Finding a job in Malta: sectors, salaries, and how to get hired
Finding work
Finding a job in Malta: sectors, salaries, and how to get hired
Quick Answer
Malta’s job market is nearly at full employment, with an unemployment rate of around 3% as of mid-2026 (NSO, April 2026). The island runs a truly international labour market, with about 40% of jobs held by foreign nationals. Key sectors include iGaming, financial services, and technology. EU and EEA nationals can apply for jobs without restrictions. Non-EU nationals must have a job offer before their employer can apply for a Single Permit. Popular job search sites include Konnekt, jobsinmalta.com, and LinkedIn. Speaking a European language besides English, especially Nordic languages, Dutch, or German, can improve both job options and starting salaries in customer-facing roles.
Is Malta a good place to find a job?
Yes, especially if you’re a skilled professional. Malta has one of the lowest unemployment rates in Europe, and employers continue to struggle to fill vacancies.
That demand is visible in the data. The NSO Job Vacancy Survey Q1 2026 recorded 10,022 open jobs in Malta, up 13.4% compared with the same quarter in 2025.
This is backed by a growing economy – Malta’s GDP increased by 3.9% in Q1 2026 and the growth is expected to continue.
Foreign workers are a key part of Malta’s workforce. According to Jobsplus, 135,417 foreign nationals were employed at the end of 2025, representing around 40% of all primary employment. Around 70% were third-country nationals and 30% were EU nationals, showing that Malta relies heavily on international talent.
| Sector | Typical international roles | Language advantage? |
|---|---|---|
| iGaming / online gaming | Compliance, AML, payments, product, data, CS | Yes, significant |
| Financial services | Fund admin, risk, regulatory reporting, AML | Helpful but not required |
| Technology / IT | Software engineering, data, infrastructure, security | Rarely required |
| Maritime & yachting | Vessel management, yacht crew, port operations | Sometimes |
| Pharmaceutical / life sciences | QA/QC, regulatory affairs, medicines assessment | Rarely required |
Which sectors are actually hiring foreigners?
iGaming – Malta’s most international sector
For many international professionals moving to Malta, iGaming is one of the most attractive sectors to explore. The industry is large, well-established, highly international and known for offering some of the better-paid roles on the island.
Demand is especially strong for people working in compliance and AML, payments, fraud and risk, software engineering, product management, BI and data analytics, CRM, digital marketing, and multilingual customer support.
If your background fits one of these areas, Malta’s iGaming sector is worth serious attention.
View iGaming jobs on Konnekt →Financial services
Financial services is another strong sector for international professionals in Malta. The industry is well-established, highly regulated and continues to create demand for people with specialist experience.
International candidates often find the best opportunities in AML and CFT compliance, fund administration, risk, internal audit, regulatory reporting, payments, digital operational resilience, and AI governance.
View Financial services jobs on Konnekt →Technology and IT
Tech is another strong area for international professionals in Malta, especially if you work in software, data, cybersecurity or IT infrastructure.
According to the NSO Job Vacancy Survey Q3 2025, information and communication had the highest job vacancy rate across all sectors. The job vacancy rate shows the share of available roles that employers are still trying to fill, so a high rate is a useful sign of strong hiring demand.
For international candidates, the strongest opportunities are often in software engineering, data analytics, cybersecurity, cloud, IT support, systems administration, and product-related tech roles.
Hospitality and catering – consistent demand and opportunities
Hospitality and catering remain one of Malta’s biggest employers, driven by a growing tourism industry and a year-round need for staff. Many employers actively recruit internationally to fill vacancies, making it one of the easiest sectors for foreigners to enter.
The strongest demand is for chefs, cooks, restaurant managers, waiters and waitresses, bartenders, hotel receptionists, housekeeping staff, and guest services professionals.
While salaries are generally lower than in sectors such as iGaming or financial services, hospitality offers plenty of opportunities for people looking to gain experience, build a career in Malta, or progress into management roles.
Does speaking another language make a difference?
Yes, but it depends on the role. For tech, finance and most back-office jobs, English is usually enough because it is widely used in Malta’s international business community.
Other languages matter most in customer-facing roles, especially in iGaming, customer support, live operations, account management and content moderation. Nordic languages, Dutch, Flemish and German are often in high demand, while French, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, Greek and Polish can also help.
These language skills can also increase your salary, as some employers offer extra monthly allowances for hard-to-fill languages. If you speak one of these languages and have relevant experience, you may have a strong advantage in Malta’s iGaming and cross-border services sectors.
How to job hunt in Malta: channels and strategy
The main channels
Konnekt is Malta’s largest recruitment agency and the most established channel for professional roles on the island. It covers the full spectrum from entry-level to director, with particularly strong coverage across iGaming, financial services, and technology.
jobsinmalta.com is the main job board, aggregating listings from direct employers and agencies. It is worth checking regularly.
LinkedIn is active in Malta’s professional market, particularly for senior and specialist roles where direct approaches by hiring managers and internal recruiters are common. If you are targeting a specific company, connecting with relevant people before a vacancy appears is a reasonable strategy.
How to approach your job search in Malta
Malta is a small market, and professional networks matter. This is especially true in sectors such as iGaming, finance and tech, where people often know each other across companies. A strong reputation, relevant experience and a proactive approach can help you stand out.
A practical job search strategy looks like this:
- Target the right sectors. Focus on areas where international experience is valued. Employers in Malta usually respond better when your experience clearly matches the job.
- Use several channels. Register with a recruitment agency such as Konnekt, monitor jobsinmalta.com, and keep your LinkedIn profile updated. Do not rely on one source only.
- Check salary and tax before applying. Research typical salaries for your role and understand what your net take-home pay would look like after tax. This helps you negotiate better and avoid surprises. Our Malta salary guide covers current ranges by sector and occupation.
- Plan your move carefully. If you are a non-EU national, you need a job offer before moving to Malta because your employer will be part of the work permit process. If you are an EU national, you can move first and look for work locally, but it is still sensible to have savings in place. Depending on your profession and experience, finding the right role can take time.
What does the application and interview process look like?
Malta follows fairly standard European hiring practices. For most roles, you will apply with a CV, have one or more interviews, and provide references before receiving an offer.
Your CV should usually be one to two pages, clearly structured and easy to read. A European-style CV is fine, but any neat and simple format works. Avoid excessive design, graphics or unusual layouts, as applicant tracking systems may not read them properly. A professional photo is not required.
Interviews are usually conversational, especially in first rounds. If you apply from abroad, the first interview will often be by video. For many professional roles, expect two to three interview rounds. For technical, data or specialist roles, you may also be asked to complete a task or case study to show your skills.
References matter in Malta, and employers do check them. Before applying, think about who could give you a strong, relevant reference, ideally someone who knows your work well.
Networking also helps. Malta has many industry events, especially in iGaming, finance and tech, and it is common to build professional connections over events, meetups or drinks after work.
EU nationals vs non-EU nationals: What’s different?
The biggest difference is your right to work in Malta.
EU, EEA and Swiss nationals
If you are an EU, EEA or Swiss national, you can live and work in Malta without a work permit. You can apply for jobs before or after you arrive and complete the usual residency registration once you start working.
Non-EU (third-country) nationals
If you are a non-EU national, you must have a job offer before you can apply for a work permit. Your employer submits the Single Permit application on your behalf, so the process cannot begin until you have signed an employment contract.
For a step-by-step explanation of the permit process, required documents, fees and timelines, read our complete guide to Working in Malta as a Third-Country National.
View jobs open to non-EU candidates on Konnekt →| EU / EEA / Swiss nationals | Non-EU (third-country) nationals | |
|---|---|---|
| Right to work | Immediate, no permit required | Requires Single Permit (employer applies) |
| Application sequence | Apply for jobs, get hired, register residency | Secure job offer → employer applies for permit → await decision |
| Processing time | N/A | ~Up to 4 months by law |
| Pre-departure course | Not required | Required for first-time applicants (from March 2026) |
| Can spouse work? | Yes, freely | Spouse needs separate permit — not automatic |
What to expect from working life in Malta
Working hours
The standard working week in Malta is 40 hours, with most office jobs running Monday to Friday, from around 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.
Remote and hybrid working
Hybrid working is common in many professional sectors, particularly iGaming, finance and tech. A typical arrangement is three days in the office and two days working from home, although this varies by employer and should be discussed during the interview process. Fully remote roles are available but remain relatively uncommon.
Salaries
Salaries vary significantly by industry and experience. While the average salary in Malta is around €27,240 per year, specialist roles in iGaming, finance and technology often pay considerably more. See our Salary Guide for Malta to compare salaries by profession and calculate your expected take-home pay.
Cost of living
Malta’s biggest expense is housing. According to recent Numbeo estimates, a one-bedroom apartment in central areas such as Valletta, Sliema or St Julian’s typically costs around €1,200 per month, while renting outside these locations can often reduce your monthly rent by €100–€200. A single person should budget around €850–€900 per month for living expenses before rent.
Commuting
Although Malta is small, traffic can be heavy during peak hours, especially around the main business districts. When choosing where to live, consider your daily commute as well as the rental price.
Frequently asked questions about finding a job in Malta
Do I need to speak Maltese to get a job in Malta?
For most professional roles in the private sector, no. English is widely used in iGaming, financial services and technology. Maltese is more common in government roles and some local businesses. Learning a few basics is appreciated, but it is usually not required for international roles.
Can I apply for jobs in Malta before I move?
Yes, and it is usually the best approach. Many employers interview candidates by video, especially for first-round interviews. For non-EU nationals, having a job offer is essential because the work permit process depends on the employer.
How long does it take to find a job in Malta?
It depends on your sector, experience and nationality. Specialist candidates in areas such as compliance, software, data or finance may move faster. More general roles can take longer. Non-EU nationals also need to factor in work permit processing time.
Can my spouse work in Malta if I have a job there?
If you are an EU or EEA national, your spouse can generally work in Malta. If you are a non-EU national, your spouse’s right to work depends on the type of residence permit they receive. In some cases, they can access the labour market through family reunification, while in others they may need separate work authorisation. As the rules vary, it is best to check the latest guidance from Identità before making plans.
What is the typical working week in Malta?
A standard working week is Monday to Friday, usually around office hours. Many professional roles are office-based or hybrid. Fully remote roles exist, but they are less common.
Malta’s job market is active, international and shaped by constant demand for workers. The strongest opportunities for skilled professionals are in iGaming, financial services and technology, while hospitality, catering, construction, logistics and other blue-collar sectors also continue to hire.
EU nationals can work in Malta without a permit. Non-EU nationals need a job offer before starting the permit process, so planning the move in the right order matters.