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”.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Eligibility / Conditions | • Non-EU nationals can work in Malta. • For employment longer than 6 months, a Single Permit (residence + work) is required. • For employment shorter than 6 months, an employment licence followed by a residence permit is needed. • The Single Permit is tied to one specific employer and job — you cannot work for another employer under the same permit. |
| Procedure / Where & How to Apply | • The competent authority is the Identity Malta Agency (Expatriates Unit). • For a Single Permit, the employer registers the organisation via the e-ID platform and applies online on the Single Permit portal. • For employment under 6 months, the employer applies for an employment licence via JobsPlus, and the applicant then applies for a residence permit. |
| Documents Required | • For jobs under 6 months: employer submits employment licence application, passport copy, photo, employer justification letter, CV, and proof of qualifications or work experience. • For jobs over 6 months (Single Permit): documentation depends on job type, as specified by Identity Malta. |
| Duration & Validity | The Single Permit is usually issued for a maximum of 1 year. |
| Rights & Limitations | • The Single Permit covers both residence and work rights. • It is tied to a specific employer and job; changing jobs requires a new permit or licence. • Unemployment or termination may lead to cancellation of the residence permit. |
| Appeals / Reconsideration | • For Single Permit refusals: appeal to the Immigration Appeals Board within 3 working days. • For employment licence refusals: request reconsideration within one calendar month. |
| Additional Information | • If you require a visa, it must be obtained from the Maltese diplomatic mission before travelling. • Long-term residence status may be granted after 5 years of continuous legal stay. |
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