06-Oct-2026
Are you hiring in Malta but struggling to find a candidate with the right skills or experience?
If you cannot find a suitable candidate locally and are considering hiring someone from outside the EU/EEA/Switzerland, the process is different. Such candidates are generally treated as Third-Country Nationals (TCNs), and specific employment and immigration requirements apply before they can legally work in Malta.
Here is what employers need to know.
Before hiring a TCN, employers need to consider candidates available in Malta and the EU/EEA/Swiss labour market.
According to Jobsplus, employers hiring TCNs need to conduct a candidate search to establish whether a suitable Maltese or EU/EEA candidate is available for the vacancy.
For many new TCN applications, the vacancy must also be advertised on Jobsplus and EURES for three weeks within the two months before the application. Certain categories have a shorter advertising period or may be exempt. Official Identità guidance
If you need to recruit internationally, you can use recruitment agencies, professional networks and dedicated job platforms to find candidates who match your requirements.
Angel Jobs Malta is a Malta-focused job portal where employers can post vacancies and connect with candidates looking for employment opportunities in Malta.
The important thing is to make sure the candidate's skills, experience and qualifications match the actual requirements of the position.
For many TCNs coming to Malta for employment, a Single Permit is required. It combines the employment licence and residence permit.
According to Identità, the prospective employer must submit the Single Permit application on behalf of the TCN. The employer must also be registered with Jobsplus.
The application requires supporting documents from the employer and candidate.
Depending on the application, these may include the candidate's passport, CV, employment contract, position description, qualifications, health insurance and proof of vacancy advertisement.
The exact requirements can vary, so employers should check the latest Identità Single Permit document requirements before submitting an application.
The TCN does not normally submit the Single Permit application independently.
The employer submits the application through the Single Permit Online Portal. After submission, the candidate receives a link to confirm the application and validate the information provided.
Submitting a Single Permit application does not automatically give the candidate permission to start working.
Jobsplus states that it is illegal to employ a TCN before the required permit or approval has been issued. Once the required Single Permit is received, the employer can register the employment with Jobsplus through the required engagement process.
For first-time Single Permit applicants, Malta introduced a mandatory Pre-Departure Course from January 2026. The course covers areas including living and working in Malta and workplace rights and obligations, with additional sector-specific requirements for certain occupations.
Employers should consider this requirement when planning the candidate's relocation and expected start date.
The TCN Hiring Process at a Glance.
Finding the right candidate is the first step in international recruitment.
Angel Jobs Malta gives employers a dedicated job portal to post vacancies and connect with candidates looking for opportunities across Malta.
If you are struggling to find the right talent locally and are considering international recruitment, start by posting your vacancy on Angel Jobs Malta and reaching candidates who match your requirements.
Employment and immigration requirements can vary depending on the candidate, occupation, permit type and individual circumstances. Requirements can also change. Employers should always verify the latest information directly with Jobsplus and Identità before making recruitment or employment decisions.
Post your vacancy on Angel Jobs Malta and connect with qualified candidates across Malta.
✅ Reach a wider pool of talent
✅ Connect with skilled professionals
✅ Find the right talent for your business
Post your vacancy today and find your next great hire.
