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Migration and Home Affairs
  • 1 April 2025

Employed worker in Malta

Are you a non-EU citizen wishing to work as an employed worker in Malta? You can find information below on the conditions to fulfil and procedures to follow, as well as the rights you can enjoy during your stay.

Conditions

To work as an employed worker in Malta, you must obtain an Employment Licence.

If such employment is for a period of more than six months such authorisation is by means of a residence permit which will reflect the right to reside in Malta for the purpose of work. The application will be by means of a single process. The permit issued in this regard is referred to as a “single permit”.

Single Permit does not allow the holder:

  • to perform paid work by third parties other than that identified by the employer  in the permit, and
  • to perform unauthorised work and not related to the specific employment activity indicated in their application.

On the other hand, if such employment is for a period of less than six months you would require first to apply for an Employment licence and you would be issued with a residence permit to reflect such authorisation.

Exceptions exist as regards posted workers based in another EEA country/Switzerland who have an employment relationship with an employer in that country whereby they do not require an employment licence to work in Malta.

Procedures

Where and how to apply

Single permit (permit authorising residence for the purpose of work) 

The entity responsible for the issuance of single permits is Identity Malta Agency. Applications have to be submitted to the Expatriates Unit within this Agency for the necessary processing.

Single work permit applications can only be submitted online unless the applicant is being employed in the capacity of live-in carer, in which case, s/he is required to fill in the applicable form and proceed to Identity Malta Offices, Expatriates Unit, Msida to submit personally the application.

Firstly, the prospective employer is required to register the Organisation on the e-ID platform and apply for the Single Permit service. Following the granting of such access, the employer may proceed to apply through the Single Permit online platform.  Refer to the below mentioned links for the necessary guidelines in submitting and following up such applications. 

In the case of a renewal or change of employer or address or change in passport details or entry visa, applications must be submitted prior the relative expiry date of the document. Applications submitted post expiry date will not be accepted.

Application for the authorisation to work for a period of less than six months

The employer must apply for an employment licence with JobsPlus linked below.

If your application is acceded to you would have to apply for a residence permit with Identity Malta Agency in order to be issued with such permit which will reflect your authorisation to work in Malta. For such purpose you would be required to fill in Form C.

 

Documents required

Application for a single permit

Depending on the type of job being applied for, different documentation is required. For more information on the different documents https://identitymalta.com/unit/expatriates-unit/

Employment for a period of less than six months

To apply for a Jobsplus Employment Licence, your prospective employer must submit the following:

  • the Jobsplus Employment Licence Application Form,
  • one original passport size photo, which certifies true likeness,
  • a certified true copy of your travel document (passport),
  • processing fee,
  • a letter from the employer explaining: the need for the position, evidence that the employer searched for Maltese/EEA/Swiss Nationals (except in the field of culture and entertainment) and position description,
  • your CV,
  • qualifications, including certified translated copies where applicable, together with recognition from the Malta Qualifications Recognition and Information Centre (MQRIC). Where recognition has not yet been obtained, a copy of the receipt from MQRIC needs to be attached with the application. If you lack formal qualifications in the occupation for which you will be engaged, you require proof of at least three years of experience relating to the job,
  • if you are applying for an Employment Licence whilst you are in Malta, on the date of application you must submit a visa valid for at least a further six weeks.

Following the issue of the said employment licence with the above-mentioned Form C, in order to apply for the relative residence permit you are required to produce to Identity Malta Agency:

  • the relative  Jobsplus Employment Licence,

a passport.

Duration of validity of permitsThe single permit is normally issued for a maximum period of one year.
Appeals

Single permit application

If your application for a single permit is rejected in accordance with article 20 (2) of the Subsidiary Legislation 217.17, you may wish to lodge an appeal to this decision with the Immigration Appeals Board. The appeal must be submitted within three (3) working days from the date of receipt of this letter. Any communication to the said Board should be addressed to: The Secretary, Immigration Appeals Board, 109, Old Mint street, Valletta - T: (+356) 2568 9456. Kindly note that any appeal you may lodge with the aforementioned Board shall not prejudice the above-mentioned decision until the Appeal Board’s proceedings are finalised.  If you decide to lodge such an appeal you may wish to appoint a special mandatory to represent you in any of the sittings that may eventually be held during your absence.

 

Application for an employment licence with jobs plus for a period of less than six months

If your application is rejected, a letter of refusal is issued highlighting the reasons.

The decision relating to the employment licence may be reconsidered if an appeal is filed within one calendar month from the date of the refusal letter with Jobsplus’ Reconsideration Board. Only one request for reconsideration may be made with respect to any rejection.

If an application is rejected on grounds of security, health, or other stakeholder clearance, reconsideration is not possible.

Further informationOn the strength of an Employment Licence, which is issued by the competent authority, the applicant who is subject to a visa requirement, must obtain a visa at the Embassy or Consulate in his/her country of origin or residence, prior to his/her intended arrival in Malta. 

Rights

Your rights in connection with your employment in Malta are safeguarded by the provisions of Part III of single application procedure for a single permit as regards residence and work and a common set of rights for those third-country workers legally residing in Malta.

Checklist for third-country nationals applying for the long-term resident status in Malta

UnemploymentIn the case of unemployment such status has to be officially reported to the Public Employment Agency, that is, JobsPlus and your residence permit will be cancelled.
Change of employmentEmployment licences and Single permits are tied to a specific employer and position. If you want to change jobs, you need to apply for a new employment licence or single permit.
Change of statusYou may change your immigration status if all the relative conditions are met.
Long-term residenceLong-term resident status can be obtained after five years of legal and continuous residence if you satisfy the requirements of Subsidiary Legislation 217.05 The Status of Long Term Residents (Third Country Nationals) Regulations.
Family MembersYour family members may join you in accordance with the provisions of Subsidiary Legislation 217.06 Family Reunification Regulations and relative policies. Information regarding the documents to be submitted are available at here.