ÀÖÓ㣨Leyu£©ÌåÓý¹ÙÍø

For third-country nationals applying for a work permit in Malta, the Specialist Employee Initiative, ‘SEIâ€�, has been introduced alongside the Ordinary Single Work Permit and the Key Employee Initiative (KEI).1Ìý The Maltese government entity responsible for handling the applications, Identità, has created these categories to cater for the different levels of specialisation and of remuneration thereon, in an aim to expedite the processes for the two latter categories of applicants.

WHY THIS MATTERS

The Maltese government is aiming to provide employers and work permit applicants with greater efficiency and certainty when future planning and to expand the opportunities for entry and work in Malta.Ìý The changes are expected to help Malta attract and retain the skilled workers it needs amidst ongoing skills shortages and an increasingly competitive marketplace.

More Details

To be eligible to apply under the SEI, the employee must earn a minimum annual gross salary of �25,000 and have relevant academic and practical qualifications at a minimum:

Malta Qualification Frame (MQF) Level 6 or higherÌýin an area directly related to the employment position being offered in Malta;ÌýOR

Qualifications -Ìýacademic, vocational, or other certified skill qualifications, which equate to an MQF levelÌýlower than MQF Level 6, but which are directly related to the position being offered by the Maltese employer.

AND

Proof of Experience - Reference lettersÌýof past employment showing a minimum 36 months of relevant work experience.

The following table contains reference to the key differences between the different routes including the processing timeframes:

Ìý
Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý

Normal single
permit applicationÌý Ìý Ìý Ìý ÌýÌý

Specialist Employee
Initiative (SEI)Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý ÌýÌý		Key Employee Initiative
(KEI)Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý ÌýÌý
Validity of permitÌý Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý1-2 years1-3 years1-3 years
Application timeframe6-8 weeks

15 working days

5 working days
Eligibility criteria �
Employment
contract
evidencing �		At least the local
minimum wage of
�10,021 per annum		At least �25,000 gross
annual salary and
qualifications + relevant
job experience (36 months)		At least �35,000 gross
salary per annum and
qualifications OR
relevant job experience
(36 months)
Fee�300 (per year)�300 (per year)
�300 (per year)


Source: ÀÖÓ㣨Leyu£©ÌåÓý¹ÙÍø in Malta

ÀÖÓ㣨Leyu£©ÌåÓý¹ÙÍø INSIGHTS

While the expected timeframes are promising, we expect an initial period of adjustment.Ìý

In addition to the expedited processing timeframe, the potential for a lengthened validity period is also of note both for employees and employers as it would serve to dramatically reduce costs and uncertainty around the regular renewal process.Ìý

The existing entry framework for attracting foreign skilled workers to Malta has been limiting for employers and workers.Ìý The changes announced regarding the SEI are expected to provide both employers and individuals aiming to come to Malta to work with greater flexibility, opportunity, efficiency, and certainty.

If employers and migrating workers require clarity around eligibility and procedures, they should reach out to their global mobility professional or a member of the GMS team in Malta (see the Contacts section).

Contacts

simon-xuereb
Simon Xuereb

Partner

ÀÖÓ㣨Leyu£©ÌåÓý¹ÙÍø in Malta

Kathy Schembri Rivera
Kathy Schembri Rivera

Semior Manager

ÀÖÓ㣨Leyu£©ÌåÓý¹ÙÍø in Malta

Additional resources

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Footnotes

1Ìý For more information, see the Identità website:ÌýÌý.

* Please note the ÀÖÓ㣨Leyu£©ÌåÓý¹ÙÍø International member firm in the United States does not provide immigration or labour law services. However, ÀÖÓ㣨Leyu£©ÌåÓý¹ÙÍø Law LLP in Canada can assist clients with U.S. immigration matters.

The information contained in this newsletter was submitted by the ÀÖÓ㣨Leyu£©ÌåÓý¹ÙÍø International member firm in Malta.

Disclaimer

The information contained in this newsletter was submitted by the ÀÖÓ㣨Leyu£©ÌåÓý¹ÙÍø International member firm in Malta.

GMS Flash Alert is a Global Mobility Services publication of the ÀÖÓ㣨Leyu£©ÌåÓý¹ÙÍø LLP Washington National Tax practice. The ÀÖÓ㣨Leyu£©ÌåÓý¹ÙÍø name and logo are trademarks used under license by the independent member firms of the ÀÖÓ㣨Leyu£©ÌåÓý¹ÙÍø global organization. ÀÖÓ㣨Leyu£©ÌåÓý¹ÙÍø International Limited is a private English company limited by guarantee and does not provide services to clients. No member firm has any authority to obligate or bind ÀÖÓ㣨Leyu£©ÌåÓý¹ÙÍø International or any other member firm vis-à-vis third parties, nor does ÀÖÓ㣨Leyu£©ÌåÓý¹ÙÍø International have any such authority to obligate or bind any member firm. The information contained herein is of a general nature and is not intended to address the circumstances of any particular individual or entity. Although we endeavor to provide accurate and timely information, there can be no guarantee that such information is accurate as of the date it is received or that it will continue to be accurate in the future. No one should act on such information without appropriate professional advice after a thorough examination of the particular situation.

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