Skills Pass · Guide

Do Maltese and EU workers need the Skills Pass in 2027?

Facts checked against the official sources on 30 October 2026. Independent guide, not affiliated with the Government of Malta.

The short answer

Under the rules in force today, no. The Skills Pass is required from third-country nationals coming to work in Malta's hotels, restaurants and bars. In July 2025, Legal Notice 113 of 2025 had moved a planned start for Maltese and EU workers from 1 January 2026 to 1 January 2027. Then Legal Notice 294 of 2025, in force since 5 January 2026, rewrote the regulations: regulation 3 now speaks only of third-country nationals. Rules can change again, so check with the Institute of Tourism Studies before you rely on this.

Why the 1 January 2027 date is still everywhere

The July 2025 postponement was widely reported, and many pages still repeat it. The legal text was changed again later in 2025. If someone tells you Maltese staff need the pass from January, ask them which legal notice says so.

Who needs it today

Third-country nationals who come to work in a tourism and hospitality establishment licensed by the Malta Tourism Authority, employed directly or through an agency. The law lists the job categories assessed: bar staff, front office staff, restaurant staff, kitchen staff, and other front facing roles the Institute publishes. ITS lists the roles excluded since 5 January 2026: accounts, marketing, HR, stores, cleaners and kitchen porters.

What it involves

It comes after the Pre-departure Course. Phase 1 is online: the courses in Customer Care and the Maltese Tourism Product, and a skills assessment for the job. Phase 2 is an interview with an assessor, online at ITS or at a VFS centre. ITS gives the fee as €230, including the €5 interview booking. Students on recognised courses can get a temporary pass, and people with a recognised tourism and hospitality qualification can ask ITS to recognise it instead of doing the courses.

For employers

Every new non-EU hire in these roles needs the pass before the Single Permit can go ahead, so a failed interview means a late start. About 13,000 workers had the pass by mid 2025. If you are training a group, Għaddi codes cost €5 a worker and open the full Skills Pass or Pre-departure practice for 12 months, with five free codes to try first.

Training a team?

Codes cost €5 a worker and open the full trainer for 12 months. Five free codes to try.

Codes for employers