How to get a work permit in Malta: step-by-step for TCNs
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How to get a work permit in Malta: step-by-step for TCNs
Quick Answer
As a Third-Country National (TCN), you will need a Single Permit to live and work in Malta legally. The Single Permit combines your work authorisation and residence permit into one document, which is tied to a specific employer and role. Your employer must initiate the application process through the Identità portal. The fee for a first-time application is €600. From 1 March 2026, new applicants who are still abroad have to complete a Pre-Departure Course, which costs €250, before they can submit their application. You should allow five to six months in total from the time you apply to your first day of work.
What is a TCN and why do you need a Single Permit?
A Third-Country National (TCN) is anyone who is not a citizen of an EU country, the EEA (Iceland, Liechtenstein or Norway) or Switzerland. If you are a TCN, you generally need a Single Permit before you can live and work in Malta.
The Single Permit combines your work permit and residence permit into one application. It is regulated by Subsidiary Legislation 217.17 and managed by Identità.
Before you apply, there are three important things to know:
- It is linked to your employer. You can only work for the employer and in the role stated on your permit.
- It is valid only for work in Malta. You cannot use it to work outside the country.
- Your residence depends on your employment. If your job ends, your right to remain in Malta may also be affected, although you may have a limited period to find a new employer.
How to apply for a Single Permit in Malta: step by step
The process depends on where you are when you apply. If you are applying from outside the EU, the steps usually look like this:
If you are currently outside the EU (still abroad)
- Complete the Pre-Departure Course. The course must be completed and approved before the Single Permit application is submitted.
- Your employer initiates the application. The application is made through the Identità Single Permit Online Portal. You will receive a link to check and confirm your details, but the employer submits the application.
- Authorities review the application. Identità, Jobsplus and the Police Immigration Office carry out the necessary checks. This stage can take time, so make sure your documents are complete.
- Approval in Principle (AIP) is issued. If the application is accepted, you receive an Approval in Principle letter. This allows you to move to the next step.
- Apply for your National Long-Stay (D) Visa. Using your AIP, you apply through the Central Visa Unit or a Visa Application Centre in your country.
- Travel to Malta and attend your biometrics appointment. Once you arrive, pre-book an appointment at the Identità Expatriates Unit in Msida. Your original documents will be verified, and your fingerprints, photograph, and digital signature will be captured.
- Receive your Interim Receipt (“blue paper”). This document confirms your application is in progress. Crucially, check whether it states “Temporary Authorisation to Work” (TAW). If it does, you may legally begin work immediately. If it does not, you must wait for your eResidence Card. If TAW is absent but should be present, contact Identità to have a corrected blue paper issued.
- Collect your eResidence Card. Once approved, you collect your residence card in person. This is your official proof that you can live and work in Malta.
If you are already legally living in another EU country
You may be able to apply from within the EU if your current residence permit is still valid for at least six months.
If your identity or residence documents are not in English, arrange certified translations before the application is submitted. Missing translations can delay the process.
If you are already in Malta and changing employer
If you want to change employer, your new employer must submit a Change of Employer application through the Identità portal.
This is treated as a new application. Your existing permit does not automatically transfer to the new employer, and you may need to pay new fees, complete the required checks and attend another biometrics appointment.
Browse jobs in Malta open to non-EU applicants on Konnekt →
What does a Single Permit cost in Malta?
The 2025 Labour Migration Policy significantly restructured the fee schedule. Initial application fees were increased to incentivise long-term hiring, while renewal fees were reduced to encourage employers to retain existing staff. The table below lists official government fees only.
| Fee item | Official fee (2025/2026) |
|---|---|
| First-time Single Permit application | €600 |
| Change of employer | €600 |
| Change of designation (same employer) | €300 |
| Permit renewal — no changes | €150 per year |
| Live-in carers | €27.50 |
| National Long-Stay (D) Visa — Standard | €150 |
| National Long-Stay (D) Visa — Premium | €300 |
| Pre-Departure Integration Course | €250 |
| Skills Pass (Tourism and Hospitality) | €230 |
Important: These are government-mandated fees only. Your total relocation cost will likely be higher.
Budget separately for private health insurance with at least €100,000 coverage, a legally registered lease, usually including one month’s deposit, one month’s rent in advance and an agency fee, and any health screening costs charged by the IDCU.
These are market costs, not government fees. Always check the latest figures on Identità before applying.
The Pre-Departure Course: what it is and who needs it
From 1 March 2026, Identità verifies a valid Pre-Departure Course Certificate for first-time third-country nationals applying for a Single Permit from abroad. The course covers living and working in Malta, workplace rights and obligations, and includes an English-language interview. The official fee is €250, and registration is only available through the Skills Pass portal at skillspass.org.mt. Always use the official website and be cautious of anyone offering unofficial registration or charging additional fees.
Who is exempt?
You do not need to complete the Pre-Departure Course if you:
- have been legally living in Malta for eight years or more; or
- already hold a valid Maltese Single Permit, for example if you are renewing it or changing employer.
Tourism and hospitality workers
If you are applying for a job with a business licensed by the Malta Tourism Authority (MTA), you must also complete the Tourism & Hospitality Skills Pass in addition to the Pre-Departure Course.
The Skills Pass includes sector-specific training and an assessment to verify your knowledge and skills. The official fee is €230, and both the Pre-Departure Course and the Skills Pass are completed through skillspass.org.mt.
What documents do you need to apply?
Your application must include all required documents in the correct format. Missing, expired or incorrectly prepared documents can delay the process or lead to refusal. The table below is a working checklist, but the official requirements should always be checked with Identità before applying.
| Category | Required documents |
|---|---|
| Identity | Full passport copy, including every page, submitted as one PDF. The passport must be valid for at least 8 months from the date of application. |
| Employment |
|
| Health |
|
| Accommodation | Registered lease agreement, Declaration by Landlord, Housing Authority approval letter, and Lease Agreement Attestation Form stamped by a Maltese lawyer, notary or legal procurator. |
| Additional |
|
The complete and authoritative checklist is maintained by Identità. Requirements can change, so always verify the latest list before submitting.
How long does the Single Permit process take?
In most cases, you should allow around five to six months from starting the process to your first day of work.
A typical timeline looks like this:
- Pre-Departure Course: Allow 2 to 4 weeks to complete the course and receive approval.
- Single Permit application: Identità states that processing can take up to 4 months, although complete applications are often processed sooner.
- Visa application: Processing times depend on the Visa Application Centre in your country.
- Biometrics appointment: Usually completed shortly after you arrive in Malta.
- eResidence Card: Issued after your biometrics appointment and final checks.
If your Interim Receipt includes Temporary Authorisation to Work (TAW), you can start working before your eResidence Card is issued, which can reduce your waiting time.
Your employment rights in Malta
If you work legally in Malta, you are entitled to the same employment rights as Maltese and EU workers. These include:
- The national minimum wage
- Paid annual leave and other statutory leave
- Overtime pay where applicable
- Health and safety protection at work
- Payment of wages through a bank transfer. Under Malta’s Labour Migration Policy, employers cannot pay TCN workers in cash.
If you believe your employer is not respecting your rights, contact the Department for Industrial and Employment Relations (DIER) or seek advice from a licensed employment adviser.
Frequently asked questions
How long does the Malta Single Permit process take?
Allow around five to six months from starting the process to your first day of work. The official review can take up to four months, with extra time needed for the Pre-Departure Course, visa processing and biometrics. If your Interim Receipt includes Temporary Authorisation to Work (TAW), you may be able to start work before your eResidence Card is issued.
Can I start work before my eResidence Card arrives?
Only if your Interim Receipt clearly states Temporary Authorisation to Work. If it does not, you must wait until your eResidence Card is issued.
Who pays for the Single Permit?
The law does not specify whether the employer or employee must pay the Single Permit fee. This is usually agreed with the employer. However, employers and licensed agencies cannot charge candidates recruitment fees.
What is the difference between the Pre-Departure Course and the Skills Pass?
The Pre-Departure Course costs €250 and applies to first-time applicants applying from abroad. The Skills Pass costs €230 and is an additional requirement for tourism and hospitality roles. They are separate requirements, although both are handled through the Skills Pass portal.
Can I change jobs while on a Single Permit?
Yes, but your permit does not automatically transfer to a new employer. Your new employer must submit a new application, and new fees, checks and documents may apply. If your employment was terminated, the 60-day grace period may apply.
Can I apply for a Single Permit if I entered Malta on a tourist visa?
Usually, no. If you entered Malta on a Schengen tourist visa, you normally cannot apply from within Malta and must follow the “still abroad” process. Different rules may apply to visa-waiver nationals who apply within the allowed timeframe.