Are you planning to work in Malta for the first time? If you are coming from outside the European Union (a Third Country National – TCN), you have probably already heard about the Pre-Departure Course. Introduced in January 2026, this course is now one of the first steps you must complete before applying for your work permit.
As of 1 March 2026, Maltese authorities have begun verifying that applicants have completed the Pre-Departure Course before accepting any work permit application. This means that without your certificate, your application will not be processed, potentially leading to significant delays.
The course is designed to prepare you with the essential knowledge and tools needed to live and work in Malta safely and successfully. It covers daily life, employment rights, local culture, basic workplace expectations, and English communication skills, all delivered through a flexible and interactive online format.
If your goal is to work in the hospitality sector (hotels, restaurants, bars, or tourism), this course is only the first step. You will also need to complete the Tourism & Hospitality Skills Pass, which includes specialised training and assessment for the industry.
In this complete guide, you will learn what the Pre-Departure Course is, who it applies to, how much it costs, how long it takes, and how to complete it correctly so your journey to Malta starts smoothly.
What is the Pre-Departure Course?
The Pre-Departure Course is a mandatory online programme designed to help you understand what life and work in Malta are like before you arrive.
Its goal is to ensure you are not arriving unprepared but instead have a solid foundation in the following:
✔️ How daily life in Malta works
✔️ Your rights and responsibilities at work
✔️ Local culture and adaptation
✔️ Basic legal requirements
✔️ Essential English communication skills and practical knowledge
What makes this course unique is that it is not just theoretical. It includes assessments and a short oral interview to evaluate your understanding and English level.
Who needs to take it?
This course is mandatory for workers who:
- Are not citizens of the EU, EFTA, or EEA (Third Country Nationals – TCNs)
- Are applying for a work permit in Malta for the first time
If you have previously held a work permit or have legally lived in Malta, you can proceed with your renewal process without completing the Pre-Departure Course. However, depending on your role, you may still need other certifications.
How long does it take?
✔️ The course is divided into online modules that you can complete at your own pace.
✔️ Materials include videos, readings, and exercises
✔️ After completing the modules, you must schedule a live interview (approximately 20 minutes).
✔️ You have up to 42 days from the moment you start to complete the entire process.
How much does it cost?
The course costs €250, payable upon registration through the official Skills Pass Portal.
Important: If you plan to work in tourism or hospitality (hotels, restaurants, bars, etc.), you will also need to complete the Tourism & Hospitality Skills Pass after finishing the Pre-Departure Course. This involves an additional cost (approximately €230 + €5 for the interview).
What if I’m applying for a hospitality job?
If your role is within hospitality or tourism (such as waiter, receptionist, kitchen staff, bartender, housekeeper, or similar positions), the process is slightly more comprehensive:
- Complete and pass the Pre-Departure Course
- Complete the Tourism & Hospitality Skills Pass (sector-specific training and assessment)
Only after obtaining both certificates can you proceed with your work permit application.
Step-by-Step application process
- Register on the official Skills Pass Portal
- Pay for the course
- Complete the online modules
- Attend the live interview
- Download your certificate
- Upload the certificate when applying for your work permit
- If applicable, continue with the Hospitality Skills Pass
Summary
✔️ The Pre-Departure Course is mandatory for all non-EU workers applying for their first work permit in Malta.
✔️ It costs €250 and takes approximately 24 hours to complete, plus an interview
✔️ Hospitality workers must complete an additional step (Skills Pass)
✔️ Without these certificates, your work permit application will not be accepted.
