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 10-day grace period

✓Identità Malta When your employment ends, you have 10 working days to notify Identità Malta and initiate the change of employer process. During this window, your existing permit remains valid — you have not fallen out of status yet.

The 10 days begin from the date your employment with the previous employer ends, not the date you sign a new contract. This means:

• Day 0 — your last day with your current employer (or the date your contract is terminated)
• Days 1–10 — grace period. You must notify Identità Malta and submit the change of employer application before the 10th working day
• Day 11+ — grace period has lapsed. Your permit may no longer be valid and you are at risk of overstay

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. Notify Identità Malta within 10 working days of leaving your previous employer. Submit the change of employer form and supporting documents.
4. Wait for confirmation. Your current permit remains valid during processing, but only for your current (or previous) employer. Do not start work at the new employer until you receive updated documentation.
5. 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 10-day grace period applies equally when your employment ends involuntarily. If you are made redundant or your contract is not renewed, you still have 10 working days to notify Identità Malta and begin the change process. If you do not have a new employer lined up within this window, contact Identità Malta as soon as possible to understand your options.

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