Identity Malta recently introduced a scheme known as ‘The Key Employee Initiative’ (KEI) intended to provide a fast-tracked service to highly-specialised Third-Country Nationals who are employed in Malta.

Eligibility

The scheme is applicable to managerial or highly-technical posts which require the relevant qualifications or adequate experience related to the job being offered. The following conditions must be satisfied:

• Annual gross salary of at least €30,000 per annum.
• Certified copies of the relevant qualifications, warrants or the necessary work experience.
• Declaration by the employer stating that the applicant has the necessary credentials to perform the duties being assigned.

Procedures and time-lines

Work/residence permits to prospective key employees are issued by Identity Malta within five working days from the date of submission

Applications for a single permit under the KEI may be submitted while the applicant is physically in Malta or still abroad. Work/residence permits to prospective key employees are issued by Identity Malta within five working days from the date of submission of the application forms together with the required supporting documentation including, inter alia, a valid authorisation to reside in Malta, a declaration by the employer stating that the applicant has the necessary credentials to perform the duties being assigned and draft employment agreement showing an annual gross salary of €30,000.

Approved applicants will be issued with a residence permit valid for one year. The said permit may be renewed for a maximum period of three years, subject to the presentation of (i) a valid definite or indefinite contract, and (ii) the original annual tax declaration form stamped by the Inland Revenue Department.