Application Guide

Applying for a Malta Work Permit if you are a non-EU national

Who can apply for a Single Permit?

Non-EU nationals can apply for a single permit if they have a job offer from a company that is registered and operating in Malta. They cannot directly submit an application for a single permit, but their prospective employer needs to apply online on their behalf.

 

Single Permit applications may only be submitted by the employer to Identity Malta on behalf of non-EU nationals they wish to employ.

If you are an EU national,

you can learn more here

If you are a non-EU national,

you can learn more here

What is a
residence permit?
 
How is it different from a Single Permit?
What is a residence permit?
How is it different from a Single Permit?

You will need to reside in Malta to work in Malta, so non-EU nationals require a residence permit to be employed in Malta. A residence permit on the basis of employment is issued and remains valid while you are legally employed in Malta.

 

A single permit allows you to be employed in Malta. It is a temporary permit that allows non-EU residents to legally reside and work in Malta. Applying for a single permit necessitates an employment licence and a residence permit.

Note: Holding a Malta residence permit does not allow you

to work in other EU countries aside from Malta.

Note: Holding a Malta residence permit does not allow you

to work in other EU countries aside from Malta.

Stages of Single
Permit application

Application while outside of Malta
Visa Application
Single permit application when in Malta
Application while outside of Malta

While the applicant is still outside of Malta, their employer will need to apply and submit necessary documents to Identità to get an Approval in Principle letter.

The Approval in Principle letter serves as the document by which non-EU nationals who require a visa to travel to Malta and apply to their job in Malta. Applicants will need to apply with an employer, who will submit the necessary documents to Identità to get an Approval in Principle letter.

Visa Application

The applicant then needs to apply for a Malta Visa. (You may refer to the steps mentioned in this page to see how to apply for a Malta Visa.)

Single permit application when in Malta

When the applicant arrives in Malta, they will need to submit all required documents and have their biometrics taken in order to finalise their Single Permit application.

Application while outside of Malta
Visa Application
Single permit application when in Malta
Application while outside of Malta

While the applicant is still outside of Malta, their employer will need to apply and submit necessary documents to Identità to get an Approval in Principle letter.

The Approval in Principle letter serves as the document by which non-EU nationals who require a visa to travel to Malta and apply to their job in Malta. Applicants will need to apply with an employer, who will submit the necessary documents to Identità to get an Approval in Principle letter.

Visa Application

The applicant then needs to apply for a Malta Visa. (You may refer to the steps mentioned in this page to see how to apply for a Malta Visa.)

Single permit application when in Malta

When the applicant arrives in Malta, they will need to submit all required documents and have their biometrics taken in order to finalise their Single Permit application.

Documents required
for Single Permit application

To be submitted when the candidate is still outside Malta:

Documents to be provided by the employer

1 Employment Contract

2 Declaration of Suitability

3 Position Description

4 Proof of Advertisement

5 Form CEA

6 Privacy Form

Documents to be provided by the applicant

1 Copy of the Passport Bio Page

2 Copy of Passport, including all blank pages

3 Curriculum Vitae

4 Cover Letter

5 Experience Letter

6 Qualifications of the applicant (if applicable)

7 Skills Pass Certificate (If applying under Catering & Hospitality)

To be prepared when the applicant arrives in Malta, in addition to the list above:
  1. Original passport and a copy of the whole passport
  2. Accommodation agreement (lease or rent)
  3. Insurance Policy
  4. Health Screening
  5. Housing Authority Approval Letter

Learn more about the necessary documents here.

How to apply for the Identità

Malta Work Permit

Step 1

Step 2

Step 3

Step 4

Step 5

Step 6

1

Employers may apply for the third-country national through the Single Permit Online Portal.

2

Once the employer submits the application, the third-country national or the applicant receives a link to confirm the application and validate the data submitted. After the applicant confirms and validates the data, the employer will receive a notification for the final submission of the application.

3

Final submission may only be done if the payment of €300 has been submitted online by either the employer or applicant.

4

Once an Approval in Principle Letter has been issued the applicant may now book an appointment and prepare all requirements to be issued a Malta Visa.

5

Upon arrival in Malta, the applicant must prepare all the required documents for a Single Permit and book an appointment via the online booking system.

During the appointment session, the applicant must complete the biometrics procedure successfully (i.e. taking photographs and fingerprints), afterwhich the applicant will be issued an Interim Receipt.

Should the Interim Receipt be close to expiration, the applicant may email singlepermit.ima@gov.mt to request for an update on the issuance of their residence document.

6

Upon Identità’s approval of the application, the employee will receive a collection notification with a PIN at the address they provided in the application. They will need to present this collection letter, interim receipt, and passport to collect their residence card with single permit status from the Identità office in Msida (no appointment needed).

Detailed information about the application process can be accessed at Identità's official website.
Learn more
Learn more

Visa
Application Process

Documents required for Malta Visa application

Note:

  • All documents must be submitted in original and in copy.
  • Please note that the Embassy of Malta may in justified cases, request additional documents which are not mentioned in the above list or request an interview during the examination of an application. Submitting the above-mentioned documents does not guarantee the automatic issuance of a visa.
  • This list is non-inclusive and requirements may vary across countries. Make sure to check the documentary requirements from your country of origin.

1 Visa Application Form

2 Passport

3 Copy of the passport bio page and pages with visa stickers and stamps

4 Photographs following the biometrics VISA application requirement

5 Proof of Accommodation in Malta

6 Travel medical insurance policy

7 Invitation letter from the employer

8 Proof of Travel / Travel itinerary

9 Police Conduct (Non-Criminal) Certificate

10 Approval in Principle letter

11 Proof of skills/qualifications (e.g. Proof of Board Membership for professionals, Letter from Medical Institutions for doctors, etc.)

What are the reasons for denying a Visa application?

A visa is refused if the applicant:

  • Presents a false travel document;
  • Gives no justification for the purpose and conditions of the intended stay;
  • Provides no proof of sufficient means of subsistence for the duration of the stay nor for the return to his/her country of origin/residence;
  • Has already exhausted the 90 days of the current 180 days period;
  • Is subject to an alert in the Schengen Information System (SIS) for the purpose of refusing entry;
  • Is considered to be a threat to the public policy, internal security or public health of one of the Member States;
  • Provides no proof of travel medical insurance, if applicable;
  • Presents supporting documents or statements whose authenticity or reliability is doubtful.

Applicants who have been refused a Visa have the right to appeal the decision to the Immigration Appeals

Board within fifteen (15) days upon notification of the decision. Learn more about Visa appeals here

Applicants who have been refused a Visa have the right to appeal the decision to the Immigration Appeals

Board within fifteen (15) days upon notification of the decision. Learn more about Visa appeals here

How to apply

for a Malta Visa

If applying for a Visa via a Diplomatic Mission or Consular Post, you may check the process for your country here.

Step 1

Check if you can apply for a Malta Visa.

Check if your country has a Visa Application Centre, or served by EU Diplomatic Missions and Consular Posts which issue Visas in representation of Malta.

Check now

If your country has a Visa Application Centre, you may proceed with the Visa application process below.

Step 2

Identify Visa type.

Determine which visa type you need. You need to know the documents to submit with your application and fees you’ll have to pay the booking fee and the Visa fees. 

 

You may check all the necessary documents and fees here.

Step 3

Begin your application.

Download the Visa Application Form from VFS or Identità.
Complete the form and bring it with you to the Visa Application Centre, together with the documents required for your
Visa category.

Step 4

Book an appointment.

Applicants must complete the visa form to book an appointment to have their biometrics taken (fingerprints and photo) at the Visa Application Centre. Applicants will receive an appointment confirmation via email along with the letter of appointment.

Applicants must pay a booking fee online when they book their appointment. (This is separate from the Visa application fee.)

Step 5

Visit a Visa Application Centre
on your appointment date.

Applicants must submit their complete Visa application form at the Visa Application Centre in person together with the necessary documents. The Visa application fee must be paid during this appointment. 

Step 6

Track your application.

Applicants will receive an email update regarding the status of their application. If you can’t access your email, you may inquire if an SMS update service is available. To track your application online via vfsvisaonline.com, you will need the Reference Number found on the invoice/receipt issued.

Applicants will receive notarized documents after a date of the Visa appointment is given to 4C Personnel.

Step 7

Collect your passport.

Applicants can pick up their passport from the Visa Application Centre or have the documents returned via courier.

 

You will need the following to collect your passport: 

  • Photocopy of Govt. ID Card
  • Original VFS Application Receipt

 

Detailed information can be accessed at these VFS sites.