Malta has quickly become one of Europe’s most sought-after destinations for seasonal employment, thanks to its booming tourism industry, thriving construction sector, and growing agricultural demand.
In 2025, the country is welcoming thousands of foreign workers to fill critical labor shortages through the Malta Seasonal Worker Permit.
For skilled, semi-skilled, and entry-level workers, this permit opens doors to six-month job placements across key sectors — with legal work rights, accommodation support, and sometimes even visa sponsorship from employers.
This comprehensive guide explores how the Malta Seasonal Worker Permit works in 2025, including eligibility criteria, application steps, salary ranges, job sectors, and tips for securing employment. Whether you’re from Africa, Asia, or Europe and looking for temporary work opportunities abroad, Malta’s seasonal work system could be your easiest path into the European job market.
Understanding the Malta Seasonal Worker Permit
The Malta Seasonal Worker Permit allows non-EU citizens to legally work in Malta for a limited period, typically between three to nine months, depending on the industry and employment contract. It was designed to fill temporary labor gaps, especially during Malta’s peak tourism and agricultural seasons.
In 2025, the program has been expanded and digitalized, making applications faster and more transparent. Employers can now directly apply on behalf of foreign workers, and the government has introduced more flexible visa renewal options for those who perform well during their first placement.
Key Features of the Malta Seasonal Worker Permit 2025
- Valid for up to 9 months within a 12-month period.
- Applicable to industries such as hospitality, construction, agriculture, and retail.
- Employer sponsorship required for non-EU citizens.
- Renewable if the worker maintains good standing and performance.
- Includes access to healthcare and worker protection under Maltese labor laws.
- Allows reapplication after the seasonal contract ends.
For many international workers, this permit is more than just temporary work authorization — it’s a stepping stone to longer-term residence or full-time employment in Malta or other EU countries.
Why Malta Is a Top Destination for Seasonal Workers
Malta’s strategic location, sunny climate, and expanding economy have created a continuous demand for foreign labor. The island nation’s tourism industry alone brings in millions of visitors each year, while construction and agriculture also thrive due to ongoing development and export growth. For foreign workers, Malta offers a combination of stable wages, safe working conditions, and an opportunity to gain valuable European experience.
Here are key reasons why foreign workers are drawn to Malta in 2025:
- High demand: Malta’s labor shortage is growing as local workers shift toward white-collar jobs, creating vacancies in tourism, hospitality, and trades.
- Good pay for short-term work: Seasonal jobs in Malta often pay between €900 and €2,000 per month, depending on the role and experience level.
- Employer support: Many employers provide accommodation, meals, and assistance with work permit paperwork.
- Opportunity to gain EU experience: Malta’s membership in the European Union gives foreign workers an internationally recognized work record.
- Safe and inclusive environment: Malta has one of the lowest crime rates in Europe, with a diverse expatriate community.
Industries Offering Seasonal Jobs in Malta 2025
Several sectors in Malta rely heavily on seasonal and foreign labor. Below are the main industries currently hiring workers through the 2025 Seasonal Worker Permit program.
1. Tourism and Hospitality
This is the largest source of seasonal employment in Malta. With millions of tourists visiting from April to October, hotels, resorts, and restaurants require additional staff every year. Positions range from waiters, receptionists, and chefs to cleaners and bartenders.
- Common roles: Hotel attendants, cooks, dishwashers, baristas, cleaners, concierge staff, lifeguards.
- Average pay: €1,000–€1,800 per month (with tips and overtime).
- Visa sponsorship: Most hospitality employers handle full sponsorship and even offer accommodation.
2. Construction and Skilled Trades
Malta’s construction boom continues in 2025, with projects ranging from housing estates to commercial complexes and roads. Seasonal laborers, electricians, and masons are in great demand. Skilled tradespeople often earn higher wages and may be offered long-term contracts.
- Common roles: Mason, electrician, plumber, carpenter, painter, site helper, crane operator.
- Average pay: €1,200–€2,500 per month depending on experience.
- Visa sponsorship: Many contractors registered with JobsPlus provide full sponsorship.
3. Agriculture and Fisheries
Seasonal farm work in Malta runs from March through November. Workers are hired for planting, harvesting, and packaging crops, as well as fish farming and processing. Agricultural jobs may be physically demanding but often include housing and meals.
- Common roles: Farmhand, fruit picker, greenhouse worker, fish packer, equipment operator.
- Average pay: €900–€1,400 per month, plus meals or lodging.
- Visa sponsorship: Employers must register with the Ministry for Agriculture and offer contracts before applying for permits.
4. Retail and Supermarket Jobs
During the tourist season, retail outlets and supermarkets experience surges in demand. Cashiers, store clerks, and shelf attendants are commonly hired on seasonal contracts to handle customer flow.
- Common roles: Cashier, stock clerk, store assistant, cleaner, inventory handler.
- Average pay: €1,100–€1,600 per month.
- Visa sponsorship: Larger chains like Pavi, Scotts, and Greens often recruit foreign seasonal staff.
5. Manufacturing and Warehousing
Malta’s light manufacturing sector also recruits seasonal staff to meet production peaks. Packaging, machine operation, and product assembly roles are common.
- Common roles: Machine operator, line worker, packager, warehouse loader.
- Average pay: €1,100–€1,800 per month.
- Visa sponsorship: Factories registered under the Malta Enterprise framework can employ seasonal foreign labor.
Eligibility Criteria for the Malta Seasonal Worker Permit
To qualify for the 2025 Malta Seasonal Worker Permit, applicants must meet the following conditions:
- Be a citizen of a non-EU or non-EEA country.
- Hold a valid job offer from a registered Maltese employer.
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Have a valid passport with at least one year remaining validity.
- Pass a basic medical examination.
- Show proof of accommodation or an employer-provided housing plan.
- Have no criminal record or immigration bans within the EU.
Applicants who meet these requirements can proceed with the employer-led application process through Identity Malta or the Maltese Consulate in their home country.
Documents Required for Application
The standard documentation for the Malta Seasonal Worker Permit includes:
- Completed application form (provided by Identity Malta).
- Valid passport (original and photocopy).
- Passport-sized photographs (two copies).
- Signed employment contract from a licensed Maltese company.
- Proof of accommodation or employer letter guaranteeing housing.
- Medical insurance valid in Malta.
- Police clearance certificate from your home country.
- Proof of qualifications or relevant work experience (if applicable).
Employers typically submit these documents on behalf of the worker, especially when applying for visa sponsorship.
Application Process for the Malta Seasonal Worker Permit 2025
The 2025 application process has been made simpler and faster through digital integration. Below is the step-by-step process:
Step 1: Get a Job Offer
The first step is securing a job offer from a Maltese employer approved by JobsPlus. Many employers advertise openings online or through registered recruitment agencies in your country.
Step 2: Employer Submits Work Permit Application
Once hired, the employer applies for a single permit through Identity Malta. This application covers both the work and residence authorization under the seasonal worker category.
Step 3: Wait for Approval
Processing usually takes 4 to 6 weeks, though delays may occur during peak seasons. Applicants will receive notification via their employer once the permit is approved.
Step 4: Apply for Entry Visa
If you are from a visa-required country, you will need to apply for a Type D (long-stay) visa at the Maltese consulate or embassy. The employer provides the required supporting documents.
Step 5: Travel to Malta and Register
Upon arrival, workers must register with Identity Malta, submit biometric data, and collect their residence card. Employers are usually responsible for coordinating these procedures.
Step 6: Start Working Legally
Once registration is complete, you are legally authorized to begin your seasonal work under Maltese labor law. Workers are protected by standard employment rights, including paid leave and fair wages.
Average Salaries for Seasonal Jobs in Malta
Seasonal work salaries vary depending on skill level, industry, and hours worked. Below are estimated monthly earnings for 2025:
- Hotel Staff (Cleaner/Waiter): €1,000 – €1,400
- Construction Worker: €1,200 – €2,000
- Farm Worker: €900 – €1,300
- Retail Assistant: €1,100 – €1,600
- Warehouse Worker: €1,200 – €1,800
- Chef or Cook: €1,500 – €2,000
- Electrician/Plumber: €1,800 – €2,500
Overtime pay, bonuses, and tips (especially in hospitality) can increase total monthly income. Many employers also provide free meals or housing, which helps workers save more during their stay.
Living Conditions and Worker Benefits
Malta offers decent living conditions for foreign seasonal workers. While accommodation can be expensive in urban areas like Valletta or Sliema, most employers provide shared housing near the workplace. In addition to accommodation, workers typically enjoy:
- Safe and clean working environments.
- Access to public healthcare services.
- Paid overtime and public holidays.
- Equal treatment under Maltese labor laws.
- 24-hour emergency support and access to local unions.
Some larger companies even organize cultural orientation and language training sessions to help foreign workers integrate better.
Top Maltese Employers Offering Seasonal Visa Sponsorship
In 2025, several Maltese organizations and hospitality chains are approved to hire foreign workers and provide visa sponsorship:
- Corinthia Hotels Group
- Hilton Malta
- InterContinental Malta
- DB Group (Hospitality and Construction)
- The Westin Dragonara Resort
- Valletta Waterfront Catering Services
- Vassallo Group (Facilities and Maintenance)
- Farsons Group (Food and Beverage)
- Simonds Farsons Cisk Breweries
- JobsPlus Registered Farms and Agribusinesses
These employers handle work permit sponsorship, accommodation, and sometimes travel arrangements for successful applicants.
Challenges Foreign Workers May Face
Although Malta provides plenty of opportunities, there are certain challenges seasonal workers should prepare for:
- High cost of living: Food and rent in city centers can be expensive. Workers in rural areas tend to save more.
- Language barriers: English is widely spoken, but Maltese is the main local language in some workplaces.
- Intense summer workload: The hospitality season can be physically demanding, with long working hours.
- Limited long-term visas: The permit is temporary, though it can be renewed annually for new seasons.
Tips for Getting a Seasonal Job in Malta
To increase your chances of being selected for a seasonal position in Malta, keep the following strategies in mind:
- Apply early — most employers recruit between January and April.
- Use official job portals and recruitment agencies approved by JobsPlus.
- Highlight relevant experience and willingness to relocate quickly.
- Prepare clear copies of your documents and medical certificates.
- Be flexible with job roles; versatility improves your chances of selection.
How to Transition from Seasonal Work to Long-Term Employment
Many foreign workers use seasonal jobs as an entry point into the Maltese labor market. If you perform well and maintain good relationships with your employer, they may offer you a long-term contract or sponsor your Single Work Permit — which allows you to work in Malta for up to one year, renewable indefinitely.
Workers who complete multiple seasonal terms with the same employer also become more eligible for higher-paying roles or management positions within hospitality and construction sectors.
Future Outlook: Malta’s Seasonal Workforce in 2025 and Beyond
Malta’s government projects an increasing need for foreign labor over the next five years. With an aging population and a growing service industry, the seasonal workforce is now seen as essential to sustaining the national economy. The 2025 permit program reflects this shift, offering faster approval times, digital tracking, and better working conditions for international employees.
Experts predict continuous expansion in tourism, logistics, and sustainable agriculture, meaning more job openings for seasonal staff through 2030. Workers who establish themselves early in 2025 could secure recurring employment every season — or even transition into permanent residence opportunities later on.
Final Thoughts
The Malta Seasonal Worker Permit 2025 represents a golden opportunity for those seeking short-term employment in Europe with legal protection, fair pay, and employer sponsorship.
Whether you are an experienced construction worker, hospitality staff member, or first-time migrant worker, Malta’s growing economy offers an accessible entry route into the EU labor market.
With its straightforward application system, English-speaking environment, and rising demand for foreign labor, Malta is positioning itself as a top European destination for seasonal employment. By preparing your documents, applying through trusted channels, and targeting industries in high demand, you can take advantage of the 2025 seasonal permit program to work legally, earn good income, and gain valuable experience abroad.
For anyone seeking a fresh start or a new career adventure in 2025, Malta’s Seasonal Worker Permit is more than just a temporary job — it’s a gateway to opportunity, skill development, and global exposure.