WORK PERMITS IN MALTA
(Employment Licences)

Government Policy

Conditions for issue

Documentation required

Validity & Renewal

Residence Permit

Indefinite Licences

Government Policy

All foreign nationals require work permit to work in Malta.  In respect of foreigners, the Government maintains a very restrictive policy and employment licences are granted only in exceptional circumstances.

Such work permits are issued to employers wishing to engage foreigners for a determined period and for a specific purpose, ONLY after it has been ascertained that every effort has been made to engage a suitable Maltese citizen.

Conditions for the Issue of a Licence

a) Applicants for an employment licence must first secure an offer of employment from an employer in Malta;

b) Applicants must possesses a specialist skill or qualification of which there is a shortage in Malta;

c) There must exist a significant demand in a particular field e.g. qualified nurses, tourist guides with particular language skills, construction workers...

A work permit is issued by the Director of Labour subject to the above prerequisites and upon the request of a potential employer.

Documentation Required

The following documentation should accompany your application for an employment licence:

• a valid passport,

• a certificate of good conduct;

• a letter of employment including a full job description by the prospective employer.

Validity & Renewal

Employment licences are normally issued valid for one year. Licenses valid for up to three years may also be applied for at the express request of the employer and provided sufficient justification is given.  Licences may be renewed thereafter where a request to that effect is justified.

Residence Permit

A residence permit is automatically granted with the approval of a work permit for the applicant and his/her spouse. However, this does not entitle the spouse to work or automatically  qualify for an employment licence unless demand for work is felt in the respective field.

Indefinite licences

Where a foreign national is an investor in the manufacturing or financial services sector and holds substantial shareholding (40%) in the enterprise, the relative licence may be issued indefinitely.

Professional Assistance

We do not offer job search services or employee recruitment assistance. We will only be able to assist you if you have a job offer from an employer in Malta. Our service also includes  applications on your behalf for visas to visit Malta.