Are you looking to hire foreign workers in Malta? Given the nearly full employment of the Maltese labor force, the country needs foreign workers to support its economy.
According to the BusinessNow magazine, labor shortages in Malta are a problem in many industries.
This is causing increasing worries for employers as the lack of manpower is hampering production and service delivery.
The sectors that experience the most significant labor shortages are those with challenging working conditions, such as construction, manufacturing, and healthcare – just to name a few.
If you, too, are struggling to recruit local employees for your Maltese company, keep reading. This guide details the ins and outs of hiring foreign workers in Malta.
The Process of Hiring Foreign Workers in Malta Explained in 5 Steps
As a member of the EU, Malta has established bilateral agreements with various countries to simplify labor migration and the international movement of foreign workers.
Additionally, there are no annual work permit quotas. As a result, employers can sponsor an unrestricted number of foreign workers.
While each application typically undergoes a labor market test to assess if the position could be filled by a local worker, for specific roles the labor market test is not applied.
This makes the procedures for hiring foreign workers in Malta relatively easy and straightforward.
Let’s take a closer look at each of the steps involved in the process.
Step 1: Conduct a Labor Market Test
As most non-EU nationals do not have an automatic right to work in Malta, a work permit is granted only where Maltese and EU nationals are unavailable to fill the role.
If the labor market test applies, you must register with Jobsplus – Malta’s public employment service – and advertise the position for at least 2 weeks.
The categories of professionals exempted from the labor market testing requirement are as follows:
- Healthcare professionals
- Technical and building professionals
- IT, finance, gaming, and education professionals
Step 2: Recruit the Right Candidate and Sign an Employment Contract
If no local worker is available to fill the role, you may initiate the international recruiting process.
The most convenient way for you to find qualified candidates is by posting your job ad on VideoWorkers – a completely innovative recruiting platform that comes with skill presentation videos for each candidate profile.
VideoWorkers not only gives you access to a global talent pool but also streamlines your recruiting process ensuring you easily pinpoint the right candidate.
This, in turn, will lead to significant savings in terms of time, money, and resources.
After finding the perfect match for your company, you must sign an employment contract. Visit this link to download a copy of the contract form.
Step 3: Apply for a Work and Residence Permit
The next step you must take is to apply for a work and residence permit on behalf of your future employee. Non-EU nationals cannot directly submit an application for an employment permit.
The most common type of employment-related residence permit for Malta is the single permit. The single permit allows non-EU nationals to live and work in Malta for a period longer than 6 months, with the possibility of renewal. This process combines the application for a work permit and residence permit into one.
You can apply for a single permit through the dedicated online portal. To access the instructions for submitting a single permit application, click here.
The documents required for a single permit may vary on a case-by-case basis. However, in most cases, you will need to submit the following documents:
- Copy of worker’s passport
- Professional resume in the Europass CV format bearing the candidate’s signature
- Insurance policy valid for at least one year
- If applicable: Health screening certificate
- Employment contract
- For employers classified as temping agencies: Declaration of Posting
- Proof of job advertisement not older than 6 months
- Academic or professional qualifications recognized by the Malta Qualifications Recognition and Information Centre (MQRIC)
- Valid criminal record
- Proof of accommodation
After you submit the application, your future employee will receive a link to verify the application details. Upon confirmation, you will be notified to complete the final submission of the application.
The fee for a single permit is €280.50.
Through the dedicated online portal, you can track the status of your application. The average processing time for a single permit application is 2 months.
Step 4: Your Future Employees Applies for a Work Visa for Malta
If the Identity Malta Agency approves the application, it will issue an Approval in Principle letter. The letter serves as an official document for your future employee to apply for a visa at the competent Diplomatic Mission.
Do note that the letter has a specific validity period. If the letter expires, your prospective employee won’t be able to apply for a visa and enter Malta.
Usually, the required documents for a visa for Malta for employment purposes are as follows:
- Application form fully completed and signed
- Two recent passport-size photographs (3.5 cm X 4.5 cm)
- Passport valid for at least 3 months beyond the intended stay. The passport must have at least 3 blank pages.
- Travel medical insurance covering at least 30,000 EUR
- Invitation letter from the Employer
- Professional resume
- Reference letter from past the employer
- Bank statements for the last 6 months
- Employment contract certified by a Maltese Public Notary
- Approval In Principle letter of the single work permit
- Proof of qualifications
- Proof of accommodation
The visa application fee is €66, and the processing time can take a few weeks.
Step 5: Your Employee Enters Malta and Provides Their Biometrics
After entering Malta, your employee must provide their biometrics to Identity Malta. This is the second phase of the process of hiring foreign workers in Malta.
The Approval in Principle letter issued by Identity Malta provides guidance on how to schedule the appointment for biometrics through the online booking system. It also shares the supporting documents that must be submitted with the application.
Typically, your employee needs to submit the original documents that have been submitted online at the time of the application.
However, they may also need to provide additional documents as stated in the Approval in Principle letter.
Your worker must ensure they arrive punctually at the designated Identity Malta Agency office in Malta or Gozo for their scheduled appointment.
After providing their biometrics, Identity Malta will take between 6 to 8 weeks to issue their residence card with the single permit status.
Hiring Foreign Workers in Malta: Final Considerations
Considering Malta’s relatively small population, it’s quite understandable that the country relies on foreign employees to support and maintain its economic activity.
That’s why international recruiting can be paramount to your company’s success.
Using a platform like VideoWorkers will ensure that you’ll have a highly productive and organized worker on board.
Kickstart your journey to success by creating your free company account today. Experience firsthand how it streamlines your hiring, saving you loads of time and money.