Malta - Highly-qualified worker - European Commission

Where and how to apply

You are required to apply for a KEI at Identita’ by submitting an application via the following website: Single Permit - Welcome (gov.mt) - It will be updated.

The application consists of a single process application and incorporates the issue of an employment licence (work permit).

Documents required

The CEA Form C (Non-EU) – Application for a residence permit on the basis of employment. The form must be endorsed by the employer with an official stamp and signature of the responsible official;
the form ID 1A – Identity Registration Form – Non-Maltese Nationals, together with an application fee of €280.50. Payment must be addressed to ‘Identita’’ if made by cheque;
a full copy of the passport, including the blank pages;
a covering letter by the employer, explaining in detail why this position is necessary and stating that the applicant has the necessary credentials to perform the duties being assigned;
a work contract signed by the applicant and employer indicating a minimum annual gross salary of €30,000;
a curriculum vitae of the applicant, according to the template provided, signed by the applicant;
certified copies of relevant qualifications, warrants or reference letters of the applicant relating to the job that needs to be provided, together with recognition from the Malta Qualifications Recognition and Information Centre (MQRIC). Where recognition has not yet been obtained, a copy of the receipt from MQRIC needs to be attached with the application;
a comprehensive health-insurance policy, showing all aspects being covered, which supports the applicant in the eventuality of requiring any type of medical assistance or hospitalisation during the whole period of stay in Malta;
the lease agreement or purchase agreement of property which makes clear reference to the applicant. If renting a property, the applicant is required to present a Rental Declaration Form signed by the owner of the same property. The termination date should be specified in the lease agreement;
employers are requested to send an email to workpermmit [dot] idcugov [dot] mt (workpermmit[dot]idcu[at]gov[dot]mt) and to read and follow the instructions that will be communicated by the automatic email of the IDCU work permit unit (part of infectious disease prevention and control unit). Once ALL documents are received and vetted, employers will receive the approval form by email. The approval form must be presented to Identita’ with the submission of the application of the employee.

Duration of validity of permits

Approved applicants will be issued with a residence permit which will be valid for a period of one year in its initial year. Subsequently, this may be renewed for a longer period (of up to three years), provided that the applicant presents (i) a valid definite or indefinite contract, together with (ii) the original annual tax declaration form stamped by the Inland Revenue Department.

Appeals

If your application for a KEI Single Permit is rejected, you may wish to lodge an appeal to this decision with the Immigration Appeals Board. The appeal must be submitted within three (3) working days from the date of receipt of this letter. Any communication to the said Board should be addressed to:

The Secretary

Immigration Appeals Board

15, 1^st Floor, City Gate Buildings,

Ordnance Street

Valletta VLT 1020

Note that any appeal you may lodge with the aforementioned Board shall not prejudice the above-mentioned decision until the Appeal Board’s proceedings are finalised. If you decide to lodge an appeal, you may wish to appoint a special mandatory to represent you in any of the sittings that may eventually be held during your absence.

Unemployment	Termination of employment must be officially reported to the Public Employment Agency, that is, JobsPlus. Your residence permit will be cancelled in the event of unemployment.
Change of employment	Employment licences issued under the Key Employee Initiative are tied to a specific employer and position. If you want to change jobs, you need to submit a new application.
Change of status	Provided you meet the necessary conditions, you can change status and apply for a residence permit, including for other reasons than employment.
Long-term residence	The long-term resident status can be obtained after five years of legal and continuous residence if you satisfy the requirements of Subsidiary Legislation 217.05 The Status of Long Term Residents (Third Country Nationals) Regulations.
Family Members	Your family members may join you in accordance with the provisions of Subsidiary Legislation 217.06 Family Reunification Regulations or else the relative policies in the ‘Family Members Policy - Policy on family members of third-country nationals who do not qualify for family reunification by means of the Family Reunification Regulations S.L. 217.06 \| Identity Malta Agency’. Information regarding the documents to be submitted are available on the application form CEA-Form-G-2.pdf (identitymalta.com)

Malta - Highly-qualified worker

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