The island nation of Malta is a popular destination for expatriates as well as international businesses. If your company is planning to expand operations to Malta, you’ll probably want to relocate a talented group of existing employees and hire some new team members abroad. While working in Malta certainly comes with its advantages, you’ll need to ensure that any foreign employees you hire have the appropriate visas and permits to do so legally.

If you’re not sure how to get a work visa in Malta, you run the risk of operational delays and even fees if your company is noncompliant with the local laws and regulations.

Types of Work Visas in Malta

Malta offers a variety of visas for foreign nationals, including tourist visas, business visas, and visas for medical purposes. Foreign nationals who intend to travel to Malta to work have a few options when it comes to visas:

  • Short-Stay Visa, or C Visa: The short-stay visa is a type of Schengen visa, which means it allows foreign nationals to enter multiple countries within the Schengen area. This visa is available in three forms to accommodate single entries, double entries, and multiple entries. The C visa allows the holder to remain in Malta and the Schengen Area for up to 90 days in any 180-day period, unless the visa sticker grants less.
  • National Long-Stay Visa, or D Visa: The D visa allows foreign nationals to stay in Malta for more than three months, where applicable. Non-EU employees typically also need a Single Permit or other residence/work authorization to live and work there long term. Individuals who are traveling to Malta to study will need a D visa as well.

In addition to a long-stay visa, foreign employees generally need work authorization before starting work. For most third-country nationals, this is handled through Malta’s Single Permit, which combines residence authorization with an employment licence or work permit tied to a specific employer and role.

 

Requirements to Obtain Malta Work Visas

Typical Maltese visa requirements include:

  • A duly completed visa application form
  • A cover letter stating the purpose of the applicant’s trip to Malta
  • A valid passport with at least two blank pages
  • Two passport photos
  • Proof that the applicant has travel medical insurance coverage for the entire Schengen area
  • An employment contract with a company based in Malta
  • Proof of accommodations for the duration of the applicant’s time in Malta
  • Evidence of sufficient financial means to cover the entire period of the applicant’s stay

Foreign nationals will also need an employment license to work in Malta. The requirements for a Maltese employment license include:

  • A completed application form
  • A copy of the applicant’s CV
  • A copy of the applicant’s visa if they are already in Malta
  • A cover letter from the applicant’s employer
  • One passport photo
  • References and testimonials of the applicant’s qualifications
  • A medical certificate of health
  • A vacancy report demonstrating that the company searched for qualified Maltese nationals to fill the position

Application Process

Foreign nationals who plan to travel to Malta should contact the Maltese embassy or consulate in their country of residence for a complete, up-to-date list of all of the visa requirements. After doing so, they should complete the visa application and submit it and the supporting documents to the consular officials.

It is generally the prospective employer’s responsibility to apply for an employment licence for any foreign worker who needs one. Employers should submit the relevant documents through Jobsplus and pay any applicable fees. For third-country nationals, the single permit process may also involve Identità for residence and work authorisation.

Upon approval of both applications, the employee may travel to Malta and begin working.

Other Important Considerations

Malta is a member of the European Union (EU). Therefore, citizens of other EU member states are free to travel to Malta without obtaining a visa. They are also generally exempt from the employment license requirement, although employer registration and residence formalities may still apply. However, EU/EEA/Swiss nationals may stay for up to three months. If they reside beyond that period, they must register their residence with the Department for Citizenship and Expatriate Affairs within three months of arrival.

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At this moment, G-P does not offer support processing work visas or permits in this particular location.
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