How To Get Work Permit For Malta
If you’re staying in Malta for longer than three months and would like to find employment, you need a work permit. This is the bare minimum requirement set in place by the Malta Immigration and Employment Laws.
Malta has become an attractive destination for foreign nationals looking to relocate. Because of its high standard of living, favorable tax rates and reputation as one of the “Best Countries In The World To Do Business”, Malta is an attractive country to do business with or relocate to. It is important that you get all the help you need through the residency process because once it is approved, you will have access to a range of incentives and socio-economic rights that would make this move worthwhile
The European Union is the largest single market in the world. Even though there are many other countries that offer cheap relocation to new job opportunities, there are very few countries that can offer you more for your money than Malta. No wonder almost everyone wants to move to Malta and enjoy this beautiful island country. The dream of having a great life in sunny Malta has recently become a reality for me and I believe it will be a reality for you as well.
Malta is one of the most sought after places to live and it is touted as the ‘online gold’. The country offers other than its scenic beauty, excellent weather and beaches. With several tax incentives and high demand for workers in IT sector, Malta has become a preferred location for both companies and employees.
How To Get Work Permit For Malta
Looking for the best new place to live? I’ve been thinking about moving lately, and I’m looking at options on a few different islands. One of these islands is Malta — a dinky little dot of an island near Sicily. They say if you’re tired of Italy, that’s the next place to go.
Malta is a European country which is known for its small size and big financial lifestyle. It’s got a large number of multinational companies present there, starting from banks to technology firms, etc. They’re one among the few countries which gained in Malta.
Malta, which is part of the European union has a high employment rate in its various industries which is an attractive factor for overseas jobseekers to look for a job here. People from outside the EU or EEA have to apply for a work permit in order to work here.
Overseas jobseekers who wish to work here must have their work permits sponsored by their employers as dictated by immigration laws in their country. Employees from non-EU countries must first get a visa to enter Malta and then apply for a work permit once they are in the country.
Employment licenses must be applied for by the employer and not by the jobseeker.
Work permit for non-EU citizens
Individuals form non-EU nations are eligible for a Single Permit Application which is processed by their employer and gives them the right to work and live in Malta. The application for a Single Permit must include the following documents:
- Copy of a valid employment contract
- Private medical insurance policy that provides coverage for 12 months
- Covering letter from the prospective employer
- Position description signed by the employer
- A signed CV showing work experience of at least three years
A single permit is also known as the e-residence card grants individuals the right to live and work in Malta, however the applicant must have a valid visa to stay in Malta.
The single permit is usually processed in two to three months. The permit is valid for one year. The residence card is linked to the employer whose work contract was included in the application. The cad will become invalid if the individual ceases to work with that particular employer.
The employer can submit the application on behalf of the employee. If the application is successful an authorization letter is issued to the employer to allow the applicant to come to Malta and work there. At this stage the applicants can apply for a visa to enter Malta based on the letter and complete the single permit process once they are in Malta.
Renewal of work permit: Single permits can be renewed by submitting an application for renewal, which must be accompanied by documentation certifying that income tax and national insurance contributions have been duly paid for the preceding 12 months.
Key Employment Initiative (KEI)
The KEI is a relatively new scheme launched by the government of Malta that provided a fast-track work permit application service to non-EU citizens with highly specialized skills who wish to work in Malta.
Under this scheme prospective employees can get their single permits within five working days after they submit their application. This option is open for those qualified for managerial or highly-technical roles which require relevant qualifications or work experience.
Applicants for this scheme must meet the following criteria:
- They must have an annual gross salary of at least 30,000 pounds
- Certified copies that prove they have the relevant qualifications and the necessary work experience of at least a three-year period
- Declaration by the employer that they have the necessary qualifications to perform the job
The KEI scheme is also extended to innovators who are keen to initiate start-up projects in Malta. Approved permits will be valid for one year which can then be renewed for a maximum of three years.
EU Blue card
Individuals from non-EU countries who have the EU Blue Card can apply for a work permit which will be valid for one year and can be renewed later. EU Blue Card holders will be given special consideration provided they are highly-qualified and are being hired for a job that whose annual gross salary is 1.5 times higher than the normal wages in Malta.
Qualifying Employment in Innovation and Creativity
Another option is the Qualifying Employment in Innovation and Creativity which is available to citizens of countries in the European Economic Area, Switzerland and third wcountries.
To qualify one must have an annual income which is over 52,000 Euros. Individuals must have a suitable qualification or sufficient professional experience in a function comparable to that of the Eligible Office for a minimum of three (3) years.
In addition to meeting the minimum annual income requirement, a beneficiary must also meet the following criteria:
· Must not be domiciled in Malta
· Do not draw taxable employment income from work performed in Malta or any time spent outside Malta in conjunction with such work or tasks
· Under Maltese law, you are protected as an employee.
· Demonstrate that they have professional qualifications to the satisfaction of the competent authority
· Must have consistent and reliable resources that are sufficient to support themselves and their family (without recourse to the social assistance system in Malta)
· Reside in housing that is considered regular for a comparable family in Malta and complies with Malta’s general health and safety regulations.
· Must have a valid travel document
· Must have health insurance
Employment license through JobsPlus
Jobsplus is the government body responsible for issuing employment licenses that are usually valid for one year from the issue date. Applications for employment licenses must be submitted by the prospective employer, and are subject to considerations of the labor market.