Candidate FAQs

Registration & Account

3. How do I register? You create an account, enter your details, upload documents, and accept the terms.
4. What happens if I give false information? Your account will be suspended, and no refund will be given.
5. Can I use expired documents? No. This will result in account suspension.
6. I registered as a Summer candidate. What do I do now? - After registering as a summer candidate, you must wait 5 to 7 working days to receive a free skills pass, valid for 6 months, that can only be used to work part-time.

General Questions

1. What is this website for? - This website gives information for foreign workers who want to work in Malta. It explains the Pre-Departure Course and the Skills Pass.
2. Who must use the Skills pass website? - All foreign workers applying for a first work permit in Malta must use the Skills pass website.
3. When registering, I cannot find Malta in the list of countries, and I am currently living in Malta. What do I choose? - You must select the country of residence the same as your country of origin.
4. I am unable to start the exam due to camera access. What do I do? - Allow camera access from the browser or phone permissions through settings and then refresh the page.
5. My phase 1 progression is stuck at 86%, what do I need to do? - You don't need to do anything. You must wait for a confirmation email, which will contain a link that directs you to the booking page of phase 2.
6. My progress is stuck at 57%, what do I do? - You must proceed to the catalogue page and select an occupation, then wait 5 to 7 working days to receive the confirmation email, which will contain a link that directs you to the booking page of phase 2.
7. I have a valid skills pass from last year. Do I need the pre-departure course? - No, if you hold a valid and complete skills pass certificate, you are not required to do the pre-departure course.

Pre-Departure Course

1. What is the Pre-Departure Course? -  It is a mandatory online course that must be completed by non-EU / non-EEA / non-EFTA nationals before applying for a work permit.
2. Is the Pre-Departure Course mandatory? - Yes. All non-EU / non-EEA / non-EFTA nationals applying for their first work permit must complete it.
3. What do I learn in the course? - You will learn about living in Malta, rules, culture, transport, health services, and work rights.
4. How is the course given? - The course is online, with videos and reading material.
5. Are there exams? - Yes, exams for phase 1 are done from the candidate's device, while phase 2 is done at the nearest VFS centre.
6. How much does the Pre-Departure course cost? - The total fee is €245, plus a booking fee for Phase 2 of €5.

Skills Pass (Tourism & Hospitality)

1. What is a claimed sector? A claimed sector is a sector that needs extra training or assessment. these include luggage porter, receptionist, line chef, line waiter and bar waiter
2. Do tourism and hospitality workers need more than the Pre-Departure Course - Yes. They must also complete the Skills Pass, unless working as a cleaner, kitchen helper, HR, Marketing and accounts, as these only require the Pre-Departure course
3. What is the Skills Pass? - It shows that you are ready to work in tourism and hospitality in Malta with a certificate as confirmation.
4. When do I do the Skills Pass? - After completing the Pre-Departure Course.
5. What does the Skills Pass include? - It includes learning courses, exams, and the phase 2 interview.
6. How much does the Skills Pass cost? - €475 and also a €5 booking fee.
7. Why were my qualifications rejected? - We only accept certificates from EU, EEA and EFTA countries and before submitting, these must be passed through MQRIC. Certificates obtained in Malta must only be signed and stamped by a notary/Lawyer before submitting to the website.

Phase 1 and Phase 2

1. What is Phase 1? - Phase 1 is the online learning courses and exams.
2. What is Phase 2? - Phase 2 is a short interview at a VFS centre.
3. Who must do Phase 2? - Everyone needs to do phase 2 as it is the final step of the pre-departure course.
4. When will I receive the confirmation email after completing phase 1? - After completing phase 1 exams and selecting an occupation from the catalogue page, you must wait 5 to 7 working days for the confirmation email.
5. What happens after passing Phase 1 and Phase 2? - You receive a certificate and can apply for a work permit.
6. How many attempts do I have for phase 1? - The first exam is free. One resit is included in the bundle. If the candidate still does not pass, they can take two more resits, each for €100.
7. What time should I arrive for my phase 2 appointment? - You need to be at the VFS centre 30 minutes before the start of the exam.
8. What do I do if i am late to my phase 2 appointment? - You may arrive up to 15 minutes late for your Phase 2 appointment. After 15 minutes, the assessment cannot be started. You  must then rebook the assessment after 24 hours including a 100 euro rebooking fee.
9. What do I need to bring for my phase 2 appointment? - You must bring your passport and your appointment confirmation letter.
10. What happens if I forget my passport for my phase 2 appointment? - We also accept a national ID issued by the government. If none of these is presented, the phase 2 appointment cannot be done, and you must then book a resit after 24 hours at an additional fee of €100.
11. How many attempts do I have for phase 2? - If registered under pre-departure, you are allowed 1 resit for phase 2, at the cost of €100. If you fail the resit, you will not be able to obtain the pre-departure certificate, and therefore you will be unable to obtain a work permit in Malta. If registered under Tourism, you are allowed 1 resit at the cost of €100 and failed phase 2 twice, the previously selected occupation cannot be chosen again.

Certificates

1. How do I receive my certificate? - Certificates are issued digitally through the system and also sent by email.
2. When will I receive my final certificate? - After completing phase 2, and receiving a pass mark, you must wait 5 to 7 working days for your certificate to be issued.