Malta skilled worker permits: KEI and SEI

The SEI is for skilled workers who do not reach the KEI criteria. You need a signed contract with a Maltese-registered company, an annual gross salary of at least €30,000, and either a qualification at MQF level 6 or higher directly related to the job, or a lower certified qualification related to the job together with at least three years of directly relevant experience.

Experience is proved with previous contracts signed by both parties, an employment history certified by the official employment authority of the country concerned, or reference letters showing dates, duties and the referee’s e-mail, postal address and phone number.

The KEI is a fast track for third-country nationals offered a managerial or highly technical position in Malta that requires relevant qualifications or adequate experience. The employer must show an annual gross salary of at least €45,000 and certified copies of qualifications, warrants or proof of work experience. The route is also open to innovators in start-up projects specifically endorsed by Malta Enterprise. The due diligence is the same as for the ordinary Single Permit, only faster.

Only the employer can apply, through the Single Permit Online Portal after Identità approves its access. You confirm the data through an e-mailed link and the employer makes the final submission after online payment. For KEI, SEI and Blue Card files the labour-market step is lighter than for an ordinary Single Permit: proof of one job advert on an appropriate local media platform for at least two weeks within the two months before applying, instead of three weeks with Jobsplus and EURES. The Pre-Departure Course applies to first-time Single Permit applicants in general.

Identità expects to process KEI applications within five working days and SEI applications within fifteen working days. The clock starts only when every document on the checklist has been uploaded; an incomplete upload is not treated as a submitted application. Workers who need a visa then add the D visa stage.

A KEI residence permit is issued for one year at first. It can then be renewed for up to three years if you present a valid definite or indefinite contract and the original annual tax declaration stamped by the Inland Revenue Department. Renewal costs €150 per year of the permit. SEI renewals also run up to three years as long as you still meet the criteria and the contract covers the whole period.

Under Identità’s family members policy most sponsors must wait 12 months after their first permit. For KEI and SEI holders Identità will consider waiving that year once the sponsor has at least an Approval in Principle, provided income is at least €50,000 gross a year covering the sponsor and one dependant, plus €6,000 for each additional dependant. Each family member needs health insurance with €100,000 cover, and school-age children need an application for a private school in Malta.