MALTA

Malta is an attractive European destination for international workers, offering employment opportunities in information technology, healthcare, construction, hospitality, tourism, finance, manufacturing, logistics and other sectors. Indian citizens who wish to work in Malta must obtain the appropriate employment and immigration authorization before starting work.

For most non-EU nationals, the main employment route is the Malta Single Permit. The Single Permit combines the authorization to reside and work in Malta and is normally applied for by the Maltese employer on behalf of the prospective employee. Depending on the applicant’s circumstances, a Long-Stay Visa (Type D) may also be required to enter Malta for employment.

Types of Malta Work Authorization

Important

The Single Permit and Long-Stay Visa are not the same document.

The Single Permit provides the authorization to reside and work in Malta. A Type D Long-Stay Visa is an entry visa for applicants who require a visa to travel to Malta for a long-term stay.

A short-stay Schengen visa does not authorize a third-country national to take up employment in Malta.

The exact requirements can vary according to the applicant’s nationality, occupation, employer, salary, qualifications and employment sector.

Step-by-Step Malta Work Visa Process

1. Get a Job Offer From a Maltese Employer

The process normally starts with a genuine job offer from an employer established and operating in Malta.

The employment offer or contract should clearly state the job title, duties, salary, working hours, place of employment, contract duration and other employment conditions.

The employer must meet the applicable requirements for employing a third-country national in Malta.

2. Employer Submits the Single Permit Application

The Maltese employer normally submits the Single Permit application on behalf of the prospective employee.

The application is processed through Malta’s Single Permit system, involving the relevant Maltese authorities, including Identità and the employment authorities.

The application may involve checks relating to the employer, employment position, employment conditions, applicant’s identity, qualifications, experience and supporting documentation.

3. Submit the Required Documents

Common documents may include:

• Valid passport

• Signed employment contract

• Job offer and employment details

• Recent passport-size photographs

• Updated CV

• Educational certificates, where applicable

• Professional qualification certificates, where required

• Evidence of relevant work experience, where applicable

• Police conduct certificate, where required

• Proof of accommodation, where applicable

• Health insurance or other required insurance documentation

• Documents relating to the employer

• Other documents requested by the Maltese authorities

Indian-issued documents may need to be apostilled or otherwise legalized and translated, depending on the document and the requirements of the relevant Maltese authority.

4. Complete the Required Pre-Departure Requirements

First-time third-country national workers may be required to complete Malta’s Pre-Departure Course, subject to the applicable rules and exemptions.

The course provides information about living and working in Malta, including:

• Employment rights and responsibilities

• Working conditions

• Maltese laws

• Living in Malta

• Integration

• Basic information about Maltese society

Additional requirements may apply to certain employment sectors, including specific tourism and hospitality roles.

5. Wait for Single Permit Approval

The Maltese authorities assess the Single Permit application and supporting documentation.

The assessment may include verification of:

• Applicant identity

• Employer information

• Employment conditions

• Qualifications and experience

• Immigration requirements

• Supporting documents

If additional information or documents are required, the applicant or employer may be contacted.

6. Receive Approval in Principle

If the Single Permit application is approved, the applicant receives the relevant Approval in Principle (AIP) or approval documentation.

Where a visa is required for entry into Malta, the approval documentation can be used for the subsequent visa application.

The Approval in Principle should not be treated as a substitute for a required entry visa or residence documentation.

7. Apply for the Malta Long-Stay Visa (Type D), If Required

Indian citizens travelling to Malta for long-term employment generally need the appropriate Long-Stay Visa (Type D) where the visa requirement applies.

The applicant submits the required visa application and supporting documents through the applicable Maltese visa application process.

Documents may include:

• Valid passport

• Completed visa application

• Passport photographs

• Single Permit approval or AIP documentation

• Employment documentation

• Accommodation information, where required

• Insurance documentation, where applicable

• Other documents requested by the visa authorities

Applicants should follow the current instructions provided by the relevant Maltese visa application centre or diplomatic authority.

8. Travel to Malta

After receiving the required visa and completing the applicable formalities, the applicant can travel to Malta.

The applicant should carry the relevant passport, visa, Single Permit approval documents, employment documents and other required immigration documents.

Entry into Malta remains subject to border-control requirements.

9. Complete Residence and Biometric Formalities

After arriving in Malta, the applicant must complete the remaining Single Permit and residence formalities, including biometric procedures where required.

The applicant will receive instructions regarding the collection of the residence permit.

The worker should ensure that the required authorization is in place before commencing employment.

10. Start Employment Legally in Malta

After completing the required employment and residence formalities, the worker can begin employment according to the conditions approved under the Single Permit.

The worker should work for the employer and in the position covered by the authorization.

Any change of employer, position or employment circumstances may require approval or a new procedure under Maltese rules.

Malta Work Visa Processing Time

The processing period depends on the application, employer, completeness of documents, required checks and the workload of the relevant authorities.

For a Single Permit application, the applicable framework allows the authorities up to four months to reach a decision, although individual applications may be completed sooner or may require additional time if further information or verification is needed.

Applicants should begin the process well before their intended employment start date.

Processing times are not a guarantee of approval.

Important Information for Indian Applicants

Before applying to work in Malta, Indian citizens should:

• Obtain a genuine job offer from a Maltese employer.

• Verify the employer and employment contract.

• Ensure the job and employment conditions meet the applicable requirements.

• Allow the employer to submit the Single Permit application.

• Prepare educational and professional documents in advance.

• Complete apostille, legalization and translation requirements where applicable.

• Complete the Pre-Departure Course if it applies to the application.

• Check whether a Type D Long-Stay Visa is required.

• Follow the instructions of Identità and the relevant Maltese authorities.

• Complete biometric and residence formalities after arrival.

• Do not start employment before the required authorization is in place.

• Work according to the employer, position and conditions approved under the Single Permit.

Malta Work Opportunities for Indian Workers

Indian professionals and skilled workers may find employment opportunities in Malta in areas such as:

• Information Technology

• Software Development

• Healthcare

• Construction

• Hospitality

• Tourism

• Finance

• Manufacturing

• Logistics

• Engineering

• Skilled Trades

Employment availability depends on the applicant’s qualifications, experience, occupation, employer requirements and the current Maltese labour market.

Important Legal Notice

Malta’s immigration and employment requirements can change. Eligibility, documentation, fees, processing procedures, exemptions and sector-specific requirements may vary according to the applicant and type of employment.

Applicants should verify the latest requirements with Identità Malta, Jobsplus and the relevant Maltese visa authorities before submitting an application or travelling to Malta.