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Key Employee Initiative

MaltaTalent and merit

Explore the five recorded questions, answers and sources for this pathway.

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Get your free results Read the five questions ↓

Which exceptional-talent, academic, scientific, artistic, technological, cultural or other profiles does the pathway target?

KEI targets third-country nationals who have received a job offer in Malta for a managerial or highly technical position (ISCO Groups 1, 2 and 3) that requires the relevant qualifications or adequate experience applicable to the job.

See recorded sources

What achievements, recognition, awards, publications, reputation or other evidence establishes the required level?

The required level is established through proof submitted to Identità, including an annual gross salary of at least €45,000 and certified copies of the relevant qualifications, warrants or proof of work experience.

See recorded sources

Is an employer, nominator, recognised body, peer group or government endorsement required?

Start-up innovators are covered only where their start-up project is specifically endorsed by Malta Enterprise. KEI applicants must also submit proof of one job advert run for a minimum of two weeks within the two months before application on an appropriate local media platform. For the main managerial or highly technical route, the official source does not state whether any endorsement is required beyond the job offer.

See recorded sources
Limits of the record
  • For the main managerial/highly technical route, the page does not state whether any employer, nominator or government endorsement is required beyond the job offer.

Can the holder change employer, work independently, establish a business or conduct other professional activity? What is the family position?

A KEI holder may change employer: if the holder has resided and worked in Malta for less than 2 years, a Change of Employer permit may be issued for up to 2 years (plus an additional year where the applicable integration course is presented); after 2 years or more, for up to 3 years (plus an additional year with the integration course). Eligible family members may lodge their applications simultaneously with the KEI sponsor, provided all applicable requirements are satisfied, and may be processed in parallel. KEI/SEI holders do not have the Blue Card EU mobility advantage. The official source does not state whether the holder may work independently or establish a business.

See recorded sources
Limits of the record
  • The source does not state whether a KEI holder may work independently or establish a business.

What duration, renewal and accelerated or normal longer-term residence pathway is officially stated?

The Key Employee Initiative eligibility page states that the first residence permit is valid for one year and may then be renewed for a longer period (up to three years) on presentation of a valid definite or indefinite contract and the original annual tax declaration form stamped by the Inland Revenue Department. The Identità non-EU employment FAQ instead states that a new or still-abroad KEI permit may be issued for up to 2 years, or up to 3 years where the applicable integration course is presented, and that a KEI renewal may be issued for up to 3 years, or up to 4 years where the applicant successfully completes the applicable integration course; all validity periods remain subject to the validity of the required supporting documents. The official sources do not state which of the two statements prevails, or a longer-term residence pathway for this route.

See recorded sources
Limits of the record
  • The official source does not state the complete answer to this question for this route.

These are the answers currently recorded in the catalogue. A missing or partial answer is not an eligibility decision.

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