Obtaining the Skills Pass

The Skills Pass process consists of two Phases:

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Phase

Following registration, the candidate is invited to purchase the modules which include four mandatory modules and at least one occupation.

Candidates must pass all mandatory assessments, including:

• English Proficiency Test
• Basic Customer Care
• Basic Maltese Tourism Product Course
• Basic English for Hospitality Course

Following successful completion of the mandatory assessments, the candidates proceed to the occupation selection. Candidates must select one occupation from the following options:

• Luggage Porter (Front Office)
• Receptionist (Front Office)
• Bar Waiter (Bar Staff)
• General Attendant (Housekeeping)
• Commis Chef (Kitchen Staff)
• Commis de Rang (Food Service Staff)
• Other (Answer one written question)

Once candidate passes the mandatory and occupation assessments successfully, the candidates receive a Phase 1 Confirmation which confirms that the online assessment has been successfully finalised.

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Phase

Upon successful completion of Phase 1, the candidate is invited to choose a time slot for the Online Interview. The assessor confirms the time slot within a week and the candidate shall receive confirmation and instructions via email upon confirmation.

On the interview day, candidates from countries not in the EU or European Economic Area or European Free Trade Agreement that require a visa to enter Malta, are required to go to their nearest VFS Centre for their online interview. On the other hand, candidates from non-EU or European Economic Area or European Free Trade Agreement countries that do not require a visa to enter Malta are to visit the Institute of Tourism Studies in Malta for the online interview.

Upon successful completion of Phase 2, the candidate will then receive the permanent Skills Pass and will be able to work in the Hospitality and Tourism Sector in Malta.

General Rules

• Purchases should be made via Credit Card (Stripe payment).
• One free re-sit for failed exams; subsequent re-sits available for purchase.
• Failure to pass after re-sit results in a 3-month lockdown period.
• Candidates have 42 days to complete the Phase 1 process; extensions can be purchased if needed.

Changes in VISA duration

A Non-EU/EEA/EFTA national who acquires a Skills pass and completes the verification process by ITS and Identita is eligible for a residence and work permit of one year upon approval from Jobsplus, the Malta Police Force, and any other pertenant authority.

Upon satisfying the criteria for a full year, Non-EU/EEA/EFTA nationals may renew their permit for two years, with subsequent renewals possible under the same conditions.

Renewal requirements mirror the initial criteria:

• Advancement to at least the next skill pass level (Orange, MQF level 2).
• Direct employment with an MTA licensed operator in the tourism and hospitality sector.
• Submission of documentation for a two-year definite contract or indefinite employment upon renewal.
• Proof of a gross annual income of at least €20,000.

Subsequent renewals for up to two years are available, provided all conditions are continuously met.

If the Non-EU/EEA/EFTA national does not meet the two year permit requirements they will be able to renew on a yearly basis.

Fee

Category	Fee
Non-EU/EEA/EFTA living abroad (coming to Malta to work in tourism and hospitality industry)	€475
Non-EU/EEA/EFTA living in Malta for less than a year (applying for first renewal of residency permit)	€455
Non-EU/EEA/EFTA living in Malta for more than a year (applying for second renewal onwards)	€375
Non-EU/EEA/EFTA ELT Student	€335
Sector Skilled Workers (registered by an MTA licensed establishment)	€280
Non-EU/EEA/EFTA Internship Student	€0
Students carrying out a full-time course with a licensed local Education Institution	€0
EU/EEA/EFTA/Maltese working within the Hospitality and Tourism Industry	€0