Employment

With thousands of graduates emerging from the University of Malta and the Malta College of Arts, Science and Technology (MCAST) every year, Malta is geared to receive international companies and is able to provide qualified personnel for all levels of staffing. The Government of Malta constantly offers education incentives in order to ensure that the demands of the several industries are met.

Malta has a highly skilled multilingual working force and in comparison to the rest of Europe Malta has very competitive wage rates. The national minimum monthly wage is about €625. Social security and insurance contributions add a further 10% to the wage bill. Employees are entitled to 24 days annual leave (this number varies according to employment) and 14 public holidays. Sick leave entitlement varies according to the industrial sector. Enterprises are supported in a variety of ways by the Government of Malta in recruiting new employees and training their staff.

The Government of Malta offers substantial investment tax credits of up to 50% in relation to the new jobs created. The relative percentage could be increased to 65% in the case of SMEs. Companies that are entitled to the benefit of reduced rates of income tax also qualify for investment tax credits.

Foreign companies that have invested in Malta have a high regard for the ability, productivity and learning potential of Maltese workers. Malta enjoys one of the lowest strike rates in Western Europe, and labour unrest is unlikely in the foreseeable future.

Indefinite work permits are granted to shareholders (or their nominees) holding more than 40% of the equity. Definite work permits for specialists are granted according to company requirements.

Other Incentives offered by the Government of Malta include training and management service grants.