Malta: Stricter Labor Market Testing Rules, New Grace Period for Stays, and Other Reforms in Effect
November 17, 2025
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At a Glance
- Malta has implemented multiple reforms to its immigration policies, including among others:
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- More complicated labor market testing rules;
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- A new grace period for foreign nationals to remain in Malta after termination of employment;
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- A rule barring non-work visa holders from applying for a single permit.
- These reforms are in line with Malta’s focus on protecting foreign workers’ rights and working conditions, aligning labor migration to workforce demand and adopting a skills-based approach to migration.
The situation
Pursuant to its Labor Migration Policy, Malta has implemented multiple reforms to its immigration policies.
A closer look
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Stricter labor market testing rules.
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These rules seek to ensure employers are providing sufficient time for Maltese, European Economic Area, Swiss nationals, or foreign nationals already in the Maltese job market to apply. If employers reject such applicants, they must provide reasons, which Maltese authorities can deem insufficient. |
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New grace period following employment termination.
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By increasing immigration stability for foreign nationals, this reform is likely to make Malta more attractive to foreign talent – as well as boost long-term retention of such talent. In turn, employers are likely to benefit from a larger pool of candidates. |
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Restriction of Single Permit Applications for Non-Work Visa holders.
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By limiting flexibility for foreign nationals to transition to single permits and gain work rights, this reform may reduce the size of the labor market for employers.
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Other reforms include:
- Partners and parents. The partners of Maltese nationals and the parents of Maltese nationals under 23 years old are now issued a residence permit without requiring the standard single permit process. An employment license is still required.
- Interim permit. Visa waiver nationals who apply for a Malta single permit within 60 days of entering the Schengen Area will be granted a Maltese interim permit, allowing them to remain in Malta while their application is processed.
Background
These reforms follow Malta’s publishing of its Labor Migration Policy in early 2025, with a focus on labor market stability, protection of workers’ rights and working conditions, aligning labor migration to workforce demand and a skills-based approach to migration.
Looking ahead
Malta has formally approved a new merit-based pathway to citizenship, replacing its previous citizenship-by-investment scheme. We will report on developments when this change is officially effective.
This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the global immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen or send an email to [email protected].
