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How to volunteer in Malta: Requirements and best programs
We've put together everything you need to know about getting ready to volunteer in Malta in this article. Find out more!
Volunteering in Malta goes beyond simply completing program requirements. It gives you the opportunity to support local communities and environmental projects while experiencing daily life on one of the Mediterranean’s most unique islands.
In this guide, you’ll discover why Malta has become a popular destination for meaningful volunteer experiences. We’ll also introduce you to different volunteer programs and projects available on this Mediterranean island.
Keep reading and you might just find the inspiration you need to head to Malta and volunteer for causes that truly matter to you.
Why volunteer in Malta?
Volunteering in Malta not only helps the local community, but also gives you the chance to grow through the experiences the country offers. Here are some reasons why doing volunteer work in Malta can be beneficial for you too.
- You’ll gain a better understanding of the migrant experience: Malta receives migrants throughout the year who are either passing through to mainland Europe or settling on the island. As a volunteer, you can support their integration through education and social programs that improve their quality of life, and in some cases assist with basic healthcare while gaining useful experience.
- You’ll learn about marine conservation and wildlife: Several programs in Malta focus on protecting different animal species, both on land and in the sea. Through them, you’ll learn about the island’s wildlife, their behavior, and better ways to care for and protect local ecosystems.
- You’ll learn about history through hands-on experience: Malta is home to ancient temples and historic landmarks that require ongoing preservation efforts. This includes helping to record and digitize information about them, while gaining a deeper understanding of their cultural and historical importance.
- You’ll gain training in social work: The social work projects you can take part in will train you in different areas so you can make a meaningful impact on the island’s most vulnerable communities. These experiences can also help volunteers better understand the social challenges faced by vulnerable communities in Malta.
Requirements for volunteering in Malta
To volunteer in Malta, you’ll need to meet a few basic requirements. This ensures you can enter the country and carry out your activities smoothly for as long as needed. Below, we’ll go over the documents and other conditions you’ll need to have in place.
- Visa: You only need this document if you plan to stay in the country for more than 90 days. The appropriate option is a long-stay visa (Type D), which allows you to live legally on the island. If your volunteer placement is shorter than that, you don’t need to apply for a visa.
- Acceptance letter: This document is important because you need it to apply for a volunteer permit.
- Temporary residence permit: Once you’re in Malta, you’ll need to apply for a volunteer residence permit. Keep in mind that this document does not allow you to take on paid work.
- Valid passport: Your passport must be in good condition and valid for at least 6 months from the date you leave Malta.
- Age restrictions: You can volunteer in Malta if you’re between 18 and 30 years old. Some programs accept people from 16 with parental permission. Certain projects, especially environmental ones, don’t have an age limit.
- Criminal background check: You’ll need to show that you have no criminal record in your home country. Don’t forget to translate the document into English and get it apostilled.
- Health insurance: As is usually required when traveling to Europe, you must have health insurance with at least $32,000 in coverage, including medical and funeral repatriation.
- Certificate of good health: Some programs may occasionally require a medical check-up before you start, to confirm that you’re in good health.
- CV: This document is used to verify that your profile matches the position you are applying for.
- Financial resources: The Maltese Embassy will ask you to submit a daily budget to cover the costs of your stay during the volunteer program.
How to connect to the internet while volunteering in Malta
Internet is usually easy to access while volunteering in Malta, especially in urban areas. Still, it’s something you shouldn’t overlook, since you’ll rely on it for your volunteer work, getting around, staying in contact with your insurance, and even exploring the island.
We know getting a local phone plan is one option to stay connected, but physical SIM cards can be a hassle to set up, and you also risk losing your own SIM. That’s why we recommend Holafly’s monthly plans instead.
These plans offer either 25 GB or unlimited data that you can use across multiple devices, and they work in more than 160 countries. You activate them through an eSIM, so you don’t need to replace your physical SIM card. It only takes a few minutes to set up, and you’ll have internet ready whenever you need it.
Best volunteer programs in Malta
Many of the best volunteer programs in Malta are free to join. Below are some of the top volunteer programs in Malta, including their requirements, responsibilities, and typical placement lengths.
1. Natural Trust Malta
It’s a well-known NGO in Malta recognized for its work in environmental conservation and the rescue of wildlife, including turtles and other animals in need. Volunteer activities take place in natural parks, where participants not only help protect animals but also support environmental education workshops for local communities.
The requirements are fairly simple and focus mainly on reliability, teamwork, and a genuine interest in environmental conservation. They value a real interest in environmental work, an intermediate level of English, and a responsible attitude, especially when it comes to punctuality.
You can volunteer with Nature Trust for up to a year if you hold the necessary residency permits. If you’re only staying in Malta temporarily, you can still join for at least one month free of charge. Keep in mind that the program does not provide accommodation or meals, but it does offer technical training on how to rescue and care for the animals they support.
2. Sovereign Military Order of Malta
If you’re looking for a volunteer experience with real social and humanitarian impact, the Sovereign Military Order of Malta is a great option. Their work focuses on supporting people with disabilities, the elderly, and individuals experiencing homelessness through healthcare and community assistance programs.
While it’s not a strict requirement, having experience in caring for vulnerable or sick people is highly valued. They also look for volunteers with empathy, responsibility, and a strong interest in community support work.
Volunteer placements usually last between one and two weeks, depending on your availability and the project you join, although some missions may run longer. There’s no participation fee, but you’ll need to cover your own accommodation, transportation, and food expenses.
3. European Solidarity Corps
If you are passionate about protecting nature, this volunteer program fits you well. The organization manages natural reserves in Malta, carries out bird monitoring projects, and runs awareness campaigns against illegal hunting.
To join, you must be between 18 and 30 years old and come from an eligible country. You’ll also need to be available for 2 months to a year, depending on the project. If you’re accepted, the program covers your accommodation and round-trip flights.
In addition, you’ll receive between $7-9 per day for other expenses, although you should still budget for additional personal expenses.
4. Agenzija Sapport
This is a government-run program, so it’s open to the public. It involves supporting people with disabilities across different care centers throughout the island, along with organizing activities that encourage social inclusion.
The volunteer program is designed to last at least six months for international participants. It includes specialized training in social care, along with official recognition of your work by the Government of Malta.
Before applying, volunteers must provide a clean criminal record certificate and complete a screening interview. The program itself is free to join.
Types of volunteer projects in Malta
There are several types of volunteer projects in Malta, but here we’ll highlight the most common and well-known ones on the island. This should help you get a clearer idea of which kind of volunteering suits you best and where you’d feel most comfortable contributing.
1. Marine conservation and wildlife protection
This is one of the most important volunteer projects in Malta, thanks to its location, which allows for frequent sightings of different marine species. Volunteers often assist with monitoring and protecting species such as loggerhead turtles, octopuses, groupers, and amberjacks, many of which are affected by microplastics.
Conservation efforts also include beach clean-ups and coastal campaigns aimed at reducing litter and plastic pollution.
They also monitor migratory birds to help prevent illegal hunting, especially around the Dingli Cliffs, where species like the Cory’s shearwater and the blue rock thrush often nest.
2. Heritage preservation and digital archaeology project
This project is especially appealing because it involves working with megalithic temples that are believed to be older than the Egyptian pyramids. Tasks may include indexing historical information, digitizing records, and supporting ongoing efforts to preserve Malta’s archaeological heritage.
They also often need support managing visitors at the Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum, the only known underground temple of its kind, built around 2500 BC and still remarkably well preserved. Other tasks include helping with the upkeep of historic sites like Fort St. Angelo to support their preservation.
3. Social assistance and community support projects
Support for migrant communities, along with social and medical assistance for vulnerable groups, is one of the areas where volunteers are most needed in Malta.
Due to its location in the Mediterranean, Malta is often a transit point for migrants traveling toward mainland Europe. Many arrive after difficult sea crossings and require immediate medical attention and humanitarian support.
Volunteers also help migrants adapt to life in Malta by assisting with language learning, literacy programs, and community integration initiatives designed to improve access to employment opportunities.
Local vulnerable groups, including elderly people and individuals with disabilities, also benefit from these programs. Volunteers often spend time providing companionship, assisting with daily activities, and helping reduce social isolation.
How much does it cost to volunteer in Malta?
Costs for volunteering in Malta depend on the specific program and what’s included. Some programs cover things like accommodation and meals, and in some cases even flights, such as those under the European Solidarity Corps.
However, other programs require you to cover most or all of the costs yourself in order to volunteer in Malta. Below, we’ll give you a rough estimate of the budget you’d need if you’re going independently.
| Expense | Approximate cost |
| Accommodation | This is usually the biggest expense. Mid-range hotel or hostel rates are around €40–70 ($43–75) per night. If you’re staying for at least a month, it’s usually better to rent a room in a shared flat, which can cost around €450 ($490) per month. |
| Meals | Depending on your eating habits, costs can range from around €13 ($14) per day if you cook where you’re staying, up to about €30 ($32) per day if you mix home-cooked meals with eating out for at least one meal. |
| Flights from Latin America or Europe | If you’re traveling from Latin America, flights can range from around €700 ($760) in the low season to €1,200 ($1,300) in peak season. From some European countries, prices are much lower, usually between €60 ($65) and €150 ($160) for a round trip. |
| Local transportation | If you’re a long-term volunteer, you can get a Tallinja Card, which is only available to residents and allows you to travel for free. If you’re only staying for a few weeks, you’ll need to pay per trip, usually around €2.00–2.50 ($2.15–2.70), depending on the season. |
| Medical insurance | It’s required to enter the European Union and typically costs between €40 and €60 ($43–65) per month. |
Frequently asked questions about volunteering in Malta
No. If your volunteering lasts less than 90 days, you don’t need to apply for a volunteer visa for Malta. However, if your placement lasts longer than 90 days, you need a visa.
Some programs are designed for young volunteers aged 18 to 30. Others don’t have an upper age limit, but you do need to be at least 18.
No. In Malta, authorities don’t consider volunteering a simple exchange of services, as they treat it as work under local regulations. Because of this, it requires the appropriate visa or permit.
The shortest volunteer placements in Malta last about two weeks, while the maximum can be up to 12 months with the appropriate visa, for volunteers coming from Latin America.
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