AE regularly assists employers who wish to engage non-EU Nationals as staff members. Our team can advise clients on the optimal way to navigate the process. There are a number of routes into obtaining a work permit, each one devised for different circumstances.
Insight from AE Business Advisors
Single-work permit
This is a single document that sets out a non-EU national’s right to reside and work in a particular Member State. It’s only valid so long as the applicant remains in employment, and Identity Malta will require both the employer and employee to submit information.
Key Employee Initiative (KEI)
An ideal option for businesses relocating to Malta, the initiative provides a fast-tracked service to highly skilled individuals from non-EU countries, enabling them to be employed in Malta. The scheme will facilitate the issuing of work and residence permits to prospective key employees. These permits will need to be renewed every year.
Family members of work permit holders
Non-EU nationals who have been legally residing in Malta for over a year are eligible to apply for the reunification of family members. This includes spouses over the age of 21, and children under the age of 18. After five years in Malta the family members are also entitled to an autonomous permit.
Long-term residents
Long-term residence status is granted to persons legally residing in Malta for a continuous 5 year period. Successful application requires proof of continuous residence prior to the application date, and the ability to show stable and regular income up to a stipulated amount. There are a number of other requirements such as health insurance and attendance of a language and culture course.
Study purposes
Students admitted to study at the University of Malta or another educational institution in Malta are eligible for a study-based residence permit. There are a number of elements which must be satisfied and these include a valid passport, parental authority in the case of minors, proof of health insurance, evidence of sufficient funds for the duration of studies (including tuition and return travel costs), and evidence of sufficient knowledge of the language of the course to be followed.
Temporary residency
This status is awarded is specialized situations. Applicants can apply for a number of reasons that include religious purposes, health reasons, for posted work, or on humanitarian grounds.
International Protection Applications
In Malta this is also commonly known as an asylum application. It’s reserved specifically for those applicants who face a significant threat in their home country.
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