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Malta BudgetGuide

Living in Malta · TCNs & foreign residents

Budget 2027 for third-country nationals

Changes to work permit costs and transport eligibility for non-EU nationals living or working in Malta.

Key points

  • New work permit applications cost €800 instead of €600.
  • A €400 annual infrastructure contribution applies to new applications and renewals, with an under-18 exemption.
  • Free public transport is limited to citizens, resident EU nationals and long-term residents.
  • Residence status, not citizenship alone, decides eligibility. A long-term resident TCN is treated differently from a single-permit holder.

Measures that affect you

Budget 2027AnnouncedBudget measure

Non-EU work permit fees 2027

The new non-EU work permit application fee rises from €600 to €800, and a new €400 annual infrastructure contribution applies to new applications and renewals, with an under-18 exemption.

€800 application; €400 annual contribution

Speech printed p. 29 · PDF p. 33

Budget 2027AnnouncedBudget measure

Free public transport eligibility 2027

From 2027 free public transport is restricted to Maltese and Gozitan residents, resident EU nationals and long-term residents.

Speech printed p. 30 · PDF p. 34

Budget 2027AnnouncedBudget measure

Non-EU driving licences

Holders of non-EU licences can drive for 12 months from entry; after that they need a Maltese or EU licence.

€83 per month fee

Speech printed p. 30 · PDF p. 34

Budget 2027AnnouncedBudget measure

Atypical work cheque eligibility

From 1 January 2027 the atypical work cheque is limited to Maltese and Gozitans, resident EU citizens and long-term residents.

Speech printed p. 31 · PDF p. 35

Budget 2027AnnouncedBudget measure

Free childcare eligibility

From 2027 new users of free childcare must be Maltese or Gozitan, resident EU citizens or long-term residents.

Speech printed p. 31 · PDF p. 35

Who is who

Third-country national (TCN)
A person who is not a citizen of an EU or EEA state, or Switzerland.
EU national resident
An EU citizen living in Malta under free-movement rules. No work permit needed.
Long-term resident
A TCN holding EU long-term resident status. Treated separately for transport eligibility.

Related tools

Work permit fee plannerKnown fees for new and renewal scenarios.

Common questions

How much is a new non-EU work permit application in 2027?
The application fee is announced at €800, up from €600. A separate €400 annual infrastructure contribution also applies.
Do children pay the infrastructure contribution?
No. People under 18 are exempt from the €400 contribution, according to the speech.
Will I still get free bus travel?
Only if you are Maltese or Gozitan, a resident EU national or a long-term resident. Other third-country nationals are not in the eligible categories.

Independent editorial note: figures are taken from Budget announcements. Announcements are not law until enacted. Check the source library and official guidance before acting.