Permit Advisory
Situation analysis and recommendation of the appropriate permit type.
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
Tax Transformation Leader
Valentina Zammit Stojanovic
Payroll & Relocation
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.
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
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.
Our team handles the bureaucracy so you can focus on the job. Book your initial consultation today.
Situation analysis and recommendation of the appropriate permit type.
Collation and review of all necessary documentation.
Formal submission to Identitá and liaison with authorities.
Review or drafting of employment contracts under Maltese law.
Liaison with JobsPlus, the tax department, and social security.
Applications for spouses, children, and dependents.
Application for the Maltese residence card and registration.
Support with renewing existing work permits.
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.
We create a tailored checklist, check all documents for completeness, and handle translations and legalisations. For employers, we review the employment contract for compliance.
We submit the application to Identitá and handle all communication with the authorities – on behalf of the employer, the employee, or both.
We monitor deadlines, answer authority queries, and keep you informed of every status change until approval.
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.


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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).