What They Tell You…
and What They Don’t
Here is information (in British-English spelling style) directly quoted from an recruiting agency website associated with a private company called CSB Group, which helps businesses set up or relocate to Malta. I have provided this for informational purposes only; I do not endorse any of the services here nor am I responsible for any good or bad outcomes from anyone using this information.
However, from my own experience, I do think the basic information is quite accurate about what’s required for EU and Non-EU citizens who want to work on Malta.
Vacancy Centre.com
Citizens from non-EU members states wishing to seek employment in Malta are required to submit an application form requesting the issue of an employment licence to the relevant authorities at least three months before he/she is due to undertake employment in Malta. As a matter of policy, non-EU citizens will only be granted an employment licence in circumstances where no suitable EU citizen is found for the vacancy. It is important to emphasise that the employment licence is obtained by the candidate before he/she actually undertakes employment in Malta, as any detected breaches of this legal requirement are liable to substantial fines.
The following documents must be submitted by a non-EU citizen wishing to apply for an employment licence:
1. Application form for an Employment Licence, duly completed and signed by both the candidate and the prospective employer.
2. Certified Copy of the page/s of the candidate's Passport containing personal details/ photograph and his/her visa to stay in Malta (if candidate is in Malta at the time of application)
3. Covering letter setting out detailed information relating to the reason for the candidate's employment and his/her proposed functions.
4. the candidate's Curriculum Vitae
5. Proof of the candidate's Qualifications/ Testimonials
6. one (1) passport-type photograph of the candidate
7. Copy of letter issued by the Senior Executive of the Employment Services Department to the employer confirming the unavailability of an EU citizen for the job in question.
All documents must be in the English language.
All applications relating to non-EU citizens are also cleared through the Immigration Office and any other departments as the authorities may consider appropriate before a final determination is given as to the granting or refusal of the employment licence is granted. Prospective candidates being non-EU citizens should note, as a general guideline, that employment licences are usually issued to non-EU citizens in circumstances where such employment may be justified on the basis of particular skills possessed by the candidate, which are not available from candidates being EU citizens. The issue of such permits also depend largely on whether or not the prospective employer wishes to pursue the application.
WHAT THEY DON’T TELL YOU: After a maximum of four consecutive years, the ETC of Malta will not grant a non-EU citizen another permit—no matter what—unless the Non-EU applicant leaves the country for 6 months before applying for any other Employment Licence here in Malta.
In-keeping with the fundamental principle of free movement of workers within the EU, persons holding a passport issued by an EU member state are entitled to reside and work in Malta without restriction. Indeed, whilst EU citizens are free to seek employment in Malta, they are required to obtain both a residence permit and an employment licence issued by the relevant authorities in Malta, which are essentially required for statistical and monitoring purposes.
Such licence is required irrespective of the duration of the candidate's employment. By way of exception, it is pertinent to mention that some restrictions may apply in respect of EU citizens seeking employment in the public sector. It is important to emphasise that the employment licence is obtained by the candidate before he/she actually undertakes employment in Malta, as any detected breaches of this legal requirement are liable to substantial fines.
The documents required for the issue of an employment licence in respect of an EU citizen are the following:
1. Application form for an Employment Licence, duly completed and signed by both the candidate and the prospective employer.
2. The candidate's Curriculum Vitae.
3. Proof of the candidate's Qualifications/ Testimonials
4. Certified Copy of the page/s of the candidate's Passport containing personal details/ photograph.
5. One (1) passport-type photograph of the candidate.
All documents must be in the English language.
A residence permit is required where any EU citizen remains in Malta for a period exceeding 3 months.
More to come on links to official information on residency requirements.