MALTA - DUBAI
"Bridging the Gap Between Talent and Opportunity"
Your Guide to Working and Residing in Malta
Elite Global supports employers and candidates throughout the full process of legally working and residing in Malta. We guide you through the applicable immigration and employment procedures, ensuring that applications are prepared correctly, submitted on time, and aligned with Maltese and European regulations.
Residence and employment authorisations in Malta are administered by Identità, the national authority responsible for legal migration, residence documentation, and visa processing. All applications are assessed in accordance with European directives and Maltese legislation.
Where required, applications are reviewed in coordination with key national stakeholders, including the Malta Police Force and Jobsplus, Malta’s Public Employment Service.
Who Requires a Residence Document in Malta
For EU, EEA, and Swiss Nationals
EU nationals may reside in Malta for up to three months without registration. For stays exceeding three months, individuals must demonstrate that they are exercising Treaty Rights and apply for an eResidence Document. This applies to those in employment, education, family reunification, or who are economically self sufficient.
Nationals of EEA countries (Norway, Liechtenstein, and Iceland), British nationals, and Swiss nationals benefit from similar favourable conditions.
For Non EU Nationals
Third country nationals must hold a valid Residence Permit in order to lawfully work and reside in Malta. The eResidence Document specifies the legal basis and scope of the individual’s stay.
Employment Residence Permits
The most common employment related permit is the Single Permit. This permit is regulated by the EU Single Application Procedure Directive and transposed into Maltese law under Subsidiary Legislation 217.17.
Elite Global assists employers and candidates with the preparation, coordination, and submission of Single Permit applications, ensuring compliance at every stage.
Basic Requirements for Employment Based Applications
The applicant must be outside the Schengen Area or already hold a valid legal status in Malta. Applicants outside Schengen must apply prior to entering Malta.
A confirmed job offer from a licensed Maltese employer is required.
The application is initiated and submitted online by the employer and endorsed by the applicant prior to payment.
Applications are only considered submitted once all mandatory supporting documentation is provided.
Where applicable, a visa may be required. Visa exempt nationalities are determined by Maltese and EU regulations, and visa processing is handled by Identità’s Central Visa Unit.
Employment may only commence once official documentation has been issued, either an Interim Receipt or the eResidence Permit itself.
Highly Qualified Workers Schemes
Malta offers specific schemes for highly qualified third country nationals employed in specialised roles, providing fast track processing and favourable tax treatment.
The main schemes include the EU Blue Card, the Key Employee Initiative, and the Specialist Employee Initiative.
EU Blue Card
The EU Blue Card allows highly qualified non EU nationals to live and work in Malta where advanced qualifications and a high salary threshold are met.
Key Employee Initiative (KEI)
This route is designed for third country nationals offered managerial or highly technical roles.
Minimum annual gross salary of €45,000.
Certified qualifications, warrants, or evidence of relevant professional experience are required.
Specialist Employee Initiative (SEI)
This scheme applies to skilled professionals who do not meet KEI criteria but possess relevant academic, vocational, or technical expertise.
Minimum annual gross salary of €30,000.
Applicants must hold an MQF Level 6 or higher qualification related to the role, or a lower level qualification supported by at least three years of directly relevant experience, evidenced through contracts, employment history, or employer references.
Rights of Single Permit Holders in Malta
Third country nationals who are lawfully residing and working in Malta benefit from equal treatment with Maltese nationals in areas including:
Working conditions, remuneration, dismissal protections, and occupational health and safety.
Freedom of association and membership in trade unions or employer organisations, subject to public policy considerations.
Access to education and vocational training applicable to employment based residents.
Recognition of professional qualifications, diplomas, and certificates under Maltese law.
Tax related benefits where the individual is tax resident in Malta and in comparable circumstances.
Equal access to goods, services, and rights granted by law.
Obligations of Residence Permit Holders
Permit holders are required to:
Maintain valid legal migration status at all times.
Notify Identità immediately if the conditions of residence change or no longer apply.
Comply fully with Maltese laws, including employment, taxation, and health regulations.
Fees and Permit Validity
First time Single Permit application: €600
Single Permit renewal: €150 per year
Change of employer application: €600
Most permits are issued for one year, although certain cases may qualify for longer durations of up to three years. Renewal applications should be submitted up to ninety days prior to expiry.
Decisions and Appeals
Single Permit applications may take up to four months to be decided, in line with Maltese legislation.
All applications are subject to security checks, public policy considerations, and labour market assessments.
In the event of a refusal, an appeal may be lodged with the Immigration Appeals Board within three days from notification.
Family Reunification
Eligible family members may apply for residence permits under the Family Reunification Regulations (Subsidiary Legislation 217.06), where the sponsor already holds a valid residence permit in Malta.
Visa Requirements and Application Process
A visa authorises entry or stay in Malta for a defined period. Holding a visa does not automatically guarantee entry, as border authorities may still request proof of entry conditions.
Malta issues two primary visa types:
Schengen Visa
A short stay visa allowing residence for up to ninety days within a one hundred and eighty day period.
National D Visa
A long stay visa issued for periods exceeding ninety days, up to a maximum of three hundred and sixty five days.
National D Visa applications are processed by Identità’s Central Visa Unit through the VFS Global network.
Applying for a National D Visa
Applicants must select their country of residence, book an appointment through the VFS Global system, and attend the appointment in person with a valid passport and the required documentation.
A VFS service fee applies.
Processing times are typically around eight weeks from submission.
Visa Appeals
Where a visa application is refused, revoked, or annulled, the applicant has the right to appeal within fifteen days of notification. Appeals may be lodged online, in person, or through an authorised representative with the Immigration Appeals Board.