Work Permits in Malta

Understand the legal requirements for working in Malta and find out how to get a work permit...
The government department responsible for work permits in Malta is the Department of Citizenship and Expatriate Affairs. Note that certain third country nationals require a visa before entering Malta.
- Find a list of third country nationals who require a visa for Malta
Who Needs a Work Permit?
Third country citizens and nationals of Croatia need a work permit (formerly an employment licence) in order to work in Malta. EU citizens (with the exception of those from Croatia) and Swiss nationals do not need a permit to work in Malta.
Work permits for third country nationals are under the responsibility of the Department of Citizenship and Expatriate Affairs, the same body who issues e-Residence cards. This Department acts as a “one stop shop” for third country nationals working and living in Malta, and the work permit and e-Residence card are applied for at the same time with a Single Permit application. In addition the Employment & Training Corporation are involved in the application procedure, as it examines all requests for work permits from a labour market perspective.
- Employment & Training Corporation
At: Hal Far Road, Hal Far, BBG 300, Malta
email - Find a local ETC office in Malta or Gozo
A work permit is not automatically granted and will only be offered when a citizen from the EEA or Switzerland cannot be identified for the position.
- Read more about the requirements on the EU Blue Card Network website
A work permit is also required for asylum seekers, refugees and those subject to temporary humanitarian protection.
Work Permit Applications
Non-EU nationals must submit a Single Permit application, which in turn must be endorsed by the employer or a prospective employer.
Documents required
The following procedure must be followed for the Single Permit application:
Fill in Form C, which must be taken to the ETC desk within the Department of Citizenship and Expatriate Affairs along with supporting documents and a photocopy of each one:
- Passport
- Employment licence (if applicable)
- Proof of sickness insurance coverage for all risks, if already residing in Malta
- Workers in regulated professions will need a document stating that conditions are fulfilled to exercise their profession in the EU
In addition to the above the following documents may also be required during the procedure
- Curriculum Vitae
- Job title and position description
- References
- Applicant's passport photo
- Copy of applicant's visa (if already in Malta)
- Copies of qualifications and diploma certificates
- Covering letter indicating site of work
- Evidence that a search has been performed to attempt to recruit a Maltese or EU national for the position.
Subject to the individual application, it may also be necessary to supply:
- Valid police check/certificate
- Refugee certificate
- Proof of long term residence
- Medical specialist evidence (for overseas carers)
- Children's birth certificate (for nanny jobs)
- Power of attorney
- Proof of relationship to a diplomat
- Proof from professional regulatory body abroad, for regulated professions
- Health clearance from a professional
Comprehensive information about the procedure is available from the Department of Citizenship and Expatriate Affairs and on the EU Immigration Portal.
Work Permits for Self-employment
Citizens of a third country may only be granted a work permit to be self-employed in exceptional circumstances. Examples include:
- Highly skilled innovators with a business plan and a commitment to employ three EU/Swiss citizens within 18 months of start-up
- Capital investment in Malta of at least €100,000
- Sole representative of an overseas company wishing to establish a branch in Malta
- A person leading a Malta Enterprise-approved project
Long-term residents, asylum seekers, refugees and those seeking humanitarian protection must still obtain a work permit to become self-employed, but are exempt from the above third country criteria.
Although EEA and Swiss nationals may take up self-employment without the need for a work permit, they must still send a Declaration of Commencement of Employment (referred to as an Engagement Form) to the Employment and Training Corporation.
Part-time Work Rules
Part-time work rules differ between EU and non-EU citizens.
- Third country employees may only work on a full-time basis, unless the remuneration of the part time employment is at least twice the minimum wage
- Romanian and Bulgarian citizens may only work part-time if they have previously worked 12 months in Malta on a full-time basis
- There are no restrictions placed on EU citizens, long-term residents, refugees or those under humanitarian protection