As a result of Malta’s accession to the EU ( European Union ), citizens of EU/EFTA countries and their immediate family members (spouses and children), even if the latter are not EU or EFTA (UK, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland) citizens, do not require any employment licences to work in Malta. All other nationals, coming from non-EU and non-EFTA countries, and who are termed as Third Country Nationals (TCNs), must duly submit a single permit application to be able to work, live & reside in Malta.

What Kind of Work Permit Do You Need to Work and Live in Malta?

Single Permit procedure

Since 2014, all TCNs are required to go through the single permit procedure to be authorised to work and live in Malta. The single permit procedure involves the submission of a Single Permit Application form, which must include the following, amongst other documents:

• a copy of a valid employment contract
• a private medical insurance cover for 12 months
• a position description signed by the employer
• a covering letter from the prospective employer
• a signed CV accompanied by references showing work experience covering at least a 3-year period These need to be submitted to Identity Malta. If the applicant does not have adequate work experience but is suitably qualified, the applicant must first obtain local MQRIC equivalence of the qualifications before the application is submitted. Read more about education qualifications recognition here.

The objective of the Single Permit Application, if successful, is the issue of a single document, which is commonly referred to as the e-residence card, which grants TCNs the authorization to both live, reside and work in Malta. When submitting an application to Identity Malta, the applicant should ensure that they have a valid visa to be in Malta.

The application is normally processed in approximately two to three months. If is successful, the residence card is valid for one year. Each residence card is tied to the employer whose contract of employment was included during the application process. In This case, the card would cease to be valid if the applicant no longer remains in employment with that employer. Single permit applications may also be submitted to Identity Malta by the employer on behalf of applicants who are still abroad. In such cases, once the application is approved, a document authorising the applicant to come to Malta and work is received by the employer. At this stage, applicants requiring a visa to come to Malta can use the authorisation document to obtain a visa and once they are in Malta they can complete the single permit process.

How Do You Get a Work Permit in Malta?

The process for obtaining single permits is long and takes time to be resolved. Employers have to prove, barring few exceptions, that they have tried to fill the vacancies with persons from Malta or EU/EFTA countries, before submitting an application for a prospective TCN employee. Each application must be accompanied by copies of vacancy adverts and a covering letter from the Employer who is required to state a reason for employing the TCN applicant. There are exceptions if the vacancies are for applicants in the areas mentioned below:

• Health Related Professionals (Personal Care Workers, Chemists, Doctors, Nurses, Veterinarians)
• Technical & Building Professionals (Architects and Civil Engineers, Engineers (Electronics), Geologists, Geophysicists, Engineers in aviation maintenance)
• IT and Gaming Professionals (Computer network professionals, Computer Programmers, IT Consultants, Computer Hardware & Software Engineers, Systems analysts, Gaming Developers, Games Presenters, Product Owners, Site Developers, Search Marketers, Tech Developers)
• Finance and Education Professionals (Accountants, Auditors, Tax Related Professionals, University and higher education teachers/lecturers)
• Culture and entertainment industry

For regulated professions, approval from the respective Regulatory Body needs to be submitted with the application, indicating that the TCN is authorized to practice the said profession.

Private health insurance cover (hospital plan) is one of the requirements for an employment licence. This is usually taken out by the employer to cover the full duration of employment. The copy of the premium paid is required to be submitted with the single permit application. Such health insurance cover is not required for TCNs working in the public service or for home-based carers of elderly persons or persons with disability. Private health insurance cover is not required for renewal applications.

What is The Cost of a Work Permit Application?

The fee for a single permit application is €280.50. The fee must be paid when the single permit application is submitted. If the application is refused, there is no refund of the fee.

How Do You Renew a Work Permit in Malta?

Single permits can be renewed by submitting a renewal single permit application, which must be accompanied by documentation certifying that income tax and national insurance contributions have been duly paid for the previous 12 months. Other documentation needs to be submitted also (namely Form C, rental declaration form, copy of lease agreement, copy of valid passport). The same fee of €280.50 is levied once more. Renewal applications must be submitted at least one month prior to the expiry of the current permit as processing of such applications takes around 4-6 weeks. If the applicant submits the application early enough, s/he can hold on to the current valid e-residence card, which is then exchanged when the new e-residence card is issued. However, if the permit holder applying for a renewal applies at a very late stage, the e-residence card would be collected at time of application and the applicant would be issued with an interim authorisation to reside and work in Malta. This document confirms that a renewal application has been submitted, and covers the applicant to keep on working.

The KEY Employee Initiative

The KEY is a newly-launched scheme by Identity Malta that provides a fast-track service to highly-specialized TCNs who wish to work and live in Malta. The scheme facilitates the issuing of single permits to prospective key employees within five working days from the date of submission of the application. Applications for a single permit under the KEY are open to managerial or highly-technical posts which require the relevant qualifications or adequate experience related to the job being offered. Applicants need to satisfy the criteria below:

• annual gross salary of at least €30,000;
• certified copies of the relevant qualifications, warrants OR the necessary work experience supported by references covering at least a 3-year period;
• declaration by the employer stating that the TCN has the necessary credentials to perform the assigned duties.

The KEY is also extended to innovators involved in start-up projects which are specifically endorsed by Malta Enterprise. Applications are submitted in the same manner as other single permit applications, namely when the applicant is physically in Malta or still abroad. Approved applications will be issued with a permit valid for one year and which, if renewed, may then have a validity of maximum three years, subject to the presentation of a valid employment contract, and the original annual tax declaration form stamped by the Inland Revenue Department.

More information about the Key Employee Initiative can be found here.

The EU Blue Card

The EU Blue Card offers a one-track procedure for highly-skilled non-EU citizens to apply for a work permit which will be valid for at least one year, but may be renewed thereafter. These applications will be treated favourably, but certain conditions – including proof that the job in question requires highly-qualified individuals and that it involves the payment of at least 1.5 times the average annual gross salary paid in Malta – have to be met. It is also essential to note that an EU Blue Card is not withdrawn if the person falls out of employment, unless it occurs more than once or the unemployment period exceeds three consecutive months during the period of validity of the card.

Employment Licence Through JobsPlus

Jobsplus is the government entity responsible for issuing employment licences which are usually valid for one year from the date of issue. Applications for employment licences need to be submitted by the prospective employer and are subject to labour market considerations. There are exceptions for long-term residents, asylum seekers, refugees and those subject to temporary humanitarian protection, who can apply for jobs on an equal footing with Maltese and EU/EFTA workers. These exceptions may also personally apply for an employment licence and have it granted in their own name. Employment licences cannot be transferred from one employee to another or from one employment to another. If TCNs terminate the job early, they cannot move to another company without first going through a new employment licence application. If applications are rejected following labour market considerations, applicants may submit one request for reconsideration within one calendar month from the rejection letter date. Self-employment permits are only granted to TCNs in exceptional cases. Candidates must meet one or more of a set of criteria, including an investment of at least € 500,000 capital expenditure in Malta. TCNs can also apply for an employment licence through a Maltese registered company in which they are shareholders or ultimate beneficial owners, if they meet one or more of the following criteria:

• the TCN shareholder must have a fully paid-up share capital equivalent to at least € 100,000 which may not be redeemed, reduced or transferred to a third party during the first two years of the employment licence;
• the TCN has made a capital expenditure of at least € 100,000 which consists solely of fixed assets (such as immovable property, plant and machinery) included in the business plan submitted with the application;
• the company is a sole representative of a reputable overseas company (established for at least three years abroad) wishing to set up a branch in Malta;
• the company is leading a project that has been formally approved by Malta Enterprise.

Browse Jobsplus Resources for checklists and forms.

Please note We are not in a position to guarantee that this content contains the latest update or all relevant information required. It is advisable that you refer to the relevant Government entity for more comprehensive information.

Useful Information

Authority responsible for issuing Work Permits

• Identity Malta

Opening times

• Reception Desk and Customer Care Section are open from Monday to Friday between 7:30 and 14:00
• Applications for Single Work Permit can be submitted from Monday to Thursday between 7:30 and 12:30

Contact details

• Address: Evans Building, St Elmo’s Square, Valletta
• Telephone: (+356) 2590 4800 / (+356) 2590 4871
• Email: [email protected]

Download relevant forms

Forms required to submit your Single Work Permit can be downloaded online from here

Relevant links

• Malta Qualifications Recognition Information Centre (MQRIC) is the competent body within the NCFHE that recognises qualifications against the Malta Qualifications Framework (MQF).
• Jobsplus is the government entity responsible for issuing employment licences which are usually valid for one year from the date of issue.

Tips For Salary Negotiation While Employed

Prepare your arguments well in advance

If you’re well into your nth year working for the same company and believe you deserve some form of recognition which goes beyond the usual “Good job, Bob,” then it’s time to start planning a meeting with your boss. Even if your manager happens to be your mentor (and perhaps close friend) it is very important to show that you have given this some thought. Why are you asking for a raise? What new roles have you been tasked with since starting out? How has the company benefitted from your work? In a nutshell: show them just how good you are at what you do and how you believe this should be appropriately reflected in your pay check.

Be realistic

Asking for a 30% increase in pay, when the usual increase in salary for job promotions in Malta get a 7% – 10% increase, would be overshooting and missing the point completely. Remember, you’re here to negotiate, not to bulldoze over everything and everyone with your salary expectations.

Show confidence

At the end of the day, you could have all the research, charts and graphs in the world: if you show them you doubt even yourself, then the case is all but closed. Talk clearly and project your voice well. Be frank with your (realistic) requests and honest in your presentation. Confidence is key to success, ladies and gents. Even when it comes to salary negotiations.

Whether you are negotiating you salary at an interview stage or while you are employed you should take note of some valuable points in mind:

If their salary offer disappoints you…

Very often, your employers or prospective employers will give you a figure which does not add up to what you had in mind. If you’ve made your research on average salaries in Malta carefully and strongly believe you have a case, counteract with another offer. They might need time to consider your proposition but if you believe you’re being fair and if you’re justifying your offer, then let it run its course.

If you show the right enthusiasm…

A positive person is usually a successful one. Let them see you are not there just for the money, that this design job excites you and that you look forward to getting started on it. It will probably be this aspect which tips the scale in your favour and lands you the job of your dreams – with the salary to match it. Or, if you’re already employed, that satisfying feeling you were not quite getting after the hundredth “Well done Bob.”

From all of us at Maltajobs.com.mt, we wish you the best of luck!

Browse jobs by salary brackets in Malta here:

• Jobs with no specified salaries in Malta
• Jobs with negotiable salaries in Malta
• Jobs paying less than €20,000 salary in Malta
• Jobs paying between €20,000 to €40,000 salary in Malta
• Jobs paying between €40,000 to €60,000 salary in Malta
• Jobs paying between €60,000 to €80,000 salary in Malta
  
• Jobs paying between €80,000 to €100,000 salary in Malta
  
• Jobs paying over €100,000 salary in Malta

Work: it stimulates the body and mind, gives meaning and purpose to life for many of us and occupies more than half of our time on this planet we call home. A broad definition, but definitely one that many of us can relate to (whether we actually agree with it or not is a totally different thing). Because of the length of time spent within the office walls, colleagues have a tendency to grow on us. Some of the strongest friendships were formed between managing projects or brainstorming creative marketing campaigns. These relationships should not be dismissed.

Working in Malta is very much the same, with a few extras. Given the size of the islands, the chances of bumping into colleagues outside work at an alarmingly frequent rate, are extremely high. Getting on well with our workmates is therefore essential for many of us.

Here at maltajobs.com.mt, we’ve drawn up a list of 10 tips which should help you out on exactly this front: building solid relationships with your work mates.

1. Be punctual

You’d be surprised by how much people can tell about you by simply noticing the constant lateness of your arrival at work. Never more so than if you leave an early meeting hanging because “traffic was a nightmare”. If it was a nightmare for you, it was a nightmare for everyone. To be punctual is to be respectful.

2. Make your co-workers feel important

Making your co-workers feel important goes beyond praising them for a job well done. Most of the time, it’s a simple matter of sticking to promises and deadlines made to them. If you really can’t be timely with your work, make sure you own up to your shortcomings. Honesty will always be the best policy and your colleagues will definitely appreciate it more than a half-baked excuse for your delays.

3. Be tidy and neat in your work 

People love nothing more than working with someone who won’t leave meeting rooms in a mess, dirty plates and cutlery in the common kitchenette or an old banana peel in the waste basket attracting more insects than they’d care to see. Being tidy (and generally clean) will definitely help you win points with your colleagues.

4. Be sensitive to situations around you

Working with people will undoubtedly create an ever-fluctuating set of dynamics. Many of us can perceive the general mood of the office as soon as we step in and – very carefully – act accordingly. There are those however who barge right through everything, oblivious of how people are feeling or made to feel. Be sensitive to what your colleagues are going through. This will help you avoid awkward moments.

5. Make the most of your colleagues’ celebratory events

Whether it’s a birthday, work anniversary or any other occasion which requires celebrating (and cake), do try to spread it around at the office. It will make your colleague feel appreciated and will get all the office sharing in the happy event. Happiness is a contagious bug and a smile or a laugh can go a long way into building strong relationships. Perhaps you have a designer in your company you can co-ordinate to create funny, personalized cards or caricatures just for the event. If not you can always hire a designer through a service like Spotlancer. Or you could decorate your colleague’s desk before they arrive with the help of other co-workers. Simple, genuine actions are usually the most fondly remembered.

6. Know when to draw a line between the personal and the private

So you’re working in IT and your bench mate is a developer who graduated with you. Although that’s all well and good, it does not mean this shared life event entitles you to exclusive insights into his personal life. If you feel that he or she is not opening up, then it’s a clear sign to back off with the questions.

7. Offer help when you feel your colleagues need it

The oldest rule in the book – but the one your colleagues will be most appreciative of. Don’t simply assume control of things however. Show them you’d be more than happy to assist and let them come to you.

8. Never take credit for something you did not do

This applies across the industry board – whether you’re in the Legal industry, Telecommunications, Health Care – you name it, credit where due. Always. If not, it’s surely your one-way ticket to the office’s darkest recesses from which a return to good graces is very unlikely.

9. Be pro-active with out-of-office events organisation

Usually, the individual responsible for organising social events between colleagues is the one with the most pats on the back, and this is not just for jobs in Malta. So why not lend a helping hand next time your HR manager announces there’s going to be an event soon? (We won’t tell you’re just doing it for the pats.)

10. And if you feel you’ve over-stepped and someone at the office holds a grudge against you, there’ only one way to make things right with the world again… Take food!

Remember, you’re working in Malta and as jobs in Malta go, you can never go wrong with a dozen pastizzi early in the morning when everyone is still bleary eyed and not too sure why they came to work. Grudge? What grudge? Another pastizz, anyone?

Learning new skills.

With such a fast paced world, depending on the nature and industry of your work most of the time you need to keep yourself updated with what’s new to ensure you stay on top of your job and up to expectations. But let’s be honest, it’s not an easy job at all to fit in more time in your lifestyle to learn such new skills. So how important is it for you to keep up to date with new skills in the industry you work in?

Applying with your Linkedin Profile for job vacancies

We are happy to introduce a new feature which will not only help you to get hired faster but also to minimize your time when applying for jobs. All registered users will have the ability to apply for jobs via their linkedin profile.

How does it work?

It’s pretty easy, all you have to do is to click the “Apply with Linkedin” button found at the bottom of each job listing. Once you log in to your Linkedin account we’ll generate a C.V. which is sent directly to the employer / job lister.

Benefit for Job Seekers:

• No need to have C.V. in hand
• Faster and more efficient way to apply
• Employers can view your friends recommendations
• Better chance of getting employed

Benefit for Employers: