Malta Launches Mandatory Digital Health Screening for All Work Permit Applicants
Update — Live as of 4th May 2026
As of 4th May 2026, Malta's Infectious Disease Prevention and Control Unit (IDCU) has moved all work permit health screenings to a fully automated online system. This change, announced by Identità (Malta's national identity agency), marks the end of paper-based submissions and expands health screening requirements to all Third Country Nationals — regardless of their TB risk country status.
If you are a healthcare professional or hospitality worker planning to work in Malta, this update directly affects your work permit application process.
Key Dates at a Glance
- 30th April 2026 Last day paper-based health screening forms were accepted ✅ (passed)
- 4th May 2026 —New automated digital system officially went live ✅ (live since yesterday)
- 5th May 2026 — This is the absolute final day to submit any remaining paper forms dated on or before 30th April. As of today, no further paper submissions will be accepted, including renewals and job changes.
What Has Changed?
Previously, workers in lower-risk job categories or from low TB-risk countries could bypass the health screening requirement. That exemption has now been removed.
All Third Country Nationals applying for a Maltese work permit must now complete health screening through the new digital system, no exceptions.
Who Is Affected?
Healthcare Workers
The following roles must complete health screening:
- Doctors and Dentists
- Nurses and Midwives
- Professions Complementary to Medicine
- Carers, Child Carers and Nannies
- Dental Hygienists
- Medical Laboratory Technicians
Hospitality Workers
The following roles must complete health screening:
- Food Handlers and Kitchen Staff
- Restaurant and Café Workers
- Hotel and Accommodation Staff
- Beauty and Spa Therapists
- Massage Therapists
- Tattooists and Beauticians
Vaccination Requirements
Proof of vaccination must be presented at the time of health screening. No permit will be issued without verified evidence of immunity.
| Vaccine | Required For | Accepted Proof |
| Hepatitis B | Doctors, Nurses, Carers, Beauty/Spa Therapists, Tattooists | Full vaccination in Malta OR Hepatitis B antibody test |
| Hepatitis A | Food Handlers | Full vaccination in Malta OR Hepatitis A antibody test |
| Typhoid | Food Handlers | Valid vaccination (must be renewed every 3 years) |
How the New System Works — Step by Step
Step 1 — Employer Initiates the Application
The employer logs into the automated system at expatriateshealthscreening.gov.mt and begins the health screening request for their employee.
Step 2 — Employee Visits a Private Doctor in Malta
The applicant attends a private medical clinic. They must bring their ID card, passport, residence system number or HS code, and all vaccination and blood test records.
Step 3 — Doctor Completes Screening Digitally
The doctor accesses the system using the applicant's details and completes the medical screening online — no paper forms are involved.
Step 4 — IDCU Reviews and Issues Approval
Processing takes up to 15 working days from receipt of a correctly completed submission. Once approved, the employer receives a confirmation email. The employee must present a printed copy of this email to Identità.
Important: Urgent vetting requests will not be considered. Plan your applications well in advance.
Special Note for Pregnant Employees
If an employee is pregnant, the standard process should not be followed. The employer should email workpermitqueries.idcu@gov.mt with the applicant's name, contact number, and email address to receive specific guidance.
What This Means for Your Job Search or Hiring
For candidates and employers in healthcare and hospitality, the key takeaway is simple, start early.
With up to 15 working days required for processing, health screening must be arranged well before any intended start date. Delays in submission will directly delay work permit approval and your ability to begin employment.
Ensure all vaccination records are up to date before attending your health screening appointment. Missing documentation will prevent the doctor from completing the process.
How Echelon Can Help
At Echelon, we specialise in placing quality candidates across Healthcare and Hospitality sectors throughout Europe, including Malta. We understand that navigating immigration and compliance requirements can be complex — especially when the rules change.
Our recruitment team is on hand to guide both candidates and employers through the updated health screening process, ensuring every placement is compliant, smooth, and on time.
Get in touch with our team today to find out how we can support your next placement in Malta.
📧 info@echelonmalta.com
🌐 www.echelonmalta.com
Update, Live as of 4th May 2026
As of 4th May 2026, Malta's Infectious Disease Prevention and Control Unit (IDCU) has moved all work permit health screenings to a fully automated online system. This change, announced by Identità (Malta's national identity agency), marks the end of paper-based submissions and expands health screening requirements to all Third Country Nationals, regardless of their TB risk country status.
If you are a healthcare professional or hospitality worker planning to work in Malta, this update directly affects your work permit application process.
Key Dates at a Glance
- 30th April 2026 — Last day paper-based health screening forms were accepted ✅ (passed)
- 4th May 2026 — New automated digital system officially went live ✅ (live since yesterday)
- 5th May 2026 — TODAY — This is the absolute final day to submit any remaining paper forms dated on or before 30th April. As of today, no further paper submissions will be accepted — including renewals and job changes.
What Has Changed?
Previously, workers in lower-risk job categories or from low TB-risk countries could bypass the health screening requirement. That exemption has now been removed.
All Third Country Nationals applying for a Maltese work permit must now complete health screening through the new digital system — no exceptions.
Who Is Affected?
Healthcare Workers
The following roles must complete health screening:
- Doctors and Dentists
- Nurses and Midwives
- Professions Complementary to Medicine
- Carers, Child Carers and Nannies
- Dental Hygienists
- Medical Laboratory Technicians
Hospitality Workers
The following roles must complete health screening:
- Food Handlers and Kitchen Staff
- Restaurant and Café Workers
- Hotel and Accommodation Staff
- Beauty and Spa Therapists
- Massage Therapists
- Tattooists and Beauticians
Vaccination Requirements
Proof of vaccination must be presented at the time of health screening. No permit will be issued without verified evidence of immunity.
| Vaccine | Required For | Accepted Proof |
| Hepatitis B | Doctors, Nurses, Carers, Beauty/Spa Therapists, Tattooists | Full vaccination in Malta OR Hepatitis B antibody test |
| Hepatitis A | Food Handlers | Full vaccination in Malta OR Hepatitis A antibody test |
| Typhoid | Food Handlers | Valid vaccination (must be renewed every 3 years) |
How the New System Works — Step by Step
Step 1 — Employer Initiates the Application
The employer logs into the automated system at expatriateshealthscreening.gov.mt and begins the health screening request for their employee.
Step 2 — Employee Visits a Private Doctor in Malta
The applicant attends a private medical clinic. They must bring their ID card, passport, residence system number or HS code, and all vaccination and blood test records.
Step 3 — Doctor Completes Screening Digitally
The doctor accesses the system using the applicant's details and completes the medical screening online — no paper forms are involved.
Step 4 — IDCU Reviews and Issues Approval
Processing takes up to 15 working days from receipt of a correctly completed submission. Once approved, the employer receives a confirmation email. The employee must present a printed copy of this email to Identità.
⚠️ Important: Urgent vetting requests will not be considered. Plan your applications well in advance.
Special Note for Pregnant Employees
If an employee is pregnant, the standard process should not be followed. The employer should email workpermitqueries.idcu@gov.mt with the applicant's name, contact number, and email address to receive specific guidance.
What This Means for Your Job Search or Hiring
For candidates and employers in healthcare and hospitality, the key takeaway is simple — start early.
With up to 15 working days required for processing, health screening must be arranged well before any intended start date. Delays in submission will directly delay work permit approval and your ability to begin employment.
Ensure all vaccination records are up to date before attending your health screening appointment. Missing documentation will prevent the doctor from completing the process.
How Echelon Can Help
At Echelon, we specialise in placing quality candidates across Healthcare and Hospitality sectors throughout Europe, including Malta. We understand that navigating immigration and compliance requirements can be complex, especially when the rules change.
Our recruitment team is on hand to guide both candidates and employers through the updated health screening process, ensuring every placement is compliant, smooth, and on time.
Get in touch with our team today to find out how we can support your next placement in Malta.
📧 info@echelonmalta.com
🌐www.echelonmalta.com