A Guide to Work Permits in Malta

Obtaining a work permit in Malta is a crucial step for a foreign national seeking employment opportunity.

Malta, offers an attractive environment for individuals seeking employment opportunities. If you are a foreign national planning to work in Malta, understanding the work permit requirements is crucial. This article outlines the key information you need to know before starting your employment journey.

Types of Work Permits:

1. Single Work Permit (SWP): The Single Work Permit is the primary permit issued to non-EU/EES/Swiss citizens who wish to work in Malta. The permit will be tied to a specific employer. To obtain a Single work permit, your employer must show that there are no suitable candidates within the EU/EEA/Switzerland for the position and validate that as a candidate you are fit and proper to carry the responsibilities as assigned in the application. These normally include experience, good conduct, and qualifications among other requirements. The employer must apply for a work permit on your behalf.

2. Highly Qualified Persons (HQP) Permit: The HQP permit is designed to attract highly skilled professionals to work in Malta. These include executives, managers, and specialists in specific industries such as ICT, gaming, financial services and more. There are also various tax benefits made available to attract highly qualified individuals to Malta.

3. Key Employee Initiative (KEI) Permit: The KEI permit is focused on attracting senior management personnel or individuals with specialized skills to key positions within Malta-based companies. The requirements include a minimum salary threshold and a valid employment contract for at least one year.

4. Temporary Work Permit: This permit is suitable for individuals who wish to work in Malta for a limited period, typically less than 90 days. Temporary work permits are issued for specific projects, conferences, training programs, or short-term assignments. The employer must initiate the application process on behalf the employee.

Work Permit Conditions:

Once the work permit is approved, there are certain conditions that both employer and employee must adhere to:

1. The employer is responsible for ensuring compliance with Maltese labor laws, including providing a safe working environment, fair remuneration, and adherence to employment contracts.
2. Work permits are typically issued for a specific period and are renewable. The renewal process involves reapplying with the necessary documentation, proving that the job position remains valid.
3. If you wish to change your employer while in Malta, you will need to apply for a new work permit, and your prospective employer must fulfill the necessary requirements.

For further information you can also visit the Identity Malta web portal here.