Guides › Living and Working in Malta — Immigration Rights

Living and Working in Malta — Immigration Rights

EU citizens, non-EU residents, work permits, residency

Malta's immigration rules differ significantly for EU and non-EU citizens. Here is what each group needs to do to live and work legally in Malta.

1. EU/EEA/Swiss citizens — you have the right to live and work freely

   EU, EEA and Swiss citizens have the right to live and work in Malta without a visa or work permit. You can stay for up to 3 months without registering. After 3 months you must register with Identity Malta (identitymalta.com) and obtain an eResidence card. Bring: valid ID or passport, proof of employment or sufficient funds, accommodation proof. After 5 years of continuous legal residence you can apply for permanent residency.

2. Non-EU citizens — you need a Single Permit before working

   Non-EU nationals need a Single Permit (combined work and residence permit) before they can legally work in Malta. Your employer applies on your behalf through Jobsplus (jobsplus.gov.mt). Standard processing: up to 4 months. From January 2026, stricter suitability checks apply and basic English is required for most roles. You cannot start working until the permit is issued.

3. Key Employee Initiative — fast-track for skilled workers

   If you earn over €30,000/year and work in a skilled role, your employer can apply under the Key Employee Initiative (KEI) for a permit processed within 5 working days. This is for roles requiring specific qualifications. The KEI is a separate track from the standard Single Permit application.

4. Family members of non-EU workers

   Once you have a work and residence permit, your spouse and minor children (under 18) can apply for family reunification permits to join you in Malta. The application is made through Identity Malta. Your family members may also be permitted to work once they have their own permit.

5. Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP)

   Non-EU nationals can apply for permanent residency in Malta through the MPRP, which gives you the right to live in Malta indefinitely (Schengen travel included) without a minimum stay requirement. Requirements: government contribution (€98,000 if purchasing property, €108,000 if renting), NGO donation (€2,000), property purchase (minimum €300,000) or rental (minimum €10,000/year). Apply through Residency Malta (residencymalta.gov.mt).

6. Global Residence Programme — tax residency for non-EU nationals

   Non-EU nationals can apply for tax residency in Malta under the Global Residence Programme, paying a flat 15% tax on foreign income remitted to Malta (minimum €15,000/year). Must maintain a qualifying property in Malta (purchase minimum €275,000, or rent minimum €9,600/year). Does not give you the right to work unless you also hold a work permit.

7. If you are undocumented — what to do

   If your visa or permit has expired or you never had the right documentation, seek legal advice immediately — the longer you wait the more complex the situation becomes. Contact a lawyer or a non-profit organisation such as UNHCR Malta, JRS Malta or aditus Foundation. Do not wait for enforcement action. Voluntary regularisation is always better than forced removal. Legal aid may be available.