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Malta Introduces New Labour Migration Policy — Key Changes for Employers (Effective August 2025)

Malta Introduces New Labour Migration Policy — Key Changes for Employers (Effective August 2025)

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  • Immigration

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3 minutes

Malta’s labour landscape is set to change with the implementation of its new Labour Migration Policy, its implementation was initiated on the 1st of August 2025. Designed to address both current workforce shortages and long-term sustainability, the policy introduces a series of regulatory, administrative, and financial measures that will affect how employers employ third-country nationals (TCNs).

Whether you are a business owner, HR manager, or a sector-specific operator—such as in aviation, healthcare, or technology—this overview outlines the key changes that all employers should be aware of.

Key Changes Effective from 1 August 2025

  1. Vacancy Advertising Requirement

Employers must advertise job vacancies before submitting applications to hire TCNs:

  • Minimum of three weeks for general roles.
  • Minimum of two weeks for roles listed under the Key Employment Initiative (KEI), Specialist Employment Initiative (SEI), EU Blue Card, or Skilled Occupation List.

Adverts must be published within 2 months from the date of engagement with the company.

From October 2025, all advertisements must also appear on the Jobsplus portal.

Failure to comply with these advertising requirements will result in automatic rejection of the application.

  1. Exemptions to Vacancy Advertising

Some roles and sectors are exempt from the advertising requirement. These include:

  • Healthcare and elderly care positions.
  • Student workers engaged in structured placements.
  • Applications recommended by regulatory bodies such as Malta Enterprise, Gaming Malta, and the Civil Aviation Directorate.

Employers in the aviation sector may benefit from this exemption when hiring foreign professionals, provided the application is endorsed by the Civil Aviation Directorate. This facilitates timely recruitment in a highly specialised industry.

  1. Revised Fee Structure for Work and Residence Permits

The following application fees will apply:

Application Type

New Fee (€)

First-time Single Permit

600

Permit Renewal (per year)

150

Change of Employer

600

Change of Designation

300

Applicants in healthcare and elderly care will benefit from a reduced rate of €150 across all permit types.

4. Updated Salary Thresholds

To qualify under KEI or SEI schemes, applicants must meet the following salary criteria:

  • KEI: Minimum gross salary of €45,000 per annum.
  • SEI: Minimum gross salary of €30,000 per annum.

  1. Grace Period Following Termination

 

TCNs whose employment is terminated will be granted:

  • A 30-day period to secure new employment.
  • An optional extension of an additional 30 days, subject to proof of financial self-sufficiency.

This measure aims to reduce administrative burden and support workforce retention.

  1. Compliance and Penalties

Employers are now required to:

  • Submit employment engagement and termination forms within four working days.
  • Comply with disability employment quotas or contribute financially.

Non-compliance may result in:

  • Fines starting from €58.23.
  • Suspension of new TCN hiring rights.

Automatic failure of Labour Market Tests in cases of high staff turnover.

 Salary Payment Requirements (Effective October 2025)

All salaries for TCNs must be paid through licensed financial institutions. Cash payments will no longer be permitted. Breaches of this requirement may result in application rejections and other penalties.

Conclusion

The new Labour Migration Policy represents a major shift in Malta’s employment and immigration framework. Employers across all sectors are encouraged to review internal procedures and ensure full compliance with the updated regulations.

For regulated sectors such as aviation, gaming, and healthcare, the policy introduces a more streamlined process—subject to validation from the respective authority.

Legal Support

Vaia Legal is actively advising clients on compliance strategies, exemption eligibility, and application support. Contact us on [email protected] for more information.

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Yanika Ciantar-Barbara

Lawyer

Dr. Ciantar-Barbara is an experienced lawyer specialising in corporate and commercial law. She graduated with a Doctor of Laws degree from the University of Malta in 2012 and went on to obtain a Master of Laws (LL.M.) in Corporate and Commercial Law from Queen Mary, University of London in 2014.

With over a decade of experience at a leading Big Four firm, Dr Ciantar-Barbara has advised a wide range of local and international clients on complex company law matters. Her practice covers all stages of a company’s lifecycle, including formation, continuation, restructuring, cross-border mergers and divisions, acquisitions, and liquidations. She also assists clients with their day-to-day corporate governance and compliance obligations, including beneficial ownership requirements and statutory reporting.

In addition to her core focus on corporate law, Dr Ciantar-Barbara has handled various employment law matters, offering guidance on issues such as employment contracts and
workplace policies.

Proud member of the Chamber of Advocates and the Institute of Financial Services Practitioners.

Yanika Ciantar-Barbara

Legal Consultant

Dr. Ciantar-Barbara is an experienced lawyer specialising in corporate and commercial law. She graduated with a Doctor of Laws degree from the University of Malta in 2012 and went on to obtain a Master of Laws (LL.M.) in Corporate and Commercial Law from Queen Mary, University of London in 2014.

With over a decade of experience at a leading Big Four firm, Dr. Ciantar-Barbara has advised a wide range of local and international clients on complex company law matters. Her practice covers all stages of a company’s lifecycle, including formation, continuation, restructuring, cross-border mergers and divisions, acquisitions, and liquidations. She also assists clients with their day-to-day corporate governance and compliance obligations, including beneficial ownership requirements and statutory reporting.

In addition to her core focus on corporate law, Dr Ciantar-Barbara has handled various employment law matters, offering guidance on issues such as employment contracts and workplace policies.

Proud member of the Chamber of Advocates and the Institute of Financial Services Practitioners.

Valeriia Simutina

Valeriia Simutina

Office Administrator

As the Office Administrator at Vaia Legal, Valeriia ensures that the firm’s operations run smoothly and efficiently. She specializes in administrative coordination, office management, and business support, allowing the legal team to focus on delivering top-tier services to clients.

Holding a degree in Marketing from Kyiv University, she brings strong organizational and communication skills to her role. Since moving to Malta in 2022, she has been actively involved in office administration, supporting the firm with structured processes and strategic planning. Her ability to anticipate operational needs and implement effective solutions makes her an invaluable part of the Vaia Legal team.

Giovana Cauchioli

Legal Administrator

Giovana Cauchioli joined Vaia Legal as a Legal Administrator, bringing a strong background in legal operations and compliance. She graduated with a Bachelor of Law degree from Universidade Presbiteriana Mackenzie in 2019 and was admitted to the Brazilian bar in the same year. With several years of experience in litigation and general contracts, Giovana has developed a solid understanding of legal frameworks and regulatory processes.

Her professional experience covers various legal sectors, allowing her to provide valuable support in legal administration, contract management, and compliance-related matters. Throughout her career, she has refined her ability to assist in structuring efficient legal processes and ensuring that regulatory requirements are met.

At Vaia Legal, Giovana plays a key role in facilitating legal operations, ensuring that the firm’s work is carried out smoothly and efficiently. Her analytical approach, attention to detail, and commitment to excellence contribute to the firm’s ability to deliver high-quality legal services to its clients.

Dr. Katrina Abela

Founder

Seasoned Lawyer, specializing in Maritime and Aviation Law, having graduated from the University of Malta in 2013. Experienced in yacht and aircraft sale and purchase transactions as well as ownership structures, customs importations, and registration. Successfully assisted several companies in acquiring a Maltese Air Operator’s Certificate, as the key link between the applicant and local authorities, while also consulting on regulatory matters.


Specialties: Commercial Agreements, Sale and Purchase Transactions for Vessels and Aircrafts, Regulation of Aircraft Customs and VAT Status, Importation and Registration matters, AOC applications, Ownership structures and others



Proud member of the Chamber of Advocates, Malta Business Aviation Association, Malta Maritime Law Association and the Advocacy Committee of the European Business Aviation Association.