About this guide
Colombia is among Malta's leading source countries for Single Permit applicants, alongside India, Nepal, the Philippines, and Serbia. VFS Global — the organisation that operates the Pre-Departure Course interview centres — has a presence in Colombia, including Bogotá and Medellín.
This page explains what the Malta Single Permit Pre-Departure Course means for Colombian 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 Colombia.
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 Colombia.
- 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.
Phase 2 is the step most applicants find hardest to prepare for. Our guide to preparing for the Phase 2 interview explains what it assesses, how to practise everyday workplace English, and what to bring on the day.
Where to sit the interview — from Colombia
VFS Global operates the physical interview centres for this process. VFS Global has a presence in Colombia, 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 Colombia
Phase 1 (both online modules) can be completed from Colombia 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
01Where can I sit the Phase 2 interview if I am in Colombia?
VFS Global has a presence in Colombia, including Bogotá and Medellín. Your booking confirmation from the official Skills Pass portal will state your assigned centre and appointment details — treat that document, not general location listings, as authoritative, since centre details can change.
02Can I complete Phase 1 from Colombia before travelling to Malta?
Yes — Phase 1 (the two online modules) can be completed from Colombia or anywhere with a reliable internet connection, at any time after registering on the official Skills Pass portal. Many applicants finish Phase 1 before their travel or permit arrangements are settled.
03Is the course or the Phase 2 interview available in Spanish?
Official materials describe the course as conducted in English, and English proficiency is one of the things the Phase 2 interview assesses. There is no published alternative-language option in the materials we have reviewed.
04Is the Pre-Departure Course different for Colombian applicants than for applicants from other countries?
No — the Pre-Departure Course is the same course regardless of nationality. The modules, the 42-day window, the fee, and the interview are identical whether you are applying from Colombia, India, or anywhere else. This page exists to add practical context, not to describe a different process.