Malta Single Permit Guide

What is the Single Permit?

The Single Permit is a combined work and residence authorisation issued by Identità Malta. It allows a third-country national to live and work in Malta with a specific employer. The application is submitted by the employer, and the applicant confirms it.

✓Identità Malta The Single Permit covers both the right to reside and the right to work — you do not need a separate work permit and residence permit.

Who needs it?

Any third-country national (non-EU/EEA/Swiss) who intends to work in Malta with an employer needs a Single Permit before starting work. This includes workers in all sectors, though tourism and hospitality workers have additional requirements through the Skills Pass.

Key steps in the process

The Single Permit application follows a structured process. While exact timelines vary, here is the general sequence:

• Employer submits the application — Your employer files the Single Permit application with Identità Malta, including supporting documents and the applicable fee.
• Applicant confirms — You confirm the application and provide your personal documents (passport, photos, health insurance, etc.).
• Pre-departure course — Since 1 March 2026, first-time applicants must complete the mandatory pre-departure orientation course before travelling to Malta.
• Decision — Identità Malta processes the application. If approved, you receive your residence card after arriving in Malta.

Required documents

Document requirements can vary by case. The following are commonly required based on published Identità Malta guidance:

• Valid passport (with sufficient validity)
• Passport-sized photographs
• Employment contract or offer letter
• Health insurance coverage
• Police clearance / criminal record certificate
• Proof of accommodation in Malta
• Proof of qualifications (where applicable)
• Pre-departure course completion certificate (from 1 March 2026)

Fees

The Single Permit carries published fees for both the application and the residence card. Identità Malta publishes the current fee schedule on their website. Fees are paid by the employer as part of the application.

Processing time

Processing times vary and are not guaranteed. Identità Malta does not publish a fixed processing timeline for Single Permit applications. Community reports suggest varying wait times depending on season, volume, and completeness of the application.

○Community reports Processing time experiences vary widely. Plan for potential delays and do not make irreversible decisions (quitting a job, ending a lease) based on expected approval dates.

After approval

Once approved, you travel to Malta and collect your residence card from Identità Malta. The card is typically valid for one year for first-time permits, though longer durations may apply in some cases.

Your Single Permit ties you to a specific employer. If you want to change employers, you need to go through a change-of-employer process.