Business
Malta — Business: Hiring Employees
Malta's hiring process for employees is relatively straightforward, but requires attention to detail due to its unique employment laws and regulations. While the country has a strong economy and is a popular destination for entrepreneurs, the process can be challenging for non-resident employers. It's essential to understand the local requirements to avoid potential pitfalls.
VerifiedGovernment / official sourceSecond Phase of Malta's Labour Migration Policy - IdentitàLast reviewed: 2026-09-07
Key facts
- Employers must register with the Office of the Superintendent of Public Health (OSPH) before hiring employees
- Malta has a minimum wage, which varies depending on the type of employment and the employer
- Employers must also register with the Malta Corporate Online (MCO) system
Steps
- Step 1: Register with the Office of the Superintendent of Public Health (OSPH) — Register with OSPH and obtain a unique identifier, which will be used for all future interactions with Maltese authorities. This can be done online through the OSPH website.
- Step 2: Register with the Social Security Department — Register all employees with the Social Security Department, providing required documentation, including employment contracts and proof of identity.
- Step 3: Register with the Malta Corporate Online (MCO) system — Register with the MCO system to obtain a Unique Business Number (UBN) and register for taxes and social security contributions.
Costs
- Registration with OSPH: varies depending on the type of registration
Timelines
- Registration with OSPH: up to 2 weeks
Required documents
- Employment contracts
- Proof of identity
- Registration certificates
Common mistakes
- Failure to register with OSPH before hiring employees
- Failure to register employees with the Social Security Department
- Failure to register with the MCO system