Long-stay visas (Type D)
Maltese Single Permit (Work and Residence Permit)
Malta's main employer-sponsored permit, letting a non-EU national both live and work in Malta on a single combined authorisation for stays of over six months.
Important information
- Issuing authority
- Identità (Expatriates Unit)
- Application submitted by the employer via the Single Permit / Expatriates portal
- Who applies
- The Malta-based employer, on the worker's behalf
- Minimum duration
- Employment of more than 6 months
- Renewable while employment continues
- Covers
- Both residence and the right to work
- Tied to the sponsoring employer and role
Who it's for
Non-EU, non-EEA, non-Swiss nationals who have a genuine job offer from an employer registered in Malta and will be employed for more than six months.
Requirements
- A signed job offer or employment contract with a Malta-registered employer
- The employer completes the labour-market and vacancy formalities via Jobsplus where required
- Valid passport / travel document
- Proof of suitable accommodation in Malta
- Health insurance / sickness cover valid in Malta
- Clean criminal record and supporting personal documents
- Position and salary consistent with the declared role
What you can do
- Live in Malta for the duration of the permit
- Work legally for the sponsoring employer in the approved role
- Renew the permit while the employment continues
- After legal residence over time, potentially qualify for long-term resident status
- Apply to bring family members through family reunification once eligibility conditions are met
How to apply
The employer registers and submits the Single Permit application through Identità's Expatriates online portal, uploading the contract and the applicant's documents.
Identità assesses the application (including labour-market considerations). If the worker is abroad and needs a visa, an Approval in Principle allows them to apply for a national long-stay (Type D) visa to enter Malta.
On arrival the applicant gives biometrics and, once approved, collects the eResidence card that serves as the combined work-and-residence document.
Documents
- Completed Single Permit application (submitted by employer)
- Valid passport with copies of all used pages
- Signed employment contract or job offer
- Passport-size photos
- Proof of accommodation in Malta
- Health insurance covering Malta
- Qualifications / references relevant to the role
Frequently asked questions
No. The application is lodged by your Malta-based employer through Identità's Expatriates portal. You provide your documents to the employer, who submits on your behalf.
Official sources
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official government sources.
Verified against official gov.uk sources · last reviewed 2026-08-21. Information only — not legal advice.
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