Malta rolled out major changes to its work permit regulations starting 1 August 2025. These new rules, driven by a revised national Labour Migration Policy, aim to attract skilled workers while ensuring greater transparency, compliance, and alignment with economic goals.

If your business relies on third-country nationals (TCNs), it’s critical to understand the upcoming changes. From higher permit fees to mandatory job advertising and new salary thresholds, the updates will impact how you hire and retain non-EU employees.

Based on official guidance from Identità Malta and Jobsplus, here are three essential updates every employer should know.

1. Job Advertising is Now Mandatory

Before applying for a work permit, employers must publicly advertise the vacancy:

• For 3 weeks (general roles)
• For 2 weeks (for KEI, SEI, or roles on the Skilled Occupation List)

The vacancy must be published on a local media platform within 2 months before your application. Starting October 2025, publication on the Jobsplus/EURES portal will also become mandatory.

2. New Fee Structure & Salary Thresholds

Work permit costs are increasing, and higher salary thresholds are in effect for skilled categories:

• First-time permit or change of employer: €600
• Renewal: €150 per year
• Change of job title/designation: €300

For care-related roles (e.g., healthcare, elderly support), a flat fee of €150 applies across all permit types.

New salary minimums:

• Key Employee Initiative (KEI): €45,000 gross per year
• Specialist Employee Initiative (SEI): €30,000 gross per year

These are binding and must be reflected in your employment contract.

3. Stricter Compliance Rules & Grace Periods

Several new compliance checks are being introduced:

• You must submit engagement and termination forms within 4 working days.
• Companies with excessive termination rates (based on size) will face permit restrictions.
• TCNs terminated from their jobs will have 30 days to find new employment, extendable to 60 days with financial proof.
• Payments to TCNs must be made via licensed financial institutions only (cash is no longer valid) starting October 2025.

Avoid These Common Compliance Issues

To keep your hiring pipeline compliant, watch out for these pitfalls:

• Advertising jobs too briefly or on the wrong platforms
• Delayed termination or engagement form submissions
• Offering below-minimum KEI/SEI salaries
• Applying for permits for tourists or non-work visa holders
• Failing to meet disability inclusion requirements under CAP 210

Need Help Preparing?

These new rules may seem overwhelming, but you don’t have to navigate them alone.

The team at Business Doctors Malta can help you stay ahead:

• Reviewing job postings for compliance
• Auditing HR documentation
• Budgeting for new permit costs
• Aligning roles with the right permit category

📩Reach out to us at hr.support@businessdoctors.com.mt or call 7990 3685 to book your compliance consultation.