The Complete Employer Guide to Single Permits in Malta 2026

If your company employs — or is planning to employ — workers from outside the European Union or EEA in Malta, you need to understand how the Single Permit system works. This guide covers everything from eligibility to submission, including the significant changes that came into effect in 2025 and 2026. For the latest regulatory updates specifically, see our Malta Single Permit Updates 2026 page.

What is a Single Permit in Malta?

A Single Permit is a combined work and residence permit issued by Identità (Identity Malta) that allows a third-country national — a person who is not a citizen of an EU or EEA country — to live and work legally in Malta. It replaces what were previously two separate documents: a work permit and a residence permit.

The Single Permit system was introduced across the EU under Directive 2011/98/EU to simplify the process for employers and workers. In Malta, the permit takes the form of a biometric eResidence card that the worker carries as proof of both their right to work and their right to reside in the country.

Who needs a Single Permit?

Any employer in Malta who wants to hire a non-EU, non-EEA national must apply for a Single Permit on that person's behalf. This applies across all sectors — iGaming, construction, hospitality, healthcare, retail, manufacturing, and professional services. There are no sector exemptions.

Citizens of EU and EEA member states do not require a Single Permit and can work freely in Malta. Citizens of countries with bilateral agreements with Malta may have different arrangements — check with Jobsplus if you are unsure.

Eligibility Requirements for Single Permit Applications in Malta

Before submitting an application, both the employer and the prospective employee must meet specific eligibility criteria. Applications that fail these checks will be refused regardless of how well the documentation is prepared.

Employer eligibility

• Must have an active Identità employer portal account
• Must not have made any redundancies in the role being filled within the previous 12 months
• Must be within the employer application quota (based on ratio of TCN employees to total workforce)
• Must have advertised the vacancy through Jobsplus for the required period before hiring a non-EU national
• Must pay all TCN employees directly into a bank account — cash wages are no longer accepted

Employee eligibility

• Must hold a valid passport with a minimum of 8 months remaining validity
• Must hold adequate health insurance covering Malta (minimum €30,000 coverage, Schengen-wide)
• Must have confirmed accommodation in Malta
• Must hold a valid Skills Pass pre-departure certificate (mandatory for all first-time applicants from January 2026)
• Must not have been made redundant by a Malta employer within the previous 12 months (unless the 30-day grace period applies)
• Must apply either from abroad or from Malta if already holding legal status — tourist-stay applications are no longer accepted

Required Documents for a Single Permit Application in Malta

A Single Permit application requires documents from both the employer and the employee. Incomplete or incorrect documentation is the leading cause of delays and rejections.

Employer documents

• Signed employment contract (minimum duration of 1 year for most permit types)
• Proof of Jobsplus vacancy advertisement (screenshot or confirmation showing the listing was active for the required period)
• Employer declaration form confirming the terms of employment
• Identità employer portal access credentials

Employee documents

• Valid passport — minimum 8 months remaining validity from date of application
• Health insurance certificate covering Malta with minimum €30,000 coverage
• Skills Pass pre-departure certificate — Part 1 (mandatory from January 2026)
• Educational qualifications and professional certificates (translated into English if not originally in English)
• Curriculum vitae and professional experience letters
• Proof of accommodation in Malta — registered tenancy agreement or Housing Authority documentation
• Bank statements or proof of funds (where required)

Additional documents for tourism and hospitality roles

• Skills Pass certificate — Part 2 (sector-specific hospitality certification)
• Any relevant sector qualifications or experience evidence

Document requirements can vary depending on the specific permit type and the applicant's nationality. Permia reviews every application's document pack before submission to ensure nothing is missing.

The Single Permit Application Process in Malta — Step by Step

The Single Permit application process involves multiple steps across several months. Understanding each stage helps you manage timelines and avoid the most common causes of delay.

How Long Does a Single Permit Take in Malta?

Processing times vary depending on the type of application, the completeness of the documentation, and current Identità workloads. Here are realistic timelines to plan around.

Single Permit Fees in Malta 2026

The government restructured Single Permit fees significantly in 2025, doubling the cost of new applications while reducing renewal costs. These are government fees paid directly to Identità and are separate from any professional service fees.

Government fees are non-refundable. Permia invoices government fees as a pass-through at exact cost, separate from our service fees. See our pricing page for Permia's service fees.

Key 2026 Rule Changes Every Employer Must Know

Malta's Single Permit system underwent its most significant reform in years in 2025–2026. Employers who are unaware of these changes risk application rejections, enforcement action, and delays to their hiring plans.

1. Mandatory pre-departure Skills Pass course

From January 2026, all first-time Single Permit applicants must complete the Skills Pass pre-departure course before their application can be submitted. The course covers English language basics, Maltese workplace standards, rights and responsibilities, and health and safety. Part 1 takes approximately 20–24 hours online and must be completed within 42 days of starting. Applications submitted without a valid certificate will be returned unprocessed — no exceptions.

2. Mandatory bank wage payments

All wages for TCN employees must be paid directly into a bank account. Cash payments are no longer recognised for compliance purposes. Employers who continue paying in cash face enforcement action and risk having future permit applications refused.

3. Employer application quotas

Employers are now subject to quotas that limit the number of TCN applications they can submit, based on the ratio of non-EU workers to their total workforce. Exceeding the quota means applications will be refused. Run a quota check before submitting any new applications.

4. 12-month ban following redundancies

If your company makes any worker redundant, you cannot hire a non-EU national to fill the same or equivalent role for 12 months. This applies regardless of the reason for the redundancy and is strictly enforced.

5. 30-day grace period for terminated workers

TCN workers whose employment is terminated are now entitled to a 30-day grace period to remain in Malta and seek new employment. This can be extended by a further 30 days. A Change of Employer application can be initiated during this period without the worker needing to leave Malta.

For the full breakdown of all 2026 changes, see our Malta Single Permit Updates 2026 guide.

The Most Common Reasons Single Permit Applications Are Rejected in Malta

Based on the applications we handle, these are the issues that most frequently cause delays or outright rejections.

• Missing or expired Skills Pass certificate (mandatory from January 2026)
• Passport with less than 8 months remaining validity
• Jobsplus vacancy advertisement not completed before the hire decision
• Foreign-language documents submitted without certified English translation
• Identità employer portal account not set up before submission
• Application submitted while employer is within the 12-month redundancy ban period
• Employer quota exceeded — new application refused without prior quota check
• Employee attempted to apply from a tourist stay rather than from abroad or legal status

Single Permit Malta — Frequently Asked Questions