Malta (MT)
Malta is a small EU island nation in the central Mediterranean — the smallest EU member state by area — celebrated for its extraordinary concentration of history (the Knights of St John, ancient megalithic temples older than Stonehenge), warm climate of 300+ sunshine days per year, English as a co-official language making it uniquely accessible for anglophone expats, a thriving iGaming and fintech sector, and a strategic location halfway between Europe and North Africa.
Jobs & Work Permits
Everything you need to find work and get authorised to work in Malta.
All persons working in Malta — both employed and self-employed, both EU and non-EU — must register with Jobsplus. EU citizens register as employed persons. Non-EU citizens register when they obtain a work permit. Registration is done online or at Jobsplus offices in Hal Far or the Valletta area. Bring your ID/eResidence card, employment contract, and Maltese address. Jobsplus registration is mandatory and required by employers for payroll registration.
- ✓Job vacancy listings and matching
- ✓Employment registration (mandatory for all workers)
- ✓Unemployment benefit administration
- ✓Training and skills development programmes
- ✓Work permit processing for non-EU nationals
- ✓Self-employment registration support
- ✓Apprenticeship programme coordination
💼 Work Permits
EU/EEA/Swiss citizens have full freedom of movement and right to work in Malta without any permit. Register with Identità for an eResidence card within 3 months. Register with Jobsplus for employment. No work permit required.
Non-EU nationals require a work permit (Single Permit for Residence and Employment) from Identità and Jobsplus. The employer typically initiates the process. A Labour Market Test (advertising the role to EU citizens first) is generally required unless the role is on the shortage occupation list. Processing times: 4–8 weeks. The Single Permit combines residence and work authorisation. Renewals must be initiated 3 months before expiry.
The EU Blue Card is available in Malta for highly qualified non-EU nationals. Requirements: a university degree (or 5 years relevant experience for IT roles), a job offer with salary at least 1.5x the average gross wage in Malta. Malta Blue Card applications are handled by Identità and Jobsplus. Processing time approximately 4–6 weeks.
Non-EU freelancers and remote workers can apply under the Nomad Residence Permit (launched 2021). Requirements: proof of employment or regular client income from outside Malta (minimum €2,700/month net), health insurance, and clean criminal record. Valid for 1 year, renewable. Specifically designed for remote workers who work for non-Maltese clients while living in Malta. Apply at nomad.gov.mt.
⏱️ Work Culture
- ·Indefinite (full-time)
- ·Fixed-term
- ·Part-time
- ·Zero-hours (increasingly restricted)
🔍 Job Boards
🌍 Expat-Friendly Resources
📝 Application Tips
🤝 Networking Tips
- →Malta is a very small business community — almost everyone knows everyone in their sector after 6 months. Networking is extremely effective.
- →LinkedIn is the primary professional networking tool. Connect broadly — the Maltese professional community is active on LinkedIn.
- →iGaming Malta events, MFSA conferences, and Tech.mt meetups are excellent networking opportunities.
- →Join the Expat Malta Facebook groups and Malta-specific Slack communities for instant connections with the international professional community.
- →The Malta Chamber of Commerce (maltachamber.org.mt) hosts regular business events.
- →Many deals and introductions happen informally at Sliema and St Julian's restaurants and bars — the business and social worlds overlap heavily.
- →Joining your professional association (e.g., Malta Institute of Accountants, Malta Institute of Management) opens doors to relevant events.
Jobs & Work Permits
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