Malta Work Visa Requirements

A work visa is a necessary form of authorisation to all foreign nationals who intend to work in a country where they are not naturally eligible to work in. Each jurisdiction will have a designated department to administer and issue work permits and it is important that the work visa is issued from the relevant authority in the country he/she intends to work in. Generally a work visa will be issued in the form of a standard document or, more commonly, a stamp in your passport. There are numerous factors which affect an applicant’s work permit application however a work permit/residence visa will depend largely on your nationality and nature of the job you intend to take on.

It must be noted that depending on the country you seek employment in; some individuals will not be required to obtain a work visa. Generally all jurisdictions with reciprocal treaty agreements (for example the European Union) do not stipulate that an EU citizen must obtain a work visa to enable them to live and work in EU countries. Each jurisdiction will provide general criteria which must be satisfied in order to qualify for a work visa.

Who requires a Malta Work Permit?

Malta is a member of the European Union and as such adopts EU Law. The Free movement of workers act provides for all EU citizens to move freely between EU member states for the purpose of employment, this right also extends to the employees family. EU citizens are therefore eligible to live and work in Malta visa free. After a certain period of time (typically 3 months), EU citizens do need to register their right to reside with the relevant authority in Malta however this is not a work permit requirement.

Non-EU citizens (foreign nationals) are legally required to obtain a valid work permit to engage in full time employment in Malta. These work permits will be issued to the candidate and will specify the candidate’s employer and validity depending on the nature of the job.

The primary condition to satisfy before a Malta sponsor company can hire a foreign national is that there must be no available Maltese suitable for the job before the company can hire a foreign national. In certain circumstances where the vacancy calls for an individual with specialist knowledge or experience in a particular area of expertise, then the Malta sponsor company can hire a foreign national over a Maltese citizen if the foreign national has better suited skills.

Malta Working Holiday Visa

Malta has a reciprocal agreement with Australia and New Zealand whereby citizens of these countries can visit Malta for a period of 12 months and can engage in employment as a means to fund their visit. Age requirements for applicants of a Malta Working Holiday Visa are between the ages of 18 -30 years of age.

Conditions to satisfy to obtain a Malta Work Permit

- The applicant must have received a formal offer of employment by a Malta sponsor company

- The applicant must have relevant work experience and/or knowledge in a specialist area which is lacking in Malta

- The demand for the nature of the job which the applicant will fulfill must be significant in Malta so that the applicant is not taking a job away from a Maltese citizen

A Malta work permit is also known as an employment license and is issued by the Director of Labour in Malta where the above conditions are satisfied.

Validity of a Malta Employment License

The validity is typically for 12 months however this is extendable on expiry of the permit however a work permit can be issued for a period of up to 3 years where the sponsor company expressly asks for it.

Typically Work Permits are granted to;

- Highly skilled migrants

- Foreign investors intending to setup a local Malta enterprise for the benefit of the Malta economy.

Malta Residence Permit

A Malta Residence Permit is issued automatically where the applicant holds a valid work permit. This residence visa is extended to the main applicants spouse and dependants however it does not provide authorisation for the applications family to seek work in Malta. The candidate’s family may only obtain an employment license where there is a high demand for workers by which the current Maltese citizens cannot fulfill.

Required Documents for Application of a Malta Work Permit

- Valid passport and passport photos

- Completed visa application form

- Letter of invitation by the sponsor company

- Employment contract

- Documentation proving that you have sufficient funds to cover your initial living expenses

- Certificate of good conduct

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