What is a Malta Single Permit?

The Single Permit is a combined work and residence permit for third-country nationals. It allows you to both live and work in Malta legally. The application is submitted by your employer to Identità Malta.

How long does a Single Permit take?

Identita and Jobsplus say an application may take up to four months to be processed by Identita and the other stakeholders. Do not start work until the official permit or approval route allows it.

How much does a Single Permit cost?

Identita currently lists EUR 600 for a first-time Single Permit, EUR 150 per renewal year, and EUR 600 for change of employer. Verify the fee schedule before paying anyone.

Do I need a pre-departure course for a Single Permit?

Yes, for first-time applications. Since 1 March 2026 Identità checks a valid Pre-Departure Course certificate as part of the application. Current or previous Single Permit holders and people who have lived in Malta for eight years or more are exempt.

TCN · Work + Residence

Malta Single Permit 2026

The combined work and residence permit for third-country nationals — requirements, employer steps, documents, fees, timeline, the pre-departure course, and the change-of-employer rules.

Verified against Identità Malta + Jobsplus · Last checked 9 October 2026

AI illustration · MaltaPathway

At a glance

What it isOne permit covering the right to reside and the right to work.

FeeEUR 600 first-time · EUR 150 per renewal year.

ProcessingUp to four months, per Identità and Jobsplus.

Pre-departure courseMandatory for first-time applicants from 1 Mar 2026.

Who appliesYour employer files it; you confirm and add documents.

On approvalCollect a residence card in Malta, usually valid one year.

Fees

Identità Malta currently lists these figures. Treat older cached amounts as stale until the official Working & Residing page is checked again.

Single Permit — official fees (EUR)
Permit event	Fee (EUR)	Basis	Notes
First-time Single Permit	600	one-off	New application, filed and paid by the employer.
Renewal	150	per year	Charged for each renewal year.
Change of employer	600	one-off	A new application is required to move sponsor.

Identità's July 2025 fact sheet announced that fees for health-sector and elderly or disability care roles would be set at EUR 150. Identità lists Change of Designation at EUR 300. For a transfer of business, the fact sheet says the Change of Employer fee applies, while Identità's Change of Employer page lists EUR 300; confirm with Identità before paying.

Fee safety

Do not pay fees to intermediaries or agents who are not authorised. The official fees are published by Identità Malta. If an employer, recruiter, or agent gives you a different amount, ask for the official source before paying.

The process, step by step

The application follows a fixed sequence. Timelines vary, but the order does not.

Step01

Employer submits the application

Your employer files the Single Permit application with Identità Malta, including supporting documents and the applicable fee. You cannot file it yourself.

Step02

You confirm and provide documents

You receive a link from the portal, review and confirm the application, correct any errors, and upload any documents the employer has not already supplied.

Step03

Complete the pre-departure course

Since 1 March 2026 Identità checks a Pre-Departure Course certificate as part of every first-time Single Permit application from new and still-abroad applicants. People who hold or previously held a Single Permit, and people who have lived in Malta for eight years or more, are exempt.

Step04

Decision by Identità and stakeholders

Identità Malta processes the application with the other stakeholders — this may take up to four months. Do not start work until the permit or approval route allows it.

Step05

Collect your residence card

Once approved, you travel to Malta and collect your residence card from Identità Malta. First-time permits are typically valid for one year.

Do not start early

Jobsplus warns it is illegal to employ a third-country national before the permit or approval has been issued. Do not quit a job, end a lease, or book non-refundable travel based only on an expected approval date.

Documents you will need

Requirements vary by nationality, sector, and case. This is the commonly required set, based on published Identità Malta guidance.

Passport valid for at least eight months from the date of application, with a PDF copy of every page including blank pages

Employment contract signed by both employer and employee (the position must be the same in every document)

Health insurance coverage

Proof of accommodation in Malta

Proof of qualifications, where applicable

Pre-departure course certificate, from 1 Mar 2026 (first-time applications)

Identità also lists a signed Europass CV, a health screening certificate where required, a Jobsplus declaration of suitability, a position description signed by both parties, and proof that the vacancy was advertised on Jobsplus and EURES. Your employer normally prepares most of these.

This list may not be complete

Always verify the current requirements directly with Identità Malta or your employer before preparing documents. The pre-departure course requirement applies to first-time applicants from 1 March 2026.

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. To move to a new employer you must go through a change-of-employer process, which is a fresh application with its own EUR 600 fee.

Track your permit — free account

Related guides

Sources