Malta’s New Pre-Departure Requirement for First-Time Single Permit Applicants

What Employers and Third-Country Nationals Should Expect from March 1st, 2026

From March 1st, 2026, Malta will formally integrate a mandatory Pre-Departure Course into the Single Permit application process for first-time third-country national (TCN) applicants. The measure forms part of the Government’s broader labour migration reforms and represents a structural shift in how work authorisations are prepared and submitted.

In practical terms, certain applicants will no longer be able to proceed directly to a Single Permit submission. Instead, they must first complete a government-approved training and verification process and obtain a certificate before the application can move forward.

Historically, the Single Permit process has centred primarily on documentation: employment contracts, labour market approvals, and compliance formalities. The new framework introduces an additional layer.

The Pre-Departure Course is delivered through the Skills Pass system and is designed to ensure that incoming workers understand the fundamentals of living and working in Malta before entering the country. The objective extends beyond administrative compliance and aims at informed integration.

Structure of the Course

The requirement applies to first-time Single Permit applicants and is divided into two parts.
Part 1: Core Integration Modules (Mandatory for All Applicants)
All relevant applicants must complete two online modules:

• Living and Working in Malta
• Rights and Obligations at the Workplace

The modules are completed remotely through the official portal and include video content, reading material and knowledge checks. On average, applicants should expect to dedicate approximately 10–12 hours per module.

Completion of the online material alone is not sufficient. Applicants must successfully pass the accompanying assessments before proceeding to the verification stage.

Live Verification Interview

Once the online component has been completed, the applicant is required to attend a short live interview (approximately 20 minutes). This session serves two purposes:

• To verify basic English language ability
• To confirm comprehension of the course material

The interview is conducted online through the Skills Pass system or, where applicable, at designated centres abroad.
Only after successfully completing this stage will the applicant be issued with a Pre-Departure Course certificate.

Timeframes and Deadlines

Applicants have up to 42 days from registration on the Skills Pass portal to complete Part 1, including assessments and the live interview. During this period, course materials may be reviewed multiple times.

Although the Skills Pass portal became operational in early January 2026, the key operational milestone is March 1st, 2026. From this date onwards, the Pre-Departure certificate becomes a required component of first-time Single Permit applications. Applications lodged without a valid certificate can not proceed.

For employers, this introduces an important timing consideration: the course must be factored into recruitment planning before employment commencement dates are finalised.

What if the Applicant Does Not Pass?

The framework allows for retakes. If an applicant does not successfully pass either the online assessment or the live interview, they may revisit the course content and attempt the assessment again. However, this flexibility exists within the 42-day completion window. Delays in preparation or repeated unsuccessful attempts may affect hiring timelines, making early enrolment advisable once a recruitment decision has been made.

Part 2: Sector-Specific Certification

In certain sectors, most notably tourism and hospitality, additional certification may apply under the Skills Pass regime. This is commonly referred to as “Part 2” and includes occupation-specific requirements.

Not all applicants will fall within this category. Employers operating in regulated sectors should verify whether additional obligations apply before initiating recruitment.

Practical Implications for Employers

The introduction of the Pre-Departure Course will have tangible operational effects:

• Extended hiring timelines: recruitment cycles may lengthen by several weeks, particularly where English proficiency preparation is required.
• Earlier candidate engagement: employers may need to begin onboarding steps sooner than under previous procedures.
• Alignment of documentation: employment contracts, housing arrangements and supporting documentation must be coordinated with certificate issuance dates.
• Employers accustomed to fast-tracked submissions may need to recalibrate expectations accordingly.

Policy Context

The reform reflects Malta’s attempt to balance labour market demand with integration standards. By requiring workers to understand employment rights and workplace expectations before arrival, the authorities aim to:

• Reduce cases of misunderstanding or exploitation
• Strengthen compliance culture
• Encourage smoother social integration

It represents a more structured approach to labour migration rather than a simple tightening of entry requirements.

How Finanzi Supports Clients Under the New Framework

At Finanzi, we view this development not as a barrier, but as a planning consideration. With proper coordination, the Pre-Departure Course can be integrated seamlessly into the broader Single Permit strategy.

Our assistance includes:

• Assessing whether the requirement applies in a specific case
• Advising employers on realistic recruitment timelines
• Guiding applicants on preparation strategies for assessments and interviews
• Coordinating documentation readiness in parallel with course completion
• Managing the full Single Permit submission once certification is obtained

Early preparation will be key to ensuring a smooth and timely application process under the new rules.

Get in touch for more details.