What is Malta Skills Pass?

The Skills Pass is a mandatory Pre-Departure assessment issued by ITS Malta on behalf of Identità. Third-country nationals taking up work in Malta in covered sectors must clear it before their work permit (single permit) is issued.

Is the Skills Pass mandatory for Malta jobs?

Yes, for third-country nationals taking up work in covered sectors (hospitality, care and others). EU/EEA citizens are exempt.

What is Skills Pass Phase 1?

Phase 1 covers the Pre-Departure assessment - Parts 1 (Living in Malta), 2 (Workplace rights) and 3 (English speaking and listening) - completed before you fly to Malta.

What is Skills Pass Phase 2?

Phase 2 covers further steps after arrival in Malta - typically documentation, an advanced/sector-specific component and integration. It builds on Phase 1.

How difficult is the Skills Pass?

Most candidates pass on the first attempt if they prepare. The most common reason for re-sits is poor practice - going in cold to the timed mock final exam. SkillPass Prep mirrors the real format so you don't get caught out.

Can I work in Malta without the Skills Pass?

Not in covered sectors. Your single-permit work visa will not be issued without the Skills Pass certificate for those occupations.

Malta Skills Pass 2026 - What It Is, Cost, Phases & Pass Marks

Q: How much does the Skills Pass cost?

The official course and exam fee is set by ITS Malta and is paid by the candidate. The exact amount changes periodically - check the official ITS / Identità sites for the current fee.

The Skills Pass is Malta's mandatory Pre-Departure assessment for most third-country nationals taking up work in covered sectors. This guide explains who needs it, what's tested, and how to prepare.

Who needs the Malta Skills Pass?

The Skills Pass applies to third-country nationals (non-EU/EEA) taking up work in Malta in covered sectors. If your employer is filing a single-permit application with Identità, you almost certainly need it.

Hospitality (hotels, restaurants, bars, hotel housekeeping)
Care (residential care homes, home care, care assistants)
Selected construction, transport and other covered occupations
EU/EEA citizens are exempt

What's tested in the Skills Pass

The assessment has three parts. Parts 1 and 2 are written/multiple-choice. Part 3 is a spoken English check.

Part 1 - Living and Integrating in Malta: 15 modules covering Maltese culture, public services, transport, healthcare, housing and daily life
Part 2 - Rights and Obligations at the Workplace: 5 modules covering employment contracts, hours, leave, health & safety, and discrimination
Part 3 - English speaking & listening: short proctored interview-style prompts

How much does the Skills Pass cost?

The official Skills Pass course and exam fee is set by ITS Malta. It is paid by the candidate (you), separately from the single-permit fee paid by the employer and the D-visa fee paid at VFS Global. Anyone asking for thousands of euros, lakhs of rupees or riyals to 'guarantee a pass' is scamming you.

Pass marks and retries

You need 80% on each written part to pass. The official platform allows a limited number of retries - re-sits are the most common reason work-visa appointments get delayed. SkillPass Prep gives you unlimited practice attempts so you walk into the official assessment ready.

How to prepare for the Skills Pass

Practice in the same format you'll be tested in. SkillPass Prep mirrors the structure: video lessons, transcripts, two practice quizzes per module, and timed mock final exams for Part 1 and Part 2, plus English speaking practice for Part 3.

The Malta Skills Pass - what it is and how it works