Work permits in Malta (specifically, the Single Permit for longer-term employment) were historically referred to as employment licences, a term now used for a separate, shorter-term work authorisation. They 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 Identità (formerly 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.
Before submitting Single Permit applications for third-country nationals (TCNs), employers must advertise job vacancies on Jobsplus (Malta’s public employment service) and EURES for three weeks. This advertising requirement is reduced to two weeks for Key Employment Initiative positions, Specialist Employee Initiative roles, EU Blue Card positions, and jobs on the Skilled Occupation List. Certain positions are exempt from advertising requirements, including health sector roles, elderly/disability care positions, regulator-endorsed cases, and sportspersons.
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, third-country nationals from visa-exempt countries who apply for a Single Permit within 60 days of entering the Schengen Area receive interim permits that allow them to remain in Malta during processing. Applications submitted between days 61 and 90 of Schengen entry require applicants to wait outside the Schengen Area for the decision.
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 first-time Single Permit applicants must complete a pre-departure integration course covering workplace rights and living in Malta, delivered through the Skills Pass online portal. Employers must pay all TCN salaries electronically for TCNs commencing employment after October 2025, and stricter monitoring applies to employers with high staff turnover.
Useful links
Visa and work permit regulations may change at short notice, and expats should contact their nearest Maltese consulate or Jobsplus (Malta's public employment service) for the latest information.