Specialist Employee Initiative
The Specialist Employee Initiative (SEI) offers a faster route to the single permit (for work and residence) application procedure for non-EU/EEA/Swiss nationals (also referred to as third-country nationals or TCNs) holding relevant academic, vocational or technical skills (but do not qualify under the Key Employee Initiative (KEI)).
Malta Specialist Employee Initiative
The faster route is available to TCNs who have received a firm job offer in Malta (and can show a signed work contract) for a position which requires relevant qualifications and/or adequate experience commensurate with the position. The application may only be submitted by the employer and the subsequent permit will be specific to the position and employer in question.
The person applying under the Specialist Employee Initiative must have been offered a position with an annual gross salary of at least €30,000 (effective from 1 August 2025) and must provide all relevant qualification certificates showing either an MQF Level 6 or higher qualification relevant to the position, or other academic, vocational or certified skills qualifications which equate to an MQF level lower than Level 6, but is relevant to the position being offered, together with a declaration by the prospective employer confirming that the applicant has all the necessary skills and qualifications for the duties involved in the position.
Approved applicants will be issued with a work and residence permit valid for 1 year, specifically related to the position applied for. However, subsequent renewals may be issued for a longer period (up to 3 years).
The renewal process includes submitting a valid employment contract and evidence that all relevant income tax returns and declarations have been submitted.
Any permission for changes in designation or employer must be applied for and approved before it can be put into effect.
The expected processing time for a completed application with all relevant supporting documentation is between 15 to 20 working days. The applicable fee payable to the authorities for the issue of a 1-year permit is currently €300.
Beginning in August 2025, SEI applicants will be required to present evidence of a two-week advertisement period conducted across appropriate media platforms.
How Can We Help?
Are you considering applying for the Malta Specialist Employee Initiative (SEI)? For more information regarding the above or any other aspect of tax residence in Malta, please contact us, and we’ll schedule a residency consultation and answer any additional questions you may have.
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- Papilio Services Limited 168 St Christopher Street, Valletta, VLT 1467, Malta, Europe
- +35622582000
- enquiries@papilioservices.com