Introduction
The integration skills course in Malta is a mandatory pre-departure training programme introduced by the Maltese government for third-country nationals (TCNs) applying for a single work permit. The course is intended to prepare foreign workers for living and working in Malta by providing essential knowledge about Maltese society, workplace culture, and employment rights.
This course forms part of Malta’s broader skills pass system, which aims to improve labour standards, integration, and legal compliance within the Maltese labour market.
Purpose of the integration skills course
The main objective of the integration skills course is to ensure the effective integration of foreign workers into both Maltese society and the workplace. The course helps participants to:
- understand Maltese cultural and social norms
- develop basic professional English communication skills
- gain knowledge of employment rights and obligations under Maltese law
- become familiar with workplace standards, equality principles, and professional conduct.
By making this course compulsory prior to employment, Malta seeks to reduce labour exploitation, improve workplace awareness, and promote lawful employment relationships.
Structure and content of the course
The integration skills course is delivered online through the official skills pass platform and typically requires 20–24 hours to complete. It must be finalised before submitting a first-time single work permit application.
The course consists of two main modules:
- Living and working in Malta
This module covers daily life in Malta, cultural expectations, social behaviour, and communication norms.
- Rights and obligations at the workplace
This module focuses on employee rights, employer responsibilities, basic labour law principles, workplace equality, and ethical behaviour.
After completing the modules, participants must pass online assessments and attend a live online interview to verify understanding and communication ability.
Legal and administrative significance
Completion of the integration skills course is a legal requirement for first-time single work permit applicants. Applications submitted without a valid course certificate are not processed by the Maltese authorities.
The course costs €250, payable by the applicant. This requirement reflects Malta’s commitment to ensuring that foreign workers are informed about their rights and responsibilities before entering the labour market.
Relevance in a professional and legal context
For professional environments such as law firms, integration skills are particularly important. Awareness of workplace rights, ethical standards, communication practices, and cultural norms contributes to professionalism, legal compliance, and effective collaboration.
The integration skills course therefore supports not only administrative compliance but also
responsible professional conduct within Malta’s legal and corporate sectors.
Conclusion
The integration skills course in Malta plays a crucial role in preparing foreign workers for professional and social integration. By combining cultural awareness, legal knowledge, and workplace expectations, the course promotes a fair, informed, and well-regulated labour market.