The Key Employee Initiative (KEI) has been introduced in Malta, providing a new, efficient programme for third country nationals / non – EU nationals (TCN) seeking employment and residence in Malta.

The Key Employee Initiative aims to facilitate and to provide a fast track application process to highly-specialised third-country nationals who seek employment in Malta; applications will be approved within five working days from the date of submission of the application.

Eligibility

An individual may apply for a work/residence permit under the scheme if the employment position concerns a managerial or a highly-technical post which requires specific qualifications or adequate experience.

This scheme is also open to innovators who are involved in start-up projects which are specifically approved by Malta Enterprise.

Individuals applying under the KEI must:

• Have an annual gross salary of at least € 30,000; and
• Provide certified copies of the relevant qualifications, warrants or the necessary work experience;
• Provide a declaration by the employer stating that they have the necessary credentials to perform the duties which they have been assigned.

Validity

Once the application is validated and approved, the applicant will be issued with a residence permit which is valid for 1 year. The permit may then be renewed for a maximum period of 3 years, subject to the submission of the documentation requested by Identity Malta, namely:

1. A definite or an indefinite contract of employment, and
2. The original annual tax declaration form stamped by the Inland Revenue Department.

Government Fee

The Government of Malta’s fee for the submission of the application is €280.50, to be paid at the time of submission.

Time-frame

Permits are issued within five working days from the date of submission of the application. The applicant does not need to be physically present to submit the application, therefore the applicant would not need to travel to Malta to submit the application.

Documents Required

1.  Application for a residence permit on the basis of employment – the form must be  endorsed by the employer with an official stamp and signature of the responsible official;
2. Identity Registration Form – Non-Maltese Nationals along with the application fee of
€280.50;
3. Full copy of passport;
4. Declaration by the employer stating that the applicant has the necessary credentials to perform the duties being assigned;
5. Draft work contract showing an annual gross salary of €30,000;
6. Curriculum Vitae of the applicant;
7. Certified copies of the relevant qualifications, warrants or reference letters;
8. Full health-insurance policy, showing all aspects being covered, which supports the applicant in the eventuality of requiring any type of medical assistance or hospitalisation during the first year of stay in Malta;
9. Lease agreement or purchase agreement of property.
10. Depending on type of job, a relevant health screening approval from the Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Directorate.

How can we help?

Acumum can advise and assist third country nationals with the application process under the Key Employee Initiative. Applications for the Key Employee Initiative are required to be made to and processed by Identity Malta by an Authorised Registered Mandatory.

Acumum is an Authorised Registered Mandatory for all Malta Citizenship and Malta Residency programmes.

Kindly contact us on [email protected] for more information.