area, the Commonwealth, and the Eurozone, having Maltese nationality is like having a “European passport”.

You can travel freely to 29 Schengen countries without needing a visa.

For example, you could enjoy the sunshine in Malta on Monday, visit an art exhibition in Paris on Tuesday, and tour the Colosseum in Rome on Wednesday, making travel as easy as a domestic trip within China.

Additionally, Malta provides high-quality healthcare.

Public hospitals in Malta offer free medical services, even including surgery treatments.

If you prefer more efficient medical services, you can pay less than 100 euros for private health insurance and choose any private hospital, where the service quality is also top-notch.

Although Malta’s immigration policy is very attractive, not everyone can easily adapt to life here.

In fact, many Chinese immigrants face some challenges in their daily lives.

Firstly, there is a cultural difference in education.

Many Chinese parents who have immigrated to Malta find that local schools give little homework, have less exam pressure, and the learning style is completely different from China.

Chinese parents are used to the “study hard” approach, while Malta emphasizes “happy education,” focusing on children’s interests and practical abilities.

This difference has made some parents feel uncomfortable, and some even seek out tutoring classes for their children.

However, there are few tutoring centers available locally, and the prices are high, making it difficult for many parents to meet the demand.

Additionally, due to Malta’s small population and limited resources, community life can sometimes involve some friction.

For example, Chinese families like to set off fireworks and dance in public squares during the New Year, but local residents may find this noisy, causing tensions between neighbors.

Furthermore, Malta’s traditional foods are relatively simple, and the cooking methods of Chinese cuisine, such as frying and stir-frying, may produce a lot of smoke, which might make neighbors unhappy.

In terms of living costs, although prices in Malta are relatively low, the demand has surged due to the high population density, causing prices to rise accordingly.

Water is desalinated, so the cost is relatively high, and vegetables are almost entirely imported, making them expensive, with a cabbage costing as much as 20 RMB.

Property prices are also subject to an “immigration premium,” with the price of real estate purchased by immigrants typically 15% higher than that of local residents.

Overall, while Malta is an ideal immigration destination, especially for Chinese families who seek better education and quality of life, it is not the right fit for everyone.

For families with technical skills and capital, Malta is undoubtedly a good choice.

But for those without sufficient resources, this small country may not be a perfect “stepping stone.”

If you think “moving to Malta means an easy life,” you may be disappointed.

Malta still has a future full of opportunities, especially in digital economy and fintech.

If you work in these industries, you might find a new development opportunity here.

In conclusion, immigrating to Malta is like shopping for a product.

Although the cost-performance ratio is high, whether it is suitable ultimately depends on personal needs and background.

If you can accept the cultural differences here and have enough financial support to sustain your life, Malta is undoubtedly an attractive choice.