A closer look at who Identità's Pre-Departure Course requirement applies to, who appears to be exempt, and how to check your own situation before you register.
The general rule
Identità says the certificate is needed by “all Third-Country Nationals (TCNs) applying for a Single Permit for the first time”. That means people who have never held a Maltese Single Permit and now apply for one with a job offer.
If that is you (a first work-permit application, a non-EU/EEA national, sponsored by a Maltese employer), official guidance says the course applies to you. The certificate must go with your application.
Who appears to be exempt
Identità’s verification notice names two exempt groups:
- People who currently hold, or have previously held, a Single Permit. One exception: the exemption does not apply if you are “applying again as first-time applicants after leaving the Schengen Area or through a Still Abroad application.” If that is you, treat yourself as a first-time applicant.
- Third-country nationals who have lived in Malta for eight years or more, whatever their permit history.
Read Identità’s verification notice before you act. Do not rely on this or any other summary.
Not sure you are a first-time applicant?
Real cases are untidy. Identità names the two exempt groups and one exception, but not every other case. Treat “first-time” as a question to confirm if any of these is true:
- You have held any Maltese residence or work document before, even briefly or under a different category.
- You have lived in Malta before, even without a Single Permit.
- There is a gap of several years between earlier work in Malta and this application.
- You are unsure whether your earlier time in Malta counts toward the eight years.
How to check your own case
- Read the official Identità Pre-Departure Course page for who the requirement covers, and the verification notice for who is exempt.
- If one of the cases above applies to you, contact Identità through the channels on its site. Do not guess. A wrong guess can cost time, money, or both.
- Ask your employer what they expect. They may know Identità’s current expectations. If they disagree with Identità’s own pages, follow Identità.
Common questions
I worked in Malta years ago on a Single Permit. Do I still need the course?
It depends. Previous Single Permit holders are usually exempt, but check. Identità's guidance applies the requirement to people "applying for a Single Permit for the first time". Its verification notice says people who currently hold, or have previously held, a Single Permit are exempt, unless they are "applying again as first-time applicants after leaving the Schengen Area or through a Still Abroad application". If you had a gap, a lapsed permit or a different permit type, confirm with Identità before you decide.
Does the eight-year exemption count time on any visa, or only some permits?
Identità's notice says "third-country nationals who have resided in Malta for eight (8) years or more". It does not say which residence types count. If your history is mixed or has gaps, ask Identità how your record is assessed. Do not estimate it yourself.
Does my employer decide whether I need the course, or does Identità?
Identità decides. It publishes the requirement and the certificate check. Your employer can help with practical questions such as timing and who is sponsoring the application, but confirm eligibility on Identità's pages, not from an employer's informal view.
Official sources for this page
These are the official pages this guide depends on. Open them directly before acting on a time-sensitive requirement.
- 01Identità (opens in a new tab)
Primary description of the Single Permit Pre-Departure Course requirement for non-EU nationals.
Source last checked:
- 02Identità (opens in a new tab)
Operational notice on verification of the Pre-Departure Course requirement from 1 March 2026.
Source last checked:
- 03Ministry for Home Affairs, Security and Employment (opens in a new tab)
Ministry-level description of the Pre-Departure Course: the two-part structure, the two Part 1 modules, the learning hours, the interview, the 42-day completion window, the fee, and the rollout dates.
Source last checked:
We never collect official login details, documents, or payment data. Use this guide for context, then take action only on the official portal. Full citations are listed at the end of this page.
Read the official Identità Pre-Departure Course guidanceOpens the official website