About this guide
Nepal is a growing source of Single Permit and Skills Pass applicants for Malta's hospitality sector. VFS Global operates in Nepal with a centre in Kathmandu.
This page explains what the Malta Single Permit Pre-Departure Course means for Nepali 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 Nepal.
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 Nepal.
- 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 Nepal
VFS Global operates the physical interview centres for this process. VFS Global has a presence in Nepal, 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 Nepal
Phase 1 (both online modules) can be completed from Nepal 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 Nepal for the Pre-Departure interview?
- VFS Global operates in Kathmandu, Nepal. Your booking confirmation from the official Skills Pass portal will confirm the exact centre and address for your Phase 2 interview appointment — check that rather than general address listings, as operational details can change.
- Can I complete Phase 1 from Nepal before travelling?
- Yes — Phase 1 (both online modules) can be completed from Nepal or from anywhere with a reliable internet connection. This lets you start and finish the coursework before making your travel arrangements, which gives you flexibility on timing and avoids the course sitting as an incomplete task after you arrive in Malta.
- What English level is needed for the Phase 2 interview?
- Official materials describe the Phase 2 interview as assessing conversational workplace English — not academic or formal written English. The questions are described as short scenario-based topics drawing from the module content. Being able to hold a short conversation in English about workplace situations is the target level.
- Does my Single Permit application need to be submitted before I do the course?
- The course certificate is a requirement for the Single Permit application — it is not contingent on the permit being in progress first. Official materials describe it as something applicants should complete, with the certificate then feeding into the permit process. Starting the course before the permit application is in progress is entirely possible.