Malta Immigration Updates

Effective 1 March 2026, all third-country nationals applying for a Malta Single Permit for the first time must complete the pre-departure orientation course before the permit is issued. The requirement was introduced by Identità Malta and applies regardless of sector.

The Human Rights Directorate confirmed in March 2026 correspondence that completing the mandatory pre-departure orientation course is accepted as equivalent to I Belong Stage 1 (Culture). Workers who have completed the pre-departure course do not need to apply separately for I Belong Stage 1. This has not been published as formal policy and may be subject to change.

The Human Rights Directorate paused new enrolments for I Belong Stage 1 (Culture) pending a review of the programme. Stage 2 (Civic Integration) enrolments continue for those already eligible. Workers seeking Long-Term Residence who need Stage 2 should check current enrolment status directly with HRD.

Third-country nationals employed in Malta's tourism and hospitality sector are now required to complete the Skills Pass programme in addition to the pre-departure orientation course. The requirement applies to new Single Permit applications in covered roles. The Skills Pass is managed by Jobsplus.

The agency formerly known as Identity Malta has rebranded to Identità and migrated to a new website at identita.gov.mt. The old domain identitamalta.com is no longer operated by the agency. All official permit information, forms, and guidance are now published at identita.gov.mt. Any links to the old domain should be considered unreliable.