Employment Licenses

Single-Work Permit

Third-Country Nationals (TCNs) who wish to work and reside in Malta for longer than six (6) months must submit a Single Work Permit application (i.e., CEA Form C) along with the required supporting documentation. The Single Work Permit application combines two procedures: obtaining a work permit and an e-residence card, thereby granting temporary residence based on employment in Malta.

A Single Work Permit is specifically issued for TCNs employed by a designated employer to perform a particular full-time job in Malta. As such, the permit is not transferable, meaning the employee cannot use it to take up a different job or work for another employer, even on a part-time basis. Generally, employment licenses are issued for a maximum duration of one (1) year and may be renewed upon request.

It is important to note that Single Work Permit applications are typically subject to labor market assessments by the relevant authority. This assessment includes factors such as the national situation regarding surpluses or shortages in a specific occupation or sector, the employer’s recruitment and redundancy history, business investments, and contractual commitments.

Additionally, the skill level, relevant experience, and overall suitability of the TCN for the specific position will be taken into account during the application process.

Download the Malta Self-Employment License PDF here.

Submission of application

Applications for a Single Work Permit can be submitted while the Third-Country National (TCN) is in Malta or by the prospective employer in Malta while the TCN is still abroad.

Among other required documentation, it is essential for the TCN applying for a Single Work Permit to possess the following:

• One or more reference letters demonstrating at least three (3) years of experience relevant to the position indicated in the Single Work Permit application.
• A contract of employment or a letter of intent signed by both the applicant and the prospective employer in Malta.

A complete list of the required supporting documentation can be found at the following links:

Checklist for TCN in Malta

Checklist for TCN abroad

Self-Employment License

For Third-Country Nationals (TCNs), a Self-Employment License is required and is granted only in exceptional cases.

Eligibility

To qualify for self-employed status, a Third-Country National must meet one or more of the following criteria:

• Investment Requirement: Invest a minimum of €500,000 in Malta within six (6) months from the date the employment license is issued. This capital expenditure must exclusively consist of fixed assets (such as immovable property, plant, and machinery) used for business purposes as outlined in the business plan submitted with the application. Please note that rental contracts do not qualify. This expenditure must be substantiated by receipts in the TCN’s name. Additionally, the application must include a reference letter from a reputable Maltese bank, certifying that the TCN has the ability to raise such capital.
• Business Plan Submission: A well-structured business plan must be submitted by highly skilled innovators who commit to recruiting at least three EEA/Swiss/Maltese Nationals within eighteen (18) months of establishment. This requirement is reserved for individuals who are (1) highly skilled (with qualification certificates of ISCED Level 6 or higher) and (2) establishing a highly innovative venture.
• Project Approval: A person leading a project formally approved by Malta Enterprise and duly notified to Jobsplus may also qualify.

Applications that demonstrate a firm commitment to engaging EEA/Swiss/Maltese Nationals as part of the staffing complement will be favorably considered.

If the TCN intends to establish a company and apply as an employee (i.e., director/owner) of that company, the application must be submitted to the Department of Citizenship and Expatriate Affairs, which would entitle the applicant to a Single Work Permit (please refer to the previous section for further details).

Submission of application

Applications must be submitted to Jobsplus along with all required supporting documentation, which can be found in the document titled ‘ELU – FM – 005 New Employment Licence Application Checklist for a Third Country National’ at the following link:

https://jobsplus.gov.mt/resources/forms

Comprehensive information regarding the application process, including the processing and issuance of Employment Licenses, is available in the Employment Licence Guidelines on the Jobsplus website (www.jobsplus.gov.mt).

A non-refundable processing fee of €230 is due upon submission of the application.

Once an employment license is obtained, TCNs may relocate their family members to Malta, provided they can demonstrate adequate financial means to support each family member.

Timeframe

There is no standard timeframe for the issuance of a Self-Employment License; each case is evaluated individually, and the timeframe may vary accordingly.