Malta Pre-Departure Course & Work Permit Guide 2026/27

The Cost Structure

The official Pre-Departure Course costs €250 and is completed through the official Skills Pass system. Sector-specific requirements may involve additional requirements depending on the applicant's occupation.

For candidates who want to improve their English before starting their Malta journey, Ascencia Malta English language School offers flexible English language courses from beginner to advanced levels.

Course fees can vary depending on the course duration and programme selected.

Step-by-Step Application Guide

Step 1: Account Creation & Registration

Visit the official Skills Pass Portal to create your candidate profile. Enter your personal details carefully and ensure they match your identification documents to avoid unnecessary delays.

Step 2: Pay and Unlock Part 1

Pay the €250 Pre-Departure Course fee to begin the mandatory Part 1 process.

The two modules cover:

• 🇲🇹 Living and Working in Malta: Information about living in Malta, local culture and everyday life.
• ⚖️ Rights and Obligations at the Workplace: Workplace rights, responsibilities and important employment-related information.

Each module requires approximately 10–12 hours of learning, including video modules, reading materials and practice assignments. Candidates have up to 42 days to complete Part 1.

💡 Note: Applicants in sectors such as Tourism and Hospitality may also have to meet additional sector-specific requirements.

If you want to strengthen your English before beginning the process, Ascencia Malta English School offers General English from beginner to advanced levels, with practical communication skills at the centre of its courses.

Step 3: Complete the Online Assessments

At the end of the required modules, candidates complete assessments based on the course content. Candidates can revisit the course material during the 42-day period before completing the required process.

Step 4: Complete the Live Verification Interview

After completing the required online learning and assessments, candidates attend a 20-minute live interview.

The interview is conducted either at ITS Malta or an authorised Global Assessment Centre and is used to verify English language proficiency and understanding of the course content.

Having good English communication skills can therefore be useful when preparing for the course and interview. Ascencia Malta English School provides practical English training for everyday, academic and professional communication.

Part 2: Sector-Specific Skills Pass

• Part 2 is an additional requirement for certain sectors and job roles.
• It mainly applies to Tourism & Hospitality jobs in Malta.
• Candidates may need to complete the relevant Skills Pass to meet sector-specific requirements.
• For applicants applying from outside Malta, Phase 1 of the Skills Pass must be completed before starting the Identità application.
• After an Approval in Principle, applicable applicants proceed with Phase 2 and complete the full Skills Pass.
• Part 2 does not apply to every worker. The requirement depends on the sector and position.

Pro-Tips for Preparing for Your Assessment

• Review the Course Material: Take time to understand both mandatory modules before completing the assessments.
• Focus on Workplace English: Practise explaining everyday workplace situations and communicating clearly in English.
• Improve Your English Before You Move: If you need additional preparation, Ascencia Malta English language School offers General English, Business English and specialised English programmes.
• Track the 42-Day Period: Make sure you complete the required Part 1 learning and assessment process within the available timeframe.

Important: Certain applicants may be exempt from the Pre-Departure Course, depending on their circumstances. Always check the latest requirements with Identità Malta before applying. 

Once the required Pre-Departure Course Certificate is obtained, it can be used as part of the relevant Single Permit application process where required. Applicants should always check the latest requirements with Identità Malta and the official Skills Pass Portal, as procedures and sector-specific requirements can change. 

Official Source Link : 

• Identità Malta – Pre-Departure Course
• Identità Malta – Pre-Departure Course Verification
• Identità Malta – Tourism & Hospitality Skills Pass
• Identità Malta – Single Permit