The Specialist Employee Initiative (SEI) is a residence and work permit pathway designed for highly skilled third-country nationals who may not qualify under the KEI, but who possess the academic qualifications, vocational training, technical expertise, or professional experience required for their role in Malta.

Key Features

• Fast-track processing within 15 working days for eligible highly skilled professionals.
• The right to live and work in Malta legally.
• Visa-free travel within the Schengen Area for up to 90 days within any 180-day period.
• Eligibility to benefit from expedited family reunification provisions, subject to applicable requirements.

Who May Qualify

• Highly skilled third-country nationals who have been offered an employment contract with a gross annual salary of at least €30,000.
• Possess an MQRIC-recognised MQF Level 6 (or higher) qualification relevant to the role, or a lower relevant qualification supported by at least three years of related professional experience.

The EU Blue Card is a residence and work permit designed for highly qualified third-country nationals seeking to undertake highly skilled employment in Malta. It provides eligible professionals with the right to reside and work in Malta while benefiting from rights granted under applicable Maltese and European Union legislation.

Key Features

• Residence and work authorization for highly qualified third-country nationals.
• Retain legal residence rights for up to 3 months following termination of employment if employed for less than two years, or up to 6 months if employed for two years or more.
• Eligibility for family reunification in accordance with Maltese and EU legislation.
• A pathway towards long-term residence, subject to continued compliance with immigration requirements.
• Visa-free travel within the Schengen Area for up to 90 days within any 180-day period.

Who May Qualify

• Be a third-country national applying to reside or already residing in Malta for the purpose of highly qualified employment.
• Hold a valid employment contract or a binding job offer for highly qualified employment in Malta for a minimum period of six (6) months.
• Receive a salary meeting the applicable EU Blue Card threshold, which must be at least 1.5 times the average gross annual salary in Malta.
• For unregulated professions, possess relevant higher professional qualifications related to the position.
• For regulated professions, provide evidence of fulfilment of the professional qualification requirements established by the relevant legislation.

The Highly Skilled Individuals (HSI) Rules, introduced through Legal Notice 20 of 2026, provide a preferential tax scheme for individuals occupying eligible offices within sectors regulated by designated Maltese competent authorities, including Malta Enterprise, the Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA), Transport Malta, the Office of the Chief Medical Officer, and the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA).

Key Features

• A preferential 15% income tax rate on qualifying employment income.
• Access to one of Malta’s most attractive tax incentive schemes for highly qualified professionals.
• Long-term tax benefits, subject to continued compliance with the programme requirements.
• A predictable and efficient tax environment that supports international talent relocating to Malta
• A five-year benefit period, renewable subject to regulatory requirements.

Who May Qualify

• Be legally employed in Malta in an eligible position listed within the relevant guidelines issued by the Malta Tax and Customs Administration (MTCA), under the remit of an approved competent authority.
• Be in receipt of a qualifying employment contract providing a minimum annual gross salary of €65,000, excluding fringe benefits and allowances, as adjusted in accordance with the applicable regulations.
• Satisfy any additional eligibility requirements established by the competent authority regulating the respective sector.
• Not be domiciled in Malta.