Malta is a small but busy country in Europe. It is known for fast-growing jobs in iGaming and financial services. Many non-EU people want to work there. In 2025, Malta made big changes to work visa rules. These changes affect how non-EU workers apply and get jobs. If you are from outside EU or EFTA and want to work in Malta, you must know the new rules from Identity Malta. The rules are stricter for employers. They also set higher pay for skilled workers. This guide explains the main changes in simple words. It covers the Single Permit process, the fast-track Key Employee Initiative (KEI), and new hiring rules.
The Core Route: The Malta Single Permit Application Procedure
The Single Permit is the main way for non-EU people to live and work in Malta for a long time. It joins two things into one paper: a residence permit and a work license. This makes the process easier.
Key Single Permit Updates for 2025
Here is a simple table to show what changed in August 2025.
| Change Category | Old Rule (Before August 2025) | New Rule (From August 2025) | Impact for Applicants |
|---|---|---|---|
| First-Time Fee | About €300 | €600 | Cost is now double for new applications. |
| Renewal Fee | Different amounts | €150 each year | Cheaper to renew, so easier to stay longer. |
| Post-Termination Grace Period | Leave Malta right away | 30 days (can extend to 60 days) | Gives time to look for a new job in Malta. |
| Tourist Visa Restriction | Sometimes allowed | Refused | Must apply from your home country. No tourist visa use unless special case. |
Important note: The employer starts the application online on the Identity Malta portal. You cannot do it alone.
These changes make the start more expensive. But renewals are cheaper. The grace period helps if you lose your job. You have time to find new work without leaving fast. Before, many left right away. Now, 30 days is normal. You can ask for 60 days if needed. This is good for workers in iGaming or finance jobs that need visa sponsorship.
Fast Track Changes: Malta Key Employee Initiative (KEI) Requirements
The Key Employee Initiative (KEI) is a quick way to get a work permit. It is for high-level technical or manager jobs. It attracts top talent to Malta. But from August 2025, it is harder to qualify.
KEI Minimum Salary for Malta Key Employee Initiative (KEI)
The biggest change is the minimum pay. It went up a lot.
New Minimum Yearly Gross Salary (From August 2025): €45,000. Old was €35,000.
This high pay means KEI is only for very skilled people. Think of IT experts, tech leaders, or senior managers in iGaming companies. Or top roles in financial services. Maltese companies that sponsor foreign workers use KEI for these jobs.
Good things about KEI: Processing is fast, often just 5 days. The permit renews automatically for up to 3 years. No need to apply every year. This saves time and stress. If your job pays €45,000 or more, KEI is the best choice. It fits well for non-EU tech workers or managers looking for quick entry.
Employer Obligations and the Labour Market Test
Malta’s new Labour Migration Policy wants to match foreign workers with real needs in the country. It protects local jobs first. Employers have more rules when hiring Third-Country Nationals (TCNs). TCNs are people from outside EU.
Jobsplus and Mandatory Advertising
Before any Single Permit application, the employer must prove no EU or Maltese person can do the job. This is called the Labour Market Test. They use Jobsplus, the government job site.
- For normal jobs: Advertise on Jobsplus and EURES for at least 3 weeks.
- For KEI, SEI, or skilled jobs: Advertise for at least 2 weeks.
EURES is a Europe-wide job network. This step shows the job was open to locals first. It is hard for non-EU people to get general jobs. But easy for special skills. For example, healthcare and nursing jobs for foreigners may have shortages. So, exemptions possible. Hospitality and tourism jobs in Malta can be seasonal. Skilled ones might skip long ads if urgent.
Key Compliance Measures
Employers must follow new rules to avoid problems.
- Pay salaries only by bank transfer. No cash. This shows clear records.
- Jobsplus watches how many workers leave. If too many terminations, the employer cannot hire new TCNs.
High turnover means the company may not treat workers well. Jobsplus can refuse new applications. This pushes companies to keep good staff. It helps long-term stays in Malta. For workers, it means better job security in sponsored roles.
Documentation and Logistics
To get your permit fast and without delay, prepare everything well. The processing time for Malta work visa in 2025 is shorter if papers are ready.
Required Documents
You need these basic items:
- Valid passport.
- Health insurance that covers at least €100,000.
- Signed job contract from the employer.
- Proof of place to live in Malta, like a rent agreement.
- Recent police clearance from Malta or your home country.
Qualifications
If you studied outside Malta, get recognition. Use MQRIC, the Malta Qualifications Recognition Information Centre. Send your degrees and certificates. Get the official receipt if waiting for full approval. This is must for professional jobs like nursing or finance.
Fees
Pay €600 for first Single Permit. Renewals are €150 per year. Have money ready. Employer may help, but you should know.
Logistics tip: Apply early. Use official sites only. Check Identità portal for forms. If in Malta on short visa, leave and apply from home. No exceptions for most.
Your Next Steps to Work in Malta
The 2025 updates show Malta wants top talent who stay long. Focus on jobs that pay €45,000 or more for KEI. Or find employers who follow Jobsplus ads fully. Target sectors like iGaming, finance, IT, healthcare, or tourism. Companies sponsoring foreign workers are common there.
Steps to start:
- Update your CV. Highlight skills that match shortages.
- Search jobs on Jobsplus or company sites.
- Ask employer about visa help.
- Get MQRIC for qualifications.
- Save for €600 fee and insurance.
- Prepare all documents in advance.
This shift makes Malta pickier but fairer. Skilled non-EU workers have good chances if prepared. Low-skill jobs are harder now. Aim high.
Have you prepared your MQRIC recognition? Comment below with your target sector and your biggest question about the Single Permit renewal process!
Disclaimer
This article is for information and education only. It summarizes 2025 changes to Single Permit and KEI. All fees, times, and rules can change. Check official Identità website and Jobsplus for latest details. Do not rely only on this guide. Verify everything before you apply.