Malta is set to introduce comprehensive updates to its labour migration framework, with major reforms taking effect in two stages: the first from August 1, 2025, and further enhancements from October 1, 2025. The overarching goals are to foster a transparent, skills-oriented, and fair employment landscape that meets national labour market needs while boosting protections for all workers.
Key Measures Effective August 2025
Mandatory Job Vacancy Advertising
Before applying for work permits for third-country nationals (TCNs), employers are required to publicly advertise the job vacancy for at least three weeks within the two months preceding the complete submission of the application. This advertisement must be published on an appropriate local media platform.
For TCNs eligible under the Key Employee Initiative (KEI), Specialist Employee Initiative, EU Blue Card Directive, or those listed under the Skilled Occupation List, a reduced minimum advertising period of two weeks applies.
Full exemptions from the advertising requirement apply to the following categories:
· Roles in the health sector and in the care of persons with disabilities or the elderly
· Student workers recognised under Subsidiary Legislation 212.18, and individuals participating in structured work placements from accredited institutions
· Applications recommended by Malta Enterprise, the Civil Aviation Directorate, Gaming Malta, or other relevant authorities
· Sportspersons
From October 2025, advertisements must appear via both Jobsplus and EURES portals.
Monitoring of Termination Rates
Employers with high rates of employment termination may become ineligible to recruit third-country nationals (TCNs), with specific limits phased in according to company size through July 2026.
Restrictions After Redundancies
Employers who have made staff redundant due to business closure or lack of work within the past 12 months will be prohibited from recruiting third-country nationals (TCNs) for the same role.
Strict Form Submission Deadlines
Employment engagement and termination forms must be submitted within 4 working days. Late submissions may result in suspension or disqualification from hiring third-country nationals (TCNs).
Disability Employment Quota
All employers are required to meet a 2% disability employment quota. Failure to comply can lead to suspension of permit processing.
Revised Application Fees:
· First-time Single Permit: €600
· Permit Renewal: €150/year
· Change of Employer: €600
· Change of Designation: €300
Note: Health sector occupations and roles involving the elderly are capped at €150. Any other fees currently below this threshold will remain unchanged.
Extended Grace Period for Terminated TCNs:
Non-EU nationals, a.k.a. third-country nationals (TCNs), who lose their jobs will have a 60-day grace period (30 days, extendable by a further 30 days with proof of financial stability) to secure new employment before needing to leave Malta.
Higher Minimum Salary Thresholds
· Key Employment Initiative (KEI): €45,000/year
· Specialist Employment Initiative (SEI): €30,000/year
Work Permit Application Restrictions
Applications from third-country nationals (TCNs) present in Malta on non-work visas, such as tourist visas, will be rejected. The engagement of sportspersons is exempted from this restriction.
Rigorous Permit Renewal Checks
Authorities will verify that employment conditions, such as wages, match what was originally agreed in the permit application.
Workforce Growth Caps by Company Size
The number of new third-country nationals (TCNs) companies may recruit is tied to company size and recent growth:
· Micro 1-9 employees: Eligible for an increase up to 200% of the number of employees they had in their workforce 12 months prior to the date of application.
· Small 10-49 employees: Eligible for an increase up to 100% of the number of employees they had in their workforce 12 months prior to the date of application.
· Medium 50-249: Eligible for an increase up to 50% of the number of employees they had in their workforce 12 months prior to the date of application.
· Large 250+: Eligible for an increase up to 25% of the number of employees they had in their workforce 12 months prior to the date of application.
Special Provisions for Partners and Family
Partners of Maltese nationals, as well as parents of Maltese nationals under the age of 23, will be granted a residence permit that explicitly includes a notation exempting them from the standard Single Permit process normally required for third-country nationals (TCNs).
Additional Measures Effective October 2025
Salary Payments via Financial Institutions
All salaries to third-country nationals (TCNs) must be paid electronically via licensed financial institutions; cash payments will no longer be permitted.
Visa Waiver Interim Permits
Third-country nationals (TCNs) from visa-waiver countries who apply for a permit within 60 days of arriving in Malta will be allowed to stay during processing.
Support for Victims of Human Trafficking
Identified victims will benefit from longer permit durations and exemption from permit application fees.
Ongoing and Supporting Initiatives
· Ongoing labour market assessments and real-time analysis.
· Upskilling and skills card initiatives for third-country nationals (TCNs).
· Strategic partnerships and a maintained list of high-risk countries, which may impact work permit eligibility.
To Sum Up
These far-reaching reforms are designed to create a more sustainable, well-regulated, and future-ready migration policy for Malta. Employers are strongly encouraged to update their internal processes and ensure timely compliance with all new requirements to avoid any disruption.
Information Links
Identita’: Fact Sheet
Jobsplus: Malta Labour Migration Policy