Converting a student permit to work permit

Chamara Borelessa,

Welcome to Expat.com 😉

Just dropping a note to bring this thread back to the top.

Cheers,

Cheryl

Expat.com team

If you would like to work while you are following a course, you must have an e-residence permit. You must not exceed 20 working hours a week.

Once you complete your studies, it is not a case of simply converting a student permit to a work permit and the searching for work. You must first find a job and then apply for the work permit, as the permit is linked to that particular employer and role.

Finding work would obviously depend on the skills you can offer. Any employer must prove that they have first searched for a Maltese or EU citizen and there was no skilled candidate to fill the vacancy, to justify the need for additional non-EU workers prior to the issuance of a work permit.

Additionally, there is a new rule dictating  the allowed quota recommended for additional non-EU staff any employer has the right to employ, proportionate to the company size.

Good luck with your studies.

Dear Chamara,

It is definitely possible to transition from a student permit to a work permit in Malta, but it requires careful timing and an understanding of the 2026 regulations.

As a master's student (MQF Level 7), you will have two main paths after graduation:

1. The 12-Month Job Search Permit:

After finishing your degree, you can apply for a special 12-month residence permit. This is designed specifically for graduates to stay in Malta and look for a professional job. You must apply for this within 6 months of graduation, provided you have at least €7,000–€8,000 in savings (proof of funds) to support yourself during the search.

2. The Single Permit (Work Permit):

Once you find a job, your employer will apply for a "Single Permit" for you. Since you will be a "First-Time Applicant" for a work permit as of March 2026, you will need to:

Complete the Pre-Departure Integration Course: This is a new mandatory online course covering "Living and Working in Malta". Even if you are already here, you must pass this and a 20-minute English proficiency interview to get your work certificate.

Pass the Jobsplus Suitability Check: Your employer must prove the role is genuine. Since you hold a Maltese master's, you are often exempt from the "Labour Market Test" (where they check if an EU citizen can do the job), making it much easier for companies to hire you.

A Huge Benefit: The 70% Tax Rebate

Don't forget the "Get Qualified" scheme. As a graduate working in Malta, you can get a tax credit for 70% of your tuition fees (capped at €15,000 for a master's). This means you will pay very little income tax for the first few years of your career.

Common Challenges:

Administrative Speed: Standard permits take 2–3 months. If your job pays over €35,000, you can use the Key Employee Initiative (KEI), which is approved in just 5 working days.

Employer Hesitation: Target larger firms in iGaming, finance, or tech: they are more accustomed to the paperwork for international staff.

In short, Malta is a great springboard. Get your degree, secure the 12-month job search permit immediately, and focus your job hunt on high-growth sectors.

Best of luck with your studies!

Ian Springham