What is The Key Employee Initiative in Malta? Third Country Nationals require a single work permit to be able to seek residence and employment in Malta. This is due to the fact that third-country nationals (or TCNs) aren’t members of the EU or the EFTA, and thus aren’t able to move to different borders without the proper documentation.
However, TCNs who happen to be high-skilled workers are provided with a fast-tracked work permit service by the Key Employee Initiative. Under normal circumstances, the scheme will issue work permits in not more than 5 days, whereas non highly specialised TCNs have to wait for at least a couple of months. In this article, we will be looking into the process of obtaining work permits as a high-skilled worker.
What is a High-Skilled Worker?
High-skilled workers include individuals who possess advanced technical, academic and interpersonal skills. They usually flourish in the areas of problem-solving, leadership, system improvement, creativity and more. Examples of high-skilled workers include university professors, engineers, biotech scientists, business directors, IT experts and more.
Who is Eligible to Apply?
The Key Employee Initiative is offered to highly technical or managerial professionals bestowing the relevant qualifications and experience for the job in question. Eligible high-skilled workers are required to meet the following eligibility requirements:
- Be in possession of valid travel documents
- Receive an annual gross salary of at least €30,000
- Be in possession of certified copies of qualifications and necessary work experience
- Be declared by the employer as having the necessary credentials for the assigned role
It is also to be noted that the Key Employee Initiative extends to start-up founders whose businesses happen to be specifically endorsed by the Malta Enterprise.
Required Documentation
In order to proceed with the high-skilled work permit application, individuals must be in possession of the following documentation:
- Passport and travel documents
- CEA Form C (Non-EU): the application for a residence permit on the basis of employment, which must be endorsed by the employer with an official stamp and signature of the responsible official
- Form ID 1A – Identity Registration Form including an application fee of €280.50
- Curriculum Vitae and Covering Letter issued by the employer
- Work contract signed by the applicant and employer indicating a minimum annual gross salary of €30,000.
- A valid Police Conduct
- A comprehensive health-insurance policy supporting the individual in the case of medical emergencies
- Lease or purchase agreement of property which makes clear reference to the applicant
- Details about the job position
Third Country Nationals also have to provide a detailed report issued by the employer that clearly states that their job role could not have been filled by a Maltese or EEA citizen. At this stage, it is important that employers proceed with caution to ensure the best outcome that includes the hiring of the best individual possible. The Firstbridge team will thoroughly review your specific case and provide you with the right assistance with applying to work in Malta.
Where We Come In
The Firstbridge Team will be happy to offer guidance to both the employer as well employee in obtaining a work permit in Malta through the Key Employee Initiative. We understand the importance of timeliness and attention to detail when it comes to the proper handling of documents for working and residing in Malta.
Get in touch with us today at [email protected] to set up a consultation.
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