Malta Pre-Departure Course & Skills Pass Explained (Complete Guide)

If you are applying for your first work permit in Malta, you must complete the Malta Pre-Departure Course. This course is mandatory and is required before you can legally work in Malta.

This blog explains:

• Who needs the course

• Fees and phases

• Exam and interview process

• Skills Pass for Tourism & Hospitality jobs

---

What Is the Malta Pre-Departure Course?

The Pre-Departure Course is the first part of Malta’s integration programme.
It is designed to help foreign workers understand life, work, laws, and culture in Malta before arriving.

Who Must Do This Course?

• All candidates applying for their first single work permit in Malta

• Candidates who are not currently working in Malta

Course Fee

• €245 – Pre-Departure Course

• €5 – Phase 2 Interview Booking Fee
  👉 Total: €250

---

Programme Structure: Phase 1 & Phase 2

All first-time applicants must complete both phases.

---

Phase 1: Online Examination

Phase 1 is completed online after finishing the lessons.

Key Details:

• Online exams only

• Each exam takes around 30 minutes

• Question types: True/False & Multiple Choice

• Exams are based only on what is taught

You must pass Phase 1 before booking Phase 2.

---

Phase 2: Physical Interview (VFS Centre)

After successfully passing Phase 1, candidates must attend a short in-person interview.

Interview Details:

• Conducted at your nearest VFS Centre

• Booking is done through the official portal

• Purpose:

  • Confirm understanding of course topics

  • Check basic communication skills

• Topics are the same as Phase 1 (only the exam method changes)

---

Course Content Breakdown

Part 1: Living & Integrating in Malta (Topics 1–10)

This section focuses on daily life and integration in Malta.
Lessons are delivered online via Coursera and include videos, reading material, and optional mock tests.

Topics Covered:

1. Introduction to Malta

2. Legal and Administrative Essentials

3. Social Norms and Daily Life

4. Accommodation and Cost of Living

5. Language and Communication

6. Health and Education in Malta

7. Transport and Waste Management

8. Inclusion, Integration, and Community Life

9. Documents Needed When Moving to Malta

10. Pre-Departure Checklist

📝 Exam:

• Online exam (30 minutes)

• Based on Topics 1–10

---

Part 2: Rights, Obligations & Workplace Standards (Topics 11–15)

This part explains workplace rules, employee rights, and professional behaviour in Malta.

Topics Covered:

11. Workplace Culture and Expectations

12. Avoiding Exploitation and Knowing Your Rights

13. Basic Hygiene in Malta

14. Basic Work Ethics

15. Labour Law and Workers’ Rights in Malta

📝 Exam:

• Online exam (30 minutes)

• True/False & Multiple Choice questions

---

Skills Pass – Tourism & Hospitality (If Applicable)

Candidates applying for Tourism or Hospitality jobs must complete an additional Skills Pass.

Skills Pass Fee

• €230 (includes €5 Phase 2 Interview Booking Fee)
  ⚠️ Must be completed after the €245 Pre-Departure Course

---

Skills Pass Course Content

This section focuses on customer service and sector standards.

Modules Include:

• Basic Customer Care

• Maltese Tourism Product

Additional Requirement

• Tourism and hospitality candidates must attend another in-person interview after completing the online exams.

---

Important Things to Remember

• ✅ Mandatory for all first-time Malta work permit applicants

• ✅ Two phases: Online exam + VFS interview

• ✅ Tourism & hospitality workers need an extra Skills Pass

• ❌ Without completing these courses, your work permit process cannot continue

---

Final Words

The Malta Pre-Departure Course and Skills Pass are essential steps to ensure that foreign workers understand Maltese laws, culture, and workplace standards. Completing these courses on time will help avoid delays in your Malta work permit approval.

If you are planning to work in Malta for the first time, make sure you complete all required phases before travelling.

---