If you are from outside the EU and want to work in Malta, the Single Permit is one of the employment-related residence permits. Identità's Expatriates Unit publishes the information on it. This guide sets out what the official pages say, in the order you are likely to need it.
Who it is for
According to Identità, the Single Permit is regulated by Subsidiary Legislation 217.17. It authorises third country nationals to legally reside and take up employment in Malta for a defined period of over 6 months. It can be renewed.
The single application procedure covers both an employment license and a residence permit, so you do not apply for them separately.
Where you can apply from
Under Subsidiary Legislation 217.17, you can apply while you are still abroad, outside the Schengen area. You can also apply while you are legally staying in Malta or in another Schengen state.
Step 1: get a job offer
Identità says non-EU nationals need a residence permit to be employed in Malta. The first step in qualifying for employment is an employment offer from an employer in Malta.
The EURES job-search page gives some practical help here:
- If you have not yet arrived in Malta, you can contact the EURES Malta office for personalised guidance on how and where to look for work.
- If you are already in Malta, you can register with Jobsplus, the Public Employment Service, through its website or at a Jobcentre. Make an appointment before visiting a Jobcentre.
- The Jobsplus and EURES websites have an online database of vacancies. You can search it by industry, type of job and region.
- Jobs are also advertised in trade magazines and local newspapers, and there are private employment agencies.
EURES says every job application should include a CV in English and a covering letter or email, typed. The CV is normally no longer than two pages. EURES recommends the standard European CV format, which you can download from the Europass website. In some cases a medical examination is required before employment.
What the permit allows, and what it does not
The Single Permit is tied to your job. Identità says it does not entitle you to:
- carry out paid duties assigned by anyone other than the identified employer
- carry out unauthorised work not related to the specific employment activity in your application
- be assigned duties outside Maltese territory
Identità adds that employment must be in Malta. Holding a residence permit does not give you the right of movement within the EU for employment.
What the permit depends on
A residence permit based on employment stays valid while its main criteria continue to be met. These are the specific designation, the employer and the duration. The same details are printed on the residence card.
If any of these change or stop being effective, the holder must by law tell the Expatriates Unit within Identità and return the residence card immediately. Identità says failing to do so breaches the Immigration Act (Cap. 217) and may lead to further action by the Principal Immigration Officer.
The Identità page lists a separate section on changing designation or employer. That is worth reading before you change roles.
Other permit types
The Single Permit is one of several employment-related residence permits. Identità names the most common as Single Permit, Self-Employment, Employment of less than six months, Blue Card and Intra-Corporate Transferee.
Booking and further steps
Non-EU nationals can make an appointment with the Expatriates Unit through the Book Now button on the Identità page. The Single Permit page also has sections on who is eligible, applying, processing time, required documents, renewal, and a pre-departure course for first-time applicants. The text we reviewed lists these headings but not their contents. For the document list, processing time and renewal rules, go to those sections on the official page. You can also call Identità on +356 2590 4000.
Sources
Identità – identita.gov.mt/single-permit
Rules change; check the official pages before applying.