Staff Recruitment in Malta: Essential Guide

Published on October 1, 2025 and written by Cyril Jarnias

Malta, a small Mediterranean archipelago at the crossroads of Europe and Africa, is attracting an increasing number of international companies thanks to its favorable economic environment and skilled workforce. Whether you’re a multinational looking to establish a presence on the island or a growing local startup, understanding the nuances of recruiting in Malta is essential for building a high-performing team. In this article, we’ll guide you through the key steps of the recruitment process, exploring the particularities of the Maltese labor market and best practices for attracting and retaining talent.

The Maltese Labor Market: A Pool of Diverse Talent

The Maltese labor market is characterized by its diversity and dynamism. With a workforce of approximately 260,000 people, Malta offers a unique blend of local and international workers. The most promising sectors include financial services, online gaming, information technology, and tourism. The Maltese workforce is generally well-trained, with a high rate of university graduates and good command of English, which is one of the country’s official languages alongside Maltese.

However, the Maltese labor market faces certain challenges. The unemployment rate is relatively low (around 3.5% in 2024), which can make the search for qualified candidates more competitive in certain sectors. Additionally, the country’s small size means that the local talent pool can sometimes be limited, especially for highly specialized positions.

To address these challenges, many companies turn to international recruitment. Malta, as a member of the European Union, benefits from the free movement of workers within the EU, thus facilitating the hiring of European professionals. The country has also implemented favorable immigration policies to attract skilled non-EU workers in key sectors.

Winning Strategies for Recruiting in Malta

To succeed in your recruitment efforts in Malta, it’s crucial to adopt a strategic approach tailored to the local context. Here are some effective methods for attracting the best talent:

Leverage Local Recruitment Channels

Online job sites are very popular in Malta. Platforms like Jobs in Malta, Maltajobs.com, and Keepmeposted.com.mt are widely used by local job seekers. Don’t hesitate to post your openings on these sites to maximize your visibility. Professional social networks, particularly LinkedIn, are also widely used and can be an excellent way to target passive candidates.

Collaborate with Specialized Recruitment Agencies

Local recruitment agencies can be invaluable, especially if you’re looking for specific profiles or are unfamiliar with the Maltese labor market. Agencies like Broadwing Jobs, Konnekt, and VacancyCentre have in-depth knowledge of the local market and can help you identify and attract the best candidates.

Participate in Job Fairs

Malta regularly organizes job fairs that attract a large number of local and international candidates. Events like the Malta Careers Fair or the ICT Jobs Fair are excellent opportunities to meet potential candidates in person and promote your employer brand.

Focus on Attracting International Talent

Given the limited size of the local labor market, it’s often necessary to recruit internationally. Malta offers attractive tax benefits for highly qualified foreign professionals, which can be a strong argument in your recruitment strategy. Make sure to highlight these benefits as well as the quality of life in Malta in your job postings.

Understanding Workers’ Rights in Malta

Before embarking on recruitment, it’s essential to understand the legal framework governing employment relationships in Malta. Maltese labor law is largely aligned with European standards and offers strong protection to employees.

Working Conditions and Compensation

The standard work week in Malta is 40 hours, with a maximum of 48 hours including overtime. Employees are entitled to a minimum of 24 days of paid leave per year, in addition to national holidays. The national minimum wage in 2025 is set at approximately 850 euros per month, but it’s important to note that wages in many sectors, particularly specialized fields, are significantly higher.

Protection Against Discrimination

Maltese legislation prohibits all forms of employment discrimination, whether based on gender, age, race, sexual orientation, religion, or disability. Employers must ensure that their recruitment and personnel management practices are fair and non-discriminatory.

Social Security and Benefits

Employers in Malta are required to contribute to the social security system for their employees. This covers retirement pensions, health insurance, unemployment benefits, and other social benefits. In 2025, the employer’s contribution amounts to 10% of the employee’s gross salary, with a weekly cap.

Termination and Severance

Maltese labor law provides for specific notice periods in case of termination, varying according to the employee’s seniority. In some cases, termination benefits may be due. It’s crucial to comply with these provisions to avoid any disputes.

Main Types of Employment Contracts in Malta

The choice of employment contract type is an important decision that will depend on your specific needs and the nature of the position to be filled. Here are the main types of contracts used in Malta:

Indefinite-Term Contract (Permanent)

This is the most common and secure type of contract for employees. It has no predetermined end date and offers the greatest job stability. Permanent contracts are often preferred by candidates and can be an asset for attracting the best talent, especially in competitive sectors.

Fixed-Term Contract

These contracts are concluded for a specific period or to accomplish a particular task. They are useful for temporary projects or to replace absent employees. In Malta, the maximum duration of a fixed-term contract is generally 4 years, after which it must be converted to a permanent contract if employment continues.

Part-Time Contract

These contracts are increasingly popular in Malta, offering flexibility to both employers and employees. Part-time workers enjoy the same rights as full-time employees, pro-rated to their working hours.

Apprenticeship and Internship Contract

Malta actively encourages apprenticeships and internships as means of integrating young people into the labor market. These contracts are subject to specific regulations and may benefit from government incentives.

Temporary Employment Contract

Although less common than in other European countries, temporary work exists in Malta and can be a solution for occasional or seasonal needs.

Regardless of the type of contract chosen, it’s essential that it be drafted in writing and contain all elements required by Maltese law, including job description, salary, working hours, and termination conditions.

Step-by-Step Procedure for Recruiting in Malta

The recruitment process in Malta generally follows these steps:

1. Job Definition and Job Posting Creation

Start by clearly defining the position to be filled, the required skills, and employment conditions. Write an attractive job posting, highlighting not only the position’s responsibilities but also the benefits of working for your company and living in Malta.

2. Job Posting Publication and Candidate Search

Distribute your posting on Maltese job platforms, professional social networks, and through recruitment agencies if necessary. Don’t forget to leverage your local professional network.

3. Candidate Screening

Carefully review the received CVs and cover letters. In Malta, it’s common to request professional references, so make sure to include this request in your screening process.

4. Interviews and Testing

Organize interviews with selected candidates. These can be conducted in person or via video conference for international candidates. Skills or personality tests are often used, especially for technical or managerial positions.

5. Final Selection and Verifications

Once the ideal candidate is identified, conduct necessary verifications, including professional background and, if applicable, qualifications.

6. Job Offer and Negotiation

Present a formal job offer to the selected candidate. Be prepared to negotiate the terms of the contract, including salary, benefits, and working conditions.

7. Administrative Formalities

Once the offer is accepted, prepare the employment contract and ensure it complies with Maltese legislation. For non-EU employees, initiate procedures for obtaining a work permit.

8. Onboarding

Prepare an onboarding program for your new employee. This is particularly important if the candidate is foreign and needs to adapt to life and work in Malta.

Required Documents for Hiring in Malta

To finalize the hiring of an employee in Malta, you will need the following documents:

• Copy of the candidate’s ID card or passport
• Maltese social security number (for Maltese residents) or proof of application (for newcomers)
• Updated CV and copies of relevant degrees and qualifications
• Professional references (if requested)
• Work permit for non-EU nationals
• Police certificate (for certain sectors like finance or gaming)
• Engagement form to submit to Jobsplus (the national employment agency)

For non-EU employees, the process is more complex and generally requires obtaining a work permit before employment begins. The employer must submit an application to Identity Malta, the government agency responsible for managing work permits. The process can take several weeks, so it’s advisable to start the procedures as early as possible.

Conclusion: Recruiting in Malta, an Investment in Your Company’s Future

Recruiting staff in Malta may seem complex at first, but with a good understanding of the local market and established procedures, it’s a process that can prove very rewarding. The diversity of the talent pool, combined with a favorable economic environment and attractive quality of life, makes Malta a destination of choice for companies seeking growth and innovation.

Remember that recruitment is only the first step. To get the most out of your employees in Malta, it’s crucial to create a positive work environment, foster professional development, and adapt to local cultural specificities. By investing in your human resources, you’ll lay the foundation for sustainable growth and long-term success in the Maltese market and beyond.