As of today, Wednesday, 1st October 2025, the second phase of Malta’s Labour Migration Policy comes into effect.

Vacancy & Advertisement requirements before hiring Third-Country Nationals

Before applying for the employment of new TCNs, whether Still Abroad or New application, employers must advertise the role on the Jobsplus portal and EURES for three weeks within the two months preceding the application. For KEI, SEI, EU Blue Card, and Skilled Occupation List applicants, the advertisement period is reduced to two weeks.

Applicants within the health sector, elderly and disability care, regulator-endorsed cases, sportspersons, and change-of-employer applications do not require vacancy advertising.

TCNs from Visa Exempt Countries - Submission Window

In addition, new rules clarify application procedures for TCNs from visa-exempt countries: those applying within 60 days of Schengen entry will receive an application receipt and may remain in Malta while their Single Permit is processed, while those applying between days 61 and 90 must wait outside the Schengen Area until a decision is reached. In such cases, an Approval in Principle (AIP) letter will be issued once processing is complete. The Malta Labour Migration Policy may be accessed from this link.