Malta KEI Work VISA Process for Skill Shortage Jobs in 2024

Imagine a place where ancient history meets modern innovation, with the Mediterranean Sea as your daily backdrop. Welcome to Malta, the top destination for job seekers in 2024! Known for its high-paying jobs and thriving industries, Malta offers a unique blend of cultural richness and professional opportunities. With a fast-track immigration policy through the Malta Key Employee Initiative (KEI), securing a work visa within five days is a breeze.

The island is experiencing significant demand for skilled professionals in sectors like tech, gaming, healthcare, and engineering. High salaries, a streamlined visa process, and a welcoming environment make Malta an irresistible choice for those looking to advance their careers. Whether you’re a software developer, a nurse, or an engineer, Malta’s dynamic job market is brimming with opportunities.

So read on to discover how you can embark on a rewarding career journey in this island paradise.

List of In-Demand Job Occupations in Malta Offering Work VISA

In 2024, Malta is experiencing skill shortages across several key sectors, creating numerous opportunities for international job seekers. Here’s a look at the sectors facing shortages and the average salary offerings for various professions within these fields:

1# Tech & Gaming

• • Software Developers: €35,000 – €65,000 per year
  • Cloud Architects & Engineers: €45,000 – €80,000 per year
  • Cybersecurity Specialists: €40,000 – €75,000 per year
  • Data Scientists & Analysts: €40,000 – €70,000 per year
  • UX/UI Designers: €30,000 – €55,000 per year

2# Healthcare

• • Doctors (GPs, Psychiatrists, Pediatricians): €60,000 – €150,000+ per year
  • Nurses: €25,000 – €45,000 per year
  • Pharmacists: €30,000 – €50,000 per year
  • Physiotherapists: €25,000 – €40,000 per year
  • Medical Laboratory Technologists: €20,000 – €35,000 per year

3# Engineering

• • Civil Engineers: €35,000 – €60,000 per year
  • Mechanical Engineers: €35,000 – €60,000 per year
  • Electrical Engineers: €35,000 – €60,000 per year
  • Software Engineers: €35,000 – €65,000 per year
  • Project Managers: €40,000 – €70,000 per year

4# Construction

• • Carpenters: €20,000 – €35,000 per year
  • Electricians: €20,000 – €35,000 per year
  • Plumbers: €20,000 – €35,000 per year
  • Masons: €18,000 – €30,000 per year
  • HVAC Technicians: €20,000 – €35,000 per year

5# Finance & Accounting

• • Accountants (ACCA qualified): €30,000 – €60,000 per year
  • Financial Analysts: €35,000 – €65,000 per year
  • Risk Managers: €40,000 – €75,000 per year
  • Compliance Officers: €35,000 – €60,000 per year
  • Internal Auditors: €30,000 – €55,000 per year

6# Education

• • Teachers (Secondary level, especially in STEM subjects): €25,000 – €40,000 per year
  • English Language Teachers: €20,000 – €35,000 per year
  • Special Education Teachers: €25,000 – €40,000 per year
  • Early Childhood Educators: €18,000 – €30,000 per year

7# Hospitality & Tourism

• • Chefs: €20,000 – €35,000 per year
  • Waiters/Waitresses: €15,000 – €25,000 per year
  • Hotel Receptionists: €18,000 – €30,000 per year
  • Tour Guides (multilingual): €18,000 – €30,000 per year
  • Bartenders: €15,000 – €25,000 per year

These sectors and professions represent areas with consistent demand for skilled professionals in Malta. The high salaries, combined with the streamlined visa process through the Malta Key Employee Initiative (KEI), make these opportunities particularly attractive for international job seekers.

After Securing Job Apply for Malta Key Employee Initiative (KEI)

After scoring a skill shortage job in Malta your next step would be to apply for Malta Key Employee Initiative (KEI) which is a program designed to attract highly skilled professionals from outside the European Union to work in Malta. This initiative aims to fill skill shortages in various industries by offering a fast-track process for obtaining a combined work and residence permit and here are some of its salient features:

Key Features of the KEI:

• • Fast-Track Processing: Applications are processed within five working days.
  • Combined Permit: A single permit covers both work and residence, simplifying the administrative process.
  • High Salary Threshold: The annual gross salary for the position must meet or exceed €30,000.
  • Family Reunification: Permit holders can bring their family members to Malta.

Eligibility Criteria for the KEI Work VISA of Malta

To be eligible for the KEI, applicants must meet the following criteria:

1. 1. Highly Skilled Position: The job offer must be for a highly specialized role, typically in technical or managerial fields.
   2. Minimum Salary Requirement: The position must offer an annual gross salary of at least €30,000.
   3. Qualifications and Experience: Applicants should possess the necessary qualifications and experience relevant to their field of expertise.

How to Apply for Maltese KEI in 2024?

Here’s a step-by-step guide to leveraging the KEI for a successful career move to Malta:

• • Identify Skill Shortage Sectors: Research sectors experiencing skill shortages in Malta, such as tech, gaming, healthcare, engineering, construction, finance, education, and hospitality.
  • Find Relevant Job Opportunities: You can find skill shortage jobs in Malta through EURES, Malta Enterprise, LinkedIn, MaltaJobs, Keepmeposted, and VacancyCentre or get in touch with recruitment agencies like Konnekt, VacancyCentre, Broadwing, and Misco, which specialize in placing skilled workers in Malta.
  • Prepare Your Application: Start preparing your CV, cover letter, and academic certs with experience letters for application submission.
  • After securing job apply for KEI Work VISA of Malta: Apply for the job and once you receive an offer, submit your KEI application through the employer or directly to Identity Malta, the agency responsible for processing work permits.
  • Follow Up: Monitor the status of your application and respond promptly to any requests for additional information from Identity Malta.
  • Relocate and Settle in Malta: Once your permit is approved, make arrangements to relocate. Take advantage of resources provided by relocation services, your employer, or local community groups to settle into your new environment.

Is Malta a Good Option for Finding Skill Shortage Jobs Compared to Canada, New Zealand, and Germany?

When comparing Malta to Canada, New Zealand, and Germany for finding skill shortage jobs in 2024, Malta stands out with its fast-track work permits (KEI and SEI), lower cost of living, and growing demand for skilled professionals. The warm Mediterranean climate and vibrant lifestyle add to its appeal. While Canada and Germany offer larger job markets, and New Zealand boasts stunning natural beauty, Malta’s streamlined visa process and expanding economy make it an excellent choice for skilled workers this year.

References:

https://www.ela.europa.eu/sites/default/files/2023-09/ELA-eures-shortages-surpluses-report-2022.pdf
https://nso.gov.mt/malta-skills-survey/
https://www.ela.europa.eu/sites/default/files/2023-09/ELA-eures-shortages-surpluses-report-2022.pdf