Salary in Malta for Third Country Nationals (TCNs) – Complete Guide

Malta has become a popular destination for Third Country Nationals (TCNs), especially from countries like Nepal, India, the Philippines, and other Asian nations. Many people ask one common question before applying for a Malta work visa:

“How much salary can a TCN earn in Malta?”

In this detailed blog, we will explain average salaries, minimum wage, job-wise salary ranges, skilled vs unskilled jobs, legal rules, and real-life expectations for TCN workers in Malta.

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Who is a TCN in Malta?

A Third Country National (TCN) is anyone who is not a citizen of Malta or the European Union (EU/EEA/Switzerland). Most Nepali workers in Malta fall under this category and require a Single Permit (Work + Residence Permit) to work legally.

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Minimum Wage in Malta (TCNs Included)

Malta has a national minimum wage, and it applies to all workers, including TCNs.

• Monthly minimum wage (gross): around €925

• Yearly minimum wage (gross): around €11,100

⚠️ Important: This is before tax and social security deductions.

Many entry-level and low-skilled TCN jobs offer salaries close to the minimum wage.

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Average Salary for TCNs in Malta

On average, TCNs earn less than Maltese and EU nationals due to the type of jobs they usually work in.

• Average TCN salary: around €12,000 – €20,000 per year

• Monthly gross average: around €1,000 – €1,600

This depends heavily on:

• Job sector

• Experience

• Working hours (full-time, overtime, night shifts)

• Employer

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Job-Wise Salary Breakdown for TCNs

1. Cleaning / Helper / Labor Jobs

Common jobs for new TCNs:

• Cleaner

• Housekeeper

• Factory helper

• General laborer

Salary range:

• €925 – €1,100 per month (gross)

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2. Hospitality & Tourism Jobs

Popular among Nepali workers:

• Kitchen helper

• Restaurant server

• Hotel cleaner

• Bar staff

• Dishwasher

Salary range:

• €1,000 – €1,300 per month

• Tips and overtime may increase income

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3. Retail & Shop Jobs

• Shop assistant

• Sales assistant

• Store helper

Salary range:

• €1,050 – €1,300 per month

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4. Construction & Skilled Trade Jobs

• Construction worker

• Tile layer

• Electrician assistant

• Plumber

Salary range:

• €1,200 – €1,800 per month

• Skilled workers earn more

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5. Driving & Delivery Jobs

• Food delivery rider

• Van driver

• Taxi (with permit)

Salary range:

• €1,200 – €2,000+ per month (depends on hours & tips)

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Skilled & High-Salary Jobs for TCNs

Specialist Employee Initiative (SEI)

For skilled professionals:

• IT professionals

• Engineers

• Accountants

• Technicians

Minimum salary requirement:

• Around €30,000 per year

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Key Employee Initiative (KEI)

For senior and highly qualified roles:

• Managers

• Senior IT experts

• Technical specialists

Minimum salary requirement:

• Around €45,000 per year

These permits are processed faster and offer better job security.

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Working Hours & Overtime Pay

• Normal working hours: 40 hours per week

• Overtime: Paid extra (rate depends on contract)

• Night shifts / weekends: Often higher pay

Always check your employment contract carefully.

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Taxes & Deductions (Simple Explanation)

From your gross salary, deductions include:

• Income tax

• National Insurance (Social Security)

For minimum-wage workers, deductions are usually low, but your net salary will still be less than the gross amount.

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Cost of Living vs Salary Reality

Malta is not cheap, especially for rent.

Approximate monthly expenses:

• Shared room rent: €250 – €400

• Food: €150 – €300

• Transport & mobile: €50 – €100

👉 TCNs earning minimum wage must share accommodation to save money.

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Legal Rights of TCN Workers

• Same basic labor rights as Maltese workers

• Written employment contract is mandatory

• Salary must be paid via bank transfer (no cash)

• Employer must follow Maltese labor law

If an employer pays less than agreed, it is illegal.

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Final Summary Table

Job Type	Monthly Salary (Gross)
Minimum wage jobs	€925 – €1,100
Hospitality / Cleaning	€1,000 – €1,300
Retail	€1,050 – €1,300
Construction	€1,200 – €1,800
Skilled (SEI)	€2,500+
Key Employee (KEI)	€3,750+

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Final Words

For most Nepali TCNs, starting salaries in Malta are modest, especially in the first job. However, with:

• Experience

• Job change (legally)

• Skills improvement

👉 It is possible to increase salary over time.

If you are planning to come to Malta or already working here, understanding salary reality is very important before making decisions.

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📌 If you want more blogs about Malta work visas, job change rules, or real life in Malta for Nepali people, keep following my blog.