Malta will introduce major changes to its migration and work-permit policies that apply to the third-country nationals (TCNs) and their employers, which the government will implement in stages from January to June 2026. It is critical that all stakeholders understand these changes early so that there are no issues with application processes and compliance of the workforce.
Among the reforms, Malta will introduce mandatory pre-arrival training for all first-time TCN applicants. The 20-hour course costs EUR250 and covers essential topics such as Maltese culture, language basics, and workers’ rights, which aims to help new workers integrate more effectively before arrival. Applicants must complete this course to qualify for a work permit from early 2026.
Moreover, authorities will offer extended work permits under more stringent eligibility requirements concerning the occupation, skill verification and the history of compliance by the employer. The government will also conduct more extensive suitability checks to ensure employers justify each role and meet legal standards.
The government will impose new requirements on temporary and outsourcing agencies, such as more explicit contract, deployment, and monitoring of the employees placed. Authorities will raise overall compliance standards, and will enforce stricter penalties for rule violations, i.e. missing documentation or wage anomalies or reporting deadlines.
Besides, the future EU-wide border modifications will influence the way in which non-EU citizens enter and remain in Malta to work as part of the wider European migration management initiatives.
To employers and TCN workers, these changes are an indication that the labour migration system in Malta is moving towards a more controlled, skills-based and rights-protecting system. With the help of early preparation and professional consultation, it can be possible to overcome these new requirements without delays or refusals.
To know how these changes can affect your work permit applications, renewals, or your workforce planning, call us at compliance@recruitinmalta.mt or call +35677048437.
To be up to date is to be prepared to achieve success in 2026 and beyond.
