What happened?
The official fast-track Single Permit route for highly skilled third-country nationals in managerial or highly technical roles.
Why does it matter?
work
Who is affected?
Highly skilled non-EU workers and Maltese employers
What should you do?
Check KEI eligibility and current checklists
The Key Employee Initiative, or KEI, is a fast-track route within Malta’s Single Permit system for third-country nationals offered managerial or highly technical employment requiring suitable qualifications or proven experience.
Identità currently lists a minimum gross annual salary of €45,000. Applicants must also provide certified qualifications, warrants or evidence of relevant work experience. KEI can also extend to innovators in start-up projects endorsed by Malta Enterprise.
Identità states that the expected processing time is five working days once the application is fully submitted with all required documents. The first-time fee is €600 and renewal is €150 per year. The first permit is normally valid for one year and may later be renewed for up to three years if the conditions continue to be met.
KEI applicants must also provide proof of one job advert running for at least two weeks within the two months before the application on an appropriate local media platform.
Always use the latest Identità checklist before applying. Official KEI information: https://identita.gov.mt/expatriates-unit-main-page/noneu-nationals/employment-related-permits/highly-qualified-individuals/key-employee-initiative/