About this guide
Pakistan is an emerging source country for Malta Single Permit applicants. VFS Global operates in Pakistan with centres in Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad.
This page explains what the Malta Single Permit Pre-Departure Course means for Pakistani 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 Pakistan.
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 Pakistan.
- 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 Pakistan
VFS Global operates the physical interview centres for this process. VFS Global has a presence in Pakistan, 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 Pakistan
Phase 1 (both online modules) can be completed from Pakistan 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
- Which VFS Global centres in Pakistan handle the Pre-Departure interview?
- VFS Global operates in Pakistan across multiple cities including Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad. Your Phase 2 booking confirmation from the official Skills Pass portal will state your assigned centre and appointment details — use that as the authoritative source for location and timing.
- Can I complete Phase 1 from Pakistan before the visa is approved?
- Yes — Phase 1 can be completed from Pakistan at any time after registration on the official Skills Pass portal. The course certificate is submitted as part of the Single Permit application, and completing it before or during the permit process is both common and sensible. Having the certificate in hand removes it as a bottleneck in the overall timeline.
- Is the Pre-Departure Course the same as what is required for other countries?
- The Pre-Departure Course is a Malta Single Permit requirement, not a destination-specific programme. It is the same course regardless of whether you are applying from Pakistan, India, Nepal, or anywhere else. The modules and interview are in English, and the requirements do not change based on country of origin.
- My job offer is in the hospitality sector — do I need both the Pre-Departure Course and the Skills Pass?
- Possibly both — the Pre-Departure Course is a Single Permit requirement, and the Skills Pass is a sector-specific requirement for tourism and hospitality workers at MTA-licensed establishments. These are separate processes run through the same portal but on different tracks. See the pre-departure vs skills pass comparison for a full side-by-side breakdown.