
Malta is world-famous for its postcard-worthy beaches and stunning landscapes. Indeed, this small island nation has gradually become a top °µÍø½ûÇø destination, attracting newcomers thanks to its climate and unique topography in Europe. But beyond its natural beauty, Malta also offers diverse career opportunities that many foreigners have been enjoying for a few years now. This guide provides you with important information about the economy, the job market, as well asÌýthe visas and permits needed to work in Malta.
Malta's economy and labor marketÌýÌý
If you have a good understanding of the local labor market and in-demand skills, you're very likely toÌýfind a job in Malta. However, be sure to check relevant information on work conditions and requirements for foreigners before you start.
The unemployment rate in Malta has been one of the lowest in the EU since 2022, standing at only 3% for a population of over 500,000 inhabitants in 2024 (according to ).Ìý
As an English-speaking Mediterranean country, Malta hosts a vibrant °µÍø½ûÇøÌýcommunity that keeps growing every year. The relative ease of finding work makes it an even more attractive destination.
Malta's economy is primarily focused on online gaming, finance, tourism, and information and communication technologies. Most foreigners who come to work in Malta find opportunities in these major sectors. Overall, securing a job in Malta can significantly boost your career.
With online gaming companies being licensed in Malta, this sector is currently booming. Thus, game presenters, game hosts, content writers, translators, specialists in various IT fields, and customer service employees are highly sought after throughout the country.
The construction industry has also expandedÌýin recent years, employing many third-country nationals. However, beware ofÌýpoor working conditions in some cases!
Job offers are numerous during the tourist season. Waiters, chefs, receptionists, and kitchen assistants will have no trouble finding a job in Malta during this period. The rest of the year is quieter, but with Malta's economy being dynamic and stable, you can secure long-term employment if you have the right profile.
Visas and work permits required forÌýworking in Malta
To travel to Malta and job hunt, you will need to presentÌýcertain documents. Nevertheless, Malta is a relatively open country and offers many advantages compared to other EUÌýcountries. Depending on your nationality, moving to Malta could be as easy as booking the flight!
European Union, European Economic Area (EEA), and Swiss nationals do not need a work permit to work legally in Malta. However, those who wish to live and work in Malta are required to obtain their electronic residence card (eResidence card for Malta) from Identity Malta. Indeed, any foreigner wishing to stay more than 90 days in Malta must apply for this residence card.
Non-European nationals, on the other hand, must apply for a visa and a single permit or a work permit (known as an employment license in Malta) to be authorized to work in the country.
Remember that the Schengen visa (short-stay visa or CÌývisa) is NOT a work permit and allows you to stay in Malta for a maximum of 90 days.
Good to know:
Foreigners who overstay their visa or attempt to work illegally in Malta risk fines, expulsion, or even a ban from the territory.
Third-country nationals who wish to settle and work in Malta must apply for a national long-stay visa (or DÌývisa). This visa allows you to stay in Malta for one year. Beyond that period, holders of the D visa are eligibleÌýto apply for a residence permit.
The single permit
The single permit allows certain categories of third-country nationals to reside and work legally in Malta for a specified period, which can be renewed. Those not eligible must then apply for a work permit (employment license) at JobsPlus. Here are the categories excluded from the single permit:
- Beneficiaries of temporary, international, or national protection;
- Long-term residents;
- Self-employed workers;
- Students recognized under the Students Regulations;
- Students who wish to take courses lasting more than 90 days;
- People working in Malta for a maximum of 6 months only;
- People working in Malta on a visa basis;
- Holders of a residence permit (parents of Maltese nationals);
- Holders of a residence permit (specific residence authorization);
- Posted workers and service providers.
If you meet the criteria of the European directive on the single permit, submit your application to Identity Malta after the visa application. Your employer can apply for your single permit before your arrival in Malta, or you can apply in person after your arrival (the latter applies only to domestic helpers).
In all cases, single permit applications must be approved by the employer. Since the permit is generally linked to a specific employer and profession, it can be revoked if the applicant no longer holds the job in question. However, it is now possible for the single permit holder to change employers.
Good to know:
A goodÌý as well as other desirable skills will increase your chances of obtaining a single permit or work permit as a third-country national.
Following Brexit, British nationals who arrived in Malta after January 1, 2021, must apply for a single permit or a work permit (employment license) to reside and work in Malta.
Applying for a single permit or work permit in Malta
To apply for a single permit or work permit (employment license), follow the procedures detailed by JobsPlus and Identity Malta.
You will also need to provide the following documents:
- A duly completed and signedÌýapplication form;
- A document detailing your specific skills and qualifications if these are in high demand locally;
- Your CV (in Europass format);
- A valid visa and a copy;
- Your travel document (passport) and a copy;
- A health with a minimum coverage of €100,000;
- A health certificate (for some non-EU nationals only);
- A recruitment letter;
- The job description;
- The job references;
- The employment contract;
- A posting declaration (when the employer is classified by Jobsplus as a temp agency);
- Proof of advertising;
- A housing contract (lease or rental);
- An approval letter from the housing authority;
- Passport-sized photos;
- An employer's justification letter;
- The privacy policy.
Important:
It is recommended to write your CV in English. Documents that may be requested (diplomas, certificates, etc.) must be translated into English.
Job hunting in Malta
Job offers in Malta abound on the internet. Websites such as JobsPlus and can help you find vacancies. Do not hesitate to subscribe to job newsletters to get an idea of all the available offers long before you leave your home country.
Also, consider checking the classified ads in local newspapers and reach out to recruitment agencies throughout the country. They can help you find the right job faster based on your profile. They have many job offers in line! Here are some of the most popularÌýMaltese recruitment agencies: , , , , , (specialized in iGaming and Fintech).
You can also contact local companies directly with your CV. Malta has a booming economy, and many companies are rapidly expanding. Recruitments are regularly carried out in the key sectors of iGaming and financial services.
You will undergo an interview either via a videoconferencing tool such as Teams or in the company's officeÌýbefore going on-site for your trial period. If you are already in Malta, do not hesitate to visit companies' premises to meet recruiters, who will appreciate the initiative: the island is small and retains a human dimension.
You can register with JobsPlus, the national employment agency of Malta. It also provides a regularly updated website (see the "Useful links" section below).
Salaries and working conditions in Malta
The minimum wage in Malta is €221.78 per week in 2025. An online gaming company employee or a trilingual receptionist can expect a salary of €1,800 to €5,000 per month, a nurse earns between €2,200 and €4,000, and a doctor earns €2,600 to €5,000.
The workweek is 40 hours, and there are 24 days of paid leave per year plus 14 public holidays.
When you are hired, you must complete a trial period of six months to a year, but both parties, employer and employee, can agree on a shorter duration.
Social security contributions and taxes for workers in Malta
In Malta, both employees and employers pay social security contributions, giving employees access to the Maltese social security system. This system covers illness, maternity, old age, disability, surviving spouse, work accidents, and occupational diseases. It also includes family benefits and unemployment benefits.ÌýÌý
Living 183 days or more in Maltese territory makes you a tax resident, and thus, you become taxable. It's worth noting that Malta has concluded double taxation agreements with many countries worldwide, so be sure toÌýcheck with the tax authorities of your home country.
Self-employment in Malta
If you do not wish to join the corporate world, you can also become self-employed. In Malta, self-employment status allows you to work full-time or part-time. Here are the steps to follow:
- Apply for a social security number;
- Register to obtain a "tax identification number" with the Office of the Commissioner of Revenue, unless you have already worked in Malta and thus already have one;
- Register your self-employed activity with JobsPlus (the employment agency). This will allow you to receive the appropriate tax return form;
- Request a VAT number online on the VAT department website if you already have a Maltese identification number. Otherwise, a paper application is necessary.
Important:
Check if you need a business license, depending on your activity.
Being a digital nomadÌýin Malta
Does your work only require a laptop and a good internet connection? If you are a digital nomad, Malta is waiting for you. This sunny Mediterranean island, full of history, life, and activities, is perfect for remote workers seeking a pleasant place to settle.
Since 2021, Malta offers a renewable digital nomad visa, called the Nomad Residence Permit, for non-EU nationals. Whether you are a remote worker, a freelancer, or a businessman or woman, this visa allows you to live and work in Malta for a renewable year. EU, EEA, and Swiss nationals, on the other hands,Ìýdo not need such a visa to be a digital nomad in Malta. Instead, they must obtain anÌýeResidence card if they wish to stay more than three months on Maltese territory.
To apply for the nomad residence permit, the applicant must prove an annual gross income of at least €42,000 (or €32,400 if they applied before April 1, 2024). They must also provide certain documents: a valid passport, the application form, proof of accommodation, proof of sufficient financial means, and .
FAQ on employment in Malta
IsÌýMalta a good place to work in?
Malta offers many professional opportunities that also allow you to enjoy a unique setting in Europe: sunny weather, sea, activities, multicultural environment, etc.
Can foreigners work in Malta?
Yes, foreigners can work in Malta. Non-European nationals must apply for a single permit or a work permit.
Is it easy to find work in Malta?
Malta has one of the lowest unemployment rates in Europe. It can be quite easy to find a job there depending on the professional field.
What are the most in-demand jobs in Malta?
In Malta, jobs are highly demanded in the sectors of iGaming, finance, tourism, and information and communication technologies.
Useful links:
We do our best to provide accurate and up to date information. However, if you have noticed any inaccuracies in this article, please let us know in the comments section below.