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Republic of Malta · work sponsored · Leads to settlement

Single Permit

By · Last reviewed:

Source check: all 11 official citations reconfirmed 13 September 2026

Malta’s main combined employment licence and residence permit for third-country nationals working more than 6 months.

Requires sponsorshipLeads to permanent residencyUsually 1 year, with some permits issued longer where eligible.
Processing time
Identita states Single Permit decisions may take up to 4 months under the regulations.
Government fees
Identita publishes Single Permit, renewal and change-of-employer fees.
Typical duration
Usually 1 year, with some permits issued longer where eligible.
Sponsorship required
Yes
Leads to permanent residency
Yes
Reviewed Identita (Malta) ↗

In short

As of 9 July 2026, the Single Permit for Republic of Malta is a sponsor-led Malta immigration route. Sources: official Republic of Malta government pages, reviewed 9 July 2026.

Cite this: https://visaatlas.org/visas/malta/single-permit#answer

What is the Single Permit in Republic of Malta?

Single Permit is a sponsor-led Malta route. Indicative government fees are Identita publishes Single Permit, renewal and change-of-employer fees; indicative processing time is Identita states Single Permit decisions may take up to 4 months under the regulations; typical duration is Usually 1 year, with some permits issued longer where eligible. This route can lead to permanent residence.

Verified against Identita (Malta) on 24 May 2026.

Overview

Malta’s Single Permit is the standard work route for third-country nationals. Identita describes it as a temporary permit that combines employment licence and residence permission, with the employer submitting the application online in most cases.

Eligibility

Typical criteria

Common blockers

Typical evidence

Application pathway

  1. Check the route fit

    Confirm the job should use the ordinary Single Permit rather than KEI/SEI or EU Blue Card.

  2. Build the evidence pack

    Have the employer initiate the online application and send the applicant confirmation link.

  3. Submit through the official channel

    Complete biometrics and any required pre-departure/integration steps.

  4. After approval

    Work only within the authorised employer, role and Malta-based activity.

After approval: prepare for your next step

For Single Permit, use the actual decision and the issuing authority’s instructions to establish what has been granted. A successful application, permission to enter, permission to work and a residence document are not interchangeable.

  1. 1. Check the decision. Confirm the name, passport, status granted, start date and any next action. Resolve an error with the authority before relying on the document for travel or employment.
  2. 2. Establish the travel step. Read any entry window, activation, collection or in-country registration instruction. For an extension or change of status, do not assume leaving the country is required or safe while a further step remains pending.
  3. 3. Confirm what you may do. Agree the lawful start date and onboarding with the employer or sponsor. Check whether the permission names an employer, role or activity before changing the arrangement.
  4. 4. Organise the household. Check each accompanying person’s permission separately, then arrange healthcare, accommodation, access to money and the relevant local registrations. A tax number or bank account does not by itself prove a right to work.
  5. 5. Keep the ongoing conditions visible. Record the actual expiry, renewal process, permitted absences and any duty to report changes. An initial grant does not automatically establish permanent residence or citizenship.
Official Single Permit instructionsBuild my moving plan for this routeMoving to Malta

Plan the practical side of your stay

Once you have checked the official route, you can prepare for day-to-day life in Malta. These optional services are separate from the application and do not establish visa eligibility.

Official application links

Where to actually go next

Government links only

These are the official pages to use for this route. Open them before preparing documents: the forms, fees, appointment systems, and sponsor steps can change without warning.

  1. Official guidanceApplicant + sponsor
    Use official Single Permit route page ↗

    Use this official page to confirm requirements and follow the government filing route for Single Permit.

    Identita (Malta) · verified

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Frequently asked questions

Can I submit Malta’s Single Permit myself?+

Identita states Single Permit applications may only be submitted by the employer, with limited exceptions such as live-in carers where the application is endorsed by the employer.

Can I work for another company?+

No. The Single Permit does not authorise paid duties for parties other than the identified employer.

How long does a Malta Single Permit decision take?+

Identita states that Single Permit decisions may take up to 4 months under the regulations. Confirm the current timeline on the official Identita Single Permit page.

Can a Malta Single Permit lead to long-term settlement?+

Yes. The Single Permit is recorded as a route that can lead to settlement, unlike the temporary Nomad Residence Permit. Check the official Identita guidance for the exact residence and settlement conditions.

Can I start working in Malta as soon as I arrive on a Single Permit?+

No. Identita's criteria state that the applicant starts employment only after official interim or residence documentation permits it, so you should not begin work before that authorisation is issued.

Need tailored advice?

We do not provide legal advice. For an application that depends on your exact circumstances, consult a regulator-listed immigration advisor.

Find a regulated advisor in Malta

How we verified this

We check every figure on this page against the primary government source, record the date it was last checked, and re-check it on a regular schedule. Rules change, so always confirm time-sensitive details with the official source before you rely on them. Visa Atlas is an information-only publication and does not give legal advice.

Primary source: Identita (Malta)

Last checked: 24 May 2026

See the full evidence trail and methodology

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