Malta: Job market

• What are my chances of getting a job?
• Where can I work?
• What’s it like working in Malta?
• What are the next steps?

Be aware that the overwhelming majority of job vacancies in Malta are geared towards Maltese nationals. Malta joined the EU in 2004, but under the terms of a seven-year transitional agreement, it is entitled to give priority to Maltese workers over other EU nationals.

What are my chances of getting a job?

• Typical problems encountered: Restrictions on foreign labour mean that employment is hard to find and it is particularly difficult to secure a job from outside the country. Even EU nationals can only get a work permit if they already have an offer of employment.
• How to improve your chances: Generally speaking, there are too many applicants for too few jobs, so you will improve your chances if you have experience.
• Language requirements: Maltese is the country’s mother tongue and Maltese and English are the joint official languages. Italian is also widely spoken. It is easier to find work if you speak and write Maltese, which is a Semitic language strongly related to Arabic but written in the Latin script. Find out more about Maltese at About Malta. Maltese language classes are widely available on the island, or, if you want to learn the language before you leave, a self-study course is available through Eurotalk Interactive.

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Where can I work?

• Major industries: tourism and service industries, IT, manufacturing (semi-conductors, electronics, pharmaceuticals, consumer goods), merchant shipping and ship building and repair.
• Recent growth areas: tourism, film-making, IT, betting and gaming.
• Shortage occupations: experienced IT professionals, particularly in the field of online gambling.
• Search for companies: SearchMalta.com, Malta Trade Directory, Malta Chamber of Commerce and Enterprise, Malta Employers, Malta Enterprise.
• Major cities: Valletta (capital), Sliema.

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What’s it like working in Malta?

• Average working hours: generally 40 hours per week, with a legal maximum of 48 hours, of which eight must be paid as overtime. Hours are often 8.30am to 5.30pm with a long break for lunch/siesta.
• Holidays: 25 days plus 14 public holidays.
• Average graduate starting salary: current figures are not available, but expect salaries to be lower than in the UK.
• Tax rates: income tax rates are 15%-35%, depending on income, with a tax-free allowance of €8,150 (2008 figures).
• Working practices: Maltese business people generally have a conservative approach to business protocol. Punctuality is expected and appreciated and dress must be smart.

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What are the next steps?

• Find out how to apply for jobs.
• Search for a job using these vacancy sources.
• Look for work experience opportunities.
• Find out more about living in Malta in country overview.

	Written by higher education careers professionals	Date:  Autumn 2008
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