Can students get a post-study work visa in Malta?
Malta has become an increasingly attractive study destination for international students due to its English-speaking environment, strong job market, and growing industries such as tourism, IT, finance, gaming, and healthcare. One of the most common questions from students is whether they can stay in Malta after completing their studies.
Can Students Get a Post-Study Work Visa in Malta?
Yes.
International students in Malta can stay and work after completing their studies, but there is no automatic post-study work visa like in some other European countries.
Instead, students must follow a step-by-step process to switch from a student residence permit to a work-based residence permit.
The process is possible, legal, and commonly used by international graduates in Malta.
How Can Students Stay in Malta After Graduation?
After finishing their degree, students can apply for:
1. Single Permit (Work and Residence Permit)
This is the most common route for graduates who find a job.
It allows:
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Full-time employment
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Legal residence in Malta
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Long-term stay based on employment contract
To apply, the student must receive a job offer from a Maltese employer.
2. Highly Skilled Worker Permit (Key Employee Initiative – KEI)
Suitable for graduates entering high-demand fields such as:
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IT
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Finance
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Engineering
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Gaming
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Business analytics
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Management roles
This permit offers faster processing and is ideal for high-skill positions.
What Students Must Do to Switch Permits
To stay in Malta and work, students must:
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Complete their study program
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Receive an official job offer from a licensed employer
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Apply for the Single Permit or KEI permit
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Submit required documents, including:
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Passport
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Employment contract
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Proof of accommodation in Malta
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Health insurance
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Educational certificates
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Wait for approval (usually a few weeks to months)
Students cannot continue staying on a student permit without studies.
Which Industries Hire International Graduates in Malta?
Malta has strong hiring demand in sectors such as:
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Information technology and software
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Digital gaming and iGaming
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Hospitality and tourism
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Business administration
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Finance and accounting
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Customer support
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Marketing and communications
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Healthcare and social care
English-speaking graduates have an advantage because Maltese companies often work with international clients.
Is It Easy to Find a Job After Studying in Malta?
It depends on:
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Your skills
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Your degree
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English proficiency
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Industry demand
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Prior work experience
Students in IT, tourism, digital marketing, finance, and business services generally find jobs more easily.
Can Students Work Full-Time After Graduation While Applying?
Graduates must have a valid permit or extension while switching from a student permit to a work permit.
They cannot work full-time legally until the Single Permit application is accepted by Identity Malta (unless they already have temporary permission).
Always check updated rules with your educational institution or the Maltese authorities.
Conclusion
Yes, students can stay in Malta after finishing their studies—but they must switch to a work-based residence permit, such as the Single Permit or the Key Employee Initiative permit.
There is no automatic post-study work visa, but the process is straightforward for students who find a job in Malta’s growing industries.
International graduates with strong skills, especially in IT, gaming, finance, and hospitality, have excellent opportunities to build a career in Malta after completing their studies.
