About Malta
Malta is a little archipelago situated in the Mediterranean and one of the smallest countries in Europe.
The island group is positioned at the east of Tunisia and about 100 km (60 mi) south of the island of Sicily (Italy).
Malta, formally the Republic of Malta, consists of the main island Malta and the smaller islands of Gozo and Comino. The country covers an area of 316 km²; compared, it is about twice the size of Washington, DC, and would fit into Luxembourg eight times.
Malta has a population of 515,000 people (in 2020). The island nation is in the Top10 of the most heavily populated countries in the globe. The capital city is Valletta on the island of Malta. Spoken languages are Maltese and English.
What is Malta famous for?
Malta is a well known tourist destination and famous for its tepid climate and magnificent landscapes that serve as locations for major film productions. The archipelago is habitat to some of the oldest shrines in the world, such as the Megalithic Temples of Malta. The medieval capital Valletta is the site of the Basilica of Our Lady of Mount Carmel and the Barrakka Gardens. Dolphins, sea lions and other marine life inhabit the famed natural beach of the Blue Lagoon on the West coast of Comino.
A destination for Jobseekers
Malta, which is part of the European Union, has a soaring employment rate in its diverse industries which is an appealing factor for overseas job seekers to look for employment here. English being one of the official languages in Malta with a world class education system, IT infrastructure and health care system appeals to a huge number of foreign workers to the country. Candidates from outside the EU or EEA have to apply for a work permit in order to work here.
Abroad job seekers who desire to work here must have their work permits sponsored by their employers as prescribed by immigration laws in their country. Employees from non-EU countries must first get a visa to enter Malta and then apply for a work permit once they are in the country.
Employment licenses must be submitted by the employer and not by the jobseeker.
Work permit for Non-EU citizens
Candidates from Non-EU nations are entitled for a Single Permit Application which is managed by their employer and provides them the right to work and reside in Malta. The application for a Single Permit must comprise the following documents:
- Copy of a valid employment contract
- Private medical insurance policy that offers coverage for 12 months
- Covering letter from the potential employer
- Position description signed by the employer
- A signed CV showing work experience of at least three years
A single permit is also famous as the e-residence card permits individuals the right to live and work in Malta, however the applicant must have a valid visa to reside in Malta.
The single permit is typically processed in two to three months. The permit is valid for one year. The residence card is linked to the employer whose employment contract was included in the application. The card will become unacceptable if the individual terminates to work with that particular employer.
The employer can propose the application on behalf of the employee. If the application is successful, then an authorization letter is issued to the employer to permit the applicant to come to Malta and work there. At this stage the applicants can apply for a visa to enter Malta based on the letter and complete the single permit process once they are in Malta.
Renewal of work permit: Single permits can be renewed by submitting an application for renewal, which must be accompanied by documentation verifying that income tax and national insurance contributions have been duly paid for the preceding 12 months.
Key Employment Initiative (KEI)
The KEI is a fairly new proposal introduced by the government of Malta that offers a fast-track work permit application service to non-EU citizens with extremely specialized skills who desire to work in Malta.Under this scheme potential employees can get their single permits within five working days after they put forward their application. This alternative is open for those competent for managerial or highly-technical roles which entail related qualifications or work experience.
Candidates for this scheme must congregate the following conditions:
- They must have an annual gross remuneration of at least 30,000 pounds
- Certified copies that establish they have the applicable qualifications and the necessary work experience of at least a three-year period
- Statement by the employer that they have the necessary qualifications to carry out the job
The KEI scheme is also extensive to innovators who are ready to launch start-up projects in Malta. Approved sanctions will be applicable for one year which can then be renewed for a maximum of three years.
EU Blue card
Candidates from Non-EU countries who have the EU Blue Card can submit an application for a work permit which will be applicable for one year and can be replenished later. EU Blue Card owners will be given extraordinary consideration provided they are highly-qualified and are being appointed for a job whose annual gross salary is 1.5 times higher than the normal wages in Malta.
Qualifying Employment in Innovation and Creativity
An additional choice is the Qualifying Employment in Innovation and Creativity which is accessible to citizens of countries in the European Economic Area, Switzerland and third world countries.
To meet the criterion, one must have an annual income which is over 52,000 Euros. Candidates must have an applicable qualification or adequate professional experience comparable to that of the Eligible Office for a minimum of three years.
In totaling to meeting the minimum annual income obligation, a beneficiary must also meet the following criteria:
- Must not be abode in Malta
- Do not extract taxable employment income from work carried out in Malta or any time spent outside Malta in combination with such work or tasks
- Under Maltese law, you are safeguarded as an employee.
- Prove that they have professional qualifications to the satisfaction of the capable authority
- Must have constant and reliable resources that are adequate to maintain themselves and their family (without recourse to the social assistance system in Malta)
- Stayed in housing that is considered standard for an equivalent family in Malta and fulfills Malta’s general health and safety regulations.
- Must have a applicable travel document
- Must have health insurance
Employment license through JobsPlus
Jobsplus is the government body accountable for releasing employment licenses that are typically applicable for one year from the date of issue. Applications for employment licenses must be proposed by the prospective employer, and are subject to considerations of the labor market.
Multiple ways to get a work permit for Malta
| Visa category | Features |
|---|---|
|
Single Permit
|
Requested by employer, valid for one year
|
|
Key Employment Initiative
|
Fast-track work permit application for highly-specialized individuals
|
|
EU Blue Card
|
For highly qualified individuals, higher gross salary
|
|
JobsPlus
|
Government body for issuing job licenses
|
There are other numerous ways to get a work permit if you are seeking an overseas job in Malta.
Jobs:
Facts about Working and Living in Malta
- If you are interested in immigrating to Malta for employment, you will require a residence permit. To succeed for a permit, you must be fluent in either English or Maltese, not have any criminal record, rent or own a home, and not live elsewhere for more than 183 days each year.
- Salaries are a slightly lower than what is usually earned in the UK, but all employees obtain an annual pay raise each year that is based on the cost of living in Malta
- Malta’s cost of living is one of the lowest of all European countries, and you can accumulate even more money by buying local products instead of more expensive imported brands
- Working hours are usually from 8:30 am to 5:30 pm