Contact Us
Articles & Publications

Changes to the Labour Migration Policy – Effective 1 August 2025

By means of recent announcements, a number of changes to the labour migration framework will come into force with effect from 1st August 2025. These changes form part of the implementation of Malta’s National Labour Migration Policy for 2021–2030 and will impact third-country nationals TCNs seeking employment in Malta as well as their prospective employers. […]

Written By Christabel Spiteri

On July 11, 2025
"

Read more

By means of recent announcements, a number of changes to the labour migration framework will come into force with effect from 1st August 2025. These changes form part of the implementation of Malta’s National Labour Migration Policy for 2021–2030 and will impact third-country nationals TCNs seeking employment in Malta as well as their prospective employers.

Minimum Salary Thresholds

The minimum annual gross salary requirements have been revised as follows:

  • Key Employee Initiative (KEI): from €35,000 to €45,000
  • Specialist Employee Initiative (SEI): from €25,000 to €30,000

These changes apply to all new applications submitted on or after 1st August 2025.

Permit Fees and Duration

With effect from 1st August 2025:

  • The initial application fee for a single permit will increase from €300 to €600
  • Renewals will be subject to a reduced fee of €150 per year
  • KEI, SEI, the Blue Card Directive, and the Skilled Occupation List permits will be automatically renewed for three years.

Employer Compliance Requirements

The new framework introduces several compliance measures aimed at regulating employer practices:

  • Salary payments must be made via bank transfer
  • Employers will be subject to labour market thresholds based on employee termination rates
  • Employers with high retention and compliance may be eligible for inclusion on a register of exemplary employers, benefiting from streamlined procedures and longer permit validity periods

Grace Period Extension

In cases of employment termination, TCNs will be granted a 60-day grace period to find alternative employment in Malta.

Eligibility Restrictions

TCNs arriving in Malta on a tourist visa will no longer be eligible to apply for a single work permit while in-country.

Integration and Cultural Induction

As part of the integration strategy, new TCN applicants must complete an online course on Maltese language, history, and culture prior to arrival in Malta. Additional integration measures will continue to be implemented under the “I Belong” programme.

Skilled Occupation List

A new Skilled Occupation List will be introduced, enabling fast-tracked procedures for roles classified under ISCO levels 1 to 3. Further reforms are expected to align salary thresholds to occupation-specific benchmarks.

If you need any help or assistance with the above-mentioned, please do not hesitate to contact us on [email protected]

How can we help?  

 

For further information, please contact us on [email protected]. ACT can help you understand the changes to the income tax, accounting, corporate and VAT rules and how these can impact your business.   

 

Apart from its offices in St. Julian’s Malta, ACT operates from a second office in Gozo, which is situated in the capital city of Victoria.  For an appointment in our Gozo office, please call on +356 21378672 or send us an email on [email protected]. 

ACT
Contact Us

Disclaimer: This article contains general information only and is not intended to address the circumstances of any particular individual or entity. ACT, by means of this article is not rendering any accounting, business, financial, investment, legal, tax, or other professional advice or service. This article is not a substitute for such professional advice, nor should it be used as a basis for any decision or action that may affect your finances or your business. Although we endeavour to provide accurate and timely information, there can be no guarantee that such information is accurate as of the date it is received or that it will continue to be accurate in the future. Before making any decisions or before taking any action that may affect your finances or your business, you should consult a qualified professional adviser. ACT shall not be responsible for any loss whatsoever sustained by any person who relies on this article.  

[/db_pb_signup]