How long does the Single Permit last?

The Single Permit is typically issued for one year and is renewable. KEI and SEI permits can be automatically renewed for up to three years.

Do I need a visa to enter Malta after permit approval?

Yes. If you are a Third-Country National and your application is approved ( Approval in Principle ), you must use that letter to apply for a Long-Stay Visa D at the Maltese Embassy / Consulate to enter the Schengen Area.

Malta Job Openings for Foreign Workers

The small but booming archipelago of the heart of the Mediterranean, Malta, has become an active Kupermann to foreign talents. Its strong economy that is boosted by one of its major industries such as iGaming Industry and Financial Services presents a plenty of Malta Job Openings to Foreign Workers, especially one who is deemed as Highly Qualified Workers.

Your Work Gateway The Malta Single Permit

In case of non-EU/EFTA citizens, the biggest legal necessity is the Single Permit (that substitutes the previous work permit Malta / Employment licence). This permit is your Residence Permit Malta as well as your work authorization and so the process becomes smooth but rigid.

The Single Permit Process It is the Sponsorship of the Employer

As opposed to other nations, you cannot apply to a Single Permit by yourself. Your potential employer should initiate the application otherwise referred to as Employer Sponsorship.

Opportunity: Find an Employment Contract signed in Malta.
Application Submission: The employer will make a corresponding application to the Identity Malta Agency (i.e. the Expatriates Unit).
Vetting: Identity Malta together with Jobsplus (Public Employment Service) will vet the application and ensure that you are compliant with Maltese Labour Law and that the employer will employ you with a sufficient level of Health Insurance.
Processing Time: The standard Processing Time of Single Permit is about 6-8 weeks but legalistically, it can take up to four months.
Visa / Entry: Once your Application is Approved in Principle, you submit Long-Stay Visa D at the Maltese Embassy / Consulate outside Malta to get an entry permit to Malta and complete the permit procedure.

lesion Fast Track to Malta The Key Employee Initiative

The Key Employee Initiative (KEI) is a huge benefit to the high-level employees, as the Processing Time is approximately 5 working days to be first approved.

KEI Requirements (2025 Benchmarks)

Third-Country Nationals are required to meet several high standards in order to qualify, in particular, the KEI is tailored specifically to interest managers and highly technical personnel.

Gross Annual Salary: The minimum gross salary will be 45,000 euros (from August 2025).
Type of Role: Managerial or very technical (usually ISCO Groups 1, 2, or 3).
Qualifications: Certified Proof of Qualifications (degree, diploma) or a minimum of 3 years of relevant experience, the qualifications being subject to Recognition of Qualifications by MQRIC.
Important Exception: The KEI also provides the opportunity of immediate Family Reunification and the usual 12-months residence of the principal applicant in Malta is waived so that the dependents can join him. This is an enormous competitive edge as compared to the standard Single Permit route.

High-Demand Jobs Malta Where to Find the Opportunities

The employment sector in Malta is acutely imbalanced to the industries that just burst in their production, and hence the necessity to seek skilled foreign laborers all the time- Skills Shortage List.

Top 5 Fast Developmental Areas and positions

Gaming Industry and IT Sector: The top expatriate sector. Some of the roles are Software Developer, IT Manager, QA Specialist, and Data Analyst.
Financial Services/ FinTech: It is that Malta is an EU financial centre. Accountants, Financial Analysts and Compliance Officers.
Healthcare Jobs: There is a constant demand of Nurses, medical doctors, and Carers., There should be local licensing and recognition of Qualifications.
Construction Industry/ Engineering: Civil Engineers, Project Managers and skilled trades are in demand because of the high development.
Tourism and Hospitality Jobs: There are skills gaps in Chefs, Hotel Managers and specialized service workers especially in the regions of Sliema, St. Julian, and Gzira even though this effort is being made locally.

FAQs

How long does the Single Permit last?

The Single Permit is typically issued for one year and is renewable. KEI and SEI permits can be automatically renewed for up to three years.
Do I need a visa to enter Malta after permit approval?

Yes. If you are a Third-Country National and your application is approved (Approval in Principle), you must use that letter to apply for a Long-Stay Visa D at the Maltese Embassy / Consulate to enter the Schengen Area.
What are my working rights?

Your rights, includingThe small but booming archipelago of the heart of the Mediterranean, Malta, has become an active Kupermann to foreign talents.

Final Thoughts

The Maltese labour market is very accommodating to foreign talent however the success of this relies on two aspects; to obtain an Employer Sponsorship and on to the Skills Shortage List or to be enlisted under the Key Employee Initiative (KEI). To maximize your probability of receiving your Single Permit and take a job in this flourishing Mediterranean country, you need to target your Job Search Malta towards the booming iGaming Industry and make sure that you have the correct documentation to present to the Identity Malta Agency.

Disclamir

The information provided about the job is simply educational and informational. Salary prices (e.g., the KEI price minimum) and processing time can be changed according to the official decisions of the Identity Malta Agency and Jobsplus. Before submitting the application, please make sure that you check all the existing information and the eligibility requirements on the official government websites.