Last updated on June 5th, 2024 at 09:53 am
Known as the jewel of the Mediterranean, the small picturesque island of Malta draws people from all over the world. Businesses from across the globe are setting up shop in Malta, drawn by its favorable legislation, English-language administration, and low corporate tax rates.
As a European Union member state, EEA nationals may legally work in Malta without a visa. However, Malta also offers several work visas for non-Schengen residents. This Remitly guide will help cut through the noise and tell you exactly what you need to navigate the Maltese visa application process.
What are the options for obtaining a Malta work permit?
The Maltese job market is thriving. To facilitate immigration, Malta has created several work visa options:
- Single Permit (D Visa): This is the most common work visa for third-country nationals. It lets you legally work and reside in Malta.
- EU Blue Card: Aimed at highly skilled workers from outside Europe, the EU Blue Card offers work and residency in Malta and several other EU countries.
- Intra-Corporate Transferee Permit: This permit is for employees of multinational companies based outside the Schengen area who are transferred to a Maltese branch.
- Short-Stay Visa (C Visa): This visa allows non-EU citizens to come to Malta for short-term work engagements, usually less than 90 days.
Each different work permit type comes with its own application process and eligibility requirements, but there are some elements that apply across the board.
Eligibility requirements for a work visa in Malta
Before starting the visa application process, all non-Europeans must meet certain conditions that qualify them to live and work in Malta. You will need to provide the following required documents:
- A valid passport
- An employment contract from a business based in Malta
- Proof of relevant qualifications that enable you to carry out the job
- A police certificate from your home nation showing a clean criminal record
- A valid health insurance policy with minimum coverage of €30,000
- Proof of financial means to support yourself while in the country
If you meet these requirements, you can start the visa application process for the option best suited to your situation.
Single Permit
The most common visa type for foreign nationals is the Single Permit, so we’ve broken the application down into five simple steps:
1. Employer request
The business or organization that has offered you a job will have to apply for authorization to employ you by filling out an application form and submitting the required documents to Identity Malta. These documents include a job offer, a detailed job description, proof of advertisement for the position, and justification that the job role could not be fulfilled by a Maltese national.
2. Employee details
Next, you’ll have to submit all your personal documents, including a valid passport, passport-sized photos, copies of your qualifications, proof of experience, a CV, a health insurance policy, and a police background check.
3. Submission
Your work permit application will then be submitted to Identity Malta—this can be done online or via their offices. There is a flat application fee of €300.
4. Processing period
Your application will be assessed by the Maltese government agencies. A Single Permit work visa usually takes 4-6 weeks to process.
5: Collection & biometrics
Once your Single Permit application has been approved, you can pick up your residence card. You’ll also have to attend an appointment with Identity Malta to have your biometrics taken and linked to the card.
EU Blue Card
Highly skilled foreign workers can apply for an EU Blue Card. This is valid for longer periods of time and comes with a host of additional benefits. To qualify, you need to hold a university degree (or proof of relevant work experience if your role doesn’t require a higher education qualification) and have secured a job offer with a salary at least 1.5 times higher than the Maltese average.
Like the Single Permit application, your Maltese employer will have to start the application for the EU Blue Card through Identity Malta. You’ll also have to submit your documents accrediting professional experience and degree qualifications.
The processing time for the Blue Card varies, but it usually takes no more than three months.
Intra-Corporate Transferee Permit
This work permit is aimed at employees who are transferred to a Malta-based office of a multinational company. The business must prove the transfer is necessary and that the employee’s role could not be fulfilled but a Maltese citizen. They will also have to submit qualifications and all other documents mentioned above.
Short-Stay Visa
A Short-Stay Visa, or C-Visa, is a permit issued for work engagements with a fixed duration of up to 90 days. To apply for this type of work visa, non-EU nationals need an invitation from a Malta-based organization.
This will specify the purpose of your trip to the country and how long you will be there. The application must include the supporting documents mentioned above, including medical insurance, proof of accommodation, and financial means.
Things to keep in mind
Once you’ve got a good job offer, applying for the right visa can begin. To ensure a successful outcome, make sure your employer is aware of their requirements. All Malta work visa applications need full cooperation from the contracting business.
On your side, gather all the correct documents and always keep a close eye on your application status on the Maltese embassy website. This way you’ll be able to respond quickly to any notifications or requests to ensure the process runs smoothly.
If you are interested in living in Malta but working remotely for a foreign company, a digital nomad visa is another good option.
For further information or to get started with your visa application, head over to the official Identity Malta website.
FAQs
Can US citizens work in Malta?
Sure! If you’re a US citizen who wants to work in Malta, just follow the steps outlined above to get a work and residence permit.
Is it easy to get a work permit in Malta?
Getting a work permit for Malta can be straightforward if you meet all the requirements outlined in this blog. There is a lot of paperwork, though; coordination with your employer is key. You might hire a professional immigration service.
How long does it take to get a work permit for Malta?
The most common Malta work visa type, the Single Permit takes between one and two months to process. We recommend starting your application as early as possible because many factors can affect the processing time.
What are the requirements for a work visa in Malta?
This depends on your visa type but you’ll need a job offer, proof of qualifications, a clean criminal record, health insurance and proof you can support yourself financially while in the country.
Can you apply for a work permit while on a tourist visa?
No. If you enter Malta on a tourist visa, you may not work. Non-EU citizens must obtain an Interim Receipt from the Maltese embassy in their country before arrival, under immigration laws.