Work & Settle in Malta

About Malta

Malta is a tiny, sunny island nation in the center of the Mediterranean Sea, located south of Sicily. It is a popular, safe European Union country known for its rich history, ancient temples older than Stonehenge, and warm, dry climate. The country has a unique, blend of cultures, with English as an official language along with Maltese.
Malta is most attractive for its unique combination of rich, 7,000-year history (prehistoric temples, Valletta’s baroque architecture), crystal-clear turquoise waters for diving and snorkeling (Blue Lagoon, Comino), and year-round sunny Mediterranean climate.

Malta is generally considered a very safe, multicultural, and attractive destination for international workers, with one of the lowest crime rates in Europe.

Key Facts

  • Location: Southern Europe; an archipelago in the Mediterranean Sea, located south of Sicily, Italy.
  • Area: 316 km²
  • Capital: Valletta
  • Currency: Euro (€) (since January 1, 2008).
  • Languages: Maltese (national) and English (official).
  • Economy: Highly developed, focusing on tourism, financial services, gaming/iGaming, manufacturing, and shipping. It has a GDP of roughly €18 billion.
  • Total population: Approximately 540,000 to 574,000 (2024–2025 estimates).

Living in Malta

Living in Malta offers a high quality of life with a warm Mediterranean climate,,English-speaking environment, and high safety standards. It features a relaxed, sunny, and historic lifestyle popular with expats, though challenges include rising rental costs, heavy traffic, and overdevelopment. It is generally considered a good, safe, and family-friendly place.

  • Climate & Lifestyle: Enjoy warm weather year-round with a six-month swimming season. The pace is generally laid-back, though traffic and,construction can be frustrating.
  • Language & Culture: English is an official language, making it easy for expats to navigate daily life. The culture is deeply influenced by its history, with many festivals and a strong,welcoming community.
  • Cost of Living: While cheaper than some Western European nations, costs are rising, particularly for rent. A comfortable,life requires a decent salary, especially in popular,areas.
  • Safety & Health: Considered one of the safest countries in Europe with low,crime rates. It offers high-quality,free public healthcare for residents.
  • Connectivity: Good connectivity, with many flights to Europe.

Malta offers many advantages including:

Key advantages include:

1. Favorable Tax System: Malta has a 15% flat tax rate for non-domiciled residents on foreign income remitted to Malta. There are no inheritance, wealth, or estate taxes.
2. Business-Friendly Environment: The country has a booming economy, especially in sectors like iGaming, financial services, IT, and maritime activities. It offers low corporate tax rates for foreign investors (with refunds bringing it down to 5–10%).
3. English-Speaking Nation: English is an official language, which facilitates easy communication and integration for expats and students.
4. Safety and Stability: Malta is consistently ranked as one of the safest countries in the world with a very low crime rate.
5. High-Quality Healthcare: The healthcare system is ranked among the best in the world, often in the top five by the World Health Organization.
6. Education and Student Opportunities: It hosts reputable educational institutions with English-taught programs and allows students to work part-time.
7. Residency and Citizenship Pathways: Programs like the Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP) and citizenship by investment offer straightforward routes for relocation.
8. Rich Culture and Lifestyle: A blend of 7,000 years of history, with three UNESCO World Heritage Sites, combined with a relaxed Mediterranean lifestyle.

Permanent Residence in Malta

Key Requirements & Costs (MPRP)
1. Capital/Assets: Minimum €500,000 total (including €150,000 liquid assets) OR €650,000 total (including €75,000 liquid assets).
2. Property: Buy (min €375,000 in Malta/Gozo) or rent (min €10,000/year in Gozo/South Malta or €12,000 elsewhere) for 5 years.
3. Government Contribution: Mandatory (e.g., €80,000 or €110,000 depending on property choice).
4. Donation: €2,000 to a local NGO.
5. Admin Fee: Around €60,000.
6. Health Insurance: Required for all family members.
7. Eligibility: Over 18, clean criminal record, good health.


Key Benefits
1. Live, work, study in Malta indefinitely.
2. Visa-free travel throughout the Schengen Area (29 countries).
3. Include up to four generations of family.
4. Includes a temporary permit to enter Malta during processing.

ADVANTAGES OF MALTA PERMANENT RESIDENCY

Key Advantages of Malta Permanent Residency
1. Lifetime Residency & Family Inclusion: The status is granted for life (with 5-year compliance checks) and is one of the few programs allowing up to four generations of family (spouse, children, parents, and grandparents) to be included in one application.
2. Schengen Area Mobility: Residents enjoy visa-free travel across the 27 European Schengen Area countries.
3. No Minimum Stay Requirements: There is no obligation to live in Malta, making it ideal for investors who want a “Plan B” but do not wish to relocate immediately.
4. Favorable Taxation: Non-domiciled residents are only taxed on income earned in Malta or foreign income remitted to Malta. There is no wealth tax, inheritance tax, or tax on foreign-sourced capital gains.
5. Fast and Flexible Processing: The process is straightforward, taking roughly 6–12 months, and investors only need to make the qualifying investment after approval.
6. Investment Flexibility: The program offers a choice between renting or purchasing property, with the investment requirement only necessary for the first five years.
7. High Standard of Living: English is an official language, making it easy to settle in. Malta offers a high quality of life, a low crime rate, and excellent private, English-language schools and international universities.
8. Business Opportunities: As a stable, EU-connected jurisdiction, it provides a solid base for international business in tech, gaming, and finance.

    •  

REQUIREMENTS FOR MALTA PERMANENT RESIDENCY

1. Financial Resources: Applicants must demonstrate capital assets of at least €500,000, with at least €150,000 in financial assets (liquid assets).
2. Property Requirement (5-year holding period):

  • Purchase: Minimum of €350,000 for property in mainland Malta, or €300,000 in Gozo or South Malta.
  • Rent: Minimum of €12,000 per year in mainland Malta, or €10,000 per year in Gozo or South Malta.

3. Government Contribution (Non-refundable):

  • €28,000 if purchasing property.
  • €58,000 if renting property.

4. Donation: A mandatory donation of €2,000 to a registered philanthropic, cultural, sport, scientific, animal welfare, or artistic NGO.
5. Administrative Fee: A non-refundable fee of €40,000.
6. Background and Health: Applicants must have a clean criminal record, undergo due diligence, and possess valid health insurance covering all risks in Malta.

Why Malta In Work And Settle Top 5 Points

1. Thriving Job Market & High Demand: As an EU member state, Malta offers a strong, growing economy with significant labor shortages in sectors like iGaming, ICT, finance, and aviation, creating excellent opportunities for foreign professionals.
2. English-Speaking & Easy Integration: English is an official language, making it easy for expats to work, navigate, and settle without immediate language barriers.
3. High Quality of Life & Safety: Malta boasts a low crime rate, affordable healthcare, and a, safe, welcoming culture. It offers a Mediterranean lifestyle with over 300 days of sunshine annually.
4. Favorable Work-Life Balance & Salaries: The standard work week is 40 hours with 25 paid leave days, allowing for a good work-life balance. While salaries may be lower than in Northern Europe, the cost of living is often lower, and taxes are favorable.
5. Strategic EU Location & Accessibility: As a member of the EU, EEA, and Schengen Area, Malta allows for easy travel, EU work rights for citizens, and a central location for exploring Europe.

Qualifying Family Members

1. Spouse or Partner: A legally recognized spouse (monogamous marriage) or a partner in a relationship with a status equivalent to marriage (including same-sex).
2. Children: Minor children (under 18).
3. Adult Children: Children aged 18–28, provided they are unmarried, not in full-time employment, and financially dependent on the main applicant.
4. Parents and Grandparents: Parents or grandparents of the main applicant or spouse, provided they are not in full-time employment and are financially dependent on the main applicant.
5. Dependent Adult Children with Disabilities: May be included regardless of age, provided they are dependent.

Dual Citizenship

Dual citizenship in Malta allows individuals to hold Maltese nationality alongside another,, without the need to renounce their original citizenship. Permitted since 2000, this legal status enables citizens to obtain a second passport through birth, descent, marriage, or investment. It provides full EU rights, including living, working, and studying in any EU member state.


Key Document Requirements List
1. Application Forms: Completed, signed, and sworn application forms (e.g., Form A for naturalization).
2. Proof of Identity: Valid passport, national ID card, and passport-size photos.
3. Vital Records: Birth certificates and marriage certificates (if applicable).
4. Proof of Ancestry (For Descent): Birth and marriage certificates of parents and/or grandparents to prove Maltese descent.
5. Criminal Records/Police Clearance: Clean police conduct certificates from all countries resided in, usually spanning the last 10 years.
6. Proof of Residency: Documents demonstrating legal residence in Malta (e.g., residence permits, rental agreements, utility bills).
7. Financial Documentation (For Investment): Bank statements, proof of source of funds, and proof of property ownership/rental in Malta.
8. Medical Documents: Health insurance proof and medical certificates.
9. Oath of Allegiance: A certificate of naturalization or registration signed after approval.

Work in Malta

Working in Malta is generally considered good, offering a stable, English-speaking environment with high demand in iGaming, finance, IT, and tourism.
1. Thriving Job Market: High demand for roles in iGaming, financial services, and hospitality.
2. English-Speaking: English is an official language, making it easy for expats to navigate the workplace and daily life.
3. Location & Lifestyle: A Mediterranean, safe, and multicultural environment.
4. Benefits: Generally, 25 days of annual leave and 14 public holidays.

Job Opportunities in Malta 

Job opportunities in Malta are excellent, driven by a rapidly expanding economy with over 9,000+ vacancies and a low unemployment rate of 2.7%–3.2%. High-demand sectors include iGaming, ICT, finance, healthcare, and tourism. As a multilingual EU member, Malta actively seeks foreign talent, particularly for skilled roles in IT, engineering, and specialized trades.


In-Demand Sectors & Roles:
1. IT & Tech: Software Developers, IT Support, Systems Administrators, Backend Engineers.
2. Hospitality: Chefs (Indian cuisine), Hotel Staff, Customer Care Agents, Sales Roles.
3. Finance & Accounting: Accountants, Finance Managers, Business Controllers.
4. Healthcare: Nurses, Pharmacists, Health & Safety roles.
5. iGaming: A major sector with many roles.

Jobs In Malta

Unskilled Workers
Sales Executive
Forklift Driver
Truck and Forklift Driver
Maintenance Technician
Marble Cutter
Truck / High-up Driver
Skilled Workers
Machine Operator
CNC Marble Cutter
Marble Fitter
Construction Laborer

 

Types of Work Visas in Malta

Key types of Malta work visas/permits include:
1. Single Permit: The most common, allowing non-EU nationals to live and work in Malta for a specific employer.
2. Key Employee Initiative (KEI): A fast-track service for managerial or highly technical professionals, typically processed in 5 days, requiring a minimum salary of €45,000 (as of 2026, though some sources note €30,000).
3. EU Blue Card: For highly qualified professionals with specialized skills and higher salaries.
4. Specialist Employee Initiative (SEI): For technical or specialized professionals, bridging the gap between standard permits and KEI.
5. Seasonal Work Permit: For short-term employment in tourism, agriculture, or hospitality.
6. Intra-Corporate Transferee (ICT): For employees transferred to a Maltese branch from a foreign company.
7. Self-Employment Permit: For entrepreneurs or freelancers.

Requirements to Obtain Malta Work Visas

Key Requirements & Documents
1. Job Offer/Contract: A, signed, full-time employment contract from a registered Maltese employer.
2. Employer Declaration: A, covering letter, and position description signed by the employer.
3. Identity Malta Approval: An, approval in principle letter, confirming the work permit application has been accepted.
4. Valid Passport: Must have at least two blank pages and be valid for at least 8 months beyond the application date.
5. CV and Qualifications: An, updated CV, and, copies of academic/professional qualifications,.
6. Medical Insurance: Private health insurance providing, coverage for 12 months, (at least €30,000).
7. Police Clearance: A, criminal record check, from the applicant’s country of residence.
8. Proof of Accommodation: Evidence of where the applicant will stay in Malta (e.g., rental contract).
9. Visa Fee & Photos: Application fee payment and, recent passport-sized photos.


Application Process
1. Job Search: Secure a job offer from a Malta-based employer.
2. Employer Submission: The employer initiates the, Single Permit Application, with Identità (formerly Identity Malta).
3. Document Submission: The applicant provides required documents, including qualifications and police clearance.
4. Approval in Principle: Upon approval, the applicant receives a, letter of approval, allowing them to apply for a visa (if required).
5. Visa Issuance: The visa is issued, allowing the applicant to travel to Malta.

Benefits of working in Malta

Key benefits of working in Malta include:
1. Abundant Job Opportunities: High demand exists for skilled professionals, particularly in the iGaming, fintech, and maritime sectors.
2. English as an Official Language: English is widely spoken, making it easy to work and communicate, with 88% of residents speaking it.
3. Tax-Friendly Environment: The country offers attractive tax incentives,, including, in some cases, a 15% tax rate for expatriates, making it a financially beneficial location.
4. Work-Life Balance: The Mediterranean lifestyle encourages a relaxed work environment with a strong focus on work-life balance, often involving flexible hours.
5. Competitive Compensation & Benefits: Besides good salaries, companies often provide perks like private health insurance, gym memberships, and relocation packages.
6. Safety and Lifestyle: Malta is known as one of the safest countries in Europe. It offers a rich cultural experience, historical sites, and, of course, the seaside.

Working hours and paid time off

Working Hours
1. Standard Workweek: 40 hours is standard, usually between 8 am and 5 pm or 6 pm.
2. Maximum Hours: 48 hours per week (including overtime).
3. Rest Periods: At least 11 consecutive hours of daily rest and one full day (24 hours) off per week.
4. Probation: Usually six months, up to 12 months for higher-earning roles.


Paid Time Off (Leave)
1. Annual Leave (2025/2026): For 2025, 224 hours (28 days) are generally expected, including extra hours for weekend public holidays. For 2026, this is 216 hours (27 days).
2. Public Holidays: 14 national holidays are paid. If a holiday falls on a weekend, 8 hours (1 day) is added to vacation leave.
3. Sick Leave: 80 hours (2 weeks) per year, generally, with a medical certificate required.
4. Other Leave: Includes maternity leave (18 weeks), 10 days of paid birth leave for fathers (or second parent), and special leave for marriage, bereavement, and jury service.
5. Carrying Forward: Up to 50% of annual leave can usually be carried forward to the next year.

Average salary and taxes

Average Salaries (2025-2026)
1. Average Gross: €2,132 – €2,135 per month.
2. Sector Variations: Financial/Insurance: ~€2,847/month. Construction: ~€1,799/month.
3. High Earners: CEOs/Directors can earn €5,000–€8,000+ per month.
4. Low Earners: Roles like nursery assistants or cleaners may earn around €900–€1,100 per month.


Taxes and Deductions (2025/2026)
1. Income Tax: Progressive rates apply (0%, 15%, 25%, 35%) based on single, married, or parent rates.
2. National Insurance (NI): Mandatory deduction, generally 10% of the basic weekly wage for both employee and employer.
3. Top Tax Rate: 35% on income exceeding €60,000.
4. Social Security/COLA: A small Cost of Living Allowance (COLA) is added annually.

How Royal HR Solution can help you?

  • Royal HR Solution provides unbiased immigration advice
  • We help our clients discover the best country for them and give them unbiased advice on their best migration options. 
  • Get professional guidance from the best that there can be. Take an informed decision with perfect confidence.

Optimize the chances of success of your submission by getting counseling from the leading immigration consultant that work for you, with you.

Interested in studying abroad?

Request Information