Malta Introduces Mandatory Pre-Departure Course for Third-Country Nationals Seeking Work Permits

Valletta: The Maltese government has announced a major reform of its employment and immigration framework with the introduction of a mandatory pre-departure course for third-country nationals (TCNs) applying for a single work permit for the first time. The new requirement will come into effect this month.

The pre-departure course will serve as Malta’s official mechanism to ensure that migrant workers meet minimum standards in English language proficiency, workplace awareness and cultural integration. The programme will be delivered through the Skills Passport portal and will be structured in two phases.

The reform represents a significant change to Malta’s labour migration system and is intended to help employers better prepare for incoming workers and plan workforce needs in advance. While completion of the course is the responsibility of the applicant, employers are advised to familiarise themselves with the new requirements, as single permit applications will not be processed without a valid certificate.

Authorities have warned that recruitment timelines may be affected if candidates do not complete the course in advance, potentially disrupting project schedules, seasonal staffing and business operations. Employers who plan ahead, however, are expected to benefit from a smoother transition under the new system.

Structure of the pre-departure integration course

All EU/EEA/EFTA single permit applicants must complete Part One of the mandatory Pre-Departure Integration Course before submitting a work permit application.

Part Two consists of two online modules—Living and Working in Malta and Rights and Responsibilities at Work—requiring between 20 and 24 hours of study. The modules include video content, reading materials, practical assignments and online assessments. Applicants must also complete a 20-minute live interview to assess English language skills and understanding of Maltese workplace standards.

Applicants will have up to 42 days to complete Part Two, a timeframe employers are advised to factor into recruitment planning. Sector-specific certifications will be required for certain industries, including tourism and hospitality.

Implementation timeline and costs

The Skills Passport and Pre-Departure portal will open on January 5, 2026, with courses beginning the same day. From March 1, 2026, authorities will begin verifying course certificates. Applications submitted after that date without a valid certificate will be rejected or delayed.

The cost of the pre-departure course is €250, payable by the applicant unless otherwise agreed in the employment contract. Employers are encouraged to clearly outline responsibility for this cost in job offers and recruitment policies to avoid misunderstandings.

TCNs who already hold valid single permits are exempt from the new requirement. However, current employees in sectors requiring Part Two certification must still obtain a Full Skills Pass certificate to remain compliant.

Guidance for employers

To ensure compliance and maintain competitiveness, authorities advise employers to update recruitment timelines, inform candidates of the mandatory course at the offer stage, and revise contracts and HR policies to reflect training costs and legal obligations. For high-volume or seasonal recruitment, particularly in regulated sectors, early professional guidance is strongly recommended.

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