Work in Malta
Malta Skills Pass 2026
For tourism and hospitality workers: who needs the Skills Pass, what Phase 1 and Phase 2 involve, what fees to expect, and where it fits before Single Permit issuance.
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What is the Skills Pass?
The Skills Pass is a sector-specific certification programme for third-country nationals working in Malta's tourism and hospitality industry. It adds additional preparation requirements on top of the standard pre-departure orientation course.
Skills Pass Malta Tourism and hospitality is currently the only sector with a publicly listed Skills Pass requirement.
Use this guide before opening the official Skills Pass Malta login or registration portal: it explains whether your role is likely covered, which phases matter, and which Single Permit step the certificate supports.
What applies to me?
Answer three questions to choose the safest starting guide. This does not replace official confirmation, but it helps you avoid reading the wrong route first.
Is this your first Malta Single Permit application?
Is the job in tourism, hospitality, hotels, restaurants, or bars?
Are you already in Malta with a valid residence or work permit?
How it relates to the pre-departure course
The Skills Pass is not a replacement for the pre-departure course. Workers in tourism and hospitality must complete both:
- Pre-departure orientation course — the general mandatory course for all first-time third-country national applicants.
- Skills Pass modules — additional sector-specific content covering tourism and hospitality standards, customer service, and sector-specific regulations.
What it covers
Based on the official Skills Pass Portal, the programme runs in two phases:
- Phase 1 — online training and assessment: an English Proficiency Test plus short courses — Basic Customer Care, the Basic Maltese Tourism Product course, and Basic English for Hospitality — and an online skills assessment for your specific job. Candidates are typically given 42 days to complete it.
- Phase 2 — verification interview: a scheduled online video interview (booked a few weeks ahead). Third-country nationals may be asked to attend at a VFS Global centre or the Institute of Tourism Studies (ITS) in Malta, depending on their visa situation.
Skills Pass Malta Registration and assessment are handled on the Skills Pass Portal (skillspass.org.mt). The requirement has been phased in — mandatory from 28 May 2024, required for work-permit renewals from January 2025, and (under Subsidiary Legislation 409.22) extended to all tourism and hospitality workers, including EU and Maltese nationals, from January 2026.
Covers MTA-licensed tourism & hospitality roles
Reviewed YouTube videos for tourism and work context
Public YouTube embeds for Malta work sectors and visitor-facing Malta context. These are supplementary videos, not official Skills Pass content.
Work in Malta
Alex in Malta · EN
Top 6 sectors to Work in Malta in 2025
Alex in Malta · EN
Maltese tourism product overview
Heritage Malta and VisitMalta · EN
Will other sectors be added?
Currently, tourism and hospitality is the only sector with a published Skills Pass requirement. It is possible that other sectors may be added in the future, but there is no confirmed public timeline for this.
Good to know
Fees
Skills Pass Malta The Skills Pass pages show a fee of €245 plus a €5 Phase 2 booking fee. Note that this may overlap with or differ from the €250 fee shown on the Identità Malta pre-departure page.
Conflicting sources
Preparing for the Skills Pass?
Access free flashcards and quizzes covering all Skills Pass topics — hospitality law, food safety, customer service, and more.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need the Skills Pass if I already completed the pre-departure course?+
Yes. The Skills Pass is an additional requirement on top of the pre-departure course — not a replacement for it. If you work in tourism or hospitality, you must complete both. The pre-departure course covers general workers' rights and integration. The Skills Pass covers sector-specific competencies.
What is the difference between Skills Pass Phase 1 and Phase 2?+
Phase 1 is the online learning module covering hospitality and tourism competencies. Phase 2 is the practical or live assessment component. The €5 booking fee applies to the Phase 2 assessment. Note: Skills Pass Phase 2 is separate from the pre-departure course Phase 2 (live interview) — they are different programmes.
Can I start working in hospitality before completing the Skills Pass?+
No. The Skills Pass must be completed as part of the Single Permit application process. Your permit will not be issued for a covered role until the Skills Pass requirement is met. Starting work without a valid permit would put your immigration status at risk.
How much does the Skills Pass cost?+
The Skills Pass pages show €245 plus a €5 Phase 2 booking fee. Note there is a known inconsistency with the Identità Malta pre-departure page which shows €250 as a combined fee. Verify the exact fee applicable to your case directly on the official Skills Pass or Identità Malta page before paying.
Which jobs in Malta require the Skills Pass?+
The Skills Pass currently applies to workers in tourism and hospitality roles. This includes hotel staff, restaurant workers, bar staff, and related positions. If you are unsure whether your specific role is covered, check with your employer or confirm with Jobsplus before applying.
Will the Skills Pass be required for other sectors in Malta?+
As of June 2026, tourism and hospitality is the only sector with a published Skills Pass requirement. There is no confirmed public timeline for expanding it to other sectors. Monitor official announcements from Jobsplus and Identità Malta.
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