The Malta Esports Association welcomes the measures announced during the 2025 budget speech on the 28th October 2024 by the Minister of Finance, Clyde Caruana, in Parliament.
The budget measures announced include the introduction of an esports visa. This important measure, proposed by the Malta Esports Association in its 2022 launch manifesto document, marks a significant step forward in positioning Malta as a premier destination for esports, not only within Europe but on the global stage.
The esports visa will facilitate international players’ travel to Malta, streamlining their access and participation in esports tournaments, events, and training camps. This initiative directly addresses challenges players and teams have faced, notably in terms of logistical and visa-related hurdles, which often complicate participation and planning. By making this process more straightforward, Malta will become a more attractive and accessible choice for international teams.
The esports visa will also offer substantial benefits for Malta’s economy and cultural landscape. As a developing hub for esports and digital entertainment, Malta can become a desirable destination for esports competitions, resulting in increased visitor numbers, with players, coaches, support teams, and fans all potentially spending time—and money—on the islands. This influx can stimulate sectors like hospitality, tourism, and retail.
Moreover, establishing Malta as a go-to destination for esports events will catalyze further investment and create opportunities for local talent. Maltese players will benefit from increased access to top-tier competition, exposure to international standards, and the chance to network with leading figures in the industry.
The Malta Esports Association also welcomes the increased budget earmarked for esports in 2025, and amounting to €3.5 million. This shows an increased commitment by the Maltese Government for further development of the esports sector. The Malta Esports Association augurs that it will be consulted with regards to the distribution of the fund, in order to ensure that the funds are implemented in the most effective way possible for the benefit of the sector, including the local esports community.
The Malta Esports Association acknowledges the success achieved by the country in attracting international esports teams such as Furia and Talon Esports to the country. The Malta Esports Association is proud to have contributed to the facilitation of the move for these international esports teams.
While we celebrate the announcements made, the Malta Esports Association strongly believes there are additional measures that could bolster Malta’s esports ecosystem, particularly through investment in infrastructure necessary for esports. For instance, further investment in specialized training facilities, continued financial incentives for esports startups, and fostering partnerships between educational institutions and esports organizations would build a more sustainable, inclusive framework for esports in Malta.