Understanding Malta Work Visa: Types, Requirements, and Application

Welcome to your comprehensive guide on obtaining a Malta work visa. In this blog, we'll delve into everything you need to know about obtaining a work visa for Malta - eligibility criteria, application processes, and other essential details of working in this dynamic European hub.

Whether you're a skilled professional, an entrepreneur, or a graduate seeking international experience, Malta's work visa options cater to diverse ambitions and aspirations.

Join us as we navigate the ins and outs of Malta's work visa landscape, helping you to make informed decisions and pursue your career goals in this captivating Mediterranean haven.

Do I Need a Visa to Work in Malta as an Indian?

Indians seeking to work and earn in Malta must mandatorily obtain a Malta work visa, a Malta work permit, and an e-residence card. While the work visa grants legal status as a foreign worker, a work permit is also required which restricts employment to the specific company that sponsored the visa, prohibiting job searches with other employers in Malta. The e-residence card serves as an identification document and confirms the individual's legal residence status in Malta. The card is required for accessing various facilities in Malta like healthcare, banking, etc.

Note:

Identità is a Maltese government agency responsible for handling e-ID cards, e-passports, work visas, and residence documents. Every work visa-related matter has to be passed through them for approval.

Types of Malta Work Permits

There are different types of work permits available for Indians seeking employment in Malta-

1. Single Work Permit: Indian nationals who receive a job offer from a company registered and operating in Malta are eligible to apply for a Single Permit. It permits them to be employed in the job specified on the application. The employer must also be registered with Jobsplus. Third-country nationals cannot directly submit an application for a single permit, but their prospective employer needs to apply online on their behalf.
2. Highly Skilled Workers (Key Employee Initiative) Permit: This permit is for individuals in highly specialized fields or key positions within companies registered in Malta. The annual gross salary should be at least €35,000.
3. EU Blue Card: An EU Blue Card gives highly qualified workers from outside the EU the right to live and work in an EU country, provided they have higher professional qualifications, and an employment contract or a binding job offer with a higher salary (1.5 x the average gross annual salary) compared to the average in Malta. The EU Blue Card applies in 25 of the 27 EU countries. (It does not apply in Denmark and Ireland).

Other than these, Malta also offers other types of work visas such as visas for intra-corporate transferees visas for seasonal workers, visas for unemployment under 6 months, Tourism and Hospitality Skills Pass, etc.

Malta Work Visa Requirements

Below is the list of the most common documentation required for the submission of a Single Malta work permit application-

• Valid passport - Original passport must always be presented at Identità offices.
• A copy of the whole passport in (.pdf) format, including blank pages must be presented.
• Passport must be valid for at least eight (8) more months from the date of application.
• Visa on passport (Schengen or other) is valid for at least the application period.

Visa Application Form

Fill the right form depending on your visa type.

Comprehensive Insurance Policy valid for at least 1 year.

Health Screening Certificate

The document required by Identità is the final health approval certificate issued by health authorities after the tests have been carried out. Proof of application only is not sufficient

Copy of Employment Contract

• Should be signed by both employer and the applicant applying for the Single permit;
• Position of employment must be the same in all the submitted documentation.

Declaration of Posting

Applicable where the employer is classified by Jobsplus as a Temping Agency.

(Jobsplus) Declaration of Suitability

Must be wholly filled out and signed by the employer.

Must be filled out and signed by both employer and applicant.

Proof of Advertisement

Advertisement is not older than six (6) months from the date of application.

Qualifications of the applicant

All qualification certificates are to be accompanied by recognition from the Malta Qualifications Recognition and Information Centre (MQRIC). Should the recognition by MQRIC still be pending, their receipt is to be attached instead.

• Original contract signed by both the landlord and the applicant.
• Details of landlord and tenant applicant on the contract should include name, ID card number, and the rent address.
• Should be accompanied by the Declaration by Landlord form.
• If the Landlord is not Maltese, a purchase agreement of the premises.
• Must not have details crossed off in pen and/or written over.

Housing Authority Approval Letter

A copy of the approval letter issued by the Housing Authority for the registration of the property as a rental as per Cap. 604 of Maltese legislation.

Please note that Identità may request you to submit additional supporting documents based on your unique circumstances.

Application Process for Malta Work Visa

The application process for a Single Work Permit -

1. Single Permit applications should only be submitted by the Maltese employer through the Single Permit Online Portal.
2. Once the employer applies, the Indian applicant receives a link to confirm the application and validate the data submitted.
3. Once the applicant confirms, the employer receives a notification for the final submission of the application.
4. Final submissions may only be done if the payment has been submitted online, by either the employer or the third-country national.

How Do You Get a Malta Work Permit?

The first step in qualifying for employment is to have an employment offer from an employer in Malta.

A Malta residence permit on the basis of employment is issued and remains valid if the main criteria upon which it acceded to, continue to be met, that is, the specific designation, employer, and duration. This information is also printed on the residence card issued and held by the third-country national.

If any of these criteria are not met, the permit holder is obliged to inform the Expatriates Unit within Identità and return the residence card immediately.

Employment must be located in Malta and the holding of a residence permit does not give the holder the right of movement within the EU in terms of employment.