By Nationality
Malta Work Permit Guide for Vietnamese Nationals
What Vietnamese nationals need to know about working in Malta — the Single Permit process, mandatory courses, and practical tips specific to workers from Vietnam.
General guidance
Visa Requirement
Visa requiredVietnamese nationals need a Schengen Type D (national) visa to enter Malta for the purpose of employment. This visa is separate from the Single Permit and must be obtained from the relevant Maltese embassy or consulate before travel.
Key Notes for Vietnamese Workers
Vietnamese nationals require a national visa (Type D) before travelling to Malta for work.
Vietnam is a growing source country for Malta's hospitality and food services sectors.
Pre-departure course completion is mandatory before your Single Permit is issued (since 1 March 2026).
If you work in tourism or hospitality, the Skills Pass is also required on top of the pre-departure course.
Documents from Vietnam must be legalised by the Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs before use in Malta.
There is no Vietnamese embassy in Malta — the nearest is the Embassy of Vietnam in Rome.
What makes Malta different for Vietnamese workers
Vietnamese workers going to Malta for hospitality or food service roles face a double mandatory-course requirement: the standard pre-departure course (required for all first-time Single Permit applicants since March 2026) plus the Skills Pass (required for all tourism and hospitality workers). Vietnam's Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs (MOLISA) oversees overseas employment and may have registration requirements for Vietnamese workers going abroad through recruitment agencies — check this with your recruiter before departure. There is no Vietnamese embassy in Malta; the nearest is in Rome.
Frequently Asked Questions — Vietnamese Workers in Malta
Do Vietnamese workers in hospitality need both the pre-departure course and the Skills Pass?
Yes. Restaurant, hotel, and food service roles in Malta require both: the mandatory pre-departure course (€250, two online phases) and the Skills Pass (€245 + €5, online learning plus live assessment). Both must be completed before your Single Permit is issued. Your employer should budget for both fees and the time required, typically 4–6 weeks for both courses.
Are there MOLISA requirements for Vietnamese workers going to Malta?
Vietnam's MOLISA (Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs) regulates overseas employment. Workers placed through licensed Vietnamese overseas employment service companies (OESCs) may need to have their contracts verified and registered. Check with your recruitment agency whether Malta placements require MOLISA registration — non-compliance can affect your legal protections and your ability to resolve disputes through Vietnamese labour authorities.
How do Vietnamese workers authenticate documents for Malta?
Vietnamese documents must be legalised by the Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs before use in Malta. For educational certificates, notarisation is often the first step. Allow 4–6 weeks for the legalisation process. Your employer's legal team should specify exactly which documents need authentication for your specific role.
Common Sectors in Malta
Small but growing, particularly in the food and hospitality sector.
Consular Services
Embassy of Vietnam (Rome) — Official website ↗
The Standard Process for All TCN Workers
Bringing Your Family
Once you hold a valid Single Permit, you may be eligible to bring your spouse, children, or dependants to Malta. Malta has two different family routes — they are not the same.
Where Vietnamese Nationals Typically Live
Based on community presence, transport, and proximity to common workplaces. Rent, character, and practical details for each area.
Practical Guides for Life in Malta
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