In order to work legally in Malta, it is necessary to apply for a Work Permit. This permit allows you to enter the Maltese labour market and start applying for job offers. If you are an international student in Malta, this is very useful to improve your professional career and earn extra income to cover your expenses in the country. In this article we tell you all the key points about this permit.
What is the Work Permit?
The Work Permit is an authorisation that allows non-European foreign nationals to work legally in Malta.. This is necessary to ensure that foreign workers comply with the country's labour regulations and that employers respect employment laws. Depending on your nationality and the type of work you wish to do, you may need to obtain a Work Permit before you start working in Malta.
Requirements to apply for a Work Permit in Malta
Before applying for a Work Permit in Malta, it is important to know the requirements you must meet, these may vary depending on your profile but broadly speaking they include:
- Cover letter and job offerYou must have a job offer from a Maltese employer before you can apply for a Work Permit. Your employer will have to prove, by means of a letter, that he/she cannot find a suitable local or EU candidate and therefore decides to hire you.
- Health insuranceYou must have medical insurance for the duration of your stay in Malta together with a certificate of your current state of health.
- Rental agreementYou will need to submit all information about your place of residence in Malta. This includes the rental contract, which should be for a minimum of six months, but ideally for one year.
- DocumentationYou must have your documents up to date in order to complete the relevant forms and submit your application.
- Payment: Finally, to apply, you will have to pay 280 euros, some employers pay this amount, but otherwise you will have to pay it yourself.
Follow-up of your application
Once you have submitted your Work Permit application, you can track the status of your application through the Malta Employment Department. Constant checking will allow you to keep track of the progress of the process and give you an idea of the time frame in which you will receive a response, hopefully a positive one.
General considerations
It is important to keep in mind that the Work Permit application process can vary from person to person, so we recommend that you seek advice to ensure that you meet all the requirements and complete the process correctly. At Boom Studies we can assist you with your Work Permit process, if you wish, through one of our memberships.
Work Permit for international students
If you are a foreign student enrolled in a programme of more than 12 weeks, you can work part-time or 20 hours per week, regardless of whether you chose an English language course, a Master's degree or a higher education programme.
Frequently asked questions about the Work Permit
How easy is it to get a job in Malta?
Getting a job in Malta can be a very simple task as this country offers many opportunities for its citizens and migrants. Additionally, according to the latest censusesThe unemployment rate for July 2023 stands at 2.6 for men and 2.4 for women.
Can I change jobs with a Work Permit?
Yes, you can change jobs, but you should be aware that this involves submitting a new application and getting approval for the new job, which can cause delays and setbacks in your application.
Can I apply for permanent residence in Malta with a Work Permit?
The answer is, it depends. Having an approved Work Permit does not automatically guarantee permanent residence in Malta because you have to fulfil certain additional requirements and go through a separate procedure, but being able to work adds points towards obtaining residence.
Can I bring my family to Malta with a Work Permit?
Yes, if you meet some additional requirements, you can bring your immediate family members to Malta. To give you a real-life case, we invite you to read the story of a student Boom who migrated to Malta with his family in conjunction with the process of "Family member to sponsor your children.
