Valletta: How Blockchain Became a Growth Engine for the Island of the Hospitallers

Malta rarely makes headlines in crypto media, but it was Valletta — the sun-drenched, stone-built capital — that became one of the first cities in Europe to officially support the digital asset industry.

The country has already established itself as a sought-after safe haven for Web3 companies.

Add to that an English-speaking environment, a European legal system, and tax flexibility — and it’s easy to see why Malta is so popular among those seeking a balance between legitimacy and freedom.

Malta’s Unique Experiment

Malta was one of the first countries in Europe to implement a comprehensive legal framework for the crypto industry.

• In 2018, the country passed the Virtual Financial Assets Act (VFA), which regulates ICOs, crypto exchanges, and custodial services.
• Under the supervision of the Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA), projects must obtain licenses and undergo annual audits.
• Malta has also earned a solid reputation as a crypto offshore jurisdiction — offering favorable conditions for international investors, including a corporate tax rate starting at 5%, no capital gains tax, and other attractive incentives.

This has made the country a popular hub for tax optimization among Web3 projects.

• On one hand, this regime earned Malta a reputation as one of the leaders of the European crypto scene.
• On the other, since 2021, the island has started aligning with EU and MiCA regulations, which somewhat slowed the influx of residents seeking a fully deregulatory zone.

Still, many companies prefer to choose Valletta as a launchpad for entering the European market.

Taxation for private investors remains extremely lenient: 

• Capital gains are tax-exempt if crypto assets are held for more than 183 days.
• Legal entities pay between 5% and 35%, depending on the structure of tax deductions and refund schemes.

Ecosystem and Crypto Events: Valletta as a Web3 City

Despite its modest size, Valletta is building a comfortable infrastructure for digital tourists and freelancers.

On the city’s narrow streets, you’ll find coworking spaces like Soho Office Space and 111 Space, where you might run into a DeFi architect from Budapest, a marketer from Lisbon, or a developer from Kyiv.

Life in Valletta is compact: you can work from a modern office with a sea view, then walk just a few minutes to an old fish market with baroque facades and enjoy lunch served in traditional clay dishes at a cozy basement café.

Fast internet, comfortable workspaces, and a stunning climate — like eternal spring — make this kind of daily routine especially appealing for those who are tired of hectic megacities. 

Valletta (and Malta as a whole) has become a stage for some of the largest Web3 events in the Mediterranean.

Among them:

• AIBC Europe (held in autumn) — an annual expo-conference gathering developers, investors, and government officials at Valletta Waterfront.
• SiGMA Europe (held in November) — a multi-industry event focused on integrating blockchain into the gambling sector.
• NEXT Summit: Valletta (held in May) — an international conference on digital assets and fintech.

Local events are also held regularly — CryptoMondays Malta, workshops by MDIA, and meetups at Soho Office Space and the MITA Innovation Hub.

Crypto for Dinner: Everyday Life with Digital Assets

In Valletta, there are already places where cryptocurrency is a common method of payment.

Among them:

1. Restaurants like Soul Food, The Submarine, Piadina Caffe, as well as venues by chef Marvin Gauci — Caviar & Bull and Buddhamann — all of which accept BTC Lightning payments.
2. Fans of Japanese cuisine should check out Gochi in St. Julian’s, the first sushi restaurant in Malta to accept Bitcoin.
3. Hotels worth mentioning include Palais Le Brun and Domus Zamittello, both boutique-style stays in the historic center of Valletta.
4. Tourist attractions accepting crypto payments include the National Museum of Archaeology, the Blitz Malta art gallery, and Fort St. Elmo, which often hosts digital art exhibitions.

There are no crypto ATMs directly in Valletta, but several are installed at key locations across Malta. Notable spots include The Point Shopping Mall in Sliema and Malta International Airport.

Operated by General Bytes, these crypto ATMs support BTC and USDT.

As across the rest of Europe, it’s easy to use crypto cards on the island — most commonly Crypto.com, WhiteBIT Nova, and Revolut Metal, all offering cashback and euro withdrawals.

Where to Study, Work, and Earn in Crypto Valletta

Malta continues to attract Web3 professionals with its English-speaking environment, reliable European legal framework, and welcoming attitude toward foreigners.

Education: University of Malta

The University of Malta is one of the oldest in Europe and enjoys an outstanding academic reputation.

It offers a Master’s program in Blockchain and Distributed Ledger Technologies, covering technical, legal, and business aspects. The program is conducted in English and draws students from around the world.

The university also hosts research seminars, internships, and partnership programs with tech companies.

Read more in our article: Bitcoin Education Goes Academic: Inside the First Online Master’s Program

Career: Where to Find a Job in Crypto on Malta

If you're looking for a job in the crypto industry in Malta, here are a few companies that frequently post openings for Web3 professionals:

• ZBX — a European digital asset platform with an office in Valletta.
• BCAS Malta — a consulting firm specializing in regulation and DeFi project support; often hires analysts, legal experts, and blockchain consultants.
• DQR Group — operates in the field of digital identity and Web3 infrastructure.

In addition, freelance opportunities are growing rapidly on the island, with small NFT startups, decentralized platforms, and fintech services actively developing.

Job openings often appear directly in local Telegram groups and on social media.

Salaries in Malta: From Junior to Senior Roles

Malta offers favorable conditions for blockchain and crypto professionals — combining quality education, access to companies, and remote-work comfort.

• Web developers in Malta typically earn between €50,000 and €82,000 per year.
• UI/UX and graphic designers earn around €35,000 annually.
• Product managers, analysts, and technical leads can expect salaries ranging from €50,000 to €80,000, especially when working with international startups registered on the island.

Learn more about remote work of Web3 industry in our article: Crypto Jobs Are Remote-First: Everything You Need to Know

Renting in Valletta: From Palazzo to Modest Studio

1. Ta’ Xbiex

If you're after a high standard of living and want to wake up every day to the sight of luxury yachts, historic consulates, and be just steps from the city’s business district — this is your spot.

Finding a place in a new building is tough here, but a one-bedroom apartment with a bathroom and quality renovation in a historic structure will cost around €1,500.

2. Mandragora

A neighborhood “with soul”: narrow streets, balconies, and cats lounging on windowsills. Local artists and digital creatives have claimed it for its unique historic vibe.

Rental prices start at €1,200.

3. Floriana

A sensible alternative to the crowded tourist center. You can live on a quiet street and walk to the city center in just 15 minutes. Rent starts at €850.

4. Birkirkara

Looking for a budget-friendly option? Take a look at this district. Mostly locals live here, and the vibe is slow-paced, almost laid-back. Public transport is infrequent, so be prepared to walk a lot.

Still, you can rent an apartment here for as little as €600.

What Every Digital Nomad Should See in Valletta

1. Upper Barrakka Gardens

A green balcony overlooking the harbor. Every day at noon, a traditional cannon salute echoes through the gardens — a ritual dating back to the British Empire.

2. Fort St. Elmo 

A historic fortress at the tip of the peninsula that once protected the island from Ottoman invasions. Today, it houses the National War Museum and hosts digital art exhibitions.

3. Old Town Valletta

A maze of limestone-paved streets, dotted with churches, markets, and baroque buildings. Wandering through them is the best way to disconnect from digital life.

4. Sliema Promenade 

A seafront walkway where you’ll find digital expats discussing project ideas over a glass of wine. A go-to spot for jogs, meetups, and casual gatherings.

5. The Three Cities (Birgu, Senglea, Cospicua)

The cradle of Maltese history — and at the same time, a vibrant cluster of new art projects. Perfect for daytime boat trips or an evening aperitif.

Crypto valletta Is made for you If you:

• want to live in Europe, but without the overwhelm;
• value crypto-friendly bureaucracy and tax flexibility;
• love having everything you need within walking distance.

This island might not be for you if you:

• are looking for urban office towers and fast-paced city life;
• dislike heat and a slow rhythm of living;
• aren’t used to the idea that pleasures can be too simple.

If you're curious about crypto-friendly offshore destinations, be sure to check out our article: No Taxes, No Worries—The Best Countries for Crypto Expats