Malta introduces compulsory pre-departure exam costing N382,608 for visa applicants

The government Malta has introduced a mandatory pre-departure exam that costs approx. N382,608 (€250) for all first-time visa and work permit applicants from Third Country Nations, which includes Nigeria.

This takes effect from  March 1, 2026, for visa applicants prior to travelling to Malta, an English-speaking country in Southern Europe.

For those applying for a work permit, they are to apply to work in the country’s tourism and hospitality sector, which is the only sector that currently falls under its “Claimed sectors”.

The claimed sectors are those sectors covered by legislation or policy which carries out mandatory training and/or assessment to obtain the single work permit stating that the candidate is employed within the particular sector.

“Malta will introduce a new Pre-Departure Course for all Third-Country Nationals (TCNs) applying for a single permit. To obtain a work permit, all first-time single permit applicants will need to hold a valid pre-departure course certificate. The system is based on a two-part structure that combines national integration standards with sector-specific skills validation,” a statement by the Maltese official government website read.

The pre-departure course is designed to ensure that anyone coming to work in Malta meets basic standards in skills, English language, and cultural awareness. It serves as Malta’s official way of confirming that new workers are prepared for the local workplace and can integrate successfully into the community

Also, according to the Skills Pass, the dedicated donline platform where the application for the course is to be made, it states “As per the new labour migration policy any non-EU/EEA/EFTA national must first complete the mandatory pre-departure course prior to applying for the single work permit with Identita”. The pre-departure course is the first step for everyone. While for claimed sectors, the Skills Pass is also a requirement”.

Read also: Nigeria ranks 7th globally for schengen visa applications to France- Report

Why a pre-departure course

The move is aimed at improving preparedness, workplace standards and integration among foreign workers entering Malta’s labour market, as they  have become central to sustaining key sectors of the economy.

It comes against the backdrop of strong economic growth, low unemployment and persistent labour shortages, compounded by an ageing population.

Employers are being advised to factor this as an additional step into recruitment timelines when considering the hiring of third-country nationals.

Hence, the new requirement will make it more difficult for individuals with limited English proficiency to secure permission to work in the country.

Officials say the new system is designed to balance labour market needs with fair treatment, job stability and better integration for migrants. With this, the government aims to reduce worker turnover, prevent exploitation and ensure that migration more closely reflects genuine market demand.

Read also: Poland increases job search visa fee to €80

How the course is structured

The course is designed in  one part for general single permit applicants.

On the other hand, it is in two parts for those seeking work permit in certain roles to ensure that incoming workers meet basic standards in English language skills, workplace awareness and rights, as well as social and cultural integration.

Part one: All single permit applicants must complete the first part of the course. This includes online modules and assessments on “Living and Working in Malta” and “Rights and Obligations at the Workplace”. Applicants will also attend an in-person interview to confirm their English proficiency and understanding of the course content.

Part two: The second part applies only to applicants seeking roles in certain sectors that require additional certification, such as tourism and hospitality.

Those who currently hold single work permit are not required to take the course.

Applicants are to visit the Skills Pass website to apply for the course.

Ngozi Ekugo is a Senior Correspondent at BusinessDay. She holds a Masters in management from the University of Lagos, an undergraduate from University of Lagos, and is in an alumni of Queen's College. Shes currently an associate member of the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management (CIPM). She has a brief experience at Goldman sachs, London in its Human Capital Management division. She is interested in human capital development and is leveraging her varied experience across sectors to report labour and global mobility trends for stakeholders to make informed decisions.

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