Malta

Work Permit Visa in Malta: An In-Depth Guide

Malta's geographical position in the center of the Mediterranean, its strong services and ICT sectors, and its high standard of living make it an increasingly popular destination for highly qualified professionals from around the globe. For non‑EU citizens who wish to work legally in Malta, it is important to have an understanding of the local permit system. This guide takes you through the permit types available, eligibility requirements, application process, and longer‑term routes, starting with the Single Permit, which is the cornerstone work‑and‑residence permit.

Categories of Maltese Work Permits

1.Single Permit (Work and Residence Permit)

The Single Permit merges the work and residence authorization into one easy process for third-country nationals who intend to stay for more than three months. Employers first apply for an Employment Licence with Jobsplus, proving that they advertised the post locally and in the EU but failed to identify a suitable individual. At the same time, candidates prepare their Residence Permit file for Identity Malta, providing medical certificates, conduct certificates from the police, accommodation proof, and an existing passport. After the approval of both the Employment Licence and Residence Permit, the Single Permit gives the holder the right to reside and work in Malta on certain terms—firstly for up to four years, with the option of extension.

2. Short‑Term Employment Licence

For temporary work for no longer than three months over the course of a six‑month period, Malta's Short‑Term Employment Licence provides a quick‑track alternative. Suitable for consultants, visiting lecturers, performers, or experts attending seminars, this licence is employer‑specific and position‑specific. The employer provides the applicant's contract, copy of passport, and evidence of relevant skills to Jobsplus. Processing usually involves ten business days, after which several entries to Malta are authorized for the same short‑term assignment. As it does not provide longer‑term residence, anyone who is required to exceed three months is required to change to the Single Permit system.

3. EU Blue Card

Malta, as a member of the EU, subscribes to the EU Blue Card scheme for the highly skilled non‑EU labour. To qualify, applicants must hold a recognized higher‑education degree (or have at least five years of specialized professional experience) and present a binding job offer that pays a salary of at least 1.2 times Malta’s average gross annual wage. The EU Blue Card not only provides legal residence and work rights in Malta but also facilitates increased mobility among member states of the participating EU countries after eighteen months and accelerates eligibility for permanent residence.

Eligibility Criteria

There are common eligibility requirements for all Maltese work permit streams. Applicants should possess a passport with a validity of at least six months beyond the period of intended stay, present a clean criminal record from each country where they have resided for six months or more, and present a medical certificate stating good health. Evidence of health insurance that will cover the whole stay is also required. Employers have to prove real recruitment efforts within Malta and the EU prior to the employment of a non‑EU national. For the EU Blue Card, besides academic or professional qualifications, applicants are required to meet the specified salary level.

Application Process

1. Single Permit Application:

The Single Permit application is initiated when the employer submits an application to Jobsplus for an Employment Licence, providing comprehensive job descriptions, contract conditions, and proof of adherence to Maltese wage conditions. When they receive the Employment Licence, the applicant submits an application for a Residence Permit to Identity Malta, including the issued Employment Licence, passport photographs, police conduct certificates, medical reports, and accommodation proof. Jobsplus and Identity Malta synchronize their assessments, and after both elements are approved, the applicant is issued a Combined Work and Residence Permit that allows them to start their position and live in Malta.

2. Short‑Term Employment Licence Application:

For short‑term work, the employer sends a direct application to Jobsplus, such as the foreign employee's contract showing start and finish dates, the worker's passport copy, and proof of his/her qualifications or skills. Jobsplus usually issues these licences within ten working days, after which the holder is at liberty to enter Malta repeatedly under the licence's validity period, working exclusively in the job specified.

3. EU Blue Card Application

EU Blue Card applications are made together by employer and employee to Identity Malta. The employer submits the binding job offer and evidence of compliance with salary, while the applicant provides degree certificates or letters confirming five years of professional experience, as well as criminal record and medical clearances. Identity Malta coordinates with Jobsplus to verify labour market conditions prior to issuing the Blue Card—a process which typically takes one to two months.

Documents required

• • Irrespective of the permit category, you will have to collect:

• • Valid passport having not less than six months' remaining validity

• • Two recent passport-sized photographs

• • Certificates of conviction (criminal records) from all applicable jurisdictions

• • A medical certificate signed by an accredited doctor

• • Documentation of health insurance covering Malta

• • Evidence of lodging (lease document or title deeds)

• • Clear employment contract or firm job offer letter

• • Documents to prove attempted recruitment (Single Permit)

• • Certified academic degrees or professional work experience letters (EU Blue Card)

Processing Times and Charges

Timeframes differ: Short‑Term Licences are usually issued within ten business days; Single Permits usually take six to eight weeks; and EU Blue Cards can take up to two months due to EU coordination. Up to 2025, costs are around €240 for a Short‑Term Licence, €300 for the Jobsplus component of a Single Permit plus €100 for the residence permit from Identity Malta, and €300 for an EU Blue Card. There are also medical tests and criminal record certificates, whose prices depend on who one goes with.

Maintaining Status and Extensions

To retain legal status, renewals must be applied for at least one month prior to expiry. Single Permit renewals are submitted through Identity Malta, with confirmation by the employer of continued compliance with employment conditions. EU Blue Card renewals are done in the same way, as long as salary and working conditions continue to be satisfied. Short‑Term Licence holders cannot be extended beyond three months; assignments extended beyond this duration must be changed to a Single Permit.

Restoring Status

Malta has no onshore revival for expired permits. When a permit lapses prior to filing an extension application, the person must leave Malta and reapply from overseas. To avoid this, send calendar reminders several months before expiry dates and plan with your employer's HR or lawyer closely.

Paths to Permanent Residence

Long‑Term Residence Permit:

Non-EU nationals legally residing in Malta on a Single Permit for five consecutive years are eligible to apply for a Long-Term Residence Permit. The applicants should prove stable resources, uninterrupted health insurance, and limited absence from Malta throughout the qualifying period. Holders have rights similar to those of EU citizens, such as free access to the Maltese labour market.

EU Long‑Term Residence Permit:

EU Blue Card residents who obtain five years of lawful, continuous residence in any EU Member State are eligible to apply for an EU Long‑Term Residence Permit. This allows for greater mobility within the EU while affirming permanent residence in Malta.

Maltese Citizenship by Naturalization:

Once the necessary residence—usually four years under authorized residence schemes or eighteen months under some high‑qualification routes—candidates can apply for Maltese citizenship through naturalization. Eligibility criteria are linguistic, proof of integration into society, and no criminal record.

Advice for Easy Application:

Start gathering documents at least three months prior to your planned start date. Utilize Jobsplus and Identity Malta official checklists to check for completeness, organize certified translations where required, and book early medical tests. Apply online wherever possible to process more quickly and monitor in real‑time. Keep in close contact with your employer's HR or legal department, which will typically manage dossier preparation. For complicated or high-stakes situations, such as intra-corporate transfers or EU Blue Card applications, consider hiring a local immigration advisor or attorney to ensure regulatory subtleties and speed up approval.

Conclusion

Malta's multi-layered work permit system fits a variety of non-EU professionals, from short-term experts to highly skilled long-term employees pursuing eventual permanent residence or citizenship. By grasping the differences between the Single Permit, Short‑Term Employment Licence, and EU Blue Card, meeting the eligibility criteria, and adhering to the mandated application procedures, you can successfully start your Maltese professional journey. By being proactive, renewing in a timely fashion, and making long‑term residency preparations in advance, you'll be set to flourish in this vibrant Mediterranean center.