Malta Work Visa: Is Paying 7 Lakhs Really Worth It?

"It depends on your individual situation — yes, it could be worth paying around ₹7 lakhs (~€7,000) for a work permit in Malta, but you should weigh a number of factors first. Here’s a breakdown of the pros and cons to help you decide.

???? Why it might be worth it

Access to EU labour market – A valid Maltese work permit (such as the Single Permit) allows you to live and work in Malta legally as a non-EU national.

Quality of life – Malta offers English as an official language, good weather, high standard of living relative to some places, and a gateway into the EU.

Skilled roles / upward mobility – If you are taking a job with good pay and growth potential (especially in IT, finance, iGaming, etc) then the investment may pay off.

Relatively modest official fees – The application fee in many cases is much lower than ₹7 lakhs. For example, the fee for a first-time Single Permit is listed at €600 (≈ ₹54,000) as of 2025. 

Terratern

+2

expatax.mt

+2

Note: Many “schemes” or intermediaries may add large costs, so verifying what’s official vs extra is key.

Long-term benefits – If you plan to stay for several years, the cost can amortise out over time.

???? Why it might not be worth it

High cost vs low salary – If the job offer is low-paid or the lifestyle costs are high, then paying a large upfront cost may not make sense financially.

For example, one Reddit user said:

“A friend is working in Malta. She rents a place worth 900 euros. 1600 monthly gross … This is too low if you want to live comfortably.” 

Reddit

Additional living & relocation costs – Beyond permit fees, you’ll have to account for accommodation, cost of living, taxes, travel, maybe family relocation.

Job security / employer dependence – The permit is tied to a specific employer/role. If things change you might need new permissions (with additional cost/time).

Value of the investment – Paying ₹7 lakhs when official fees are much lower raises red flags: is the extra going to legitimate services or to middle-men? You need transparency.

Alternative options – Consider if similar opportunities (visa-sponsoring jobs) exist elsewhere with lower upfront cost or higher salary.

✅ My assessment

If I were to give a short verdict based on your scenario (you are from India, looking for work visa in Malta):

Yes, it can be worth it — IF the job is solid (good salary, stable employer, upward potential) and you are comfortable with Malta’s living costs & lifestyle.

No, it’s probably not worth it if the job is entry-level or modest salary, or if the cost you’re being asked to pay is much higher than official fees without clear justification."