Exchange in Malta: Is it possible to work?
In 2025, this small European country stands out for allowing students to work legally from the first day of the course, supplementing their income while living a transformative experience. Discover how this unique opportunity works and why so many Brazilians choose Study and Work in Malta.
Work permit for students in Malta
One of the biggest advantages of choosing Malta as an exchange destination is the possibility of working legally from the start. Unlike other countries that impose grace periods, the Maltese government allows students in programs starting at 16 weeks to work up to 20 hours a week during the term of office. During school holidays, it is possible to work full time, up to 40 hours a week.
To obtain a work permit, it is necessary to have a formal job offer from a company registered in Malta. The process is separate from the student visa and is requested through Jobsplus, the agency responsible for employment in the country. The fee for this process is €230, an amount that is quickly paid with the first weeks of work. It is worth noting that students must maintain a minimum attendance of 75% in the course to preserve their right to work legally.
Employment opportunities for Brazilians
Malta has a warm and welcoming labor market for international students, with an unemployment rate of just 3.2% in 2025. Brazilians are particularly valued for their ease of communication and adaptation to multicultural environments.
Key sectors that employ international students include:
- Tourism and hospitality: Hotels, restaurants, bars and cafés, with average salaries of €7-10 per hour, often supplemented by tips
- Multilingual call centers: Companies value native Portuguese speakers, paying between €9-12 per hour
- iGaming (online betting): A growing sector in Malta, with starting positions that pay starting at €1,200 monthly
- Retail trade: Stores in malls and tourist areas, with compensation of €7-8 per hour
- Language schools: Opportunities as assistants, monitors or receptionists, especially for those who speak Portuguese
As highlighted by Be Easy in your complete guide to exchange in Malta, the country is particularly interesting for those seeking to gain international professional experience while studying.
Minimum wage and financial expectations
The minimum wage in Malta for 2025 is around €7.00 per hour for part-time workers. For a student who works the maximum allowed 20 hours per week, this represents approximately €560 per month. This amount makes it possible to cover a large part of the monthly expenses, creating a healthy financial balance during the exchange.
During school holidays, the possibility of working full time makes it possible to double this income, reaching approximately €1,120 per month, an amount that often exceeds all monthly expenses. Many students take advantage of this period to save and finance trips around Europe or save resources for the next term.
Cost of living in major Maltese cities
Proper financial planning is essential to make the most of your experience in Malta. The country offers a cost of living around 20% lower than other popular European destinations, making it an attractive option for international students.
- Accomodation: It represents the highest monthly expense, ranging between €350-450 for shared rooms in student residences and €400-650 for shared apartments, depending on the location.
- Food: Spending around €200-250 a month at the supermarket is enough to prepare meals at home. Add €100-150 for some occasional restaurant meals.
- Transportation: Malta offers a special benefit for students in programs longer than 12 weeks - paying only a single fee of €28 to obtain the transport card, valid for the entire period of the exchange.
- Utilities and communication: Approximately €100-150 per month covers electricity, water, internet and cell phone plan.
- Leisure and extras: Reserve €100-150 monthly for entertainment, fitness, and cultural activities.
According to Be Easy's complete guide to Malta costs, the average total monthly expenses are around €780, which means that by working 20 hours a week, you can cover approximately 70% of your expenses.
How to find a job in Malta
Finding employment in Malta during your exchange requires strategy and proper preparation. Most students get employment within the first 3-4 weeks after arrival, as long as they follow expert recommendations.
The job search process includes:
- Preparation of the European curriculum: Adapt your curriculum to the format valued in Malta, highlighting relevant language skills and experiences
- Registration on online platforms: Sites like Malta.com, keepmeposted.com.mt and jobsinmalta.com they are excellent sources of opportunities
- Networking: Attend events for international students and social media groups such as “Brazilians in Malta”
- In-person visits: Especially for the hospitality sector, delivering resumes in person at hotels and restaurants is still effective
- Participation in job fairs: Events organized by language schools often connect students with local employers
It should be noted that, as explained in the article about job opportunities during the exchange in Malta, Portuguese-speakers have a significant competitive advantage, especially in companies that serve Brazilian or Portuguese markets.
Comparison: working in Malta vs. Brazil on minimum wage
Analyzing purely from the financial aspect, working in Malta during the exchange has significant advantages compared to minimum wage work in Brazil. While the Brazilian minimum wage of R$ 1,518 per month often barely covers basic needs, the approximately R$ 3,600 (€560) that a student can earn working part-time in Malta provides greater financial comfort.
But the comparison goes beyond the monetary value. International professional experience is a valuable differentiator for the curriculum, opening doors to future opportunities. Brazilian employers increasingly value professionals with experience abroad, especially those who demonstrate the ability to adapt to multicultural environments and proficiency in English in a professional context.
As Tips on student visa requirements in Malta complement this scenario, showing that, with proper planning, it is possible to transform your exchange into a financially sustainable and professionally enriching experience.
Key benefits of studying and working in Malta
The program of Study and Work in Malta it goes far beyond just earning an extra salary. The benefits cover various aspects of personal and professional development. You develop language skills through total immersion, practicing English not only in classes but also in the work environment on a daily basis. This is one of the most effective ways to achieve fluency quickly.
The experience also provides the development of intercultural skills, learning to work in diverse teams and to adapt to different communication styles. Malta, being an international tourist destination, offers contact with people of various nationalities. This multicultural environment enriches your experience and broadens your worldview, skills highly valued in the global market.
For a complete analysis of exchange in Malta and its job possibilities, you will find detailed information on how to maximize this unique experience that combines learning, work, and cultural immersion.
Be Easy
A Be Easy offers full support to fulfill your dream of studying and working in Malta. Our specialized team assists at every stage of the process: from choosing the ideal course to preparing the international curriculum and guidance on the Maltese labor market. With the program Study and Work in Malta, we provide exclusive interview workshops and connect you to professional opportunities through our partner network. Get in touch today and discover how we can transform your exchange into an unforgettable and financially viable experience!
