How to get a work permit; For years Maltese companies have been using foreign nationals for key personnel positions, obtaining for them work permits and residence permits by virtue of the International Transport Workers’ Federation Agreement. I.T.F. states that the holders of maritime transport work certificates are entitled to disembark in any country they choose to work in and remain there until their contract with the ship expires or is terminated.

Getting a work visa in Malta isn’t that difficult. You’ll need to be sponsored by an employer and this is where the red tape starts. Working without permit can lead to some pretty hefty fines and even time behind bars. I have compiled this list of ten tips on how you can make your application as smooth as possible. We will base our discussion today on – AA. But, other resources which you can find on our website include some frequently asked questions such as: malta work permit online apply and malta work permit processing time

How To Get Work Permit In Malta

Malta is an island nation with a population of more than 400,000. In the recent years, it has become a popular destination for expats and offshore businesses due to its sunny weather and welcoming people. The country has been dubbed as the “Blockchain Island” for embracing the blockchain technology with open arms.

Malta, which is part of the European union has a high employment rate in its various industries which is an attractive factor for overseas jobseekers to look for a job here. People from outside the EU or EEA have to apply for a work permit in order to work here.

Overseas jobseekers who wish to work here must have their work permits sponsored by their employers as dictated by immigration laws in their country. Employees from non-EU countries must first get a visa to enter Malta and then apply for a work permit once they are in the country.

Employment licenses must be applied for by the employer and not by the jobseeker.

Work permit for non-EU citizens

Individuals form non-EU nations are eligible for a Single Permit Application which is processed by their employer and gives them the right to work and live in Malta. The application for a Single Permit must include the following documents:

• Copy of a valid employment contract
• Private medical insurance policy that provides coverage for 12 months
• Covering letter from the prospective employer
• Position description signed by the employer
• A signed CV showing work experience of at least three years

 A single permit is also known as the e-residence card grants individuals the right to live and work in Malta, however the applicant must have a valid visa to stay in Malta.

The single permit is usually processed in two to three months. The permit is valid for one year. The residence card is linked to the employer whose work contract was included in the application. The cad will become invalid if the individual ceases to work with that particular employer.

The employer can submit the application on behalf of the employee. If the application is successful an authorization letter is issued to the employer to allow the applicant to come to Malta and work there. At this stage the applicants can apply for a visa to enter Malta based on the letter and complete the single permit process once they are in Malta.

Renewal of work permit: Single permits can be renewed by submitting an application for renewal, which must be accompanied by documentation certifying that income tax and national insurance contributions have been duly paid for the preceding 12 months.

Key Employment Initiative (KEI)

The KEI is a relatively new scheme launched by the government of Malta that provided a fast-track work permit application service to non-EU citizens with highly specialized skills who wish to work in Malta.

Under this scheme prospective employees can get their single permits within five working days after they submit their application. This option is open for those qualified for managerial or highly-technical roles which require relevant qualifications or work experience.

Applicants for this scheme must meet the following criteria:

• They must have an annual gross salary of at least 30,000 pounds
• Certified copies that prove they have the relevant qualifications and the necessary work experience of at least a three-year period
• Declaration by the employer that they have the necessary qualifications to perform the job

The KEI scheme is also extended to innovators who are keen to initiate start-up projects in Malta. Approved permits will be valid for one year which can then be renewed for a maximum of three years.

EU Blue card

Individuals from non-EU countries who have the EU Blue Card can apply for a work permit which will be valid for one year and can be renewed later. EU Blue Card holders will be given special consideration provided they are highly-qualified and are being hired for a job that whose annual gross salary is 1.5 times higher than the normal wages in Malta. 

Qualifying Employment in Innovation and Creativity

Another option is the Qualifying Employment in Innovation and Creativity which is available to citizens of countries in the European Economic Area, Switzerland and third wcountries.

To qualify one must have an annual income which is over 52,000 Euros. Individuals must have a suitable qualification or sufficient professional experience in a function comparable to that of the Eligible Office for a minimum of three (3) years.

In addition to meeting the minimum annual income requirement, a beneficiary must also meet the following criteria:

· Must not be domiciled in Malta

· Do not draw taxable employment income from work performed in Malta or any time spent outside Malta in conjunction with such work or tasks

· Under Maltese law, you are protected as an employee.

· Demonstrate that they have professional qualifications to the satisfaction of the competent authority

· Must have consistent and reliable resources that are sufficient to support themselves and their family (without recourse to the social assistance system in Malta)

· Reside in housing that is considered regular for a comparable family in Malta and complies with Malta’s general health and safety regulations.

· Must have a valid travel document

· Must have health insurance

Employment license through JobsPlus

Jobsplus is the government body responsible for issuing employment licenses that are usually valid for one year from the issue date. Applications for employment licenses must be submitted by the prospective employer, and are subject to considerations of the labor market.

Malta Work Visa and Permit

Complete guide to obtaining a work visa for the Malta, the required documents, the application steps, and FAQs

In this article

Malta is a small but very exciting and modern country. So if you want to work in Malta to experience what Malta has to offer, you must know how the application process for a Maltese work visa goes and which criteria you need to meet. 

Do I Need a Visa to Work in Malta?

Everyone who comes from a non-EU/EEA country or Switzerland needs to apply for a visa to work in Malta. You need a visa even if you will work for less than 90 days.

Meanwhile, EU/EEA/Swiss citizens can live indefinitely in Malta and work without a work permit.  Within three months after arriving, they must register with the Department for Citizenship and Expatriate Affairs.

Types of Malta Work Permits

The types of Malta work permits are as follows:

• Single Permit.
• Key employment initiative.
• EU Blue Card.

The Malta work visa is a term encompassing all the types of work permits issued by the Maltese government.

Single permit

A Malta single permit is a work visa that allows the holder to live and work in Malta long-term. To apply for a single permit, you must have an offer of employment from a Maltese employer. You must submit the application for a single permit in Malta. If you are still abroad, your employer submits the application on your behalf.  A single permit takes two to three months to process.

Key Employee Initiative

The Key Employee Initiative is a new work permit that Malta recently launched for highly skilled workers. This work visa is issued relatively fast— with a processing time of five days. However, to qualify for the Key Employment Initiative, you have to make sure you meet the following eligibility criteria:

• Relevant skills and work experience for the qualified job.
• An annual salary of at least €30,000.
• Document copies of your previous work experiences over the last three years.

EU Blue Card

The EU Blue Card is issued to highly skilled workers who will work in a qualified position, and earn a salary which is at least 1.5 times the average gross annual salary in Malta. The Malta EU Blue Card is issued for at least one year, and can be renewed indefinitely, provided you still meet the employment criteria.

Malta Work Visa Requirements

Here is the list of documents that you need to submit when applying for a Malta work visa and work permit:

• Your valid passport. Make sure your passport has at least two blank pages for the visa and entry stamp.
• Work visa application form. The application must be completed and signed at the end. Make sure you fill the application form with your updated information.
• A passport-sized photo. Make sure the photos are with colors and with a light background. See Schengen photo guidelines for further information.
• A work contract. The work contract must contain your job description, salary, beginning date, and end date of employment.
• Your updated CV.  You must prepare a CV with your previous work experiences and references from your employers.
• Medical insurance. You must purchase travel health insurance with at least €30,000 coverage within the Schengen area, valid for the initial duration of your trip. Since you will likely live and work in Malta long-term, after arrival, you should register for a more comprehensive health insurance policy.
• Accommodation proof. Document proof that you have a place to stay while working in Malta. It can be a rental agreement, hotel reservation, a letter of invitation from your friends, family members, etc.
• Flight itinerary. Proof that you have booked a flight to Malta.

Note: You may be asked to submit additional documents, depending on your specific situation or the country from which you apply. Make sure you submit all the required documents with the application form. Any missing document can result in your visa rejection.

Application Process for Malta Work Visa

Follow these steps when applying for a work visa in Malta:

1. Collect the required documents.
2. Enter Malta and submit the application.
3. Apply for an employment license.
4. Receive the work permit and begin working.

Step 1. Collect the Required Documents for a Malta Work Visa

To apply for a Malta work visa, you must collect the documents mentioned above.

Step 2. Enter Malta and Submit the Visa Application

You have to submit the application for a Malta work visa (i.e., single permit) from inside Malta. The process is as follows:

1. Apply for a Malta national visa for employment at the embassy of Malta in your country*.
2. Receive the Interim Receipt card. The Malta embassy issues the Interim Receipt Card, which will allow you to enter Malta for the purpose of applying for a single permit.
3. Apply for a Single Permit. After you enter Malta, you must submit the application form and all the documents required to the Identity Malta Agency in person. When you submit the application form, you will have to make the payment fee of €280.50. If you receive a positive answer, you will be issued a Single Permit, and you can start working in Malta.

*If you don’t need a visa, Malta will directly issue an Interim Receipt to allow you to enter and stay in Malta until you receive a response to your application. 

Step 3. Your Employer Applies for an Employment License

Your employer must apply for an employment license (also known as a work permit) on your behalf through the Job plus website (a government representative). Your employment license is usually issued for one year.

Before receiving the employment license, your employer must prove that they have advertised the position publicly and that no Maltese citizen could have filled it.

Step 4. Receive the Work Permit and Begin Working

Once you and your employer have submitted all relevant applications, you will receive a response by text message or email. If your Malta work permit is approved, Identity Malta will send you the residence card. The moment that you receive the card, you can legally work and stay in Malta.

Note: After you submit the application in Malta, you should not exit until you have heard a decision. The interim receipt does not allow you to re-enter Malta.

Can I Apply for a Malta Work Visa from Abroad?

No, you cannot. You must submit a Malta work permit application on IMA (Identity Malta Agency). If you cannot travel to Malta, your employer will apply on your behalf.

If your employer applies on your behalf and the application is approved, the Identity Malta Agency will send you an invitation letter within 60 days to enter Malta. The invitation letter will include information and conditions on how you will need to proceed to Malta and how to finalize your application and start working in Malta.

Processing Time for a Malta Work Visa

The processing time for a Malta work visa is 5 to 15 working days. The processing time starts from the day you submit the documents to the embassy or consulate. You will receive a text message or an email responding to your visa application.

Malta Work Visa Fees

The fees for Malta work visas are as follows:

Single Permit	€280.50
Employment License	€150
The Application for Employment License	€50
EU Blue Card	€140
Type D (National Visa)	€100

Duration of a Malta Work Visa

The work visa duration for Malta is one year. At this time, you will be able to work and stay in Malta. You can extend your Malta work permit after a year if you are still an employee in Malta.

Extension for Malta Work Visa

If you want to extend your work visa after one year, you must apply for a renewal. You must submit an application for renewal with the documents proving that you have paid your taxes for the time staying in Malta.

Note: If by any chance your work conditions change and you are not working anymore, you can not apply for an extension.

Family Members of The Main Applicant

Foreign citizens who have lived in Malta for one year can bring their family members to Malta. Family members are defined as:

• A spouse over twenty-one years old and legally married to you.
• You and your spouse’s minor children, biological or adopted.
• Your spouse’s minor unmarried children (including adopted children).

Malta Seasonal Work Visa

The seasonal work visa is a type of visa that allows you to work and enjoy your holidays in Malta. Only New Zealand and Australian citizens can apply for a seasonal work visa. To apply for this visa, you must be between 18 to 30 years old. It’s a visa that allows you to stay in Malta for one year. With this type of visa, you will be able to visit other Schengen countries two times a year for 90 days.

Note: While holding a seasonal work visa, you will not be allowed to bring your family members to Malta.