Dubai to Malta Relocation Checklist for OFWs

Relocating from the UAE to Malta involves wrapping up your affairs in Dubai while preparing for your new life in Europe. This checklist ensures you do not miss any critical steps.

• Resign properly — give your employer the required notice period (usually 30 days). Ensure you receive your end-of-service gratuity and any outstanding salary
• Cancel your UAE residence visa — your employer must cancel your visa. Get a stamped cancellation receipt
• Collect your passport — if your employer holds your passport, retrieve it during the cancellation process
• Close or update bank accounts — decide whether to close your UAE bank account or keep it open for final transfers. Settle any outstanding credit cards or loans
• Cancel subscriptions — phone plan (Etisalat/du), internet, gym memberships, DEWA utilities if under your name
• Settle housing — give landlord notice per your lease terms. Get your security deposit back

• Get your OEC/OFW pass — apply through the DMW portal. If you are a direct hire (not through an agency), you may need to visit POLO Dubai for contract verification
• Gather original documents — passport, Single Permit approval letter, employment contract, police clearance, medical certificate, educational documents
• Apostille your Philippine documents — DFA (Department of Foreign Affairs) apostille is required for some documents used in Malta
• Make certified copies — have 3–4 certified copies of your passport, birth certificate, and employment contract

• Clothing — bring layers. Malta summers are hot but winters are cool and damp. Pack a good waterproof jacket for autumn and winter
• Electronics — Malta uses UK-style 3-pin plugs (Type G). Bring adaptors or buy them at the airport
• Filipino essentials — pack hard-to-find items like specific condiments or snacks, though most are available at Asian stores in Malta
• Documents folder — keep all original documents in a carry-on folder. Do not check them in luggage
• Cash — bring €200–€300 in cash for first-day expenses. Malta uses the Euro

• Day 1–2: Register with Identity Malta — visit their office in Valletta with your permit approval and passport to start the residence card process
• Day 1–2: Get a SIM card — buy a GO or Melita prepaid SIM (€10–€15) at the airport or any phone shop
• Day 3–5: Open a bank account — go to Bank of Valletta or HSBC with your passport, employment contract, and Identity Malta receipt
• Day 3–5: Get a Tallinja card — apply online or at a Tallinja kiosk for a monthly bus pass (€26/month)
• Day 5–7: Register for social security — visit the Inland Revenue Department in Floriana with your employment contract
• Day 7: Start work — CleanerPlace provides full training in your first week. You will shadow experienced team members before working independently

• Identity Malta — for residence permits and immigration queries
• Jobsplus — Malta's employment services agency
• Philippine Embassy in Rome — the nearest Philippine embassy covering Malta
• CleanerPlace HR — we help with accommodation search, permit registration, and settling in. Email hr@cleanerplacemalta.com