Planning to Work in Malta? These 2 Jobs Come With Extra Requirements
Foreigners planning to work in Malta must meet additional training and certification requirements for tourism and hospitality jobs, beyond the standard documents required for a work permit.
The requirements form part of Malta’s updated rules for recruiting workers from outside the European Union, including Nigerians seeking employment in the European country.
Under the rules, first-time applicants for a Maltese Single Permit must complete a mandatory pre-departure course. However, those seeking jobs in tourism and hospitality face additional certification requirements.
According to Malta’s Identità immigration agency, the pre-departure course became mandatory for applicable first-time work permit applicants in 2026. Authorities began verifying the certificates on March 1, 2026.
1. Tourism jobs
Foreigners seeking jobs in Malta’s tourism industry must meet the applicable training and certification requirements before they can obtain a work permit.
The requirements cover positions such as receptionists, luggage porters and other workers whose duties fall within the sector.
Applicants must complete the pre-departure course and obtain the relevant Tourism and Hospitality Skills Pass certification, in line with the requirements for their roles.
The Skills Pass process includes online training, assessments and a verification interview. The training covers areas such as customer care, Malta’s tourism industry and the skills required for the selected occupation.
Applicants must successfully complete the required stages before receiving the relevant certificate.
The Maltese authorities introduced the Skills Pass framework to establish minimum standards for people working in the tourism and hospitality industry.
2. Hospitality jobs
Foreigners seeking employment in Malta’s hospitality sector must also meet the applicable training and certification requirements.
The category includes jobs in hotels, restaurants, bars and other hospitality establishments.
Depending on the position, applicants may need to demonstrate competence in customer service, food service or other occupation-specific duties.
However, the requirements differ according to the job. Applicants in front-facing positions must present the required Skills Pass certification, while some non-front-facing workers, including kitchen helpers, dishwashers and cleaners, are subject to different documentation requirements.
Malta’s Identità agency says applicants must check the requirements applicable to their specific roles before submitting their work permit applications.
How much does the training cost?
Malta introduced a €250 pre-departure course for applicable first-time work permit applicants from outside the European Union.
The course covers living and working in Malta, workplace rights and obligations, English proficiency and cultural awareness.
Applicants must complete online learning modules and assessments. They must also attend a live online interview to demonstrate their understanding of the course and their English language proficiency.
Those seeking tourism and hospitality jobs must meet the additional Skills Pass requirements applicable to their positions.
The total cost may therefore depend on the relevant certification process and the applicant’s occupation. Prospective workers should check the official Skills Pass portal for current fees and requirements before making payments.
What Nigerians planning to work in Malta should know
Nigerians considering employment in Malta should confirm that they meet the requirements for their intended jobs before accepting offers or beginning the permit application process.
Completing the training does not automatically guarantee employment or approval of a work permit. Applicants must still satisfy the other immigration and employment conditions.
Malta’s authorities have said the broader reforms are intended to strengthen oversight of labour migration, improve workers’ understanding of their rights and responsibilities, and ensure that people entering the country for employment are prepared for the workplace.
Prospective applicants can consult the official Identità website and the Skills Pass portal for the latest requirements.