The Immigration Act monitors the entry and permanence of non-Maltese nationals in Malta. Article 11 that states that people must obtain an employment license or a work permit to practice any occupation, be employed, or engage in acts of trade.
A single permit encompasses both the residence and work permits. This permit acknowledges ones right to employment and authorizes non-EU citizens to legally live in Malta while the employment contract is valid. The applicant may submit the single permit application while they are still abroad or legally residing in the Maltese Islands. A single permit is usually valid for 12 months. The application for the renewal of a single permit must be submitted while the current permit is still valid.
Non-EU citizens who are employed by a local employer and shall be working and living in Malta for at least half the duration of the license are eligible for a single permit. Should a non-EU citizen change their employer, first they must be certain that they are employed somewhere else. A single permit is endorsed by a particular employer, therefore, if employment is terminated, the single permit would no longer be valid. This would endanger the right to reside in Maltese territory.
As of January 2024 the registration fee of a single permit for non-EU citizens to reside and work in Malta has increased from €280.50 to €300.
Disclaimer: This article is only a summary of the guidelines for employing non-EU nationals in Malta. This article is purely informational and does not replace the formal guidelines enforced by the authorities.