With the recently rolled out employment in Malta, the nation has gained attention from job seekers from all over the world. Though the country is a small Mediterranean island nation, its thriving economy has achieved higher growth over the years making the country workforce solid as ever. Recently, the country has been known to be one of the best places to go to seek seasonal and temporary jobs. Malta, a small Mediterranean island nation, has become an attractive destination for foreigners looking for temporary work opportunities.
Its booming tourism, agriculture, construction, and hospitality industries create seasonal labor demands throughout the year. To manage these demands while ensuring proper regulation of non EU workers, Malta offers a Seasonal Worker Permit. The Malta Seasonal Worker Permit allows third-country nationals (TCNs) to legally work in Malta for a fixed period, specifically in roles tied to seasonal needs.
This pathway is important not only for job seekers from Africa, Asia, and beyond but also for Maltese employers who depend on additional manpower during peak business months. This guide explains everything you need to know about the Malta Seasonal Worker Permit in 2025 from eligibility requirements and application steps to costs, processing time, and new migration rules taking effect from August 2025.
What Is the Malta Seasonal Worker Permit?
The Seasonal Worker Permit is a legal document that grants permission to non-European nationals to work in Malta for a short duration. The work duration is usually 9 months max and it’s usually during the harvesting period for agriculture related jobs. months within a rolling 12-month cycle.
Don’t get me wrong, the malta seasonal worker permits only grants workers the permission to work for a short duration of time, it’s temporary and it’s not like full time employment. This permit is of ten applicable in sectors like agriculture and farming, hospitality and catering, construction and manual labour, tourism related services and logistics.
During the fruit harvesting season, Malta offers seasonal permits for job seekers interested in fruit picking and harvesting, while construction workers are often needed during building projects, and additional staff are required during holiday periods to support the tourism industry.
Why Malta Needs Seasonal Workers
Malta’s economy relies heavily on tourism, hospitality, and construction. The summer months, festivals, and the year-end holiday period significantly increase demand for workers. However, Malta’s population is under 600,000, and local manpower often cannot cover the seasonal labor gap.
Seasonal worker permits help Malta:
- Fill temporary labor shortages without long-term immigration commitments.
- Provide flexible workforce solutions for employers.
- Allow foreigners to earn income legally while contributing to the economy.
For workers, this system offers:
- A chance to gain European work experience.
- Opportunities for income growth compared to home countries.
- A potential stepping stone toward longer-term permits if career prospects improve.
Eligibility Criteria for 2025
To qualify for the Malta Seasonal Worker Permit in 2025, applicants must meet the following conditions:
- Non-EU/EEA/Swiss Citizen: The permit is only for third-country nationals (TCNs). It’s not made available for EU/EEA/Swiss citizens as they do not need such permits.
- Job Offer from a Maltese Employer: To be qualified all applicants must have owned a valid employment contract or binding job offer for seasonal work. The employer must be accredited and licensed before they can endorse your application.
- Accommodation Proof: You must show proof of adequate housing in Malta. Some employers provide accommodation, especially in hospitality or agriculture.
- Health Insurance: Proof of sickness or health insurance valid in Malta is mandatory.
- Financial Resources: Evidence of sufficient funds to support yourself until you start earning.
- Clear Criminal Record: Applicants must provide police clearance from their home country or residence country.
- Job-Specific Qualifications: For some jobs like lifeguards or chefs, you may need proof of skills or certification.
Documents Required For Application
When applying for the permit, prepare the following documents:
- Valid passport (minimum 6 months validity)
- Passport-sized photos
- Signed employment contract or job offer letter
- Proof of financial means
- Health insurance covering Malta
- Police clearance certificate
How To Apply For Malta Seasonal Worker Permit 2025
Below is a step by step guide on the application process for seasonal work in Malta:
Step 1: Secure a Job Offer
You cannot apply without an employer in Malta. Employers must first register the vacancy locally. If no Maltese/EU candidates are available, they can hire a third-country national.
Step 2: Employer Endorses Your Application
The employer or authorized representative submits the seasonal worker application to Identity Malta.
Step 3: Application Submission
Documents are submitted along with the application fee. In some cases, applicants may also need to apply for a Schengen visa at the Maltese embassy/consulate.
Step 4: Processing
Applications undergo background checks, labor market testing, and verification.
Step 5: Issuance of Permit
If approved, you receive either: A short-stay visa (up to 90 days), or A residence permit card (for up to 9 months).
Costs Involved In Applying For A Malta Seasonal Work Permit
The fees involved in applying for the Malta Seasonal Worker Permit in 2025 includes:
- Application fee: around €300 (Identity Malta standard for seasonal permits).
- Visa fee (short-stay, if applicable): approx. €100.
- Health insurance: varies, usually €50–€150 depending on coverage.
You might also be required to pay for other costs like document translations, police clearance, and possible agency fees. Processing time varies based on workload and the applicant’s background, usually taking 2–6 months (minimum 2 months), though delays may occur due to incomplete documents or seasonal demand, so it is best to apply well in advance of the intended work season.
With a seasonal worker permit in Malta, you are entitled to work legally for the sponsoring employer, receive wages and benefits in line with Maltese labor laws, access safe working and living conditions, and, in certain cases, change employer subject to Identity Malta’s approval
New Migration Policy Updates
From 1 August 2025, Malta is introducing new rules affecting labor migration, including seasonal workers. Key measures include:
- Job vacancy posting requirements: Employers must prove they advertised jobs locally before hiring TCNs.
- Skill retention checks: Authorities will evaluate whether seasonal labor affects Malta’s long-term workforce planning.
- Fee adjustments: Application and renewal fees may increase slightly.
- Tighter employer obligations: Employers must ensure proper housing and contracts before applications are approved.
These reforms aim to balance Malta’s need for foreign workers with local labor protection.
Industries Hiring Seasonal Workers in Malta
- Agriculture and Farming: Seasonal demand peaks in spring and summer. Jobs include fruit picking, greenhouse work, and livestock assistance.
- Hospitality and Catering: Hotels, resorts, and restaurants hire chefs, waiters, bartenders, cleaners, and kitchen helpers during tourist seasons.
- Tourism Services: Guides, lifeguards, event assistants, and support staff are needed especially between May and October.
- Construction: Ongoing building projects mean seasonal openings for laborers, electricians, and technicians.
- Logistics and Warehousing: E-commerce growth creates short-term warehouse and delivery jobs.
Salary Expectations
Wages for seasonal workers vary depending on the industry, location and job. However below are the salary speculation for each seasonal role in Malta:
- Agriculture & manual labor: €800–€1,200/month.
- Hospitality (waiters, cleaners, helpers): €1,000–€1,400/month.
- Skilled roles (chefs, electricians, technicians): €1,500–€2,000/month.
Common Challenges Faced When Applying For Malta Seasonal Worker Permit
- Long processing times – delays may cause missed work seasons.
- High competition – seasonal roles attract applicants from Asia, Africa, and Eastern Europe.
- Employer dependency – changing jobs is not straightforward.
- Housing shortages – accommodation can be costly during peak tourism seasons.
Tips for Successful Application
- Apply at least 3–6 months before the intended season.
- Ensure all documents are complete and translated into English.
- Choose reputable employers who comply with Identity Malta rules.
- Keep copies of all documents for personal records.
- Consider using job agencies linked with Maltese companies, but avoid scams.
Conclusion
The Malta Seasonal Worker Permit 2025 provides a valuable opportunity for non-EU citizens to work legally in one of Europe’s most attractive destinations. Whether in agriculture, hospitality, tourism, or construction, seasonal workers play a vital role in Malta’s economy. With the maximum stay capped at 9 months per year, this permit is ideal for those seeking temporary income and international experience.
However, applicants must carefully prepare their documents, apply early, and meet all eligibility requirements to increase their chances of approval. As Malta introduces new migration rules in August 2025, workers and employers alike must stay informed about updated requirements. Done right, the seasonal worker permit can open doors to rewarding short-term opportunities and set the foundation for future work prospects in Europe.