Jobs in Malta are very popular with English speakers from all over the world who want to experience working abroad. Anyone who is not a Maltese citizen must obtain a work permit in order to work within this small island nation. To obtain this work permit, you must have an offer of employment. This means that you must first find a job. It can be difficult to find an employer who is willing to hire a foreign national. Malta is part of the EU. However, there is an agreement in place that allows the Maltese government to give preference to its own people for employment. The only real exceptions are in areas where your population has a shortage in a particular skill set.
One of the best ways to get a job in Malta is through high-tech positions or as a speaker and translator of a non-European language. Those two areas have a shortage of local people capable of managing them. Chances are increased if you also have a working knowledge of written and spoken Malti. Many people find that they are lucky to find a job if they take a few weeks to visit the island and meet the locals. Through a little networking, they may be able to find a seasonal job or find a niche where local talent is not in abundance.
Once you have a job offer, the next step in getting one of the jobs in Malta is to obtain a work permit. All non-Maltese citizens must have an employment license before they can work in the country. Your prospective employer must provide a written acknowledgment of the offer. The government will review all applications. They also have the option of refusing the license if a citizen has the necessary skill to do the job. These licenses are valid for up to one year and can be renewed. The biggest exception to the work permit rule is for people who own 40% or more of a business in Malta. They can usually get a work license that does not have an expiration date.
Jobs in Malta are difficult, but not impossible to get. Persistence and the right mix of skills often work. Living in this unique island nation is an experience many people treasure for years to come. This is why so many people struggle to get one of the jobs available to foreigners.