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.
Social Security in Malta
Benefits, contributions, and how the system works for expats.
Malta's social security system is administered by the Department of Social Security (DSS — msss.gov.mt) under the Social Security Act (Chapter 318). All employed and self-employed persons pay National Insurance (NI) contributions — the foundation of entitlement to social security benefits. The system provides: the Two-Thirds Pension (contributory state pension), sickness benefit, unemployment benefit, maternity/paternity benefit, injury benefit, and disability benefits. EU citizens have equal access to social security on the same terms as Maltese nationals, under EU social security coordination (Regulation 883/2004). Non-EU nationals with legal work permits also contribute and are entitled to most benefits.
Maltese Identity Number (ID Number)
Numru tal-Identità
The Maltese ID number is issued with the national ID card (for Maltese citizens) or the eResidence card (for EU citizens). Non-EU nationals receive an ID number with their residence permit. Apply at Identità (identita.gov.mt). This number is used for all social security, tax, employment, and healthcare interactions in Malta.
- All interactions with the Department of Social Security (DSS)
- National Insurance contributions registration
- Jobsplus employment registration
- Tax filings with the Commissioner for Revenue (CFR)
- Healthcare (eHealth card)
- Banking (KYC)
- All government services via servizz.gov.mt
Benefits & Support Payments
Two-Thirds Pension (Contributory State Pension)
Il-Pensjoni tal-Kontribuzzjonijiet — Id-Doppju Terz
Malta's main contributory state pension — the "Two-Thirds Pension" is named because it is calculated to provide approximately two-thirds of the pensioner's average wage during their working life. The pension is calculated based on National Insurance contributions paid throughout the working life. The retirement age is 65 (rising to 65 for men and women since 2026).
Reached state retirement age (65 in 2026). Minimum 10 years of NI contributions for a partial pension; 35+ years for a full pension.
Apply to the DSS at msss.gov.mt or in person at a DSS office approximately 3 months before retirement age. Bring identity documents, NI contribution record, and employment history.
Sickness Benefit
Benefiċċju ta' Mard
Income replacement benefit for employees unable to work due to illness or injury, once the employer's paid sick leave period is exhausted.
Must have paid NI contributions for at least 50 weeks in the last 2 years before the claim. Employed person who has exhausted employer paid sick leave. Medical certificate required.
Apply to the DSS with a medical certificate from your doctor. Application within 1 week of illness (retrospective for first week typically not paid). Monthly renewal of medical certificate required.
Unemployment Benefit
Benefiċċju tal-Qgħad
A benefit for persons who are registered as unemployed at Jobsplus and are actively seeking work.
Registered as unemployed at Jobsplus. Must have made NI contributions for a minimum period. Actively seeking employment (must attend Jobsplus interviews and accept suitable work offers). Duration: varies by contribution history — typically up to 156 days.
Register as unemployed at Jobsplus (jobsplus.gov.mt) immediately upon becoming unemployed. The Jobsplus registration activates the benefit claim process. Bring employment termination documentation.
Injury Benefit and Disablement Pension
Benefiċċju ta' Korriment / Pensjoni tad-Diżabilità
Provides income replacement and long-term disability support for workers injured at work or suffering from an occupational disease.
Work-related injury or occupational disease. Report to employer and apply to DSS with medical evidence.
Report the workplace injury to the employer immediately (required within 3 days) and apply to DSS. Medical assessment required.
Children's Allowance
Allowance tal-Ulied
A weekly payment for families with children under 16 (or 21 if in education) to help with childcare costs.
Resident in Malta with dependent children under 16. Income-related for enhanced rates.
Apply to DSS with child birth certificate and proof of residency. Online at msss.gov.mt.
Free Childcare Subsidy
Sussidju tat-Tfal
Full government funding of childcare for children of working parents from 3 months to school age.
Both parents must be employed or in full-time education. Child must attend a government-approved centre. Single working parents qualify.
Apply at childcaremalta.gov.mt before the child starts at the centre.
Contribution Overview
National Insurance contributions in Malta are split equally between employee and employer at 10% each of the gross weekly wage. For employed persons (Class 1): employee deduction 10%, employer contributes an additional 10% on top of the gross wage. For self-employed persons (Class 2): 15% of net profit (with minimum and maximum weekly caps). Contributions are paid weekly via payroll (for employees) or quarterly/annually (for self-employed). All contributions go into the Social Security Fund and fund the pension, sickness, unemployment, maternity, and other benefits. The NI contribution record is the foundation of all benefit entitlements.
International Social Security Agreements
Malta has bilateral social security agreements (totalisation agreements) with several non-EU countries, allowing NI contribution periods to be combined for benefit eligibility purposes. Check the DSS website (msss.gov.mt) or contact the DSS International Relations Unit for the current list of agreement countries. Within the EU, EU Regulation 883/2004 coordinates social security across all member states — Maltese NI years can be combined with NI/pension years from other EU countries.
Malta's social security system is smaller in scope than the Scandinavian welfare states but provides a meaningful safety net. The key difference for expats: the state pension is contributory and proportional — shorter residence in Malta means a smaller Maltese pension. Plan supplementary pension savings accordingly. For more information on all benefits: msss.gov.mt (Department of Social Security). The DSS offices are located in Valletta, Floriana, Birkirkara, and Gozo.
Social Security
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