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Malta visas

Malta work visa

EU single market citizens can work in Malta without a visa. Malta also permits visa-waiver nationals to work during their visa-free stay; longer stays generally need a national visa or residence permit.

Ways to get a Malta work visa

  1. Work during a visa-free stay

    No visa needed

    Malta permits nationals of all listed visa-waiver countries and territories to work during their visa-free stay.

    Stay
    Up to 90 days in any 180-day period across the Schengen Area.

  3. Long-stay visa or residence permit

    Other permit

    Non-EU single market citizens generally need a national long-stay visa or residence permit for stays over 90 days.

    Stay
    Generally a long-stay visa for less than a year or a residence permit for longer periods.

  4. Temporary work for the same employer

    Other permit

    Under the Van Der Elst visa rule, non-EU single market citizens employed in the EU single market may work temporarily in another member country for the same employer under certain conditions.

Who needs it

Non-EU single market citizens staying over 90 days generally need a long-stay visa or residence permit. Detailed Malta work-permission requirements are not specified.

Who doesn't

EU single market citizens do not need a visa to work. Malta permits all listed visa-waiver nationals to work during their visa-free stay.

Good to know

  • Visa-free work does not extend the short-stay time limit.
  • National rules govern long-stay visas and residence permits.
  • No detailed Malta work permit application process is specified.
  • Working holiday permission is listed separately.

Questions

Do I need a work visa for Malta?

Non-EU single market citizens staying over 90 days generally need a long-stay visa or residence permit. Detailed Malta work-permission requirements are not specified. EU single market citizens do not need a visa to work. Malta permits all listed visa-waiver nationals to work during their visa-free stay.

What are the ways to get a work visa for Malta?

There are 4 options: Work during a visa-free stay (no visa at all); Work under freedom of movement (no visa at all); Long-stay visa or residence permit (a special permit); Temporary work for the same employer (a special permit).

Who can go to Malta without a work visa?

Malta permits nationals of all listed visa-waiver countries and territories to work during their visa-free stay. Citizens of European Union countries, Iceland, Norway, Liechtenstein and Switzerland can live and work in Malta without a visa.

How long can I stay on a Malta work visa?

For visa-waiver nationals: up to 90 days in any 180-day period across the Schengen Area.

What rules do I have to follow on a Malta work visa?

Visa-free work does not extend the short-stay time limit. National rules govern long-stay visas and residence permits.

Does my passport change whether I need a work visa for Malta?

Yes. Rules depend on the country that issued your passport. Open the Malta visa page and choose your passport for a plain answer.

Can a work visa for Malta be refused?

Yes. Officials can refuse a visa or entry, even after you apply. Give true answers, bring the documents asked for, and keep proof of your onward trip and money.

Where do I check the latest Malta work visa rules?

On Malta's official immigration or foreign ministry website, or at its embassy. Rules change, so check close to your trip.

Can I change my work visa once I am in Malta?

Often you cannot switch visa type inside the country. Ask the immigration office before you travel if you might need to.

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