Pre-Departure Course Requirement from 1st March 2026

From 1^st March 2026, the completion of a Pre-Departure Integration Course shall become mandatory for all ‘third country national’ (TCN) employees, who are submitting a first-time Single Permit Application. Going forward, Maltese employers must ensure that prospective TCN employees have completed the Pre-Departure Course and hold a certificate of completion prior to submitting a new Single Permit Application.

In line with Government’s broader objectives in terms of its Labour Migration Policy, the Pre-Departure Course is intended to prepare TCNs for the local workplace, training the TCNs on basic Maltese and English language requirements, cultural matters and workplace rights and obligations.

The course, which is offered through an online platform, shall be split into two separate modules which respectively require around 10-12 hours of learning. The first module shall concern ‘Living and Working in Malta’, whilst the second will address ‘Rights and Obligations at the Workplace’. Following completion of each module, applicants shall be subject to a 30-minute assessment per module and, following completion of the respective assessments, applicants shall also be required to attend a live 20-minute interview in order for the interviewer to assess their English language proficiency.

Applicants have 42-days to complete both modules and assessments. The cost of the Pre-Departure Course is currently €250 (€245 for the Course and €5 for the interview), which is non-refundable.

The Pre-Departure Course is the first part of a two-part structure which TCNs would need to undertake to submit a first-time application for a Single Permit. The second part concerns sector-specific training, which would apply only with regards to specific occupations - such as those in the tourism and hospitality sector - wherein a sector-specific course would need to be undertaken, and a Skills Pass would need to be obtained upon completion of said course.

TCNs who hold a valid Single Permit prior to 1^st March 2026 shall not be required to undertake the Pre-Departure Course.