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 the Employment and Training Corporation (ETC).

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 of longer than six months and is valid for a maximum of one year. Prior to expiry, 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. The application's progress can be tracked through the portal.

Applications can take a maximum of four months to be processed, but are usually processed within two months. Once granted, the Single Permit functions as both a work and residence permit.

Single Permits are renewed annually. To renew their Single Permit, holders should reapply 90 days before the old one expires.

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.