Malta Work Permit for Filipinos

Malta uses a Single Permit (also called the Single Application Procedure) for non-EU workers. This one permit covers both your right to live in Malta and your right to work — you do not need a separate visa and work permit.

The application is employer-led, meaning your Maltese employer submits the application on your behalf through Identity Malta. You cannot apply on your own without a job offer.

The process starts with a confirmed job offer from a licensed Maltese employer. The employer must demonstrate that they tried to fill the role with EU nationals first (a labour market test). At CleanerPlace, we handle this entire process for you.

View our current job openings for Filipino workers.

As the applicant, you need to provide:

• Valid passport — at least 6 months remaining validity
• Police clearance certificate — from your home country (Philippines) and your current country of residence (e.g. UAE if you are in Dubai). Must be recent (within 6 months) and apostilled
• Medical fitness certificate — from an approved medical practitioner
• CV / resume — detailing your work experience
• Passport-size photos — white background, recent
• Proof of qualifications — if applicable to the role

Your employer will also submit company documents including their trading licence, financial statements, and a completed application form.

Your employer files the Single Permit application with Identity Malta (the government agency handling immigration). The application includes your documents, the employment contract, and evidence that no suitable EU candidate was found.

Processing time is typically 8–12 weeks, though it can be faster or slower depending on the volume of applications.

As a Filipino citizen working overseas, you must comply with the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW, formerly POEA) requirements:

• Verify the employer — check that your employer or recruitment agency is accredited with POEA/DMW
• OEC (Overseas Employment Certificate) — also known as the OFW pass. You can apply for this online through the DMW portal
• POLO verification — if there is a Philippine Overseas Labor Office in your current country (e.g. POLO Dubai), your contract may need to be verified there
• PDOS (Pre-Departure Orientation Seminar) — required for first-time OFWs. Available online or in person at OWWA offices

CleanerPlace provides all employer documentation needed for POEA/DMW verification.

Once your Single Permit is approved, you can travel to Malta. Upon arrival:

• Report to Identity Malta to register your presence and collect biometrics for your residence card
• Register for a social security number at the Inland Revenue Department
• Open a bank account (Bank of Valletta or HSBC Malta)
• Your employer will register you with the Employment and Training Corporation (Jobsplus)

Your first Single Permit is valid for 1 year. Renewal is straightforward if you are still employed. After 5 continuous years of legal residence, you can apply for EU long-term resident status, which gives you the right to live and work in Malta indefinitely.

This is a major advantage over Gulf countries where permanent residency is extremely difficult to obtain.

Can I bring my family? Yes, after your permit is approved you can apply for family reunification for your spouse and dependent children.

Can I change employers? Yes, but you need to apply for a new Single Permit with your new employer. Your residence status continues during the transition.

What if my application is rejected? Your employer can appeal the decision. Common reasons for rejection include incomplete documents or issues with the labour market test.