Malta is world famous for its postcard-worthy beaches and beautiful landscapes. Indeed, this tiny island nation has become a top destination over the years for expats, attracting newcomers with its attractive climate and topography. But beyond its natural beauty, Malta also provides varied career prospects that many foreigners have been enjoying in recent years.
Thanks to this Malta guide, you will know everything about the economy, labor market, visas and employment licenses (work permits) in Malta. You will also learn how to find a job in Malta, becoming a self-employed or a digital nomad in Malta. Finally, you will find some useful information about wages, social security contributions and taxes for workers in Malta.
Economy and labor market in Malta
Finding a job in Malta is entirely possible, but it's important to understand the market and labor needs to ensure your skills will enable you to land the job you want. Be sure to look at the relevant information about conditions and requirements before proceeding.
The unemployment rate in Malta is, as of 2022, one of the lowest in the EU at only 2,9% for a population of more than 500,000 inhabitants. The recession of the late 2000s did not impact Malta as harshly as other countries.
As a Mediterranean English-speaking country, Malta hosts a dynamic expatriate community that continues to grow every year. The relative ease of finding work makes it an even more desirable destination.
Malta's economy is mainly focused on online gaming, finance, tourism, and information and communication technology. Most expat workers coming to Malta find opportunities within these major industries. Working in Malta can really boost your career.
As online gambling companies are authorized in Malta, the iGaming sector is currently booming. Game presenters, game hosts, content writers, translators, specialists in various IT fields and after-service employees are actively wanted in Malta.
The construction industry has been growing in the past few years. A lot of Third-country nationals are employed in this sector. However, some construction workers are experiencing bad working conditions in Malta. If you want to work in the construction industry, be careful.
During the tourist season, job vacancies are endless, even exceeding demand. Waiters, chefs, receptionists and kitchen clerks will have no trouble finding a job in Malta at this time. The rest of the year is quieter, but the Maltese economy is very good, so you can work there all year long if you're a good professional.
Working in Malta: Visas and Work Permits
It is no surprise that getting into Malta and finding work requires documents. Malta is a relatively open country and has many advantages over other foreign countries. Depending on the country where you're from, moving to Malta could even be as easy as booking the flight!
Nationals of the European Union, the European Economic Area (EEA), and Switzerland do not need a work permit to be authorized to work in Malta. If you do intend to live and work in Malta, however, you are required to obtain your eResidence card at Identity Malta. Any foreigner intending to stay in Malta for more than 90 days needs to apply for such a resident card.
Non-European nationals, on the other hand, must apply for a visa and a Single Permit or an Employment Licence to be allowed to work in the country. The Employment Licence is the new name of the work permit in Malta.
Mind that the Schengen Visa (short stay or C Visa) is NOT a work permit. This visa only allows you to stay in Malta for up to 90 days. Foreigners who overstay their visas or attempt to work illegally in Malta risk fines, deportation, and even bans from re-entering the country.
Third-country nationals aiming at settling and working in Malta must apply for a National Long Stay Visa (or D Visa). This visa allows you to stay one year in Malta. If you want to stay more than one year, the D visa will give you the possibility to apply for a residence permit.
Non-European nationals (or Third-Country nationals) also need to apply for a work permit. Here are two options, depending on your situation: the Single Permit or the Employment Licence.
The single permit allows Third-country nationals to legally reside and work in Malta for a defined period, which may be further renewed. However, some categories of Third-country nationals cannot apply for a Single Permit. They need to apply for an Employment Licence with JobsPlus instead. Here are the categories out of the Single Permit:
- Temporary, international or national protection beneficiaries,
- Long-term residents,
- Self-employed workers,
- Students recognized under the Students Regulations,
- Students applying for courses that exceed 90 days,
- People working in Malta for up to 6 months only,
- People working in Malta on the basis of a visa,
- Residence Permit holders (Parents of Maltese Nationals),
- Residence Permit holders (Specific Residence Authorisation),
- Posted workers and service providers.
If you fall within the scope of the Single Permit European Directive, apply for the Single Permit at Identity Malta. This application is to be made after the application for the visa. Your employer can apply for your Single Permit while you are still abroad, or you can apply in person after arrival.
Applications for the Single Permit have to be endorsed by the employer. As the permit is typically attached to a specific employer and occupation, it might be terminated if the applicant would no longer remain in the specified employment.
Having a solid command of the English language as well as other desirable skill sets will increase your chances of being offered a Single Permit or an Employment Licence as a Third-country national.
Following Brexit, British nationals who have entered Malta after the 1st of January 2021 must apply for a Single Permit or an Employment Licence to be able to stay and work in Malta.
Apply for a Single Permit or an Employment Licence in Malta
In case you need a Single Permit or an Employment Licence, follow the procedures detailed by JobsPlus and Identity Malta.
The following documents will likely also have to be produced:
- the appropriate application form duly filled and signed;
- a document detailing your particular skills and qualifications if these are in great demand locally;
- your CV;
- a valid visa and copy;
- your travel document (passport) and copy;
- a recruitment letter;
- the job description;
- job references;
- passport-size identity photos;
- and a cover letter issued by the employer.
Important:
It is recommended that you write your CV in English. Documents that can be requested (diplomas, certificates, etc.) must be translated into English.
Find a job in Malta
Job offers in Malta are abundant on the Internet. Websites like JobsPlus and EURES can help you identify open positions. Feel free to subscribe to job newsletters to get an idea of all available postings well before you leave your home country.
Consider checking classified ads in local newspapers as well. You can also find recruitment agencies across the country. These can help you find the best job according to your profile more rapidly. They have many job opportunities to offer you. Here are some Maltese recruitment agencies: Broadwing Jobs, Castillians, Konnekt, Quad Consultancy, Tempsinmalta, and Betting Connections (specialized in iGaming).
You can also contact local companies directly with your CV, but before you do, consider getting a free CV review at TopCV. Malta has a booming economy, and many businesses are growing quickly. Hiring is done on a regular basis for the popular industries of iGaming and financial services.
You will be interviewed either by a videoconference service such as Skype or at the company's office before you have to go on-site for your trial period. If you are in Malta, do not hesitate to go to the premises of the companies to meet the recruiters, it is appreciated. The island is small and retains a human dimension.
You can register with the national employment agency of Malta, which is JobsPlus. It also provides you with a regularly updated website (see the “Useful links” section below).
We wish you good luck with your job search in Malta. With these pieces of advice, getting a job in Malta would not be very difficult!
Self-employment in Malta
If you are planning to work in Malta, you could also consider being self-employed. Creating your own job opportunity is a good idea if you do not wish to work in a company. The self-employment status in Malta allows you to work full-time or part-time.
First, get a social security number.
Then, you must register for a “tax number” with the Office of the Commissioner of Revenue unless you have already worked in Malta and, therefore, already have one.
You also need to register your self-employment activity with JobsPlus (the employment agency). This will allow you to receive the appropriate tax return form.
Check if you need a trade license, depending on your activity.
Finally, get a VAT number. You can do so online on the VAT Department website if you already have a Maltese ID number. If not, a paper application is required.
Digital nomads in Malta
Does your job only require a laptop and a good Internet connection? If you are a digital nomad, Malta awaits you. This sunny Mediterranean island, full of history, life and activities, is a perfect fit for remote workers looking for a nice place to stay in.
Since 2021, you can apply for a digital nomad visa in Malta. It is called the "Nomad Residence Permit". Whether you are a remote worker, a freelancer, a businessman or a businesswoman, this visa allows you to live and work in Malta for one year. It is renewable.
The Digital Nomad Visa is open to non-EU nationals. In fact, EU, EEA and Switzerland nationals do not need such a visa to be a digital nomad in Malta. They just need to apply for an eResidence card if they want to stay more than three months.
To be eligible for the Nomad Residence Permit, the applicant must have a monthly income of at least €2,700. They also need to provide some documents: a valid passport, the application form, proof of accommodation, proof of sufficient financial means, and health insurance.
Wages in Malta
The minimum wage is 777 euros per month in 2022. An employee of an online gaming company or a trilingual receptionist can aspire to a salary of 1,800 to 5,000 euros per month, a nurse earns between 2,200 and 4,000 euros, and a doctor earns 2,600 to 5,000 euros.
The work week is 40 hours, and there are 24 days of paid leave per year plus 14 statutory holidays.
When you are hired, you will have a trial period of between six months and one year. The employer and employee can agree to a shorter term.
Social security contributions and taxes for workers in Malta
National insurance types are known as “social security contributions” in Malta. Working in Malta allows you to benefit from Maltese social security, which includes sickness, maternity, old age, invalidity, surviving spouse, work accidents and occupational diseases, and provides family benefits and unemployment benefits.
By living 183 days or more on the Maltese territory, you will be a tax resident. Therefore, you will pay your taxes there. Malta has double taxation agreements with many countries around the world. Ask the tax authorities of your country of origin.
FAQ about working in Malta
Is Malta a good place to work?
Malta offers a lot of job opportunities. Working in Malta is a good way to enjoy everything Malta has to offer: sunny weather, sea, activities, multicultural environment, etc.
Can foreigners work in Malta?
Foreigners can work in Malta. Non-European nationals need to apply for a Single Permit or an Employment Licence.
Is it easy to find work in Malta?
Malta has one of the lowest unemployment rates in Europe. Finding work in Malta can be quite easy. It depends on your professional field.
Which jobs are in high demand in Malta?
Jobs are in high demand in Malta in iGaming, finance, tourism, and information and communication technology.
Useful links:
We do our best to provide accurate and up to date information. However, if you have noticed any inaccuracies in this article, please let us know in the comments section below.
