Obtaining a聽residence card and a work permit聽is an essential step for anyone relocating聽to Malta. While it is possible to聽live in Malta聽without working, many foreigners take advantage of their stay in the country to seek employment. If you are considering moving to Malta for work, it's recommended to start the process well聽in advance. Indeed, for any stay exceeding 3 months on Maltese territory, non-Maltese citizens must obtain an electronic residence card.
Moving to Malta for work
European Union/European Economic Area nationals and their family members are allowed to live and work throughout the EU. These citizens can rely on (European Employment Services 鈥� under the authority of Jobsplus, the public employment service in Malta) to search for a job in Malta. Third-country nationals must . This work permit is issued to foreign nationals with specific qualifications and skills unavailable locally. Thus, to hire a third-country national, the employer must ensure they possess the required skills and represent a unique profile to justify the work permit application on behalf of the candidate.
If you are from a non-EU country, you will need to apply for the single permit, which includes both residence and work rights.
If you intend to start a business in Malta, contact , the official national development agency.
Important:
The Identity Malta agency issues eResidence documents while working in conjunction with JobsPlus, Malta's public employment service.
Find the list of required documents for the single residence and work permit application at . The application must be submitted to Identity Malta.
The Maltese eResidence card
To live and work in Malta, you must apply for a Maltese residence card, or rather an eResidence card, through , the dedicated government service. This document covers all types of residence status available to foreigners (EU nationals or not) living in Malta, including those registered under schemes administered by the Office of the Commissioner for Revenue (tax schemes).
Residence permit in Malta for EU/EEA/Swiss nationals
Although EU nationals benefit from the right to free movement, they, as well as EEA and Swiss nationals, must apply for a residence permit (eResidence card) to live and work in Malta for any stay longer than three months in Malta.
The Maltese government offers several types of residence permits, including the Employment/Self-employment permit which allows its holder to seek employment, work (as an employee or self-employed), and start a business in Malta.
Residence permit in Malta for British nationals
British nationals who were already residing in Malta before Brexit retain their status if they meet the conditions set out in the withdrawal agreement and national legislation. However, they must apply for the new eResidence card.
British nationals who wish to live and work in Malta must apply for the single permit (see below) or the European Blue Card (for highly skilled individuals).
Temporary residence permit聽in Malta
Third-country nationals can apply for a Temporary Residence Permit (TRP) to legally stay in Malta.
The TRP is issued by the Maltese government to individuals staying in Malta for a specific reason and for a limited period. This could include, for example, posted workers, individuals coming under the working holiday program, or interns.
The Temporary Residence Permit is therefore intended for individuals who wish to stay in Malta temporarily. The holder of this permit is not subject to Maltese tax on income and capital gains from abroad, even if they are paid in Malta.
The application for a temporary residence permit must be sent to .
Application for the single permit and work permit in Malta
Third-country nationals can apply for a single permit, which serves as both a residence and work permit (referred to as an 鈥�employment license鈥�) in Malta, for a specified period exceeding six months. The application process includes checks by the police, the immigration office, and JobsPlus.
Note that third-country nationals under international or humanitarian protection in Malta or another European Union member state (such as refugees) are not eligible for the single permit. Third-country nationals who are family members of EU/EEA/Swiss nationals do not need a single permit to work.
Characteristics of the single permit
You are required to secure a job offer in Malta before applying for a single permit. Indeed, the application must be endorsed by the employer.
If you are still in your home country, your employer can submit the application on your behalf. You will then be allowed to come to Malta once the application is approved.
The single permit is valid depending on the nature of the job and the contract between you and your employer.
If the applicant no longer holds the specified job, the permit ceases to be valid.
The single permit must be renewed annually within 90 days before the expiration date.
Important:
The current permit must still be valid when you apply for renewal.
New applicants, permit renewal applicants, applicants still abroad, sector-specific applicants: consult the forms provided by Identity Malta in the 鈥溾�� section.
For new applicants, the application is done online and by the employer only. The employer logs in to singlepermit.gov.mt, then the applicant confirms the application and verifies the accuracy of the provided information. An application fee of聽鈧�300 applies.
Domestic helpers can apply for a permit directly, provided the application is approved by the employer. They must fill out Form C2 or Form C5 (for those still abroad), along with the required documents, or apply online. In both cases, a fee of 鈧�27.50 applies to the procedure.
The 鈥淜ey Employment鈥� initiative for highly specialized workers in Malta
The 鈥�Key Employee Initiative鈥� (KEI, or Blue Card) is a residence and work permit intended for highly qualified third-country nationals employed in Malta.
This system facilitates the issuance of work/residence permits to future key employees. The procedure is fast: under normal circumstances, it should not exceed 5 working days from the application date.
The initiative for key employees applies to management positions and highly technical positions that require relevant qualifications or adequate experience related to the proposed employment. It also applies to innovators involved in start-up projects supported by Malta Enterprise.
Here are the eligibility conditions to apply for KEI:
- The gross annual salary must be at least 鈧�35,000 per year;
- Certified copies of relevant qualifications, or justifications or proof of necessary work experience, must be provided;
- The employer must submit a declaration stating that the applicant has the necessary qualifications to perform his future duties.
The 鈥淜ey Employee鈥� initiative allows obtaining a residence permit valid for one year. Upon renewal, the validity period can be longer than one year if the applicant presents a valid employment contract, whether fixed-term or indefinite, as well as the original annual tax declaration form.
The Residence Programme, a special tax status in Malta
The 鈥溾�� is a program intended for EU, EEA, or Swiss nationals who are not permanent residents of Malta. This scheme is interesting for those looking to transfer their tax residence.
The beneficiary has the option to employ domestic staff to provide service in their eligible property, provided all required procedures are followed. The staff must obtain a single permit to work in Malta.
The applicant must:
- Provide proof of financial independence;
- Buy or rent a property in Malta;
- Have a comprehensive health insurance covering their stay in Malta.
The tax rate for TRP beneficiaries is 15% for each euro on any foreign-sourced聽income received in Malta聽by the beneficiary and their dependents. The rate is 35% for other taxable income in Malta, such as bank interest received from a local source or dividends received from a company registered in Malta.
An annual minimum tax of 鈧�15,000 applies to residents or couples who are not permanent residents in Malta.
Foreign income and your capital gains realized outside Malta are not taxable in Malta.
Good to know:
This program, solely a tax system, does not automatically guarantee obtaining the Maltese residence card, which is subject to a separate procedure.
Permanent residence for EU/EEA nationals living in Malta
EU nationals and their family members can obtain permanent residence in Malta, renewable, in another EU country after legally living there for a continuous period of five years.
The applicant must provide the application form accompanied by certain documents depending on their situation (employee, self-employed, student, etc.), such as payslips and evidence showing they have lived in Malta for five years.
It is possible to lose the right to permanent residence by living outside Malta for more than two consecutive years.
Always consult a lawyer for details on legal parameters.
Long-term residence for third-country nationals in Malta
After having legally lived for five years in Malta, third-country nationals can obtain a long-term residence permit.
Here are the conditions to fulfill to apply for long-term residence:
- Be economically self-sufficient;
- Have an income at least equal to the Maltese minimum wage, increased by 20% for each dependent family member;
- Rent or own a property in Malta. The accommodation must be considered normal for a family in Malta and meet the standards set by the housing authority. This point must be confirmed by a certificate issued by a licensed architect;
- Have health insurance covering the applicant and all family members;
- Have undergone integration measures, particularly: the 鈥淚 Belong鈥� course provided by the Directorate of Human Rights and Integration (at least 100 hours of attendance and a passing grade of at least 75%), the Maltese language certificate MQF level 2 (passing grade of at least 65%).
The application fee is 鈧�137.50.
The Global Residence Programme (GRP) in Malta
The Global Residence Programme (GRP) is open to nationals of non-EU, non-EEA, and non-Swiss countries who do not have a long-term residence permit. It is a special tax status administered by the .
Beneficiaries of this program can work in Malta if they meet the required conditions to obtain a work permit.
The conditions to meet for benefiting from the global residence program in Malta are quite strict. The applicant must:
- Invest in a property with a value of at least 鈧�275,000 (鈧�220,000 in certain regions)
Or
- Establish a rental contract with a value of at least 鈧�9,600 (鈧�8,750 in certain regions)
And
- Apply through an accredited agent.
Administrative fees of 鈧�6,000 or 鈧�5,500 (depending on the applicant's situation) are to be expected.
Digital nomad visa in Malta
Why not live and work as a digital nomad in Malta? Since 2021, the nomad residence permit allows, expats, including freelancers, to work remotely while living in Malta for one year, renewable. The key is to work for any employer or client registered outside Malta.
If you work remotely, this visa is the ideal opportunity to immerse yourself in Maltese culture and enjoy all the richness of this country.
The Maltese digital nomad visa is open to nationals of non-EU countries. The applicant must have a gross annual income of at least 鈧�42,000聽and must provide, among other things, a valid passport, the application form, proof of accommodation, proof of sufficient financial means, and health insurance.
The application must be made online through the .
Useful Information:
Identity Malta, 海角乱伦riates Unit
Triq Il-Wied Ta' L-Imsida (Valley Road, Msida)
L-Imsida, Malta.
Phone: 2590 4800
Email (for EU nationals): eu.identita@gov.mt
Email (for non-EU nationals): noneu.identita@gov.mt
Important:
Remember that to work in Malta, you must have a good command of the English language.
Good to know:
Nationals of certain countries must have a visa to enter Malta.
Useful links:
We do our best to provide accurate and up to date information. However, if you have noticed any inaccuracies in this article, please let us know in the comments section below.
