To obtain a work permit you need to have a secured job and a letter from your prospective employer. This also applies to EU citizens. Malta joined the Union in 2004 under the terms of a seven-year transitional agreement. For this period of time, Malta was entitled to give priority to its nationals over EU citizens. As a result, it can be extremely difficult to find a job, yet persistence does pay off.
Language Requirements
Malta's official languages are Maltese and English. Italian is also widely spoken. You have a better chance of finding a job if you speak and write Maltese. Italian is also a useful plus, as Italy is the islands' main commercial partner. For more information on idioms and language courses in Malta, have a look at our Just Landed guide language section.
Employment opportunities for expatriates
You are more likely to find a job in one of the principal sectors of the island. Today, expats are mostly employed in IT and tourism. There is still a shortage of IT professionals as many online gambling sites operate from the island. The main job sectors are:
- Tourism and the service industry
- IT
- Manufacturing (semi-conductors, electronics, pharmaceuticals, consumer goods)
- Merchant shipping
- Ship building and repair