Single Permit - Employment (Standard)
Embassy required
- Maximum stay
- 365 days
- Processing time
- Up to 4 months by law; average under 2 months when files are complete
- Fee
- EUR 600 (initial application), EUR 150/year (renewal)
- Validity
- 1 year, renewable. After 5 years of legal stay, may apply for long-term residence permit.
- Entry
- Multiple entry
Malta's primary work permit for third-country nationals, regulated by Subsidiary Legislation 217.17 and managed by Identità (Expatriates Unit). The Single Permit combines residence and work authorization into one application. Employer-sponsored, requiring a valid job offer. The permit is tied to the specific employer; changing jobs requires updating the permit. EU/EEA and Swiss nationals can work without a permit for 90 days; for longer employment they must register for a residence permit. Family members must apply separately for their own Single Permit to work. After 5 years of continuous legal stay, long-term residence with broader EU mobility may be granted.
Eligibility
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Nationality
All third-country nationals (non-EU/EEA/Swiss) with a confirmed job offer from a Maltese employer.
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Employment
Must have a confirmed job offer from a registered Maltese employer. Employer must be registered with Jobsplus. Qualifications must match the job requirements.
Required status: Confirmed job offer from registered Maltese employer
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Financial
Must demonstrate financial stability until first salary. Employer provides employment contract with salary details.
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Criminal record
Must have a clean criminal record.
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Health
Must have valid health insurance coverage.
Documents you need
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Passport
Blank pages required: 2; Validity months: 6
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Photo
Count: 1; Specifications: 35x45mm, ICAO compliant
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Accommodation proof
Provide hotel booking, tenancy evidence or host details that cover the planned stay.
Accepted types: Rental agreement, hotel reservation, or letter of invitation; Must cover full stay: No
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Police clearance
Validity months: 0
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Visa fee payment
Accepted methods: ["bank_transfer", "card"]; Amount: EUR 600
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Curriculum vitae
Provide a current CV showing education, work history and relevant qualifications.
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Work contract
Provide a signed job offer, contract or assignment letter showing the role, dates and employer.
Must be notarized: No; Must be translated: No
How to apply
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Document gathering
Secure a job offer from a registered Maltese employer. Gather passport, photos, employment contract, CV with references, criminal record certificate, health insurance, accommodation proof, and financial proof.
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Online application
Employer files via the Single Permit Online Portal at Identità and uploads all documents per the official checklists.
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Fee payment
Pay the application fee of EUR 600 upon final submission.
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Processing wait
Identità conducts due diligence. Processing can take up to 4 months by law, average under 2 months for complete files. An Approval in Principle (AIP) is issued upon passing checks.
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Visa collection
Once approved, the employee receives an approval letter and, if required, a national D visa to enter Malta. Apply at the Maltese embassy/consulate with the AIP letter.
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Biometrics
On arrival in Malta, finalize biometrics and collect the residence card from Identità.