Malta · Skilled Worker Visa

Single Permit

By António Mira, Founder · Member, Arab-Portuguese Chamber of Commerce & Industry (CCIAP) & Portuguese-Saudi Business Council (PSBC)

✓ Verified against the official government source · Last verified 2026-06-24 · Our methodology

5.5/10 diff

Challenging

Requirements verified against the official government source.

Min income

—

Processing

—

Path to PR

Job offer

Required

Not legal advice. This content is for educational and decision-support purposes only. It is not legal or immigration advice. Always verify requirements with the relevant official authority before making decisions.

At a Glance

Visa Duration

—

Processing Time

—

Min Income

—

Path to PR

Difficulty

5/10 — Challenging

Eligibility Requirements

Requirement	Details
Age Range	18–65
Job Offer Required	Yes
Sponsorship Required	Yes
Health Insurance Required	No

Application Timeline

Document Preparation & Pre-Departure Course

30–60 days

Employer advertises position for 5+ days, gathers documents. From 2026: applicant completes mandatory 20-hour pre-departure course (€250 fee) and Skills Pass if required for specific sectors.

Blocker: Labour market testing, pre-departure course completion from 2026

Application Submission

7–14 days

Employer submits application online via Identità portal with all supporting documents. Payment of €280.50 application fee required.

Blocker: Complete documentation, employer registration with authorities

Processing & Due Diligence

56–120 days

Identità reviews application, conducts labour market testing, security checks. May request additional documents. Medical screening required for some nationalities (adds 1-3 weeks).

Blocker: Security clearance, medical screening, labour market approval

Visa & Entry to Malta

14–42 days

If visa required: apply at Malta embassy with approval letter. Non-visa exempt nationals need Type D visa. Enter Malta and schedule biometrics appointment.

Blocker: Visa processing if required, appointment availability

Biometrics & Card Collection

21–28 days

Attend biometrics appointment, submit original documents, receive Interim Receipt with work authorization. Collect e-Residence card when notified (3-4 weeks).

Blocker: Biometrics appointment availability, card production time

Family & Rights

Right	Details
Path to Permanent Residency	No

Related Pathways

Cost of Living

Valletta

Single (monthly)€1,750

Family (monthly)€4,000

Rent 1BR (center)€700

Groceries€438

Transport pass€105

Sliema

Single (monthly)€1,750

Family (monthly)€4,000

Rent 1BR (center)€700

Groceries€438

Transport pass€105

St. Julian's

Single (monthly)€1,750

Family (monthly)€4,000

Rent 1BR (center)€700

Groceries€438

Transport pass€105

St. Julian's

Single (monthly)€1,488

Family (monthly)€3,401

Rent 1BR (center)€565

Groceries€372

Transport pass€89

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Single Permit?

The Single Permit is an immigration pathway offered by Malta. It falls under the Skilled Worker Visa category.

Can the Single Permit lead to permanent residency?

No — this is a temporary pathway and does not itself lead to permanent residence. Holders often switch to a different route to pursue settlement.

Are there alternative pathways to Malta?

Yes. Malta offers 12 other immigration pathways. Compare all options on our Malta country page.

What is the cost of living in Malta?

Monthly costs for a single person in city center: Valletta: €1,750/mo; Sliema: €1,750/mo; St. Julian's: €1,750/mo. These include rent, groceries, transport, and utilities.

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Official source

Requirements on this page are based on this official/primary source:

identita.gov.mt

Data last verified: 2026-06-24 · See our methodology

Complete guide to emigrating to Malta →

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