MaltaResidence permit

Single work permit in Malta

A temporary permit that combines a work licence and a residence permit in a single document. It gives third-country nationals the right to live and work lawfully in Malta for a set period of more than six months, renewable annually. The permit is issued and administered by the Identità agency under the dedicated subsidiary legislation on the single permit. Work is allowed only with the named employer and only in the named position; the condition applies without exception.

Source: Identità Malta (identita.gov.mt)

Who this programme suits

The Single Permit is intended for skilled and unskilled workers who hold an offer from a Maltese employer.

Employees

Hold a contract from a Maltese company for a specific position
Are ready to work only for that employer
Need to live and work lawfully in Malta for more than six months

Experienced specialists and beginners

Education at any level (from primary to higher)
Must show that the vacancy cannot be filled by Maltese or EU nationals
Are ready to travel and give biometrics once approval is granted

Workers in the social sector

Employment in healthcare or in care for the elderly or people with disabilities
Usually approved faster given the search for candidates
Pay reduced fees on the first application and on a transfer

Self-employed people and founders

The Single Permit is not suitable — look at the Specialist Employee Initiative (SEI)
SEI suits someone founding their own business in Malta
It requires a different licensing scheme and company registration

When the programme will not suit you

You are a refugee, or have been granted subsidiary or temporary humanitarian protection

You already have the right to work in Malta by virtue of your protection status; a Single Permit is not needed — contact Identità for advice

You are awaiting a decision on an immigration case in Malta or another Schengen country

Wait for the decision; an application can only be started once you hold regular status

You have no specific offer from a Maltese company

Find an employer first; only an employer registered with Jobsplus can file the application

You want to start your own business in Malta

Apply for the Specialist Employee Initiative (SEI) or another entrepreneurial programme

You need permission for work outside Malta (remote work from home in a third country)

The Single Permit covers work in Malta only; work from another country requires a different status

What it costs

First Single Permit applicationThe employer pays online through the portal at singlepermit.gov.mt	600 EUR
Annual renewalPaid by the employer when the documents are filed 90 days before expiry	150 EUR
Change of position (ordinary occupations)Required when the position changes; Identità must be notified	+300 EUR
Change of employer (ordinary occupations)The new employer may file before the applicant's employment ends	+600 EUR
Change of employer on a transfer of business or a mergerWhere a company is transferred, merged or transformed	300 EUR
Change of position or employer in healthcare and care workFor employment in the healthcare system and in care for the elderly and people with disabilities	150 EUR
Total government feesThe sum of the mandatory rows in the table. “Change of position (ordinary occupations)” adds 300 EUR; “Change of employer (ordinary occupations)” adds 600 EUR. Charges with no official price list are in the list below.	750–1 650 EUR

Paid separately

Health insurance — Paid separately by the applicant (minimum cover of €100,000 a year)
Visa (where required) — Where needed, paid to the consulate; the Approval in Principle is issued free of charge

Documents to gather

The employer files the application online; the applicant provides the full set of documents and, where required, gives biometrics.

Passport (valid for at least 8 months, full scanned copy)
CV in Europass format, signed by the applicant
Original employment contract (signed by both parties)
Job description (signed by the employer and the applicant)
Health insurance policy (minimum cover of €100,000 a year)
Rental agreement or title deed for the accommodation (with the name of the tenant/owner and the dates)
Certificate attesting the rental agreement (signature of a lawyer or notary, with a stamp)
Proof that the vacancy was advertised on Jobsplus and EURES (2-3 weeks before filing)
Certificate of fitness (where the position requires special qualifications)
Diplomas and qualification certificates (recognised by MQRIC)
Privacy policy declaration (signed by both parties)
Completed Residence Application form (CEA Form C2)

How the process runs

The process starts with the employer's application and ends with biometrics in Malta.

1
The employer files the application online
Only an employer registered with Jobsplus can start an application through the portal at singlepermit.gov.mt. The applicant receives a confirmation link and can complete their profile.
2
The complete set of documents is uploaded to the portal
Up to 4 months
The applicant or the employer uploads all the necessary documents. The date the complete set is filed is when the processing clock starts (4 months by law, usually 2 months in practice).
3
Identità checks the documents and eligibility
The authority may request clarifying documents. If the applicant does not meet Subsidiary Legislation 217.17, the application is refused without refund of the payments.
4
The Approval in Principle letter is issued
Where the decision is positive, the applicant receives a letter confirming consent to work and residence. Nationals who require a visa present the letter at the consulate within 180 days.
5
Obtaining the visa (where required)
Depends on the consulate
Nationals who require a visa file documents at the Maltese embassy/consulate. The visa is issued on the basis of the approval letter from Identità.
6
Arrival in Malta and giving biometrics
The applicant travels to Malta and books an appointment to give fingerprints and a photograph. After biometrics a plastic eResident Card (residence permit) is issued.
7
Starting work once the eResident Card is received
Work is possible only after the Interim Receipt or the physical eResident Card has been received. Employment is not possible before that.

Timelines and rights

Work

Work is allowed only with the named employer and only in the position stated in the application; work outside Malta is not covered.

Who you can bring with you

Family members may join the applicant through a separate reunification procedure.

Spouse (aged 21 and over, monogamous marriage)

After 12 months of continuous residence in Malta by the Single Permit holder. The sponsor's income must be at least €18,940 a year plus 20% for each family member. Family members receive their own residence permit, but not automatically the right to work.

Minor unmarried children (under 18)

They arrive with the parent or join after 12 months. Financial threshold: €18,940 + 20% for each child. Children may study at ITS, MCAST or the University of Malta and take up placements.

Adult dependent family members

They must prove financial or physical dependence on the sponsor. The same minimum income applies (€18,940 + 20%). A decision is taken within 60 days.

Renewal and the grace period

Renewal of the Single Permit must be started 90 days before the current permit expires. The employer files a new application through singlepermit.gov.mt; if a medical examination is required, documents will only be accepted 30 days before expiry. If no application is filed before expiry, the applicant may end up with the status of an irregular migrant. Once approved, the applicant either receives an approval letter (if no medical examination is required) or is given an appointment for biometrics and the issue of a new eResident Card.

What comes next: permanent residence and citizenship

Route to permanent residence

After 5 years of lawful continuous residence you apply for long-term resident status. Absences must not exceed 6 months in a row, and all absences together — 10 months over the five years.

Route to citizenship

Naturalisation is applied for on form E at Aġenzija Komunità Malta. You must have lived in Malta for 12 months continuously before filing and a further 4 years in total over the preceding 6 years. The fee is 450 euros plus 50 euros when the certificate is issued.

Frequently asked questions about Single work permit

Can I move to a new address without changing the Single Permit?

Yes, a change of address does not require a new permit. However, update your details in the Identità portal and notify your employer. The rental agreement or title deed must be current.

What happens if I work for another employer without permission?

That breaches the conditions of the Single Permit and may lead to the permit being withdrawn, to fines and to deportation. The permit is issued specifically for one employer and one position. If you wish to change, you must file a Change of Employer application at least several weeks in advance.

I have a Single Permit for a year — can I work outside Malta?

No. The Single Permit allows work solely in Malta and solely with the named employer. Remote work for another employer (including in a third country) is not allowed. Only holidays abroad within the validity of the permit are possible.

After 5 years on a Single Permit, can I obtain permanent status?

Yes, after 5 years of continuous residence (absences of no more than 6 months in a row and 10 months over the whole period) you apply for long-term residence (Long-Term Resident). Income of at least the minimum wage, your own accommodation and integration measures are required. The fee is €500.

After how many years can I obtain Maltese citizenship?

After long-term residence you must live in Malta for a further continuous 12 months before filing the naturalisation application, plus 4 years more over the preceding 6 years (5+ years in total). You then file form E at Aġenzija Komunità Malta. The fee is €450 + €50 when the certificate is issued.

Why might a Single Permit application be refused?

If you do not meet the criteria of Subsidiary Legislation 217.17 (for example, you are a refugee, have been granted subsidiary/temporary protection, or are awaiting a decision on a case). Applications are also refused where: the employer is not registered with Jobsplus, the vacancy was not advertised on Jobsplus/EURES, or the documents are incomplete or unreliable. The payment is not refunded.

Other ways to move to Malta

Every route in one list — migration programmes: Malta.

The terms and the amounts are checked against official sources — the link sits under each section.Last checked on: 7 August 2026.