Opening a bank account is the step that most often holds up everything else when you move to Malta. It takes weeks rather than days, and almost nobody is told that before they arrive. Start it early.
Why it takes so long
The checks are heavy. Appointments are booked ahead rather than walked into, and approval takes time after the appointment. The requirements also vary between banks, and sometimes between branches of the same bank.
That last part is the frustrating one. Two people can be told two different things and both be right about the branch they went to.
What to bring
A passport, proof of a Maltese address, and proof of income or employment. Often a reference as well. Some banks want to see a residence document before they will even open the file.
Bring originals and copies of all of it. Expect to be asked for something that was not on the list. Not having it costs you another appointment.
Do it in the right order
Address first, because you cannot prove one you do not have. Then the residence paperwork, then the bank. Trying to do them at the same time usually means going round in a circle.
There is a step by step version of this in the first 30 days, and the detail on documents is on the eResidence card page.
Do not plan around it
Nobody should resign a job abroad on the assumption that a Maltese account will exist by the time they land. Keep a working account somewhere else until the Maltese one is open and tested.
Cash still matters day to day
Contactless works everywhere in shops and restaurants. Village bars, bakeries and pastizzeriji are often cash only, and some of them are the places you will use most.
Carry coins. The full picture is on the banking page.
