Malta -- Work Visa, Jobs and Living Guide

Overview

Malta is a small island nation in the Mediterranean with a booming economy driven by gaming, financial services, tourism, and maritime industries. English is an official language, making it exceptionally accessible for non-European workers. Malta has extreme labor shortages due to its tiny population and fast-growing economy. Foreign workers make up over 25% of the workforce, and the government actively promotes labor migration.

Labor Laws

Standard working hours are 40 per week. Overtime is paid at 150% on weekdays and 200% on public holidays. Employees receive 24 working days of vacation plus 14 public holidays (one of the highest in Europe). Sick leave is paid at full salary for the first 2 weeks by the employer, then through social security benefits. Notice periods range from 1 week to 12 weeks depending on tenure. Maltese law provides strong protections against unfair dismissal. All workers contribute to social security and are entitled to free public healthcare.

Work Permit Process

1

Step 1: Obtain a job offer from a Maltese employer. Step 2: The employer submits a Single Permit application to Identità (Malta Identity Agency). Step 3: Jobsplus (employment agency) assesses whether the position can be filled by an EU national. Step 4: Once approved, apply for an entry visa at the nearest Maltese consulate or VFS Global center. Step 5: Travel to Malta and collect your residence permit card. Step 6: Register with the local council and obtain a social security number. Step 7: After 5 years of continuous residence, apply for long-term resident status.

Industries & Professions

Key Industries

iGaming & Online Gaming Financial Services Tourism & Hospitality Maritime Construction Healthcare IT & Technology Aviation

In-Demand Professions

Hotel Staff Chef/Cook Construction Worker Cleaner Warehouse Worker IT Support Customer Service Restaurant Staff Security Guard Delivery Driver

Companies Hiring Foreigners

Company	Sector	Website
Evolution Gaming	iGaming	Visit
ST Microelectronics	Semiconductor	Visit
Malta International Airport	Aviation	Visit
Corinthia Hotels	Hospitality	Visit

Key Cities

Valletta

Medium

Capital with government, tourism, and cultural sector jobs

Sliema/St. Julian's

High

Commercial hub with iGaming, finance, and hospitality

Birkirkara

Medium

Residential and commercial area with retail and service jobs

Cost of Living

Rent in Malta has risen sharply — one-bedroom apartments cost €700-1,100/month in Sliema/St. Julian's, and €500-800 elsewhere. Groceries cost €250-320/month. Public buses cost €26/month (one of Europe's cheapest). Utilities average €80-130/month. Malta has no heating costs due to the warm climate. A single person needs approximately €1,200-1,800/month.

Climate & Weather

Malta has a hot Mediterranean climate with warm, dry summers (28-35°C) and mild winters (10-16°C). The island enjoys over 300 days of sunshine annually. Rain is mostly confined to October-March. Humidity can be high in summer.

Future Outlook

Malta's economy continues to grow rapidly, driven by iGaming, fintech, blockchain, and tourism. The country needs thousands of foreign workers annually across all sectors. Major investments in infrastructure, including a new metro system and hospital expansion, will create additional construction and engineering jobs. Malta's English-speaking environment and EU membership make it an excellent gateway to European employment.