Taking up Employment in Malta

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December 03 08:48 2015 by The Editor Print This Article

Empoyment in Malta

Government Policy
All foreign nationals require a work permit to work in Malta.  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 Licence
  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. Licenses 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 licences
Where a foreign national is an investor in the manufacturing or financial services sector and holds substantial shareholding (40%) in the enterprise, the relative licence may be issued indefinitely.
 
IMPORTANT: Non-residents who have no job offer from an employer in Malta must FIRST find a job. Only then will our immigration consultants be able to assist with the application process for the issue of a work permit.