About this guide
The Philippines is one of the major source countries for Malta's hospitality sector workforce. VFS Global operates in the Philippines with a centre in Manila, among other locations.
This page explains what the Malta Single Permit Pre-Departure Course means for Filipino 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 Philippines.
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 Philippines.
- 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 Philippines
VFS Global operates the physical interview centres for this process. VFS Global has a presence in Philippines, 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 Philippines
Phase 1 (both online modules) can be completed from Philippines 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 can I do the Phase 2 interview if I am in the Philippines?
- VFS Global operates in the Philippines, with a presence in Manila. Your booking confirmation from the official Skills Pass portal will state your assigned centre — treat that as your authoritative guide to location and timing rather than any general list.
- Can OFWs (Overseas Filipino Workers) start the Pre-Departure Course before their Malta deployment?
- Yes — Phase 1 can be started and completed from the Philippines at any point after registration on the official Skills Pass portal. The 42-day Phase 1 window starts at registration. Completing it before your deployment contract is finalised is possible, and gives you more flexibility on timing.
- Does POEA (now DMW) have any role in this course?
- The Pre-Departure Course for the Malta Single Permit is administered by Skills Pass (skillspass.org.mt) and verified by Identità — both Maltese bodies. It is not connected to the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA/DMW), which handles different pre-departure requirements for other destinations. The two processes are separate.
- Will my employer in Malta arrange this for me?
- Employers at MTA-licensed establishments are expected to inform workers of the Skills Pass requirement early in the hiring process. However, registration for the Pre-Departure Course is done by the applicant on the official portal — it is not something your employer registers on your behalf. Contact your employer for clarity on who covers the cost.