Update: new rules for the student visa in Malta 2025
In this complete guide, we will detail all the new rules, explain the step by step to obtain your work license, and show why doing everything legally from Brazil can be your biggest differential. If you are planning an exchange that combines studies and work, this article will provide all the essential information to make your project a reality with safety and peace of mind.
New rules for working with a student visa in Malta
According to official information from Malta identity, international students with a D visa can now work legally after completing 90 days of continuous stay in Malta. This update offers greater clarity and security for those who wish to complement their educational experience with professional practice.
Key requirements to work legally:
- Enrollment in a qualified course: You must be enrolled in a program that lasts longer than 15 weeks
- Mandatory initial period: Complete 90 days of continuous stay in Malta
- Time limitation: Permission to work up to 20 hours a week
- Required Documentation: Valid student visa (D-Visa), formal offer of employment, and Work License
The complete process: from visa to work permit
The path to studying and working in Malta involves several important steps:
1. Obtaining a student visa (D-Visa)
Before traveling, it is essential to apply for the D visa through the Maltese consulate or embassy. This specific student visa is the first step in ensuring your legal stay in the country for the entire period of study.
2. Completion of the initial 90-day period
During the first three months, the focus should be exclusively on studies and cultural adaptation. This period is required by the Maltese authorities before any professional activity.
3. Search for job opportunities
After the initial term, you can start looking for part-time jobs. Sectors such as tourism, hospitality, and customer service provide good opportunities for international students.
4. Work License Application Process
As detailed by Jobsplus, the process of obtaining an Employment License involves:
- Receipt of a formal job offer
- Request for leave by the employer through the online portal
- Submission of necessary documents, including valid visa and employment details
- Payment of the fee of €230 (generally covered by the employer)
- Official employment record after approval
O ELT Council offers a detailed guide to the entire procedure, reinforcing the importance of maintaining a school attendance above 75%, as excessive absences may result in the cancellation of both the visa and the work permit.
Advantages of applying for a student visa before traveling
Many students consider entering Malta as tourists and then extending their stay. However, applying for a D visa while still in Brazil offers significant benefits:
- Immigration security: Drastic reduction in the risk of questions or problems entering the country
- Freedom of travel: Immediate access to the entire Schengen Area from day one
- Multiple input flexibility: Possibility to visit countries outside the Schengen Area (such as Turkey or Serbia) and return without complications
- Guaranteed labor rights: When working legally, you have the same rights as local workers
- Strategic planning: After the end of the course and the validity of the visa, you can still use the 90-day visa waiver as a tourist (leaving the Schengen area briefly and returning)
Requirements to keep a visa and work permit
To ensure that your visa and work permit remain valid throughout your stay, it is essential to:
- Maintain regular class attendance (minimum of 75% attendance)
- Do not exceed the permitted workload of 20 hours per week
- Work only for the specific employer listed on the license
- Renew your license if you change your job (each leave is valid only for a specific employer and function)
- Ensure that your employer complies with all legal obligations
Job market in Malta for international students
Malta has an economy strongly based on tourism and services, offering diverse opportunities for international students, especially in the following sectors:
- Hospitality and tourism: hotels, resorts, tour guides
- Gastronomy: restaurants, cafes, bars
- Customer service: stores, shopping centers
- Digital Services: digital marketing, technical support (for those with advanced English)
- Entertainment: events, nightclubs, marinas
The minimum wage in Malta is among the most competitive in the Mediterranean region, providing a supplementary income that helps cover expenses during the study period.
How Be Easy can turn your dream into reality
Be Easy specializes in providing complete and hassle-free exchange experiences. Our program Study and Work in Malta is carefully designed to provide the necessary support at every stage of your journey.
With the Be Easy program, you have access to:
- Full advice on the visa process: personalized guidance to ensure that all documentation is correct
- Enrollment at recognized institutions: partnerships with high-quality English schools
- Guidance for the labor market: tips and support in preparing a curriculum in the European format
- Continuous monitoring: support throughout your stay to resolve questions or unforeseen events
For those seeking a complete international experience, the program Learning a language abroad by Be Easy offers alternatives in several countries, allowing you to choose the destination that best aligns with your personal and professional goals.
Plan your international future with Be Easy
Don't let doubts about red tape or procedures stop you from experiencing this transformative experience. A Be Easy is ready to help you turn your dream of studying and working in Malta into reality, with all the necessary support to make your journey smooth and enriching.
Contact us today and discover how we can facilitate every step of your international adventure. Your future filled with new experiences, knowledge and opportunities starts here!
