What is changing and why
The Maltese government has introduced a comprehensive reform of the Single Permit system under its Labour Migration Policy, designed to address high application volumes, protect workers from exploitation by unlicensed agents, and align Malta's immigration framework with EU standards.
The reforms are being rolled out in phases — some changes were already active from August 2025, with the most significant requirements taking effect from January 2026.
Action required for employers
Applications submitted from January 2026 without a valid Pre-Departure Course Certificate for the applicant will be rejected. Begin factoring this into your recruitment timelines now.
Key implementation dates
Mandatory Pre-Departure Course
Effective: January 2026 — applies to all first-time applicants
Existing permit holders and renewals are exempt. New applications submitted without a valid certificate will not be processed.
All third-country nationals applying for their first Single Permit in Malta must complete the Skills Pass pre-departure course before their application can be submitted to Identità. The course is split into two parts:
Part 1 — All applicants
- Approximately 20–24 hours of online learning (videos, reading, assignments)
- Covers English language basics, Maltese workplace standards, rights and responsibilities, and health & safety
- Applicants have up to 42 days to complete Part 1
- A Skills Pass certificate is issued on completion
Part 2 — Tourism and hospitality roles
- Role-specific certification required for certain hospitality positions
- Must be completed in addition to Part 1
- Employers in the sector should check Jobsplus guidance for specific requirements
What this means for employers
- Add at least 6 weeks to your recruitment timeline to allow for course completion
- Inform candidates at the offer stage — the course is the applicant's responsibility but delays your hire
- Applications submitted without a valid certificate will be returned unprocessed
Government fee restructuring
The government has restructured application fees to incentivise retention of existing workers over continuous new recruitment.
| Application Type | Old Fee | New Fee |
|---|---|---|
| New Application (first-time)Standard Single Permit — new employee | €300 | €600 |
| Renewal (from year 2)Renewing an existing permit | €300 | €150 / year |
| Health & Care Sector (new)Preferential rate for healthcare and elderly care | — | Reduced rate |
| 2-Year Renewal (where applicable)Where employer offers a 2-year contract after year 1 | — | €150 / year |
Note: The above are government (Identità) fees, charged separately from Permia's service fees and passed through at exact cost.
Vacancy advertising requirement
Before engaging a new non-EU national, employers must advertise the vacancy for a sufficient period to allow Maltese, EEA, Swiss nationals, and TCNs already in Malta to apply first.
- The job must be listed with Jobsplus for the required period before a new TCN can be brought in
- Health, care, and elderly care sectors are exempt from this requirement
- Non-compliance renders the application invalid and may result in employer sanctions
12-month recruitment ban
Employers who make any worker redundant — including Maltese nationals — cannot recruit a non-EU national for the same role for 12 months. This applies regardless of the reason for redundancy.
Mandatory bank wage payments
From August 2025, cash wage payments are no longer recognised as fulfilling employment contract obligations for TCN workers.
- All wages for non-EU national employees must be paid directly into a bank account
- Applies to new entrants and existing workers changing employer
- Failure to comply is a breach of the employment licence conditions
- This change is aimed at improving monitoring and preventing exploitation
Practical note for employers
Ensure your payroll system records direct bank transfers for all TCN staff. Employers who relied on cash payments for any workers should transition these arrangements immediately.
Employer application quotas
Employers now face limits on the number of Single Permit applications they can file, calculated relative to company size. The exact thresholds are set by the Competent Authority.
- Quotas are based on the ratio of TCN staff to total workforce
- Applications beyond the quota threshold will not be accepted
- Exemptions apply for certain critical sectors including health and care
- Employers approaching their quota should plan recruitment accordingly
Grace period for terminated workers
Positive change for workers
TCN workers whose employment has been terminated are no longer required to leave Malta immediately. They are entitled to a 30-day grace period, extendable by a further 30 days.
This change is designed to retain experienced workers already in Malta and allow them time to find alternative employment, rather than forcing them to leave and re-apply from abroad.
- Initial grace period: 30 days from date of termination
- Extension available: additional 30 days in qualifying circumstances
- Workers can seek new employment during the grace period
- Employers looking to hire existing Malta-based TCNs should be aware of this route
Digital portal and processing upgrades
Identità is upgrading its online application system throughout 2026 with a full redesign aimed at streamlining the employer and applicant experience.
- Fully digital application portal replacing the current system
- Real-time application status tracking for employers and applicants
- Automated document verification for standard cases
- Target standard processing time: 3–6 weeks (reduced from current 4–10 weeks)
- KEI fast-track target: 5 working days maintained
What employers should do now
Immediately
- Review your current TCN headcount against the new employer quota thresholds
- Ensure all TCN wages are being paid directly into bank accounts — no cash
- Check that all existing permits have up-to-date renewal dates on file
Before any new hire
- Advertise the vacancy through Jobsplus for the required period first
- Inform candidates about the pre-departure course requirement at the offer stage
- Allow at least 6 extra weeks in your timeline for Skills Pass completion
- Confirm applicant has not had a redundancy on record that triggers the 12-month ban
If your company is new to hiring TCNs
- Set up your Identità employer portal before any application (one-time setup)
- Register with Jobsplus as an employer
- Get a compliance review to understand your obligations under the new rules
Not sure what these changes mean for your business?
Book a free eligibility check with Permia. We'll review your situation and tell you exactly what applies to you.