Work permits for Malta

Work permits in Malta, sometimes known locally as employment licences, are required for any non-EU citizen planning on taking up a job on the island. The standard work permit in Malta is the Single Permit, which functions as both a work and residence permit. They are processed and issued by Identity Malta through the Expatriates Unit. The application process requires careful coordination between the employer and employee, and there are extensive documentation requirements.

Expats will need a job offer from an employer in Malta to start the process, since only registered employers can apply for Maltese work permits. The Single Permit is for jobs lasting longer than six months and is valid for a maximum of one year. Before it expires, the permit can be renewed for another year. There’s no limit on the number of renewals as long as the employee continues to meet the criteria for the permit.

Work permit applications for Malta

Employers apply for the Single Permit on behalf of their expat employees. To do so, they must submit an online application through the Expatriates Unit Portal, including uploads of supporting documents supplied by the prospective employee.

Once the application is made, the employee is sent a link to confirm the application and validate the data submitted. After confirmation, the employer is notified of the application’s final submission. They can then track the application’s progress through the portal.

The maximum time limit for processing applications is four months, but they are typically processed within eight to 10 weeks. From October 2025, eligible applicants can stay in Malta while their visa applications are processed. Once granted, the Single Permit functions as both a work and residence permit.

Single Permits are renewed annually. Holders should reapply well before the old one expires to renew their Single Permit. Third-country nationals who lose their employment have up to 60 days to secure a new job before they have to leave Malta.

Malta’s updated Labour Migration Policy introduces several new requirements for third-country nationals. All incoming workers must complete a pre-departure integration course covering the Maltese language and culture. From October 2025, employers must pay all TCN salaries electronically, and stricter monitoring applies to employers with high staff turnover.

Useful links

• Expatriates Unit Portal

Visa and work permit regulations may change at short notice, and expats should contact their nearest Maltese consulate or the Maltese Employment and Training Corporation for the latest information.