Effective March 1, 2026, no first-time work permit applicant steps foot on Maltese soil without proof of preparation. The Malta Pre-Departure Course—delivered via the new Skills Pass portal—is no longer optional. It is the golden key. For €250, candidates master the essentials: rights at work, daily life, and verified English proficiency through a mandatory in-person interview. Tourism and hospitality roles demand even more with sector-specific Part 2 training.

April 29, 2025 — The European Court of Justice (ECJ) declared Malta’s citizenship-by-investment scheme illegal, dealing a major blow to “golden passport” programs in the EU.