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Work Permits Malta

Non-EU nationals looking to work in Malta – whether as skilled professionals or employers hiring international talent – require an official work permit. DW&P manages the entire application process: from selecting the right permit type and preparing documentation to securing final approval from Identitá.

Your contacts

Christine Ann Galea

Christine Ann Galea

Tax Transformation Leader

Valentina Zammit Stojanovic

Valentina Zammit Stojanovic

Payroll & Relocation

Work Permits Malta – What you need to know

Malta issues work permits primarily through the Single Permit procedure or the Key Employee Initiative (KEI). Both routes go through Identitá (formerly Identity Malta) and require tight coordination between employer, employee, and various authorities – including JobsPlus, the tax department, and social security.

For individuals, this means more than just gathering documents; you must ensure your employer is fully compliant. For employers, every application must be legally watertight – from the employment contract and minimum salary requirements to JobsPlus registration.

That is where we come in. DW&P coordinates both sides of the process. We know the common reasons for rejection, current processing times, and the ever-changing requirements. Whether you are applying for a single permit or relocating a team of specialists, we ensure the process works the first time around.

  • Non-EU professionals with a job offer in Malta
  • Entrepreneurs wishing to work through their own Malta company
  • Malta-based companies hiring non-EU staff
  • HR departments looking to outsource the permit process
  • C-Level executives and key personnel applying via the Key Employee Initiative
  • Spouses and family members moving under family reunification rules

Permit Strategy: Assessment of your specific situation and advice on the right permit type (Single Permit, Key Employee Initiative, Specialised Employee Permit)

Document Preparation: Collation, review, and preparation of all application documents – including translations and legalisations

Contract Review: Drafting or reviewing employment contracts for compliance with Maltese labour law (minimum wage, probation, notice periods)

Application Submission: Submission to Identitá and ongoing communication with JobsPlus, tax authorities, and social security

Deadline Management: Monitoring of deadlines and tracking status until approval

eResidence Card: Application for the eResidence Card and registration with relevant authorities

Family Reunification: Support with family reunification: applications for spouses, children, and dependents

On-the-ground Support: Assistance with practical steps in Malta – bank accounts, health insurance, social security numbers

  • Direct lines to Identitá, JobsPlus, and relevant ministries – reducing processing times and avoiding queries
  • Certified CSP (Corporate Service Provider) – authorised to handle labour and tax matters in Malta
  • High success rate due to precise preparation: We know the most common reasons for rejection and address them beforehand
  • Advisory in English with multilingual team support - particularly helpful for international applicants unfamiliar with the Maltese system
  • A single point of contact for employer and employee: We coordinate both sides rather than passing the buck
  • Can be combined with tax structuring, company formation, and other legal services – everything under one roof

Who needs a work permit in Malta?

Any non-EU/EEA national wishing to work in Malta – whether employed or through their own company. Even if you already have an employment contract, a formal permit process via Identitá is mandatory.

Which permit type do I need?

It depends on your role and qualifications. The Single Permit is the standard route for most employees. The Key Employee Initiative is designed for highly qualified professionals and executives with a specific salary threshold. We review your situation and recommend the right path.

Can I outsource the entire process to DW&P as an employer?

Yes. We handle the entire procedure – from employer registration with JobsPlus to documentation and follow-up with Identitá. Your HR department simply needs to provide basic employee data.

What happens if an application is rejected?

We analyse the reason for rejection, assess the prospects of an appeal, and develop a revised strategy for resubmission. In many cases, a rejection can be overturned by correcting specific details.

Can family members move with me?

Yes. Under family reunification rules, spouses and minor children can obtain their own residence permits. We submit these applications in parallel with the main application.

How long does the process take?

Processing times at Identitá vary – typically between four and twelve weeks depending on the permit type and completeness of documents. Our experience and thorough preparation help avoid delays caused by requests for further information.

Do you need a work permit in Malta – for yourself or your staff?

Our team handles the bureaucracy so you can focus on the job. Book your initial consultation today.

Book initial consultation
Single Permit & KEIFull Employer SupportDirect Authority Liaison

Work Permits Malta – Our capabilities

Permit Advisory

Situation analysis and recommendation of the appropriate permit type.

Document Preparation

Collation and review of all necessary documentation.

Submission

Formal submission to Identitá and liaison with authorities.

Labour Law & Contracts

Review or drafting of employment contracts under Maltese law.

Authority Coordination

Liaison with JobsPlus, the tax department, and social security.

Family Reunification

Applications for spouses, children, and dependents.

eResidence Card

Application for the Maltese residence card and registration.

Renewals

Support with renewing existing work permits.

Work Permits Malta – How it works

  1. Initial Consultation

    We analyse your situation: who needs the permit, which type fits, and what documents are missing. For employers, we also check JobsPlus registration status. Always free of charge.

  2. Document Preparation

    We create a tailored checklist, check all documents for completeness, and handle translations and legalisations. For employers, we review the employment contract for compliance.

  3. Application

    We submit the application to Identitá and handle all communication with the authorities – on behalf of the employer, the employee, or both.

  4. Follow-up & Approval

    We monitor deadlines, answer authority queries, and keep you informed of every status change until approval.

  5. Registration & Onboarding

    Once approved, we apply for the eResidence Card, register you with tax and social security authorities, and assist with practical steps like bank accounts and health insurance.

Work Permits Malta – Your contacts

Christine Ann Galea

Christine Ann Galea

Tax Transformation Leader

Work PermitTax Advisory
Book a consultation
Valentina Zammit Stojanovic

Valentina Zammit Stojanovic

Payroll & Relocation

Work PermitRelocation
Book a consultation

Client Voices

What trust looks like in practice.

Very helpful and right to the point. We're still in the initial consultation phase, I'll update the comment as we go further.

Erstberatung
Abdulmalek HamchouGoogle Review

I am just a small fry but still I urgently needed advice on my complicated, unique and tricky situation between Malta, Germany, and the UK. Promptly I received a very professional and friendly consultation with Mr Wickinghoff, which helped me on track. I would have been much better off had I consulted Dr. Werner & Partners Services earlier avoiding common traps. Highly recommend!

Lu Stella KingGrenzüberschreitend

Within 24h i had 30 minute free session set up, during the call person was very helpful, answering all my questions in detail and suggesting interesting solutions for my situation...

IgorErstberatung

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Corporate Services at DW&P Dr. Werner & Partners are provided by DW&P Services Ltd. (C 103208) which is regulated by the MFSA and is licensed under Authorised Person ID: DSER-23577 to carry out the activities of a Class C CSP in terms of the Company Services Providers Act (Cap. 529 of the Laws of Malta).

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