General

All foreign nationals require a work permit to work in Malta, with the exception of EU nationals. Malta also operates a Working Holiday Visa programme for Australian citizens aged under 30. In respect of foreigners, the Government maintains a very restrictive policy and employment licences are granted only in exceptional circumstances.

Such work permits are issued to employers wishing to engage foreigners for a determined period and for a specific purpose, Only after it has been ascertained that every effort has been made to engage a suitable Maltese citizen.

Conditions for the Issue of a Work Permit

1. The applicant must be in possession of a job offer from an employer in Malta.

2. The applicant must possess a specialist skill or qualification which is lacking in Malta.

3. A significant demand must exist in a particular sector e.g. construction workers, qualified nurses, tourist guides with particular language skills.

Upon the request of a potential employer and on satisfying the above criteria, an employment licence will be issued by the Director of Labour.

Validity & Renewal

Employment licences are normally issued valid for one year. Licences valid for up to three years may also be applied for at the express request of the employer and provided sufficient justification is given. Licences may be renewed thereafter where a request to that effect is justified.

Residence Permit

A residence permit is automatically granted with the approval of a work permit for the applicant and his/her spouse. However, this does not entitle the spouse to work or automatically qualify for an employment licence unless demand for work is felt in the respective field.

Indefinite Permits

Where a foreign national is an investor in the manufacturing or financial services sector and holds substantial shareholding (40%) in the enterprise, the relative permit may be issued indefinitely.