Does my employer in Malta have to give me a written contract?

Yes. Under Malta's Employment and Industrial Relations Act (EIRA), employers must provide a written statement of particulars of employment within 8 days of the start of employment. This covers job title, salary, working hours, leave entitlement, notice period, and other key terms. The absence of a written contract does not mean you have no rights — statutory minimums still apply.

How long is probation in Malta?

The standard probation period in Malta is 6 months for most employment contracts. During probation, either party can terminate employment with one week's notice (for employment of less than 1 month) or varying notice periods depending on duration. After the probation period ends, longer notice periods and stronger protections apply.

What is the notice period in Malta?

After probation, notice periods in Malta are set by law based on years of service: 1 week notice for less than 1 month; 2 weeks for 1–6 months; 4 weeks for 6 months to 2 years; then increasing with length of service up to a maximum of 12 weeks for very long service. Collective agreements or individual contracts may provide for longer notice.

Can I be dismissed without notice in Malta?

Summary dismissal without notice is only permitted in specific circumstances — typically gross misconduct, criminal conviction for a workplace-related offence, or other serious breach. For ordinary dismissal, statutory notice must be given or payment in lieu of notice must be made. Unfair dismissal claims can be brought before the Industrial Tribunal.

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Malta Employment Contract: What Must Be Included and Your Rights 2026

Malta's Employment and Industrial Relations Act requires employers to provide a written statement of particulars. This guide explains what must be in your contract, probation rules, notice periods, and key employee rights.

Verified against Department of Industrial and Employment Relations · Last checked 9 June 2026

Mandatory contract terms under Maltese law

Every Maltese employment contract (or written statement of particulars) must include:

Term	What it must state
Job title / description	Role and main duties
Start date	Date employment begins
Place of work	Normal work location
Salary	Rate of pay and payment frequency
Working hours	Normal hours and schedule
Annual leave entitlement	Days per year (statutory minimum: 192 hours / 24 working days)
Probation period	Duration (usually up to 6 months)
Notice period	Required notice from both parties
Collective agreement	Reference if sector-level agreement applies

DIER / Employment and Industrial Relations ActLast verified: 2026-06-09.

Probation period

The standard probation period in Malta is up to 6 months. During probation:

Either party can terminate with minimal notice (typically 1 week for employment under 6 months).
The employer can dismiss without stating a reason, provided they are not discriminating unlawfully.
After probation, dismissal requires proper grounds and statutory notice.

Some contracts attempt to extend probation beyond 6 months. Under Maltese law, this may not be enforceable for standard employment contracts — confirm with DIER or a legal adviser if your contract states a longer period.

Notice periods after probation

Length of service	Minimum notice
Less than 1 month	1 week
1 month to 6 months (probation period)	1 week
6 months to 2 years	2 weeks
2–4 years	4 weeks
4–7 years	6 weeks
7–11 years	8 weeks
11+ years	Up to 12 weeks (increasing with service)

DIER / EIRAStatutory minimums. Contracts may provide for longer notice. Last verified: 2026-06-09.

Red flags in Malta employment contracts

Watch for: notice period shorter than the statutory minimum (not enforceable), probation period exceeding 6 months without clear justification, salary stated only as “minimum wage” without a specific figure, and clauses that purport to waive statutory rights. None of these override the law, but they signal an employer who may not follow good practice.

Fixed-term vs indefinite contracts

Maltese law restricts the use of consecutive fixed-term contracts. A fixed-term contract can be renewed, but after a certain period (typically 4 years of continuous service on fixed-term contracts with the same employer), the contract may be deemed indefinite by operation of law. Employers cannot use serial fixed-term contracts to avoid giving workers indefinite status indefinitely.

Where to get help

The Department of Industrial and Employment Relations (DIER) handles employment law enforcement in Malta. If you have a dispute, DIER offers a mediation service. Claims for unfair dismissal or non-payment of wages can be brought before the Industrial Tribunal.

Sources

Employment Conditions — DIER
Department of Industrial and Employment Relations (DIER) · Verified 9 June 2026
National Minimum Wage in Malta
Department of Industrial and Employment Relations · Verified 9 June 2026

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Malta Employment Contract: What Must Be Included and Your Rights 2026

Mandatory contract terms under Maltese law

Probation period

Notice periods after probation

Fixed-term vs indefinite contracts

Where to get help

Sources

Mandatory contract terms under Maltese law

Probation period

Notice periods after probation

Fixed-term vs indefinite contracts

Where to get help

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