When I first started my online business, I had no idea it would grow into the Shopify empire I run today. I’m talking multiple stores, thousands of orders, and a whole lot of late nights spent tweaking product listings. My journey began in Sweden, where I launched my first store, a modest side hustle selling eco-friendly products. Little did I know that one decision would change my life forever.
Fast forward a couple of years, and I found myself at a crossroads. My business was growing, and I needed to focus full-time on scaling it. Sweden, though lovely, was not exactly the entrepreneurial paradise I was dreaming of. I needed a place where I could not only work but also enjoy life—where the sun shines more than four months a year (I love you, Sweden, but let’s be honest).
That’s when Malta came into the picture.
Why Malta? The Advantages of Island Living
I’ll admit, Malta wasn’t my first choice at first. But after doing some research and chatting with a few fellow entrepreneurs, I realized it was the perfect spot for someone like me. Here’s why:
- Tax Benefits: Let’s be real. One of the major pulls was Malta’s favorable tax system. Running multiple Shopify stores comes with its challenges, and saving money on taxes is a huge relief. Malta’s corporate tax refund system has given me more room to reinvest in my businesses, hire better talent, and even launch a few new stores.
- A Vibrant Expat Community: As someone who left their homeland, it was essential for me to find a place where I wouldn’t feel isolated. Malta has a large and welcoming expat community, filled with people from all over the world, many of whom are in tech, e-commerce, and online businesses. It feels like home, even though it’s a whole new country.
- The Mediterranean Lifestyle: Imagine waking up to sunshine almost every day of the year, surrounded by beautiful beaches and historic architecture. It’s not just about work anymore—living here has given me a better work-life balance. I can take breaks, dip in the sea, and still run my stores from my laptop. It’s like living in paradise but with high-speed internet.
- Great for Family Life: Moving with my family was a big step. But Malta has great schools, a safe environment, and plenty of activities for kids. It’s also small enough that you don’t feel overwhelmed but packed with enough culture and history to make every weekend feel like a mini-adventure.
The Hilarious First Day of School Incident
Speaking of family, here’s a funny story. On my kids’ first day at their new school in Malta, everything was going smoothly until, somehow, both of them managed to get lost. I’m not even kidding—they ended up at the wrong school! One was in a classroom speaking broken Maltese (which neither of us speak), and the other was having lunch with a group of students they didn’t even recognize.
The school called me, and I’m trying to explain to them in my Swedish-English hybrid that we’ve only been in Malta for like, two weeks, and I have no idea how my kids managed to enroll themselves in the wrong school. It was chaos! Thankfully, they eventually got sorted out, and now they have tons of local friends. But I’ll never forget their first day—that’s the price you pay when you’re the “new Swedish family” in town!
Finding Our Dream Home – Thanks to Zanzi Homes
One of the best decisions I made during this move was working with Zanzi Homes. Finding the perfect home in a foreign country is no small feat, especially when you’ve got kids, a growing business, and absolutely zero sense of direction (as you can tell from the school incident). I was a little lost when I started my house hunt, but Zanzi Homes made the whole process seamless.
They understood what we were looking for: a spacious home with room for the kids, a dedicated office space for me (because, let’s face it, running multiple Shopify stores means I need my space!), and close proximity to schools and beaches. They were incredible in helping me find the perfect spot.
If you’re considering moving to Malta, I can’t recommend Zanzi Homes enough. Check out their property for sale on Malta page to find your dream home. Trust me, they’ll make it easy for you!
Malta: The Best Decision for My Business and Life
Moving to Malta has been a game-changer for both my personal life and my business. I’ve been able to focus more on growing my Shopify stores, enjoy an incredible lifestyle, and give my family an experience we wouldn’t have had anywhere else. From the tax benefits to the beautiful surroundings, Malta offers everything a digital entrepreneur could ask for.
And while the kids getting lost on their first day at school was hilarious in hindsight, they’ve settled in, and so have we. Malta has become home.
If you’re an online entrepreneur or just someone looking for a change, Malta might just be the place for you too. Plus, it doesn’t hurt that you can take a quick dip in the Mediterranean between conference calls!
