Single Permit (combined work and residence permit) – Identità Expatriates Unit
The Single Permit combines residence and work authorisation for third-country nationals employed in Malta, under Subsidiary Legislation 217.17. Only the Malta employer, which must be registered with Jobsplus, can apply online. Since 1 August 2025 employers must advertise the vacancy locally before applying, and new fees apply. Fast-track versions exist for higher earners: the Key Employee Initiative (KEI, EUR 45,000+) and Specialist Employee Initiative (SEI, EUR 30,000+).
Life in Malta
Money
3
Currency
Euro
EUR
Euro
Cost of living
69
Price level · US = 100
World Bank price levels, 2025
Tax
15–35%
Income tax (national)
VAT 18%
Single computation: 0% to EUR 12,000, 15%, 25%, then 35% above EUR 60,000; separate married and parent computations.
Living
1
Happiness
#41 of 145 countries
World Happiness Report 2025
Your edge here Members
What gives you an edge here: passports, visas and permits you hold, work, study, language and family ties
Who it’s for
Non-EU nationals with a job offer from a company registered and operating in Malta.
Eligibility
Job offer from a Malta employer
A confirmed job offer from a company registered and operating in Malta, which is also registered with Jobsplus.
Employer applies
Applicants cannot apply directly; the employer files online and the worker confirms the data.
Location and status
Applicants must be abroad, or in Malta with a valid residence permit or visa. People on protection certificates in Schengen are not eligible.
A sneak peek at what's inside
- Next requirementVacancy advertisement
- Document checklistResidence application form (CEA form, via Single Permit portal)
- FeesFirst-time Single Permit
The full requirements are for members
Create an account and subscribe to see every requirement, the full document checklist, fees, steps, processing times and conditions, and how your profile compares.
- 7 more requirements
- 13 documents
- 7 fees
- 8 steps
- Processing times and conditions
Places to visit in Malta
Attractions picked for you, based on your profile and interests.
Finding places for you…
Official sources
- Identità – Working & Residing in Malta
- Identità – Single Permit Application
- Identità – Single Permit: Who is eligible
- Identità – Fact Sheet: Labour Migration Policy measures from 1 Aug 2025
- Identità – FAQs SIGMA 2025/26: Residence Permits, Single Permit, Family Reunification & Visas
- Identità – Checklist Still Abroad – Specialist Employee Initiative (Mar 2026)
- Identità – Checklist New Application for Recruiting and Temping Agency (Jan 2026)
Other routes to Malta
- Visit & tourismSchengen tourist & business visa
- StudyResidence permit for studies
- FamilyFamily reunification
- Investors & entrepreneursNomad Residence Permit
Work permits in other countries
- MauritiusOccupation Permit - Professional
- MaldivesWork permit (Entry Pass) and Work e-Visa
- MalawiTemporary Employment Permit
- MalaysiaEmployment Pass (EP) Categories I, II and III
- MozambiqueHiring of foreign nationals (work authorisation, quota, approved-investment-project and short-term regimes) with work visa
- NamibiaEmployment Permit (general) and Short-Term Employment (Work) Visa
