Pre-Departure Course · Study topic 4 of 7
Your rights and responsibilities as a TCN worker
As a Third Country National working in Malta on a Single Permit, you have legal rights under both Maltese and EU law. Knowing them protects you — and knowing your obligations protects your permit.
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4 sections · 9 key facts · 4 quiz questionsThe Single Permit and your legal status
The Single Permit is a combined residence and work permit issued by Identità (Identity Malta Agency). It authorises you to live and work in Malta for a specific employer and role. The permit has an expiry date — it must be renewed before it expires to maintain your legal status.
Your Single Permit is employer-specific. If you change employer, you must apply for a new permit or an amendment. Working for an employer not listed on your permit is a violation of immigration conditions and can result in permit cancellation.
While your permit is valid, you have the right to live in Malta, access the services your permit category allows, and receive the legal protections afforded to all workers in Malta.
Employment rights
All workers in Malta — regardless of nationality — are entitled to the national minimum wage, paid annual leave, sick leave, and rest periods under the Employment and Industrial Relations Act (EIRA). These rights cannot be waived by contract.
You are entitled to a written employment contract in a language you understand. The contract must state your salary, job title, working hours, and notice period. Keep a copy — it is your primary legal document in any employment dispute.
Discrimination on grounds of race, national origin, religion, gender, or disability is unlawful under Maltese law and EU anti-discrimination directives. If you experience workplace discrimination, you have the right to file a complaint with the Equal Opportunities Commissioner.
Social security and healthcare
Workers in Malta are covered by the social security system. Both you and your employer contribute to social security through payroll deductions. This entitles you to certain benefits — including sick pay and, after sufficient contributions, other social protection entitlements.
Malta has a public healthcare system operated by the Ministry for Health. Emergency care is available to all residents. As a worker paying social security contributions, you are entitled to access public healthcare services. Private healthcare is also available and widely used.
You are required to register your address with the relevant authorities. Carrying your ID document (or permit card) is a standard practice — you may be asked for it in various official contexts.
Your obligations
You must work only for the employer named on your permit, in the role specified. Any change of employer or significant change in role requires an updated or new permit application.
You must inform Identità of any change of address. You must not engage in work outside the scope of your permit without prior authorisation. You must comply with all Maltese laws — your permit can be revoked if you are convicted of a criminal offence.
You are required to attend the Pre-Departure Course and pass both phases. This is a condition of your Single Permit — not completing it can affect your permit status. Complete the course as early in your permit period as possible.
Key facts to remember
- The Single Permit combines residence and work authorisation into one document
- It is employer-specific — changing jobs requires a new or amended permit
- Minimum wage, paid leave, and sick leave apply to all workers under EIRA regardless of nationality
- You have the right to a written employment contract in a language you understand
- Discrimination on grounds of race, origin, religion, or gender is unlawful
- Social security contributions are mandatory — both employer and employee contribute
- Public healthcare is accessible to workers making social security contributions
- The Pre-Departure Course is a condition of your Single Permit
- Address changes must be reported to Identità
Study tips
- Learn the acronym EIRA — Employment and Industrial Relations Act. It is the key piece of employment law you need to know by name.
- Understand the difference between rights (what you are entitled to) and obligations (what you must do). The interview may test both.
- Remember: the permit is employer-specific and role-specific. This is one of the most practically important facts for everyday working life.
- Equal Opportunities Commissioner — know this body exists and handles discrimination complaints.
Common pitfalls
- Thinking rights only apply to Maltese or EU citizens — they apply to all legal workers
- Not knowing that changing employers requires permit action, not just notifying your new employer
- Assuming healthcare is completely free — it is publicly funded but some fees may apply for certain services
- Forgetting that the Pre-Departure Course itself is a permit condition
Quick review
Click each question to reveal the answer.
What does the Single Permit authorise you to do?
Live and work in Malta for a specific employer in a specified role.
What is EIRA?
The Employment and Industrial Relations Act — Malta's main employment law that guarantees minimum wage, leave, and other rights to all workers.
Where do you report workplace discrimination?
The Equal Opportunities Commissioner.
What must you do if you change employer while on a Single Permit?
Apply for a new permit or an amendment — your permit is employer-specific.