The Specialist Employee Initiative (SEI) is an alternative route for highly skilled third-country nationals, who may not be eligible for the Key Employee Initiative, but who hold the relevant academic, vocational or technical skills in line with their employment offer in Malta. SEI applications are submitted under the Single Permit Regulations (S.L. 217.17).

The processing time for SEI applications is fifteen (15) working days, starting from the date of application submission. An application is deemed submitted only when all the requested documentation, as outlined in the relevant checklist, is submitted.