Work Malta

For legal employment in Malta, citizens of countries outside the European Union (so-called third countries) need to obtain a work permit, known as an "Employment Licence" or "Single Permit". This document allows foreign citizens to live and work in Malta.

Steps to obtain a work permit

Finding an employer: First of all, you need to find an employer in Malta who is willing to offer you a job. The employer must confirm that there are no suitable candidates for this position among the citizens of Malta or the EU.

Submitting the application: After agreeing on the terms of employment, the employer submits a work permit application on your behalf to Identity Malta Agency – the government agency responsible for identification and immigration issues.

Required documents:

- Completed application: Form provided by Identity Malta.

- Valid passport: Must be valid for the entire period of intended stay.

- Employment contract: Signed agreement between you and the employer.

- Proof of qualifications: Diplomas, certificates, and other documents confirming your professional qualifications.

- Health insurance: Policy valid in Malta.

- Certificate of no criminal record: Document from your country of residence confirming no convictions.

- Photos: Recent passport-sized color photographs.

Additional requirements:

- Medical examination: In some cases, a medical examination may be required.

Visa requirements: After obtaining the work permit, you need to apply for a national visa type D to enter Malta.

Processing times and costs

Processing time: The process usually takes from 4 to 6 weeks but may vary depending on specific circumstances.

Cost: The application fee varies depending on the type of permit and may change; it is recommended to check the current rates on the official Identity Malta website.

Important to consider:

Renewal of permit: The work permit is usually issued for one year with the possibility of renewal if all conditions are met.

Changing employers: If you change employers, you will need to obtain a new work permit.

Social benefits: Foreign workers legally employed in Malta may be entitled to social benefits depending on the type of permit and length of stay.

For current information and application forms, it is recommended to visit the official Identity Malta website or contact the Maltese consulate in your country.

For European Union citizens

Freedom of movement and employment: Citizens of the EU, the European Economic Area, and Switzerland have the right to move and work freely in Malta without the need to obtain a special work permit.

Registration at the place of residence: When staying in Malta for more than 90 days, EU citizens must register with local authorities and obtain a certificate of residence registration.

For citizens of third countries

- Need to obtain a work permit.

- Application submission to Identity Malta Agency.

Required documents: The applicant must provide a valid passport, signed employment contract, proof of qualifications, health insurance, certificate of no criminal record, and other documents proving compliance with requirements.

Features for highly skilled specialists

Starting from January 2024, Malta launched the "Specialized Workers Initiative" to attract highly skilled specialists from third countries. The benefits of this program include expedited application processing (usually within 15 days) and a simplified work permit process. To participate in the program, the candidate must have a signed employment contract with a Maltese employer providing an annual salary of at least 25,000 euros, as well as relevant qualifications or professional experience.

Important to consider

Social benefits: Foreign workers legally employed in Malta may be entitled to social benefits depending on the type of permit and length of stay.

Medical services: EU citizens have access to state medical services on the same terms as Maltese citizens. Third-country nationals must have valid health insurance.

For up-to-date information and application forms, it is recommended to visit the official Identity Malta website or contact the Maltese consulate in your country.

Note: Procedures and requirements may change, so it is important to regularly check updates on official resources.

Preparing a resume and cover letter

Document adaptation: Translate your resume and cover letter into English, taking into account local formatting standards. If your level of English is not high enough, seek help from a professional translator or native speaker.

Use of online resources

Job search sites:

Jobsplus: The official state employment portal in Malta, offering a wide range of vacancies and specialist consultations.

MaltaPark: A platform that posts jobs, housing rentals, and goods for sale.

CareerJet: An international site with a section for jobs in Malta.

Reed: A British site with vacancies, including opportunities in Malta.

Social networks and professional platforms:

LinkedIn: Create a profile and join professional groups related to Malta.

Facebook groups: Many vacancies are posted in specialized groups dedicated to jobs in Malta.

Contacting recruitment agencies

Recommended agencies: Konnekt, Broadwing, Triple3Group, Spot On Connections, Betting Connections, VacancyCentre, Castille, Ceek, MRecruitment.

These agencies specialize in recruiting personnel for various industries and can help in finding a suitable job.

Direct contact with employers

Company websites: Many organizations post job openings on their official websites in the "Careers" or "Vacancies" section.

Networking: Use personal and professional contacts to get recommendations and information about potential job openings.

Local media

Newspapers: Malta Today, The Malta Independent.

These publications regularly post job advertisements.

Participating in job fairs and events

Career fairs: Attend events organized by educational institutions and professional associations, where you can meet employers directly.

Language requirements

English: English is one of the official languages of Malta and is widely used in the business environment. For most vacancies, confident command of English at an Upper-Intermediate level or above is required. Without knowledge of English, it is practically impossible to find a job in Malta.

Maltese: Knowledge of Maltese is not mandatory, but in some fields, especially those related to serving the local population, it can be an advantage.

Other languages: Proficiency in additional languages, such as Italian, can increase your chances of employment, especially in the tourism sector.

Qualification requirements

Education and work experience: Requirements for education and experience depend on the specific vacancy. For highly qualified positions, such as IT specialists, financiers, or engineers, the relevant diplomas and proven work experience are necessary. In some cases, diploma recognition may be required.

Certificates and licenses: For certain professions, such as in medicine or education, additional certificates or licenses confirming your qualifications may be required.

Work permit

EU citizens: Citizens of European Union countries have the right to work in Malta without a special permit.

Third-country nationals: Foreign nationals from countries outside the EU must obtain a work permit.

Additional requirements

Health insurance: Having valid health insurance is mandatory for all foreign workers.

Criminal record certificate: In some cases, a criminal record certificate from your country of residence may be required.

Medical examination: A medical examination may be necessary for certain professions.

Skilled labor

Information Technology: The IT sector in Malta is actively developing, creating demand for programmers, system administrators, and cybersecurity specialists. Experts in software development and network management are especially sought after.

Financial Services and Economy: Malta has established itself as a financial center, which increases the need for bank employees, accountants, and financial analysts. Qualified specialists in auditing and tax consulting are also in demand.

iGaming (online games and betting): The iGaming sector is one of the leading industries in Malta's economy. Game developers, marketing managers, analysts, and customer support specialists are required.

Pharmaceuticals and Healthcare: The demand for pharmacists, medical workers, and biotechnology specialists is continually growing, considering the development of the pharmaceutical industry on the island.

Tourism and Hospitality: Although this sector is traditionally associated with unskilled labor, there are positions that require high qualifications, such as hotel managers, tourism, and marketing specialists.

Unskilled labor

Hospitality and Restaurant Business: During the tourist season (from April to November), the need for waiters, bartenders, maids, porters, and kitchen workers increases. These positions often do not require high qualifications, but work experience and knowledge of English are valued.

Construction: The construction sector in Malta is actively developing, creating demand for workers such as bricklayers, carpenters, painters, and general laborers. Work experience is welcomed but not always mandatory.

Agriculture: During certain times of the year, there is a need for harvesters, farm workers, and gardeners. These positions are often seasonal and do not require special training.

Care and Support Services: The demand for nannies, caregivers, and domestic helpers remains stable. Work experience and recommendations can be an advantage.

State Pension

Retirement age: In Malta, the retirement age for both men and women is 63 years. However, this indicator may change depending on the year of birth and other factors. For the most up-to-date information, it is recommended to refer to official sources or consult with local social protection authorities.

Pension amount: Pensioners in Malta receive a pension equivalent to two-thirds of their previous salary, but not more than 22,138 euros per year. The amount of monthly contributions can be increased by 5-6.5% if one agrees to retire later.

Private Pension Schemes

Corporate Pensions: Many employers in Malta offer additional pension plans for their employees, allowing them to increase the overall amount of pension payments.

Individual Pension Plans: Citizens can independently participate in private pension schemes offered by financial institutions to ensure additional income in retirement.

Tax incentives for pensioners

Malta Retirement Programme: This program provides foreign pensioners moving to Malta with a special tax status at a fixed tax rate of 15% on foreign income transferred to Malta. The mandatory minimum tax is 7,500 euros per year for the main applicant and 500 euros for each dependent. The program also exempts from capital gains tax.

Social benefits and support

Healthcare: Pensioners in Malta have access to public medical services and can also use private health insurance to expand the range of available services.

Social Programs: The state provides various support programs for pensioners, including housing and utility subsidies.

Features for foreign pensioners

Living in Malta: Foreign citizens wishing to retire in Malta can take advantage of the Malta Retirement Programme, which provides tax benefits and the opportunity to reside in the country. To participate in the program, one must purchase or rent property in Malta, have health insurance, and receive a pension that amounts to at least 75% of the foreign income transferred to Malta.

Pension insurance

State pension: Malta offers two main forms of state pension: a flat rate for individuals with low pension income and a pension amounting to two-thirds of the previous income for others. Eligibility for receiving a pension depends on age and the number of contributions made.

Medical insurance

Public health care: Citizens of Malta and officially employed migrants with permanent residency have access to public medical services. EU citizens can receive medical assistance with the European Health Insurance Card.

Private medical insurance: To expand the range of medical services, many residents and foreign citizens purchase private medical insurance policies, providing access to private clinics and specialized services.

Sickness and maternity insurance

Sickness benefits: Employees temporarily unable to work due to illness are entitled to receive sickness benefits, which size and duration depend on work experience and the contributions made.

Maternity benefits: Women are entitled to paid maternity leave, financed through the social insurance system.

Unemployment insurance

Unemployment benefits: Individuals who have lost their job through no fault of their own and are actively seeking new employment may qualify for unemployment benefits, subject to meeting certain criteria, including a minimum period of contributions.

Insurance against industrial accidents and occupational diseases

Compensations and allowances: Workers injured as a result of workplace accidents or suffering from occupational diseases are entitled to compensations and medical care covered by the social insurance system.

Family allowances

Child benefits: Families with children can receive financial support in the form of child benefits, the amount of which depends on family income and the number of children.

Childcare allowances: Parents caring for young children may be entitled to additional allowances or parental leave.

Social insurance contributions

The social insurance rate in Malta is 20%, equally divided between the employer and the employee - 10% each. These contributions are aimed at financing various social security programs.

Dismissal

At the initiative of the employee (voluntary resignation): The employee must notify the employer of the intention to terminate the employment contract, observing the established notice period, which depends on the length of employment and contract terms.

At the initiative of the employer: The employer may terminate the employment contract for legitimate reasons, such as disciplinary violations or economic reasons. It is necessary to follow the notification procedure and, in some cases, provide severance pay.

Notice periods: The minimum notice period depends on work experience and the terms of the employment contract. It usually ranges from one to twelve weeks.

Leaves

Annual paid leave: According to Maltese law, employees are entitled to at least 24 days of paid leave per year. This period can be extended based on collective agreements or arrangements between the employer and the employee.

Maternity leave: Women are entitled to 18 weeks of paid maternity leave. Of these, 14 weeks are fully paid, and the remaining 4 weeks may be partially paid or unpaid, depending on the employment contract terms.

Childcare leave: Both parents are entitled to parental leave until the child reaches a certain age. The duration and conditions of such leave depend on collective agreements and the company's internal policies.

Public holidays

Malta annually celebrates 14 official public holidays, including religious and national holidays. In 2024, these days are allocated as follows:

January 1: New Year's Day

February 10: Feast of Saint Paul's Shipwreck

March 19: Saint Joseph's Day

March 29: Good Friday

March 31: Freedom Day

May 1: Labor Day

June 7: Sette Giugno

June 29: Feast of Saints Peter and Paul

August 15: Assumption of Mary

September 8: Our Lady of Victories Day

September 21: Independence Day

December 8: Immaculate Conception

December 13: Republic Day

December 25: Christmas

On these days, the majority of businesses and institutions do not operate, except for those whose activities are necessary to meet public needs.

Features of termination on holidays and weekends

If the termination date coincides with a weekend or holiday, the last working day is usually considered the nearest working day. However, specific conditions may depend on the company's internal policy and the terms of the employment contract.

For detailed information, it is recommended to refer to official sources or consult legal specialists in the field of Maltese labor law.

Main Professional Unions in Malta

General Workers' Union: The largest union in Malta, representing the interests of workers in various sectors, including industry, transport, healthcare, and the public sector.

Union Ħaddiema Magħqudin: The second largest union focusing on protecting workers' rights in the private and public sectors and promoting social and economic interests of its members.

Malta Union of Teachers: A specialized union representing the interests of education sector employees, including teachers and administrative staff.

How unions can help employees

Protection of labor rights: Unions provide legal support to their members in cases of unfair dismissal, discrimination, or violation of labor conditions.

Negotiations with employers: Unions engage in collective bargaining with employers on wages, working conditions, and social benefits, striving to improve workers' positions.

Training and development: Many unions organize training and educational programs to enhance their members' qualifications, supporting their professional development.

Social support: Unions provide members access to various social programs, including medical insurance, pension plans, and other benefits.

Membership in a professional union in Malta provides workers with additional guarantees and support in their work activities, contributing to the improvement of their socio-economic status.

Company Registration

Choice of legal form: Malta offers various business forms, including private and public limited liability companies, partnerships, and sole proprietorships. The most common form is a private limited liability company.

Minimum share capital: For a private limited liability company, the minimum share capital is €1,165, with 20% to be paid upon registration. For public companies, the minimum capital is €46,588, with 25% payable upon registration.

Registration process: Company registration is carried out through the Malta Business Registry.

Tax System

Corporate tax rate: The standard corporate tax rate in Malta is 35%. However, due to the tax refund system, the effective rate for foreign investors can be reduced to 5%.

Double taxation treaties: Malta has signed over 70 such treaties, which helps reduce the tax burden for international companies.

Licenses and Permissions

Special licenses: Depending on the type of activity, additional licenses or permits may be required. For example, financial services, gambling, and healthcare require special permits from relevant regulatory bodies.

Accounting and Reporting

Financial reporting: Companies are required to maintain accounting records according to International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and annually submit financial reports to the Malta Business Registry.

Audit: Companies that exceed certain thresholds in turnover, assets, or the number of employees are required to conduct an annual audit of financial statements.

Labor Legislation

Hiring Employees: Employers must comply with Malta's labor laws, including minimum wage, working conditions, and social security.

Work Permit: Foreign nationals from non-EU countries must obtain a work permit. This process is usually initiated by the employer.

Bank Accounts

Opening an Account: To conduct business, it is necessary to open a corporate bank account in Malta. The process can take two to four weeks and requires submission of the company's founding documents and information about beneficial owners.

Advantages of Doing Business in Malta

Strategic Location: Malta is located at the intersection of trade routes between Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East, making it attractive for international trade.

Developed Infrastructure: Modern telecommunications, transport networks, and financial services facilitate efficient business operations.

Startup Support: The Maltese government offers various programs and initiatives to support new businesses, including financial incentives and consulting services.

It is recommended to consult with local experts and lawyers before starting a business to ensure compliance with all legislative requirements.