Domestic Jobs in Malta with Visa Sponsorship in 2026
Domestic jobs in Malta can include household cleaning, housekeeping, cooking, babysitting, gardening, and other work carried out in private homes. These roles can suit people who do not have university qualifications or advanced professional training. For non-EU workers, however, getting a job offer is only the first step.
The employer must follow Malta’s employment and immigration rules before the worker can legally start work.
Malta officially regulates domestic service through its employment laws. The current Domestic Service Conditions of Work Regulation Order covers workers employed in private households, including maids, housekeepers, cooks, cleaners, babysitters, gardeners, chauffeurs, handymen, and similar household workers.
Types of Domestic Jobs Available
Domestic work covers several different duties. The exact responsibilities depend on the household and the employment contract.
Common job titles include:
- Domestic cleaner
- Housekeeper
- Household helper
- Babysitter
- Cook or kitchen helper
- Gardener
- Laundry worker
- Live-in domestic worker
- Personal household assistant
- Handyman for household duties
Some positions may require previous experience, while basic cleaning or household support jobs may focus more on practical skills, reliability, and the ability to follow instructions.
A worker should always read the job description carefully before accepting an offer. Duties, working hours, salary, accommodation arrangements, and other conditions should be clear in the employment agreement.
Visa Sponsorship for Non-EU Workers
The term “visa sponsorship” is commonly used by international job seekers, but Malta generally uses an employment residence permit system for non-EU nationals.
A non-EU worker normally needs a valid employment offer from a Maltese employer before applying for the relevant employment permit. For eligible employment, the Single Permit combines permission to work and residence in one process. The employer normally submits the application rather than the worker applying independently.
The permit is connected to the specific employment, employer, and job designation. A worker cannot simply use the permit to work for another employer or perform an unrelated job. Changes in employment or job conditions may require the appropriate application to Malta’s Identità authority.
Household employers are also recognised within Malta’s employer registration system. Official guidance lists household employers, excluding live-in carers, among the employer categories that can register for the relevant process.
Live-In Domestic and Care Work
Live-in work is different from ordinary domestic employment because the worker may stay in the employer’s home. Malta has a specific process for live-in carers, including applications for workers who are still abroad.
For an eligible live-in carer, the employer can submit the application. After approval, an Approval in Principle letter can allow the applicant to continue with the applicable entry visa process. The worker must still complete the required steps after arrival, including biometrics and finalisation of the employment process.
A person should not assume that every domestic job is treated as a live-in carer position. Cleaning, cooking, gardening, babysitting, and ordinary household duties can have different employment arrangements.
Basic Requirements for Applicants
Requirements vary according to the job and permit category. For people applying from outside Malta, the most important starting point is to secure a genuine job offer from an eligible Maltese employer.
Applicants should generally be prepared to provide documents requested during the permit process, such as:
- A valid passport
- Employment information and contract
- Required application documents
- Supporting documents requested by the authorities
- Biometric information when required
- Any additional documents listed in the official checklist
If a position requires a qualification, foreign qualifications may need recognition or equivalence. Applicants should therefore check the exact requirements for their particular job rather than assuming that every domestic position has identical rules.
Pre-Departure Requirement
Malta has introduced a mandatory Pre-Departure Course for first-time third-country nationals applying for a Single Permit. The course covers topics such as living and working in Malta, workplace rights, responsibilities, English language, and cultural awareness. A valid certificate is required for first-time Single Permit applications under the current system.
This makes it important for applicants to check the official process before travelling. An Approval in Principle or other immigration document should not be treated as permission to start employment until the required work authorisation steps have been completed.
Wages and Employment Conditions
Domestic workers in Malta are protected by employment rules. The country has a specific regulatory framework for domestic service, covering areas such as working hours, minimum wages, rest periods, overtime, leave, and other employment conditions.
The national minimum wage for an adult whole-time employee is currently €229.44 per week, although specific sectoral minimum wages may apply where a Wage Regulation Order covers the work. Part-time employment is generally calculated on a pro-rata basis.
| Job area | Typical household duties |
|---|---|
| Cleaner | Cleaning rooms, floors, bathrooms and kitchens |
| Housekeeper | General household cleaning and organisation |
| Babysitter | Looking after children according to agreed duties |
| Cook | Preparing meals and maintaining kitchen areas |
| Gardener | Basic garden and outdoor maintenance |
| Laundry worker | Washing, drying, ironing and organising clothes |
| Household helper | A combination of agreed household tasks |
Actual pay and conditions should be confirmed in the employment contract and against the applicable Maltese employment rules.
How to Find Legitimate Domestic Jobs
Applicants should focus on genuine employers and licensed recruitment channels. Malta introduced employment agency regulations that require agencies falling within the regulated category to hold the appropriate licence before submitting Single Permit applications for prospective third-country employees. Unlicensed agencies are not permitted to submit such applications with Identità.
When searching for work, check:
- The full name and details of the employer.
- The exact job duties.
- The salary and payment terms.
- Working hours and rest arrangements.
- Whether the employer will handle the required permit process.
- Whether the recruitment agency is properly licensed when licensing applies.
- The written employment contract before accepting the position.
Be careful with anyone promising a guaranteed Malta visa in exchange for a large upfront payment. A genuine employer must follow the official employment and immigration procedure.
Skills That Can Help Domestic Workers
Domestic jobs may not require advanced academic qualifications, but practical skills can make an applicant more suitable for a position. Useful abilities include cleaning properly, using household equipment safely, preparing simple meals, laundry and ironing, basic childcare, garden maintenance, and following household instructions.
Good communication is also important. Applicants should be able to understand their employer’s instructions and clearly discuss working conditions.
Final Points for Job Seekers
Domestic jobs can provide employment opportunities for workers with limited formal education, but non-EU applicants must have the correct legal authorisation to work in Malta. A genuine job offer, an eligible employer, the correct employment permit, and compliance with Maltese employment rules are essential.
Before accepting any domestic job, verify the employer, read the contract, understand the duties and pay, and check the latest requirements through Malta’s official authorities. This is especially important because employment permit procedures and requirements can change.
