With a population size of 542,051, as estimated in 2022, Malta heavily relies on foreign workers to fill job vacancies across various fields.
Among other sectors, Malta has recently reported shortages in occupations related to business and administration, culinary and hospitality, and transportation.
This implies that foreigners who are looking to live and work in Malta have a higher chance of securing employment in this country if they have the qualifications to fill in any of the vacancies.
In addition, Maltese authorities are looking to attract foreign workers, in particular highly-skilled ones. Regarding this, Identita – an agency under the Maltese government – decided to launch the Specialist Employe Initiative (SEI).
SEI provides an alternative for highly skilled third-country nationals who lack eligibility for the Key Employee Initiative but possess relevant academic or technical skills for their job offer in Malta.
Only third-country nationals who have a signed contract with a Maltese-registered company are eligible to apply.
Moreover, the Malta Employer Association (MEA) considers foreign workers as a crucial element in Malta’s logistics industry.
At the 2023 National Forum hosted by MEA, President Joanne Bondin highlighted the essential role of foreign workers in supporting and boosting economic growth.
EU and third-country nationals have filled employment gaps in the logistics sector that might have otherwise hindered its development. They augment the labour force, enabling companies to meet the escalating demand for their services.
According to the 2022 EURES report on labour shortages and surpluses, the following occupations were reported in-demand in Malta:
- Accounting and bookkeeping clerks
- Administrative and executive secretaries
- Advertising and marketing professionals
- Building construction labourers
- Car, taxi and van drivers
- Chefs
- Contact centre information clerks
- General office clerks
- Managing directors and chief executive
- Manufacturing labourers not elsewhere classified
- Messengers, package deliverers and luggage porters
- Office supervisors
- Security guards
- Shop sales assistants
- Software developers
- Waiters
Is a Visa Necessary in Order to Work in Malta?
EU/EEA/Swiss citizens don’t need a visa in order to live and work in Malta. However, within three months after arriving, they must register with the Department for Citizenship and Expatriate Affairs.
Meanwhile, citizens who do not belong to the mentioned countries are required a visa in order to work in Malta. The Maltese authorities provide three types of work permits: the single permit, key employment initiative, and EU Blue Card.
