Why Malta Does Not Allow Unskilled Jobs for Non-EU Applicants – Only Highly Skilled Work Visas Available

Why Malta Does Not Give Unskilled Jobs to Non-EU Citizens – The Complete Truth Every Worker Must Know Before Paying Any Agent (AtoZ Serwis Plus Official Guide)

Malta is a beautiful Mediterranean country, known for its English-speaking population, strong tourism sector, world-class iGaming industry, and stable economy. Due to the “European Union” image and high demand in hospitality, thousands of non-EU job seekers mistakenly believe that Malta offers simple jobs, such as cleaning, assisting, and packing.

This misunderstanding has created a massive opportunity for scammers. Fake agents across Asia, Africa, and the Middle East are promoting completely illegal Malta job offers, such as:

Cleaner
Kitchen helper
Restaurant helper
Housekeeping
Packing worker
General labour
Factory helper
Warehouse helper
Hotel attendant
Construction helper
Dishwasher
Farm helper

They claim:

“Visa guaranteed”
“No degree required”
“Work permit in 20 days”
“Helper jobs available”
“English-speaking country – easy visa”

All of these claims are 100% false.

The truth is simple and strict:

**Malta does not issue work permits for unskilled or helper-level jobs to non-EU citizens. **

Only skilled, experienced, and shortage-based workers qualify.**

This guide explains the complete system, including official references, government conditions, and clear explanations, so workers are not misled.

Official Government Links:
Identity Malta (Work Permits): https://identitymalta.com
JobsPlus (Labour Market & Work Authorisation): https://jobsplus.gov.mt
Malta Business Registry: https://mbr.mt

1. Why Malta Does NOT Allow Unskilled Jobs for Non-EU Workers

Malta follows a strict EU Labour Priority Law.
This law requires:

Priority 1: Maltese citizens
Priority 2: EU/EEA citizens
Priority 3: Legally resident foreigners already living in Malta

Only when no one from these groups is available can a Non-EU worker be hired.

Because unskilled roles require no special training, Malta can easily fill them locally or from other EU countries.

Also:

• Malta has a large existing migrant workforce
• Many foreigners already have work/residence permits
• Employers can hire asylum seekers legally
• Students are allowed part-time work
• EU citizens can freely migrate to Malta

Therefore, hiring unskilled workers from overseas is unnecessary and often illegal.

2. Why Fake Malta Job Scams Are Growing

Scammers know that job seekers believe:

• English-speaking country = easy job
• Tourism = many vacancies
• Small country = easy visa
• EU member = easy approval

Scammers use these assumptions to trick workers by offering fake contracts and false promises, like:

“Pay €1,200 and get your Malta work visa”
“Our employer is registered with the government”
“Hotel job confirmed, just pay now”
“We have direct contacts in Malta”

Scammers often show:

• fake Identity Malta letters
• fake employment contracts
• fake JobsPlus approvals
• fake hotel documents
• fake salary slips

All of these documents are worthless and illegal.

3. Jobs Malta NEVER Approves for Non-EU Work Permits

Malta DOES NOT approve the following:

Cleaner
Housekeeping
Kitchen helper
Restaurant helper
Waiter assistant
Dishwasher
Packing worker
Store helper
General labour
Construction helper
Warehouse assistant
Supermarket helper
Farm labour
Hotel runner
Butchery helper
Factory helper
Food production helper

Even if the offer includes:

• company stamp
• signature
• contract
• email confirmation

It will still be rejected because unskilled roles do not meet the requirements of the Labour Market Test.

4. Who Malta Actually Hires – REAL Eligible Professions

Malta hires non-EU workers only in sectors with a skilled shortage.
These require real training, qualifications, and documented experience.

Information Technology

Software developers
Cybersecurity specialists
Data analysts
System administrators
IT support engineers
QA testers

iGaming & Digital

Game developers
Graphic designers
Content moderators
Digital marketing specialists
SEO experts
Compliance analysts

Finance & Professional Services

Qualified accountants
Auditors
Payroll specialists
Financial analysts
AML compliance officers

Healthcare

Registered nurses
Pharmacy technicians
Care workers with a qualification
Medical lab technicians

Skilled Trades

Electricians
Welders
Plumbers
HVAC technicians
CNC machinists
Automotive technicians

Hospitality (Skilled Roles Only)

Professional chefs
Pastry chefs
Sous chefs
Hotel supervisors
Front office managers

Logistics & Transport

Truck drivers (with CPC)
Fleet coordinators
Logistics supervisors

Engineering

Mechanical engineers
Electrical engineers
Civil engineers
Automatically, Government-Recognised jobs qualify.

5. Government-recognised Work Permit Types in Malta

Malta recognises these legal pathways:

A. Single Work Permit (Main Route)

Issued jointly by Identity Malta + JobsPlus.
Valid for skilled, full-time jobs only.

B. Key Employee Initiative (KEI)

Fast-track for senior professionals:

• IT
• management
• finance
• technical specialists
• iGaming

Approval time: usually 5–10 working days.

C. EU Blue Card

For highly educated workers with high salaries.

D. Highly Skilled Third Country National (HSTCN)

Special category for top professionals.

E. Intra-Corporate Transfer Permit

For multinational company employees.

F. Seasonal Permits

Rare and primarily for EU citizens.

There is NO visa for:

• helpers
• assistant-level staff
• labourers
• zero-skill jobs

6. Skilled Job Eligibility Table for Malta

Sector	Example Jobs	Required Qualification	Visa Type	Official Link
IT	Software Engineer	Degree + Experience	KEI / Skilled	identitymalta.com
Engineering	Electrical Engineer	Bachelor Degree	Skilled Permit	jobsplus.gov.mt
Healthcare	Nurse, Lab Tech	Diploma + Recognition	Skilled Permit	identitymalta.com
Hospitality	Professional Chef	Culinary Training	Skilled Permit	jobsplus.gov.mt
Finance	Accountant	ACCA / Certification	Skilled Permit	identitymalta.com
Trades	Electrician, Welder	Vocational Training	Skilled Permit	jobsplus.gov.mt

7. How to Verify a Malta Employer (Government Method)

Use the Malta Business Registry (MBR):
https://mbr.mt

Check:

• company number
• VAT number
• directors
• legal status
• office address
• financial health
• registration certificate

If the company is not in this database, the job is fake.

Also check JobsPlus:
https://jobsplus.gov.mt

A genuine employer must:

• be registered
• have a valid employment license
• have no penalties
• pay according to Maltese law

8. Malta Work Permit Process – Very Detailed Step-by-Step

Step 1 – Employer Declares Vacancy to JobsPlus

JobsPlus must confirm a shortage.

Step 2 – Labour Market Test

Employer must show:

• advertisement for 2–3 weeks
• No Maltese/EU applicant available

Step 3 – Application to Identity Malta

Employer submits:

• contract
• training proof
• salary (must meet Maltese standards)
• passport details
• qualification documents

Step 4 – Identity Malta Evaluation

They check:

• education validity
• experience letters
• salary compliance
• company legitimacy
• applicant authenticity

Step 5 – Work Permit Approval

If approved, the applicant receives a letter.

Step 6 – Visa Application at the Malta Embassy

Present:

• police clearance
• medical insurance
• work permit approval
• passport
• biometrics

Step 7 – Arrival in Malta

The worker must:

• register address
• take biometrics
• collect residence permit
• begin work legally

Unskilled roles fail at Step 2, because employers cannot justify hiring non-EU workers.

9. Top Scam Indicators to Watch For

If you see any of these, it is a scam:

“No education needed”
“Pay first to get a contract”
“Guaranteed visa”
“Helper job available in Malta”
“Visa in 20 days”
“Employer wants an advance payment”
“WhatsApp-only communication”
“Contract without MBR registration number”
“Too low or unrealistic salary”

Genuine Malta employers never ask workers for money.

10. Why AtoZ Serwis Plus Does NOT Offer Unskilled Malta Jobs

We protect our clients by following EU law, meaning:

• no helper roles
• no unskilled categories
• no fake contracts
• no shortcuts
• no promises without verification
• only genuine companies
• complete documentation
• transparent pricing
• legal compliance

We work only in skilled and high-demand sectors, ensuring safe and lawful migration.

11. Final Honest Advice Before Applying for Malta

Before taking any step:

– understand Malta’s strict labour rules
– Avoid Facebook/TikTok job scams
– never pay for a contract
– verify employers through MBR
– prepare real qualifications
– do not trust “visa guaranteed” ads
– only apply through legal channels
– Remember: Malta approves ONLY skilled workers
– unskilled visas do NOT exist

Malta is a good opportunity for skilled workers —
But it is impossible for unskilled migrants.

 Detailed FAQs for Malta (Very Long & Fully Explained)

1. Does Malta allow non-EU citizens to apply for cleaner or helper jobs?

No. Malta does not approve any work permits for cleaners, helpers, packers, dishwashers, kitchen assistants, or general labour positions. These roles are filled locally and therefore do not require a labour market test.

 

2. Why does Malta reject unskilled work permit applications?

Because Malta must follow EU labour market priority laws, if Maltese or EU workers can fill the job, a non-EU worker cannot be hired. Unskilled roles do not require special training, so they never qualify.

 

3. What is the Single Work Permit in Malta?

This is Malta’s primary residence + work permit. It is granted only for skilled roles. Employers must justify that no EU worker is available.

 

4. What is the Key Employee Initiative (KEI)?

A fast-track work permit for highly skilled workers, including software developers, IT engineers, project managers, and finance specialists.

 

5. Does Malta offer work permits for factory helpers?

No. Only technical factory roles, such as CNC operators or machine technicians, qualify.

 

6. Is Malta easy for overseas workers?

No. Malta is one of the strictest EU countries regarding non-EU recruitment. Only skilled workers qualify.

 

7. Does Malta hire professional chefs?

Yes. Trained and experienced chefs are the ones who qualify, not kitchen helpers.

 

8. Are truck drivers eligible for Malta work permits?

Yes, but only if they have both European CPC certification and relevant experience.

 

9. Does Malta hire nurses?

Yes, but nurses must pass recognition and meet language requirements.

 

10. Can someone with no education apply for Malta?

No. Malta requires either a degree, diploma, or vocational training.

 

11. Does Malta accept online certificates?

Only if accredited. Many online certificates are rejected.

 

12. What documents are required for a Malta work permit?

Passport, employment contract, employer documents, qualifications, experience letters, police clearance, insurance, and biometrics.

 

13. Is English enough to work in Malta?

In many jobs, yes. However, some roles require Maltese or Italian.

 

14. Does Malta offer seasonal jobs to non-EU workers?

Very rare. Most seasonal roles are filled by EU citizens or residents already living in Malta.

 

15. Can a Non-EU worker enter Malta first and search for a job?

No. A job must be secured before entering.

 

16. Can someone switch employers after arriving?

Yes, but only if Identity Malta and JobsPlus approve a new work permit.

 

17. Are cleaners hired from overseas?

Never. These roles do not qualify.

 

18. Does Malta check company details strictly?

Yes. Malta checks registration, financial health, tax compliance, and labour history.

 

19. How long does the Malta work permit process take?

Regular Single Permit: 2–3 months
KEI: 5–10 working days (after employer submission)

 

20. Why do scam agents target Malta?

Because workers assume it is an English-speaking country, nd think securing a visa is easy.