Malta Work Visa for Indians: How to Apply, Cost and Processing Time

The island country of Malta attracts Indians due to the reduced working hours, high paid leaves, high average salaries, and social security benefits. The tax structure and low cost of living add to the list of benefits.

If you have found some renowned companies in Malta and are willing to shift there with a job, you must acquire a work visa.

Wondering what Malta work visa for Indians is and how to apply? Read along to learn more about it!

Foreign nationals willing to work in Malta must obtain a proper visa and work permit.  Individuals from non-EU countries must get an employment licence to work in Malta. In addition, Third-country nationals who are eligible for the Single Permit Application will still require an employment licence.

1. Single Permit

Third-country nationals such as Indians can legally stay and take up employment in Malta for a certain period which can be extended. This single permit includes the application for a work and residence permit.

2. EU Blue Card

The EU Blue Card provides a one-track procedure for highly-skilled non-EU citizens so that they can apply for a work permit.

3. Key Employee Initiative

The Key Employee Initiative (KEI) offers a fast-tracked service for the application process for single permits of highly-specialised Third-Country Nationals who are working in Malta. This scheme allows the issuing of residence/work permits to respective key employees within 5 working days from the application’s submission date.

The Key Employee Initiative is also available for innovators engaged in start-up projects which the Malta Enterprise particularly endorses.

Approved applicants will also get a residence permit that comes with a validity of 1 year initially. Applicants can renew this for up to 3 years under certain conditions. They must present a valid indefinite or definite contract and original annual tax declaration form with a stamp from the Inland Revenue Department.

The requirements for a Malta work visa for Indian citizens, i.e., third-country nationals are discussed below:

Single Permit

• Third-country nationals can apply.
• Applicants either legally staying in Maltese territory or still abroad can apply.
• Applicants need to remain in the specific employment while having a single permit.

EU Blue Card

• Highly-qualified individuals can apply.
  
• Salary must be at least 1.5 times the average gross salary paid in Malta.
  

Key Employee Initiative

• Applicable to managerial or highly-technical posts.
• Annual gross salary of at least € 30,000 or ₹ 24,31,920.00 per annum (as of 27.04.2022).
• Declaration by the employer stating that the applicant has the required credentials to perform the duties being assigned.
• Certified copies of the relevant qualifications, warrants or work experience.
• Applicants can be covered by either a definite or an indefinite employment contract.

Single Permit

Step 1 – Applicants would need to fill in CEA Form C and Form ID 1A and submit the necessary documents and pay an application fee of € 280.50.

Step 2 – After submitting documents to Identity Malta Agency and completing the biometric data capturing process, they will obtain an Interim Receipt. This document allows applications to legally reside in Malta until a decision is taken on their application. However, applicants cannot take up employment with the Interim Receipt.

Step 3 – After thoroughly checking the application and consulting with the other relevant stakeholders (mainly Jobsplus and the Immigration Police), eligible applicants will be issued a Single Permit.

Step 4 – After approving the single permit application, the Identity Malta Agency will send a collection letter to the applicant.

Once applicants receive the letter, the cardholder may immediately start with employment. Next, the employer is legally responsible for submitting an Engagement Form to Jobsplus on the same day.

Key Employment Initiative

Applicants can submit for a single permit under the Key Employment Initiative while they are physically in Malta or still abroad.

The document requirements primarily depend on the type of work visa an individual is looking for. They are:

Single Permit

• Copy of a valid employment contract.
  
• Private medical insurance plan for 12 months.
• Covering letter from the prospective employer.
• Position description signed by the employer.
• Signed CV with references of work experience of a minimum 3-years period. Applicants must submit this to Identity Malta. In case applicants do not have the required work experience but are suitable for the job, then they must first obtain local MQRIC equivalence of the qualifications before submitting the application.

EU Blue Card

• For regulated professions: Documents showing that the applicant has met the national legal requirements.
• For unregulated professions: Documents showing that the applicant has met the relevant higher professional qualifications.
• Proof of sickness insurance (or proof of application).
• Valid travel document, an application for a visa or a visa (if necessary), and a valid residence permit or a long-term national visa (if appropriate).

Key Employment Initiative

• A full copy of the passport, including the blank pages.
• CEA Form C (Non-EU) – The employer must endorse the form with an official stamp and signature of the responsible official.
• Form ID 1A – Identity Registration Form – Non-Maltese Nationals.
• Curriculum Vitae of the applicant, according to the template provided, signed by the applicant.
• Cover letter by the employer, with a detailed explanation of the necessity of this position and stating that the applicant has credentials to perform the duties being assigned.
• Work contract signed by the applicant and employer indicating a minimum annual gross salary of € 30,000 per annum.
• Certified copies of warrants, reference letters or relevant qualifications of the applicant in alignment with the job that needs to be provided, along with recognition from MQRIC (Malta Qualifications Recognition and Information Centre). If recognition has not yet been obtained, individuals need to attach a copy of the receipt from MQRIC to the application.
• Comprehensive health insurance policy.
• Lease agreement or purchase agreement of property which makes clear reference to the applicant. In the case of renting property, the applicant must present a Rental Declaration Form signed by the owner of the same property. The document must contain the termination date.
• Declaration Certificate by the third-country nationals employer.

There are many reasons that can lead to the rejection of a Malta work visa. These are as follows:

• Not having correct documents or presented in a proper manner.
• Lacking sufficient funds to cover expenses.
• Having a criminal record.
• Not being able to clearly state the intention to return.

Jobsplus is a government entity that issues employment licences (previously known as a work permit) that comes with validity for one year from the date of issue. The prospective employer must apply for this licence which is subject to considerations of the labour market. Third-country nationals can apply for the Employment Licence of a company registered in Malta, where they are the ultimate beneficial owners or shareholders.

Applicants need to fulfil one of these criteria:

• Third-country national shareholders should have a fully paid-up share capital of a minimum of € 100,000. This amount can not be reduced, redeemed or transferred to another party within the first 2 years of the employment licence.
• The company is managing a project that has been legally approved by Malta Enterprise.
• The company is a sole representative of a renowned overseas company (with an operational history of a minimum of 3 years abroad) and is willing to set up a branch in Malta.
• Third-country nationals have made a capital expenditure of a minimum of € 100,000 or ₹ 80,80,200.00, which consists of only fixed assets (for instance, plant and machinery, immovable property) included in the business plan submitted along with the application.

Since individuals are now aware of the eligibility criteria and application process for Malta work visas for Indians, they can easily obtain the same.