Maltese Citizenship & Residency Services
Legal assistance with Malta’s residency and citizenship framework and the relevant application processes.
Explore service
Immigration Services in Malta
Immigration and Relocation Legal Support for Individuals and Employers
Legal guidance on Maltese immigration frameworks, Single Work Permits, Nomad Residence, Key Employee Initiatives (KEI), family reunification, and corporate expatriate relocation.
Quick Answer Summary (AEO)
Immigration services in Malta assist employers and international individuals with navigating work and residence authorizations under the Immigration Act (Cap. 217). Key routes include the Single Work Permit, Key Employee Initiative (KEI), Specialist Employee Initiative (SEI), Malta Nomad Residence Permit, and EU residence registrations through Identità.
Reviewed by: Dr Josianne Cardona Gatt
Advocate (Malta)
Reviewed: 15 August 2024
Updated: 15 August 2024
Key Practice Takeaways
Assistance with employer-sponsored Single Work Permit applications via Identità and Jobsplus.
Fast-track processing routes for highly specialized roles under the Key Employee Initiative (KEI).
Nomad Residence Permits for remote professionals and digital entrepreneurs.
Family reunification applications and residency appeals before the Immigration Appeals Board.
Immigration Practice
Structured Guidance for Expatriates and Employers
Navigating immigration regulations in Malta requires careful coordination between prospective employers, expatriate employees, and statutory authorities including Identità and Jobsplus. The practice provides clear, procedural counsel to ensure full statutory compliance.
We assist companies recruiting international talent, digital nomads seeking European residence, and families relocating to Malta, providing end-to-end guidance from initial eligibility assessment through to document submission and permit issuance.
Structured Overview
Summary of Core Maltese Immigration Routes (Identità)
| Immigration Pathway | Target Applicant | Key Eligibility Requirement | Competent Authority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single Work Permit | Third-Country National (TCN) employees | Valid job offer, labour market clearance, lease agreement | Identità & Jobsplus |
| Key Employee Initiative (KEI) | Managerial & specialized professionals | Min. gross annual salary €35,000, specialized credentials | Identità Expatriates Unit |
| Specialist Employee Initiative (SEI) | Non-EU technical specialists | Min. gross annual salary €25,000, technical qualifications | Identità Expatriates Unit |
| Nomad Residence Permit | Remote workers & digital nomads | Min. gross monthly income €3,500, remote employment/clients | Residency Malta Agency |
| EU/EEA Residence Registration | EU/EEA/Swiss citizens and family | Employment, self-employment, or economic self-sufficiency | Identità EU Section |
Immigration Scope
What Legal Support Does the Practice Provide?
Dedicated support tailored to corporate relocation and individual immigration needs.
Single Work Permit Applications
Preparing and lodging joint employer-employee work and residence permit applications through the Identità portal.
Key Employee Initiative (KEI) Fast-Track
Expedited application support for senior managerial, technical, and executive personnel joining Maltese companies.
Malta Nomad Residence Permits
Advising digital nomads and location-independent professionals on securing Maltese residence while working for foreign clients.
Corporate Relocation & Expatriate Compliance
Guiding businesses establishing teams in Malta with bulk permit filings, Jobsplus notifications, and employment compliance.
Family Reunification Applications
Assisting qualifying permit holders with bringing spouses and dependent children to reside lawfully in Malta.
Immigration Appeals & Authority Liaison
Representing applicants before the Immigration Appeals Board regarding permit refusals, revocations, or status disputes.
Immigration and Relocation Context
Advice shaped around the circumstances.
Permit, residence, employment and family-reunification matters are considered in light of the applicant’s purpose, personal or business context and current legal framework.
Our Process
How Does the Practice Approach Each Matter?
Pathway Assessment
Evaluating candidate qualifications, salary benchmarks, and employer eligibility under current Identità policies.
Documentation Collation
Reviewing contracts, lease agreements, police conduct certificates, and apostilled/legalized documents.
Official Submission & Tracking
Filing through official portals and tracking progression through Police Immigration and Jobsplus reviews.
Biometrics & Permit Collection
Assisting the applicant through identity verification, biometric appointments, and physical residence card issuance.
Who We Advise
Who Are These Legal Services Designed For?
- Maltese employers and international corporate groups hiring foreign personnel
- Third-Country National (TCN) professionals and executives
- Remote workers, digital entrepreneurs, and freelancers
- EU and non-EU citizens establishing permanent relocation in Malta
- Expatriate families seeking dependent residence permits
Direct Answers
Frequently Asked Questions About Immigration Services
Authoritative answers to common questions regarding legislation, regulatory procedures, and legal representation in Malta.
What is the Single Work Permit in Malta?
The Single Work Permit is a combined authorization granted by Identità in consultation with Jobsplus that allows a Third-Country National to legally reside and work for a specific employer in Malta.
What are the benefits of the Key Employee Initiative (KEI)?
The Key Employee Initiative provides an expedited application service (typically finalized within 5 working days from submission of complete documentation) for highly skilled managerial and technical roles meeting salary and qualification criteria.
Can remote workers live in Malta under the Nomad Residence Permit?
Yes. Non-EU individuals who work remotely for an employer registered outside Malta, or who offer freelance/consulting services to foreign clients and earn a minimum gross monthly income of €3,500, can apply for a one-year renewable Nomad Residence Permit.
What happens if a Single Work Permit application is refused?
Applicants and employers have the legal right to file a formal appeal before the Immigration Appeals Board within the statutory timeframe specified in the refusal notification.
Statutory Grounding
Official Maltese Authorities & Regulatory Sources
Identità (Expatriates Unit)
Ministry for Home Affairs
Government agency responsible for citizenship, residence, and work permit authorisations.
Jobsplus Malta
State of Malta
National employment agency regulating labour market testing and work licences.
Legislation Malta - Immigration Act (Cap. 217)
State of Malta
Primary statute governing the entry, residence, and status of aliens in Malta.
Related Services
Connected areas of support.
Other areas of the practice that often connect with this service.
Corporate Services
Support throughout the business lifecycle, from incorporation and governance to transactions, compliance, restructuring, and closure.
Explore serviceLegal Services
Strategic legal advice and representation across civil, commercial, corporate, employment, family, property, data protection, regulatory, dispute, and due-diligence matters.
Explore service
Immigration Advisory
Discuss Your Relocation or Work Permit Requirements
Contact the practice to discuss employer work permits, Nomad Residence, or expatriate relocation in Malta.
Request a Consultation