Change Employer in Malta 2026

The Single Permit is employer-specific

✓Identità Malta A Single Permit in Malta authorises you to live and work in Malta, but only with the employer named on the permit. If you move to a new employer — whether by choice or redundancy — your permit must be updated before you start at the new job.

The grace period: 30 days, extendable to 60

✓Malta Labour Migration Policy Since 1 August 2025, a third-country national whose employment is terminated is granted 30 days to remain in Malta and look for new work. That period can be extended by a further 30 days — 60 in total — if you can show sufficient financial means to support yourself without recourse to social assistance.

Separately, ✓Identità Malta states that where you have already been terminated, an application submitted by a new employer within 60 days of your termination date may be considered for processing. Past 60 days, the application has to satisfy additional eligibility criteria under Subsidiary Legislation 217.17.

So the window runs from your termination date, in calendar days:

• Day 0 — your last day of employment (or the date your contract is terminated)
• Days 1–30 — you may remain in Malta and look for work. Your new employer can file the change of employer application at any point in here.
• Days 31–60 — only if you obtained the extension. It is not automatic and you must be able to evidence your finances.
• Day 61+ — outside the published window. An application must then meet the extra criteria under SL 217.17. Get advice from a licensed immigration advisor rather than assuming your position is hopeless.

Step-by-step: what to do when changing employer

1. Confirm your new employer is licensed. Ask your new employer to confirm they hold a current Single Permit licence issued by Identità Malta. Without this licence, the application cannot proceed.
2. Sign your new employment contract. You will need a signed contract from the new employer as part of your application. Do not start work yet.
3. Give your new employer the documents — they file it. Identità's guidance is that the new employer submits the change of employer application. An application filed within 60 days of your termination date may be considered for processing.
4. Apply for the extension if you need it. If a new employer will not have filed within 30 days of your termination, apply to Identità for the further 30 days and be ready to show you can support yourself without social assistance.
5. Wait for confirmation. Your permit authorises work only with the employer named on it. Do not start work at the new employer until you receive updated documentation.
6. Receive updated permit. Once approved, your permit will be updated or reissued reflecting the new employer. You may now start work.

Documents typically required

Based on published guidance, you will likely need:

• Signed employment contract with the new employer
• New employer's Single Permit licence number
• Copy of your current residence/work permit
• Valid passport (and biometric photo if required)
• Proof of end of previous employment (termination letter or P45)

Mid-permit change vs changing at renewal

The best approach depends on where you are in your permit lifecycle:

• Mid-permit change — requires a formal change-of-employer application while your current permit is still valid. Your permit is amended or reissued. Use this if your permit has more than 3 months remaining.
• Change at renewal — if your permit expires within 3 months, submit the renewal application under the new employer instead. This avoids a mid-permit amendment and combines both steps into one. Start the renewal process at least 3 months before expiry.

If you are made redundant

The grace period applies the same way when your employment ends involuntarily. Redundancy, dismissal, or a contract that is simply not renewed all start the same clock: 30 days from your termination date to remain in Malta and look for work, extendable to 60 on proof of financial means.

The policy rationale is explicit — Malta would rather retain workers already on the island than process fresh applications from abroad. So do not treat a lost job as automatically the end of your stay.

Tourism and hospitality workers

Workers in tourism and hospitality who hold a Skills Pass permit should verify whether the change of employer triggers additional Skills Pass requirements. ✓Skills Pass Malta Check the Skills Pass portal for current guidance, and see the Skills Pass guide for sector-specific steps.

Frequently asked questions