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    GMS Flash Alert 2024-034

    MT – New Pathway: Specialist Employee Initiative

    GMS Flash Alert 2024-034 | February 2, 2024

    For third-country nationals applying for a work permit in Malta, the Specialist Employee Initiative, ‘SEI’, has been introduced alongside the Ordinary Single Work Permit and the Key Employee Initiative (KEI).1  The Maltese government entity responsible for handling the applications, Identità, has created these categories to cater for the different levels of specialisation and of remuneration thereon, in an aim to expedite the processes for the two latter categories of applicants.

    WHY THIS MATTERS

    The Maltese government is aiming to provide employers and work permit applicants with greater efficiency and certainty when future planning and to expand the opportunities for entry and work in Malta.  The changes are expected to help Malta attract and retain the skilled workers it needs amidst ongoing skills shortages and an increasingly competitive marketplace.

    More Details

    To be eligible to apply under the SEI, the employee must earn a minimum annual gross salary of €25,000 and have relevant academic and practical qualifications at a minimum:

    Malta Qualification Frame (MQF) Level 6 or higher in an area directly related to the employment position being offered in Malta; OR

    Qualifications - academic, vocational, or other certified skill qualifications, which equate to an MQF level lower than MQF Level 6, but which are directly related to the position being offered by the Maltese employer.

    AND

    Proof of Experience - Reference letters of past employment showing a minimum 36 months of relevant work experience.

    The following table contains reference to the key differences between the different routes including the processing timeframes:

     
               

    Normal single
    permit application          

    		Specialist Employee
    Initiative (SEI)                              		Key Employee Initiative
    (KEI)                                          
    Validity of permit             1-2 years1-3 years1-3 years
    Application timeframe6-8 weeks

    15 working days

    		5 working days
    Eligibility criteria –
    Employment
    contract
    evidencing …    		At least the local
    minimum wage of
    €10,021 per annum    		At least €25,000 gross
    annual salary and
    qualifications + relevant
    job experience (36 months)    		At least €35,000 gross
    salary per annum and
    qualifications OR
    relevant job experience
    (36 months)
    Fee€300 (per year)€300 (per year)
    		€300 (per year)


    Source    : KPMG in Malta

    KPMG INSIGHTS

    While the expected timeframes are promising, we expect an initial period of adjustment. 

    In addition to the expedited processing timeframe, the potential for a lengthened validity period is also of note both for employees and employers as it would serve to dramatically reduce costs and uncertainty around the regular renewal process. 

    The existing entry framework for attracting foreign skilled workers to Malta has been limiting for employers and workers.  The changes announced regarding the SEI are expected to provide both employers and individuals aiming to come to Malta to work with greater flexibility, opportunity, efficiency, and certainty.

    If employers and migrating workers require clarity around eligibility and procedures, they should reach out to their global mobility professional or a member of the GMS team in Malta (see the Contacts section).

    Contacts

    simon-xuereb
    Simon Xuereb

    Partner

    KPMG in Malta

    Kathy Schembri Rivera
    Kathy Schembri Rivera

    Semior Manager

    KPMG in Malta

    Additional resources

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    Footnotes

    1  For more information, see the Identità website: https://identita.gov.mt/expatriates-unit-employment-related-permits-highly-qualified-individuals/ .

    * Please note the KPMG International member firm in the United States does not provide immigration or labour law services. However, KPMG Law LLP in Canada can assist clients with U.S. immigration matters.

    The information contained in this newsletter was submitted by the KPMG International member firm in Malta.

    Disclaimer

    The information contained in this newsletter was submitted by the KPMG International member firm in Malta.

    GMS Flash Alert is a Global Mobility Services publication of the KPMG LLP Washington National Tax practice. The KPMG name and logo are trademarks used under license by the independent member firms of the KPMG global organization. KPMG International Limited is a private English company limited by guarantee and does not provide services to clients. No member firm has any authority to obligate or bind KPMG International or any other member firm vis-à-vis third parties, nor does KPMG International have any such authority to obligate or bind any member firm. The information contained herein is of a general nature and is not intended to address the circumstances of any particular individual or entity. Although we endeavor to provide accurate and timely information, there can be no guarantee that such information is accurate as of the date it is received or that it will continue to be accurate in the future. No one should act on such information without appropriate professional advice after a thorough examination of the particular situation.

    © 2024 KPMG, a Maltese civil partnership and a member firm of the KPMG global organisation of independent member firms affiliated with KPMG International Limited, a private English company limited by guarantee. All rights reserved.