General Information on the Skills Pass
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What is changing in the Skills Pass system?
The Skills Pass system is changing. It now has two parts. This helps Malta accept skilled workers in tourism and hospitality.
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What is the Pre-Departure Integration Course?
It is a mandatory course for all third country nationals. It must be completed before coming to Malta for work.
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How much does the Hospitality and Tourism Skills Pass cost?
The Skills Pass is paid after completing the €245 Pre-Departure Course. The fee for the Skills Pass in Tourism and Hospitality is €230, which includes a €5 booking fee for the Phase 2 interview.
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Who must take the Pre-Departure Integration Course?
All third country nationals who want to work in Malta must take this course.
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What are the two parts of the new system?
Part 1 is the Pre-Departure Integration Course. Part 2 is the sector-specific courses and skills assessment.
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What are the sector-specific courses?
These include Customer Care, the Maltese Tourism Product, and a Skills Assessment.
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Where are the courses done?
All courses are done online through the Skills Pass platform.
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What is Phase 2?
Phase 2 is an online face-to-face interview carried out at the Institute of Tourism Studies or your nearest VFS centres. It checks the knowledge you learned in the online courses.
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When do I book Phase 2?
You book Phase 2 after you pass Phase 1 (Part 1 and Part 2 (if applicable) online).
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What happens if I pass Phase 2?
You receive a Pre-Departure Integration Course Certificate and a Skills Pass Certificate.
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What are these certificates used for?
They are needed to apply for a Single Permit with Identità.
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Who must apply through the Pre-Departure Portal?
All prospective third country national employees must apply through the Pre-Departure Portal (Skills Pass Portal).
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Can I apply for work without these certificates?
No. Without both certificates, you cannot apply to work in tourism and hospitality in Malta.
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What must employers do?
Employers must check that workers have valid certificates before applying for a Single Permit.
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What if I already have a Skills Pass from the old system?
You may be granted a two-year permit if you renew after one year with no objections.
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Can I get a longer permit?
You may get a three-year permit if you improve your qualification level and meet all rules
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What is the role of ITS?
ITS processes applications on the online portal and provides training and assessments
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What is the role of Identità?
Identità requires a valid Skills Pass to issue work permits.
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Which jobs are excluded from the need to have the Tourism & Hospitality Skills pass?
All persons who will be working within the Tourism & hospitality Sector in Malta need to have the skills pass, but there are some roles which are excluded as from the 5th January 2026.
The following is a non-exhaustive list of these jobs:
- Employees working in Accounts
- Employees working in Marketing
- Employees working in HR
- Employees working in Stores
- Cleaners & Kitchen PortersIn cases where jobs are not listed above, please send an e-mail to [email protected].
