About this guide
Bangladeshi workers are a significant part of Malta's hospitality and services workforce. VFS Global operates in Bangladesh, with a centre in Dhaka.
This page explains what the Malta Single Permit Pre-Departure Course means for Bangladeshi applicants. The course requirements are the same for all Third Country Nationals regardless of country of origin — this guide provides that information with the practical context most relevant to applicants from Bangladesh.
What the Pre-Departure Course requires
The Pre-Departure Course is a requirement for non-EU nationals applying for a Malta Single Permit who do not already hold a permit or have eight or more years of continuous residence in Malta. It applies regardless of job sector.
The course runs through the official Skills Pass portal in two phases:
- Phase 1 — online modules (42 days): Two e-learning modules covering Malta civic life and workplace expectations. Can be completed from Bangladesh.
- Phase 2 — live interview: An in-person or video interview assessing English language skills and comprehension of the course material.
The certificate is issued after passing both phases and submitted as part of the Single Permit application.
Where to sit the interview — from Bangladesh
VFS Global operates the physical interview centres for this process. VFS Global has a presence in Bangladesh, which means Phase 2 candidates based there can typically book their interview at a local centre rather than needing to travel to Malta first.
Your Phase 2 booking confirmation from the official Skills Pass portal will state the exact centre location and appointment details. Use that document — not general location listings — as the authoritative guide to where your interview takes place.
Completing Phase 1 from Bangladesh
Phase 1 (both online modules) can be completed from Bangladesh or from anywhere with a reliable internet connection, at any time after registering on the official Skills Pass portal. Many applicants complete Phase 1 before their travel or permit arrangements are finalised.
The 42-day Phase 1 window begins when you register — not when you first access the modules. Completing it promptly after registration avoids timing complications later in the process.
Frequently asked questions
- Where is the VFS Global centre in Bangladesh for the Phase 2 interview?
- VFS Global operates in Bangladesh with a centre in Dhaka. When you book your Phase 2 interview through the official Skills Pass portal, your confirmation will state the exact centre — confirm from that document rather than from general location information.
- Do I need the Pre-Departure Course even if I already have work experience in the hospitality sector?
- Yes — the Pre-Departure Course is a requirement for the Single Permit for first-time applicants who do not already hold a permit or have 8 or more years of continuous residence in Malta. Prior work experience, whether in Bangladesh or elsewhere, does not exempt you. The course is about Malta-specific workplace knowledge, not sector experience.
- Can I register for the course from Bangladesh using a mobile phone?
- The official Skills Pass portal is web-based. Phase 1 modules and assessments require a stable internet connection and a device that can access the portal — a desktop, laptop, or capable smartphone. Official materials do not describe any restriction on device type, but completing assessments over a reliable connection is advisable.
- What documents will the Skills Pass portal ask for when I register?
- Official materials describe the registration form as collecting personal details, passport information (name, number, nationality, date of birth), and contact details. Have your passport to hand when registering. See the registration page for the full list.