Pre-Departure Course for First-Time Single-Permit Applicants
From January 2026, Malta will introduce a new Pre-Departure Course for all Third-Country Nationals (TCNs) applying for a Single Permit.
The Pre-Departure Course is designed to ensure that anyone coming to work in Malta meets basic standards in skills, English language, and cultural awareness. It serves as Malta’s official way of confirming that new workers are prepared for the local workplace and can integrate successfully into the community.
To obtain a work permit, all first-time Single Permit applicants will need to hold a valid Pre-Departure Course Certificate. The system is based on a two-part structure that combines national integration standards with sector-specific skills validation.
Part 1, which is mandatory for all first-time applicants, consists of a Pre-Departure Course.
This includes two online modules — Living and Working in Malta and Rights and Obligations at the Workplace — each followed by an assessment. Applicants will then attend a live interview to confirm their English language proficiency.
Part 2 applies only to certain occupations that require additional, sector-specific training—such as roles in tourism and hospitality —where both Pre-Departure Course and Skills Pass are necessary for eligibility.
The entire process can be completed online through the Skills Pass Portal, followed by an in-person verification interview at one of the designated assessment centres worldwide.
The rollout will begin on 5 January 2026, when the Pre-Departure Portal officially opens. From that date, applicants may start the Pre-Departure Course. Beginning 1 March 2026, Identità will start verifying full Pre-Departure Courses Certificates as part of the standard work permit application process.
The cost of this course is €250.
Part 1: Pre-Departure Integration course
Courses:
- Living and Working in Malta
- Rights and Obligations at the Workplace
– Each course requires approximately 10–12 hours of learning, including video modules, reading materials, and practice assignments, delivered through the Skills Pass platform
– The assessments will be followed by a 20-minute live online interview conducted either at ITS Malta or at an authorised Global Assessment Centre, verifying both language proficiency and understanding of course content.
– Candidates will have up to 42 days to complete Part 1 and may revisit the courses before their final interview.
Part 2: Sector-Specific Certification
Sectors governed by their own subsidiary legislation, such as Tourism and Hospitality, may introduce additional online modules and assessments as required by their respective policies or legal frameworks. These sector-specific components will form part of the Phase 2 interview.
These modules and/or assessments will be managed by the responsible body for such sector. Assessments will be in-line with the National Occupational Standards, as derived and adapted from time to time by the responsible body. The body corporate/authority responsible for the sector will lead the development of the assessments in line-with the guidelines provided by the Skills Pass Unit, to align with its systems.
Apply here as of 5th January 2026