Malta’s new migration policy for third-country nationals (TCNs) brings important changes for anyone planning to work, hire, or live in Malta in 2025. These updates affect how long TCNs can stay after losing a job, how salaries are paid, the process for getting work and residence permits, and the rights and protections for foreign workers. Here’s a clear and detailed summary of what’s changing, who is affected, what actions are required, and what these changes mean for pending and future applications.
Summary of What Changed
Malta 🇲🇹 has introduced a set of new rules for TCNs, which are people who are not citizens of Malta, the European Union, or the European Economic Area. These changes focus on making the process fairer and more transparent for workers, while also helping Malta keep skilled workers and improve its job market. The new rules start taking effect from August 1, 2025, with some measures rolling out later in the year.
Key Changes at a Glance:
– Longer grace period after job loss: TCNs now have more time to find a new job before facing deportation.
– Electronic salary payments: All salaries must be paid through banks or licensed financial institutions—cash payments are no longer allowed.
– Interim permits for visa waiver nationals: Some TCNs can stay in Malta while their permit applications are processed.
– Better protections for victims of human trafficking: These individuals receive longer permits and do not have to pay application fees.
– Higher salary thresholds for skilled workers: New minimum salaries for certain work permits.
Let’s break down each change, who it affects, and what you need to do if you’re a TCN or an employer in Malta.
1. Grace Period Extension for TCNs After Job Termination
What’s new:
Until now, TCNs who lost their jobs in Malta had only 10 days to find a new employer or leave the country. Starting August 1, 2025, this grace period is extended to 30 days. If you can show you have enough money to support yourself without government help, you can get an extra 30 days—giving you up to 60 days in total.
Who is affected:
– All TCNs working in Malta who lose their jobs after August 1, 2025.
– Employers who may want to rehire skilled workers who recently lost jobs.
Required actions:
– If you lose your job, you must apply for the extension and show proof of your financial resources.
– Employers should be aware that skilled workers now have more time to find new jobs, which may help with recruitment.
Implications for pending applications:
– If your job ends before August 1, 2025, the old 10-day rule still applies.
– If your job ends on or after August 1, 2025, you benefit from the new, longer grace period.
Why this matters:
This change helps TCNs avoid sudden deportation and gives them a fair chance to find new work. It also helps Malta keep skilled workers who are already settled in the country.
2. Salary Payment Regulations (Electronic Payments Only)
What’s new:
From October 1, 2025, all salary payments for TCNs whose jobs are registered after August 1, 2025, must be made through a licensed bank or financial institution. Cash payments will not count as fulfilling the employment contract.
Who is affected:
– All TCNs starting new jobs or changing employers after August 1, 2025.
– Employers hiring TCNs after this date.
Required actions:
– Employers must set up electronic salary payments for all affected TCNs.
– TCNs should ensure their bank details are provided to employers.
Implications for pending applications:
– If your employment was registered before August 1, 2025, you may still receive cash payments until your contract changes or you switch employers.
– For new applications or employer changes after August 1, 2025, only electronic payments are allowed.
Why this matters:
This rule makes salary payments more transparent and helps prevent illegal work and wage abuse. It also makes it easier for authorities to check that workers are paid fairly.
3. Interim Permits for Visa Waiver Nationals
What’s new:
TCNs from countries that do not need a visa to enter the Schengen Area can now apply for a single permit (which covers both work and residence) within 60 days of arriving. They will get an interim permit that lets them stay in Malta while their application is processed. If they apply between 61 and 90 days after arrival, they must wait for a decision outside the Schengen Area.
Who is affected:
– TCNs from visa waiver countries entering Malta for work.
Required actions:
– Apply for the single permit within 60 days of entering the Schengen Area to stay in Malta during processing.
– If applying after 60 days, be prepared to leave the Schengen Area and wait for the outcome.
Implications for pending applications:
– Applications submitted before these changes may not be eligible for interim permits.
– New applicants should plan their travel and application timing carefully.
Why this matters:
This update makes it easier for eligible TCNs to stay in Malta legally while waiting for their permits, reducing stress and uncertainty.
4. Victims of Human Trafficking
What’s new:
TCNs identified as victims of human trafficking are now exempt from paying application fees for residence permits under S.L. 217.07. Their permits are valid for one year (up from six months) and can be renewed for as long as court proceedings last.
Who is affected:
– TCNs who are recognized as victims of human trafficking.
Required actions:
– Victims should work with authorities to access these protections and apply for the appropriate permits.
Implications for pending applications:
– Victims with pending applications may be eligible for fee waivers and longer permits under the new rules.
Why this matters:
This change gives more support and stability to vulnerable people, helping them recover and participate in legal processes without fear of losing their right to stay in Malta.
5. Salary Thresholds for Key Employment Initiatives
What’s new:
From August 1, 2025, the minimum annual gross salary for the Key Employment Initiative (KEI) is set at €45,000. For the Specialist Employment Initiative (SEI), it is €30,000. The SEI is for professional or technical roles and requires either a Malta Qualifications Framework (MQF) Level 6 qualification or three years of relevant experience.
Who is affected:
– TCNs applying for KEI or SEI permits.
– Employers seeking to hire highly skilled or specialist workers.
Required actions:
– Ensure job offers meet the new salary requirements.
– Provide proof of qualifications or experience for SEI applications.
Implications for pending applications:
– Applications submitted before August 1, 2025, are assessed under the old salary rules.
– Applications after this date must meet the new thresholds.
Why this matters:
These higher salary requirements aim to attract and keep skilled professionals, making Malta more competitive and ensuring fair pay for important roles.
6. Work Visa and Single Permit System
What’s new:
Malta uses a Single Permit system, which combines the work visa and residence permit into one document. The permit is valid for one year at first and can be renewed for up to three years. You can apply while abroad or if you are already legally in Malta or another Schengen country. The permit only allows you to work for the employer listed on the permit and does not let you work outside Malta.
Who is affected:
– All TCNs seeking to work and live in Malta.
– Employers hiring TCNs.
Required actions:
– Apply for the single permit through the official Identità portal.
– Employers must ensure all job offers and documents are ready before applying.
Implications for pending applications:
– Pending applications will continue under the rules in place at the time of submission, unless otherwise notified.
Why this matters:
This system simplifies the process for both workers and employers and helps Malta control and monitor legal employment.
7. Application Process for Employment Licences and Single Permits
What’s new:
Employers must submit applications for employment licences through the Jobsplus online portal and for single permits through the Identità web portal. Required documents include a valid job offer, proof of company registration, evidence that the employer tried to hire locally, and compliance declarations. Application fees are about €300, paid at the biometrics stage. SEI applications are processed in about 15 working days if all documents are complete.
Who is affected:
– Employers and TCNs applying for work and residence permits.
Required actions:
– Gather all required documents before applying.
– Track application status online.
– Pay the application fee when requested.
Implications for pending applications:
– Applications already in process will follow the rules in place when they were submitted.
Why this matters:
A clear and online process makes it easier to apply and track progress, reducing delays and confusion.
Official Forms and Links:
– Single Permit Application Form
– Jobsplus Employment Licence Application
8. Rights and Conditions for TCN Workers
What’s new:
TCNs working legally in Malta have the same employment rights as Maltese and EU nationals. Employers must make sure TCNs have valid employment licences at all times. If a licence is not renewed, the job must end. Since Brexit, UK nationals are also treated as TCNs and need the same permits.
Who is affected:
– All TCNs and their employers.
Required actions:
– Make sure all permits and licences are up to date.
– Employers must follow all employment laws and pay salaries electronically.
Implications for pending applications:
– Pending applications are not affected, but all workers must comply with the new rules once their permits are approved.
Why this matters:
Equal rights help protect all workers and create a fair job market.
9. Additional Measures and Future Outlook
Malta is planning more changes to its migration policy in the coming months. These include:
– Labour market assessments to match migration with job market needs.
– Skills cards to help identify and place skilled workers.
– Training and integration programs for foreign workers.
– A dynamic list of high-risk countries to guide application checks.
– Possible further changes to KEI and SEI salary thresholds and eligibility.
Employers and TCNs should watch for updates and check official sources regularly.
10. Key Stakeholders and Authorities
- Jobsplus: Handles employment licences and labour market checks.
- Identità (Expatriates Unit): Manages single permit and residence applications.
- Ministry for Home Affairs, Security, Reforms and Equality: Oversees migration policy.
For the latest official information, visit the Identità Expatriates Unit and Jobsplus websites.
Summary Table of Important Dates and Measures
| Date | Measure | Details |
|---|---|---|
| August 1, 2025 | Grace period extension begins | 30 days + possible 30-day extension for unemployed TCNs |
| August 1, 2025 | New salary thresholds effective | KEI €45,000; SEI €30,000 annual gross salary |
| August 1, 2025 | Employment registrations | New applications and employer changes subject to new rules |
| October 1, 2025 | Salary payment method mandatory | Electronic payments only for TCN salaries |
| Ongoing 2025 | Labour market assessments | Skills cards rollout and integration programs |
Actionable Takeaways and Next Steps
- For TCNs:
- If you lose your job after August 1, 2025, you have up to 60 days to find new work if you meet the financial requirements.
- Make sure your salary is paid through a bank or licensed financial institution.
- Apply for your single permit within 60 days of entering Malta if you are from a visa waiver country.
- If you are a victim of human trafficking, ask about fee waivers and longer permits.
- For Employers:
- Update your payroll systems to ensure all TCN salaries are paid electronically.
- Check that all job offers meet the new salary thresholds for KEI and SEI permits.
- Use the Jobsplus and Identità portals for all applications and track their status online.
- Stay informed about further policy updates, especially regarding labour market assessments and skills cards.
- For Pending Applications:
- Applications submitted before the new rules take effect will be processed under the old rules.
- New applications after August 1, 2025, must follow the updated requirements.
For more details, always refer to the latest official guidance from Identità Expatriates Unit and Jobsplus. According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, these changes are designed to make Malta’s migration policy more transparent, fair, and attractive for skilled workers, while also protecting vulnerable groups and ensuring compliance with employment laws.
By staying informed and following the new rules, both TCNs and employers can make the most of the opportunities Malta offers in 2025 and beyond.
Learn Today
Third-Country Nationals (TCNs) → Non-citizens of Malta, the EU, or EEA subject to Malta’s migration rules for work and residence.
Grace Period → Additional time allowed after job loss for TCNs to find new employment before deportation.
Single Permit → A combined work and residence permit allowing TCNs to live and work legally in Malta.
Key Employment Initiative (KEI) → A visa category for highly skilled workers with a minimum annual salary of €45,000.
Specialist Employment Initiative (SEI) → Work permits for professional or technical roles with set qualification and salary criteria.
This Article in a Nutshell
Malta’s updated migration policy introduces longer job loss grace periods, mandatory electronic salary payments, and higher salary thresholds for skilled workers starting in 2025 to promote fairness and skilled labor retention.
— By VisaVerge.com
