Malta Work Visa: Application Guide and Requirements

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Key Takeaways:

Non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizens need a visa to work in Malta, while EU/EEA/Swiss citizens must register within three months.
Malta offers various work permits like Single Permit, Key Employee Initiative, and EU Blue Card for different employment needs.
Required documents include a passport, work contract, insurance, accommodation proof, and a completed application form.

Do I Need a Visa to Work in Malta?

If you’re considering working in Malta, it’s essential to know whether you need a visa. For citizens from non-EU/EEA countries or Switzerland, a visa is mandatory, even for employment lasting less than 90 days. On the other hand, EU/EEA and Swiss citizens do not need a work permit to live and work in Malta. However, within three months of arriving, they must register with the Department for Citizenship and Expatriate Affairs.

Malta Work Visa: Application Guide and Requirements

Types of Malta Work Permits

Malta offers different types of work permits to accommodate various employment needs. Understanding which permit you need is the first step towards working in Malta:

H2: What Are the Types of Malta Work Permits?

Single Permit: A long-term work visa requiring an employment offer from a Maltese employer. Applications are submitted either by the applicant in Malta or their employer if they are abroad. Processing takes 2-3 months.
Key Employee Initiative: Targeted at highly skilled workers, this permit has a fast processing time of five days. Eligibility criteria include relevant skills, at least three years of work experience, and an annual salary of at least €30,000.
EU Blue Card: Issued to highly qualified workers, the EU Blue Card requires a salary that’s at least 1.5 times the average gross annual salary in Malta. This card is valid for a minimum of one year and can be renewed.

Malta Work Visa Requirements

Subheading: What Documents Are Needed for a Malta Work Visa?

To apply for a Malta work visa, you need to gather the following documents:

Passport: A valid passport with at least two blank pages for the visa and entry stamp.
Work Visa Application Form: Must be completed and signed.
Passport-sized Photo: Must adhere to Schengen photo guidelines.
Work Contract: Should include job description, salary, start and end dates of employment.
Updated CV: Include previous work experiences and references.
Medical Insurance: Travel health insurance with at least €30,000 coverage valid in the Schengen area.
Accommodation Proof: Evidence of a place to stay in Malta, such as a rental agreement or hotel reservation.
Flight Itinerary: Proof of booked flight to Malta.

Note: Additional documents may be required depending on your specific situation or country of residence. Missing documents can lead to visa rejection.

Steps to Apply for a Malta Work Visa

Subheading: How Do I Apply for a Malta Work Visa?

Follow these steps to apply for a Malta work visa:

Collect Required Documents: As listed above.
Enter Malta and Submit Application: Apply for a national employment visa at the Maltese embassy in your country. Upon receiving the Interim Receipt card, travel to Malta to submit the Single Permit application.
Employer Applies for Employment License: Your employer must apply for an employment license on your behalf through the Job Plus website. This step confirms that they couldn’t fill the position with a Maltese citizen.
Receive Work Permit and Begin Working: If approved, you’ll receive a residence card from Identity Malta, allowing you to legally work and reside in Malta.

Note: After submitting your application in Malta, do not leave until you receive a decision. The interim receipt does not permit re-entry.

Can I Apply for a Malta Work Visa from Abroad?

Subheading: Can I Start a Malta Work Visa Application While Abroad?

Generally, you must submit your application through the Identity Malta Agency (IMA). If you’re unable to travel to Malta, your employer can apply on your behalf. Approved applications result in an invitation letter from Identity Malta within 60 days, outlining steps to finalize your work visa upon arrival.

Processing Time for a Malta Work Visa

Subheading: How Long Does It Take to Process a Malta Work Visa?

The Malta work visa processing time is generally 5-15 working days from the date you submit your documents to the embassy or consulate. You will receive updates on your application status via text message or email.

Malta Work Visa Fees

Subheading: What Are the Fees for a Malta Work Visa?

The fees for different types of Malta work visas include:

Single Permit: €280.50
Employment License: €150
Application for Employment License: €50
EU Blue Card: €140
Type D (National Visa): €100

For more information about visa fees, consider visiting the official Maltese government website.

Duration and Extension of a Malta Work Visa

Subheading: How Long Is a Malta Work Visa Valid?

A Malta work visa is initially valid for one year. If you continue to be employed in Malta, you can extend your work permit. To renew, submit an application with documentation proving you have paid your taxes during your stay.

Note: Extensions are not possible if your employment conditions change, such as losing your job.

Family Members of the Main Applicant

Subheading: Can Family Members Join Me in Malta?

After residing in Malta for one year, foreign citizens can bring their family members. Eligible family members include:

Spouse: Age 21 or older and legally married to the main applicant.
Minor Children: Biological or adopted, as well as your spouse’s unmarried minor children.

Malta Seasonal Work Visa

Subheading: What Is a Malta Seasonal Work Visa?

The seasonal work visa allows New Zealand and Australian citizens, aged 18-30, to work and enjoy holidays in Malta for up to one year. With this visa, you can also travel to other Schengen countries twice a year for 90 days each. Family members cannot accompany you under this visa.

What Happens If My Malta Work Visa Application Is Rejected?

Subheading: What Should I Do If My Application Is Rejected?

Rejections can occur due to missing documents or failure to meet eligibility criteria. If your application is rejected, it’s crucial to identify the reasons and rectify them before reapplying. You might also consult legal advisors or immigration experts for tailored guidance to strengthen your application.

Conclusion

Obtaining a Malta work visa involves a detailed application process and adherence to specific criteria tailored to different employment needs. From understanding the types of work permits to gathering the required documents, each step is crucial for a successful application.

For further details, official guidelines, and application forms, visit the Government of Malta’s official immigration page.

According to VisaVerge.com, keeping abreast of the latest immigration regulations and preparing meticulously can greatly improve your chances of securing a Maltese work permit. As you embark on this journey, ensure all your documents are in place and make use of the various resources available to guide you through the process.

With careful preparation and the right information, you can soon make the vibrant and modern country of Malta your new place of work and residence.

Learn Today:

Glossary of Immigration Terms

Visa:
A formal endorsement on a passport, indicating that the holder is allowed to enter, leave, or stay for a specified period in a country. In Malta, a visa is mandatory for workers from non-EU/EEA countries or Switzerland.
Single Permit:
A long-term work visa in Malta that requires a job offer from a Maltese employer. This permit allows the holder to work and reside in Malta and involves submitting an application either in Malta or through the employer if the applicant is abroad.
Key Employee Initiative:
A fast-track permit for highly skilled workers in Malta, processed within five days. It requires the applicant to have relevant skills, at least three years of work experience, and an annual salary of at least €30,000.
EU Blue Card:
A permit for highly qualified workers, valid in multiple EU countries including Malta. It requires the holder to earn a salary that’s at least 1.5 times the average gross annual salary in Malta and is renewable.
Employment License:
A document or authorization that an employer in Malta needs to obtain to legally hire a foreign worker. This ensures that the job cannot be filled by a Maltese citizen and is a crucial part of obtaining a work permit.

This Article In A Nutshell:

To work in Malta, non-EU/EEA and Swiss nationals need a visa. Options include the Single Permit, Key Employee Initiative, and EU Blue Card. EU/EEA and Swiss citizens don’t need a work visa but must register within three months of arrival. Preparation and timely application are crucial.
— By VisaVerge.com

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