🇲🇹 Malta Pre-Departure Integration Course – Complete Detailed Guide
This guide provides all the essential information about
Malta's mandatory Pre-Departure Course for first-time work permit applicants
from non-EU/EEA countries.
1. Course Overview & Purpose
The Pre-Departure Course is a mandatory requirement for all Third-Country Nationals
(TCNs) applying for a Single Permit for the first time. The system officially
came into effect on 1st
March 2026, and
a valid course certificate is now required for all first-time Single Permit
applications.
The core objective is to ensure incoming workers have a basic
understanding of Maltese society, culture, workplace rights, and obligations
before arriving, thereby supporting smoother integration and reducing instances
of misunderstanding or exploitation.
2. Who Must Complete the Course?
|
Category |
Requirement |
|
Must Complete |
All
Third-Country Nationals (non-EU/EEA) applying for their first Single Permit
in Malta |
|
Exemptions |
Maltese
nationals, EU/EEA/Swiss citizens, TCNs with a valid work permit (including
those changing employers), EU Blue Card applicants, Intra-Company Transferee
workers |
3. Course Structure and Components
The programme uses a two-part structure delivered via the Skills Pass Portal.
Phase
1: Online Modules (Mandatory for All)
Part 1 consists of two core online modules, each requiring
approximately 10–12
hours of
learning.
Module 1: Living and
Working in Malta
This module covers everyday life and cultural integration:
- Maltese
history, culture, and society: Understanding Malta's rich heritage, including its
historical influences (e.g., from the Knights of St. John to British rule).
- Traditions
and values:
Learning about important local traditions, such as village festas (feasts)
with fireworks and band marches.
- Practical
living information:
- Accommodation
& Cost of Living: Understanding rental costs, utility bills, and the
general cost of food and transport.
- Public
Services:
How to access government services, use public libraries, and interact
with local authorities.
- Transport: Traffic drives on the left.
The primary public transport is the bus network. Know the rules of the
road.
- Health
Services:
An overview of Malta's public healthcare system (free at the point of use
for residents) and private health insurance requirements.
- Social
and Legal Norms:
- Communication
and Social Behaviour: Understanding the importance of respect, politeness,
and community.
- Respecting
Maltese Laws and Culture: A key focus is on the need to adapt to Maltese society
and respect its laws and cultural norms.
Module 2: Rights and
Obligations at the Workplace
This module focuses on employment conditions and labour law:
- Employment
Contract:
What a contract should contain, including job title, duties, and salary.
- Employee
Rights & Responsibilities:
- Rights: To be paid the agreed wage, to
work in a safe environment, to receive paid leave.
- Responsibilities: Working honestly, obeying
lawful and reasonable instructions, and doing the agreed job.
- Employer
Responsibilities: Paying the employee correctly, ensuring a safe workplace, and
treating employees with respect.
- Salary
& Working Conditions: Understanding minimum wage, overtime pay, and lawful
deductions.
- Working
Hours & Leave: Standard working hours, entitlement to annual leave,
and public holidays.
- Workplace
Health & Safety: Reporting hazards and understanding safety procedures.
- Equality
& Discrimination: Laws against discrimination based on race, gender,
religion, etc.
- Harassment
& Exploitation: Recognising and reporting workplace harassment and
exploitation (e.g., being forced to pay for your job).
- Reporting
Problems:
How to report issues to a supervisor, HR, or the Department for Industrial
and Employment Relations (DIER).
Phase
2: Live Verification Interview (Mandatory)
After passing the online assessments, applicants must attend
a live online interview of approximately 20 minutes. The interview is a continuation of
the Phase 1 exams, where the interviewer asks follow-up questions.
The interview assesses:
- 🇬🇧 English Communication: Verifying basic English
language proficiency in a practical context.
- 🇲🇹 Your Knowledge of Malta: Understanding of
Maltese culture and society.
- 🏠 Living and Working in Malta: Practical
knowledge of daily life, accommodation, and transport.
- 👷 Workplace Rights & Responsibilities:
Understanding of employee and employer duties.
- 🦺 Health & Safety: Knowledge of workplace
safety regulations.
- 🤝 Workplace Behaviour: Understanding of ethical
behaviour and anti-discrimination.
- 🗣️ Workplace Scenarios: Your ability to explain
how you would handle realistic workplace situations.
Part
2: Sector-Specific Certification (If Applicable)
This part applies only to certain occupations in regulated
sectors, such as tourism
and hospitality
(e.g., restaurants, hotels).
- Who
Needs It:
Applicants working in establishments licensed by the Malta Tourism
Authority (MTA).
- What
It Is: An
additional Skills
Pass requirement, which includes sector-specific training
and validation.
- Cost: The Skills Pass application fee
is €230, plus a €5 interview booking fee, separate from the Pre-Departure
Course fee.
4. Important Timelines & Costs
|
Requirement |
Details |
|
Course Fee |
€250 (non-refundable) |
|
Completion Period |
You have 42 days from registration to
complete Part 1. |
|
Portal Opens |
5th
January 2026 (for course registration). |
|
Mandatory Date |
1st March
2026 (certificates become mandatory for all first-time Single Permit
applications). |
5. Exam Pattern & Practice Questions
Phase
1: Online Examination
- Format: Multiple-choice and true/false
questions for each module.
- Duration: ~30 minutes per module.
- Attempts: You have 2 free attempts. If
you fail both, a third attempt requires payment. A third failure blocks
you for one month.
Phase
2: Live Interview
- Format: Live, conversational interview
(online or at a centre).
- Duration: ~20–30 minutes.
- Assessment: English proficiency + content
understanding from Phase 1.
Example
Practice Questions
1. Which of the following
is a legal requirement in Malta?
- A) Driving on the right-hand side of the road
- B) Driving on the left-hand side of the road
- C) Not using seat belts
Answer: B. Malta drives on the left.
2. An employee's primary
responsibility includes:
- A) Treating employees with respect and dignity
- B) Providing safe working conditions
- C) Working positively and honestly
Answer: C. Options A and B are the employer's responsibilities.
3. What should you do if
you face unfair treatment at work?
- A) Immediately post about it on social media
- B) Ignore the problem
- C) Discuss it informally with your supervisor or
HR
Answer: C. Try to resolve it informally first. If it continues, you can
report it to the authorities.
Scenario-Based
Interview Question Example
Scenario: You are working in a restaurant. A colleague makes
offensive jokes about your background and other workers. They say it's
"just banter." What do you do?
Sample Answer:
I would first tell my colleague that the jokes make me feel
uncomfortable and ask them to stop. If the behaviour continues, I would report
it to my supervisor or the manager. Everyone has the right to be treated with
respect, and harassment and discrimination are not acceptable in Malta's
workplace.
6. The Application Process: Step-by-Step
1. Register on the official Skills Pass Portal.
2. Provide Proof of Employment: You must have a formal job offer, a
Promise of Employment letter, or a signed employment agreement to proceed.
3. Pay the €250 fee.
4. Complete both online modules and their assessments.
5. Book and attend the live
online interview.
6. Download your Certificate of
Completion.
7. If required for your sector, proceed to complete the Skills Pass
(Part 2) for tourism and hospitality.
8. Submit your Single Permit
application to
Identità Malta, including your Pre-Departure Course certificate.
7. The Longer Course for Permit Renewals
A separate 40–42 hour "Holistic Programme for Immigrants'
Integration" is available for low-skilled workers seeking to renew their work permit.
Successfully completing it allows for a two-year permit renewal (instead of one) for an annual fee of €150.
This course covers more in-depth topics, including:
- Maltese history
- Renting and budgeting
- Digital literacy
- Maltese and English language lessons.
8. Tips for Success
1. Start Early: You have 42 days, but starting
immediately gives you time to study and prepare for the interview.
2. Thoroughly Review Materials: You can revisit the course materials
as many times as you need before the final interview.
3. Practice Your English: The interview assesses basic English
communication, so practice speaking about the topics.
4. Prepare for Scenarios: Be ready to explain how you would handle
realistic workplace situations, as this is a key part of the interview.
5. Know Your Rights and
Responsibilities: This is the most commonly tested area, so pay close attention to Module
2.
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